While a superficial swedish massage can be very relaxing and therapeutic, to manipulate muscle, fascia, tendons and other tissues more deeply and effectively (and more cost-effectively), massage needs to be applied deeper (with more force, but typically less pressure than that using an elbow or thumb) and with various techniques,
which serve to:
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relax, soften and lengthen hypertonic muscles
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eliminate metabolites and toxins from muscles, veins and lymph channels
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increase cellular nutrition – released histamines dilate capillaries
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accelerate nerve firing – acetylcholine release
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accelerate healing – stimulates procollagen fiber formation
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increase blood circulation
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reduce pain and improve range of motion – ischemic pressure inhibits/ eliminates trigger points
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accelerate muscle healing and recovery
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feel good during – vagal tonus and parasympathetic dominance
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feel good after – altered mood (hypnogogic trance) caused by compressions of Ruffini nerve endings
transducing endogenous morphines, cannabinoids and other neurotransmitters of altered states[1]
The heel, sesamoid, arch or whole plantar surface of foot are used, as well as thumb work, depending on the shape or pressure required.
The therapist may be standing or sitting, depending on the angles required.
Sensitive feet are excellently effective for such compression and shear work, which can send the client into parasympathetic response, while also working toward the goal to "fix pain" and improve function.
Click here for Deeperwork™ Explanation of Therapeutic Effects of Barefoot Compression Massage
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