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Listed below are the names and functions of a number of such massages.

Head Spa massage

Head Spa massage is a type of massage for your head. It is like a spa for your brain and soul. Functions of head massage are given below:

Functions of Head Spa Massage:

• Relieve tension in your neck and head.
• Increase blood circulation, stimulate millions of nerve endings
• Ease sinus and head pain with 15 points of vibration.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at definite points on the body to manage pain and other diseases.

Functions of Acupuncture:

• The massage expert inserts needles along the meridian areas of your body linked to an ailing organ or tissue–increasing production of immune-system cells, pain-dulling endorphins, and neurotransmitters that lower blood pressure.
• It also heals muscular skeletal pains and arthritis
• It does not work for migraines, obesity and strokes

General Massage Therapy

General massage therapy is nothing but common massage in the affected areas to heal the patient physically and mentally. Today this type of massage has become very common among the people as it is the most holistic form of healing technique.

Functions of Acupuncture:

• Massage therapists influence muscles to increase blood flow and alleviate pain and stress.
• The pressure on tense tissues blocks pain signals to the brain and releases the feel-good hormone serotonin.
• It also facilitating recovery and gives comfort after vigorous athletic activity
• It does not work for neck pain and premenstrual syndrome

Extra Massage Techniques

These are some very simple methods of sinus massage which you can perform at home.
These are:

Nose Rub:

• Warm up your nose by rubbing them up. With your palm of one hand rub the tip of your nose in a circular motion.
• Continue for15-20 times, then another 15-20 times in the other direction.
• Repeat this for a number of times a day for sinus problems,  stuffy nose, nasal congestion etc.

Head Acupressure:

Place your fingers on your head and use your thumbs to find then press 2 points which are situated on either side of your neck muscles in a curvature , several times a day, and on regularly to prevent sinus problems, headache, sore eye and head colds.

Hand Acupressure:

• This point is situated about 1.5 inches in from the edge of the webbing between your index finger and thumb.
• Put your thumb on the point and your index finger on your palm and use a pinching technique to arouse the point deeply for 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat on the other hand.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day, and on a regular basis to get rid of sinus pain, blocked nose and headache.

Neck stretch
Stretching the neck before exercise can prevent sprained necks.

Massage Steps

Remember to use the pads of fingers, not fingertips.

Start
Make little circles along the back of the neck to release tension, continue down the side of the neck to the chest. Stroke firmly down the side of the neck and away along the top of the shoulder.

Turn the head back to the center with both hands supporting the head under the neck, and pull gently to stretch out the neck muscles.

Turn the head to the opposite side and repeat the sequence for the other shoulder. Return the head to the center and pull gently.

Make small, overlapping, circular movements up the back of the neck to the skull and then stroke up the back of the head and off. Gently lower the head.

Massage the back of the neck and head. Use the balls of your thumbs and fingers to gently knead this area. Use a small, circular motion and work from the base of the neck up towards the head.
 
With your hands at the top of the shoulder, gently squeeze and release the upper arm and shoulder muscle. Repeat several times on each side.

To end the massage, use your fingertips to make feather-light strokes from the neck to the lower back. Finally, gently remove both hands.

You can use oil to give massage. Aromatic oils have a pleasant effect on the tired nerves.

Shoulder stretch
After your workout session shoulder pain is prevented by standing straight and rolling the shoulders backward in a circular motion.

Few self massage techniques
Lift your chin slightly and place both hands on the back of your head on either side. Firmly press either side of the base of the skull, with your thumbs. The pressure applied should be directed upwards.
Move your fingers in a circular motion on the neck on one side of the spine. Apply deep pressure if you hold tension in this area. Repeat on the other side.

Place your palm of your hand on top of the other shoulder and at the base of the neck., press it in a rhythmic motion, and move away from the neck towards the arm.The pressure should be firm and and you should be comfortable.

The neck and shoulder massage requires 10 minutes only.

All babies need massage. Massage gives relaxation to the baby. Baby cannot exercise on its own; massage ensures flexible movement of babies’ limbs. So babies depend on their parents to gain flexibility of movement of its body parts. It depends on its parents for any bit of movement till a particular age. So when the mother massages the baby’s body. There is proper blood circulation, which energizes the body.

While massaging, babies start crying so there is a need for the mother to distract the baby by singing songs, talking to the baby, laughing with the baby. This is how baby responds to sound and shows healthy signs of reciprocation of feelings. Other than this baby also passes gas during the massage, this prevents babies from suffering from any sort of discomfort due to gas formation in the stomach.

Mothers need to take care that their nails are cut short and avoid wearing any jewelry during massaging the baby.

Types of Massage Oils – Edible and non-edible

Since massage is essential for baby’s growth and strengthening of its muscles, the oil selected should be of good quality. Baby’s skin is very tender and baby’s skin should not be exposed to harsh weather and touch. As baby’s skin is tender the oil chosen should be of edible variety.

Almond oil, Mustard oil, Coconut oil, and Sunflower oil

The other reason for choosing the edible variety is that babies put their fingers and foot in their mouth. Non-edible oil if consumed by baby may cause illness to baby. Choosing pure almond oil would be a good one.

In West Bengal, India, raw turmeric pieces and tulsi leaves are boiled in mustard oil and applied on the baby’s body. Recent studies warn parents against using mustard oil as it is believed to have a toxic effect on the skin.

In Bangladesh poor mothers are advised to apply sunflower oil for massaging their babies.

Other Edible OIls

In other parts of India coconut oil in used. Sesame oil can also be used because sesame is also consumed in various parts of the world. Besides sesame is known for its medicinal value. You can also use apricot oil.

Mineral Oils

Mineral oils are known to cure skin infections. If you are applying mineral oil take care that you don’t apply oil to baby’s toe and palms. If you are not sure of the contents of the oil don’t apply the oil on parts where there are rashes or open wounds. 

After massage

It is always good to massage the baby with oil and leave it exposed to mild sunrays for a brief period. Do not expose the child to direct and strong sunlight for long. After you have massaged the baby wrap the baby in a towel and keep close to your body for sometime.

Donts of Massage

Don’t apply oil on baby’s genital areas. Dont rub oil on skin rashes or infections.