Massage (Dalak), types and its therapeutic values
Dr Izharul HasanLecturer, Dept of preventive and social medicine, AIUMC Muzaffarnagar
Contact no. 08791341229
Regimental therapy is an important part of the Unani system of medicine to maintain the body and health as well as in the treatment of various diseases. In Unani System of Medicine, there are four methods of treatment viz, Regimental therapy, Dieto therapy, Pharmacotherapy and surgery. Massage is one of the most popular forms of regimental therapy and has been in use since antiquity. Massage therapy is actually the scientific mode of curing certain forms of diseases by systemic manipulations and it signifies a group of procedures which are usually done with hand on the external tissues of the body in a variety of ways either with a curative, palliative or hygienic point of view. Dalak has been considered is an important and core constituents of this therapy. It has been used as a therapeutic modality in various conditions since ancient times. According to eminent Unani physicians dalak is useful for a particular organ for supplying the required energy, tone up the muscles and nerves, helps to absorb the fatty substances through skin and removal of the waste material from the body. It has been used in various types of pain e.g. sciatica, neuralgia etc, by improving the circulation of a particular organ useful in nerve palsies. It also has been used in insomnia headache, joints diseases, and for the purpose of promoting the general status of well being. The effect of Dalak is very much technique dependent. Dalak may be manual or mechanical imparts pressure and stimulates mechanically the various tissues approached at the time of application of a particular technique. The therapeutic value of Dalak lies in its numerous and combined physiological effects. By the virtue of these effects it has been applied in many of the conditions.
Classification of Massage (Dalak):
In Unani system of medicine massage (Dalak) is classified on the basis of khafiayat (quality) and kameyat (quantity).On the basis of quality, massage is classified into three types viz;
1. Dalak sulb (hard massage): Massage done with pressure, which makes the body firm.
2. Dalak laiyyan (soft massage): Massage done lightly, this relaxes the body.
3. Dalak motadil (moderate massage): Intermediate between dalak sulb and dalak laiyyan which, makes the body muscular.
On the basis of quantity, massage is classified into three types:
1. Dalak kaseer (prolonged massage): Massage done for long period of time, which makes the body thin.
2. Dalak qaleel (short duration massage): Massage done for short period of time.
3. Dalak motadil (moderate massage): Intermediate between the two.
Other types of massage:
1. Dalak khishan(rough massage):Massage done with a piece of rough cloth. It draws blood briskly towards the skin. It is used in chronic skin diseases for the resolution of morbid matter
2. Dalak amlas (smooth massage): Massage done with soft hands or soft piece of cloth. It increases the flow of blood in the affected part.
3. Dalak istardad or dalak musakkin (recuperative massage): Massage is done after the end of exercise. It is really the terminal part of exercise. It is done with some oil vigorously in the beginning and gently towards the end. Its purpose is to liquefy and eliminate the waste products which have been stagnant in the tissues and thus prevents fatigue.
4. Dalak istedad (preparatory Massage): It is a special type of massage usually done before the exercise. It starts gently and vigorously as the time of exercise approaches.
According to therapeutic values massage are of following types..
Trigger Point Therapy: A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage for trigger point therapy, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort. The results and benefits of trigger point massage are releasing constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain. You can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu. Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.
Cranial sacral therapy also known as craniosacral therapy, is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain. Cranial sacral massage therapy seeks to restore the natural position of the bones and can decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.
According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn't. Effects even lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended.
Foot Reflexology massage can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic modality for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries or even everyday work and play. At Massage Envy, your massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish and sports massage techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. This will not only help relieve toe pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis, but can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. In addition, a variety of stretches can be beneficial. With pain and sensitivity in the foot, heel and calf areas, be sure to communicate your pain levels with your massage therapist during treatment. It is also a good idea to rest after receiving the massage.
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs. The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, and balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component. To learn more, read the full article on aromatherapy massage.
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete's sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements. Aspects of sports massage therapy are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.
Hot Stone Massage Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. To learn more, read the full article on hot stone massage.
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people's blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches. You don't just lie there; the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion. To learn more, read the full article on thai massage. Also, see photos of a Thai massage session.
Pregnancy Massage Also called prenatal massage; pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs. To learn more, read the full article on pregnancy massage.
Hilot massage is a traditional healing technique from the Philippines that also includes massage techniques. The massage techniques relax stressed muscles. Hilot also includes joint manipulations to help relax stressed muscles. Hilot encompasses a wide variety of techniques beyond the treatment of stressed muscles. Hilot can be used to reset sprained joints, diagnose and treat musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments, and even to aid in giving birth and to induce abortion. Dislocated joints can also be reset by hilot after an X-ray has been done on affected body parts and medical experts advised that the same body parts sare safe to be massaged. After giving birth, hilot can be done on the mother and the baby born of normal delivery for 10 consecutive days so that they may recover easily. Hilot should not be done on mothers who deliver via caesarian section. Hilot also uses banana leaves and herbs for enhanced efficacy.
Self massage A few various techniques that are practiced on oneself, such as stroking the temples with strong pressure from front to back, rubbing the bottoms of the feet with one's knuckles or a wooden massage tool, and circular movement with thumb on palm of hand.
Mechanism of massage:
Massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment for human ailments. In traditional system of medicine, especially in Unani system of medicine, medicated massage is indicated in a number of neurological, musculoskeletal and psychosomatic disorders as follows; falij (hemiplagia, paraplegia, quadriplegia), luqwa (facial/ bell's palsy), muscular weakness, muscular dystrophy, hemiparesis, cerebral disorders, upper and lower motor neuron lesions, wajaul muffasil (R A, OA), niqras (gout), Irqun nissa (sciatica), tashweesh (anxiety), sehar (insomnia), malankholia (mania), hysteria, sudda (headache) etc. Its mechanism of action is based on holistic approach of two fundamental concepts i.e Tanqiyae Mawad (Evacuation of morbid humour) and Imalae Mavad (Diversion of humour). Tanqiyae Mawad means the resolution and excretion of morbid humors and excess fluids from the body, thereby maintaining the homeostasis in the quality and quantity of four bodily humors, which is actually responsible for the maintenance of normal health. Imalae Mavad refers to the diversion of the morbid fluids from the site of affected organ to the site where from it is easily expelled from the body tissues. It also induces sedation, analgesia and increased blood circulation.
It is a supplementary system to blood vascular system & works through ducts, nodes & passages. It runs side by side with blood circulatory system & through osmosis, gets mixed with blood & is supplied to whole body. The lymphatic system assists blood circulation by draining excess fluids from blood stream, easing the workload of heart & offers an alternative route for return of tissue fluid to the blood stream. It is also responsible for returning proteins lost naturally to tissue & extra cellular spaces, back to blood stream. Lymphatic fluid is produced by lymph nodes, which are situated underneath all the joints of body. Therefore, massage with a circular movement over joints can stimulate these lymph nodes. By stimulating the lymph flow & generating heat through friction by application of oil, massage cleanses & vitalizes the body providing cellular components for body's immune response without causing build-up of toxins. Increased lymph flow reduces blood pressure. Hence lymphatic massage is used therapeutically in hypertensive patients. Increased lymph flows through muscle, reduces histamine level, increases in which cause ‘pain' etc, thus relieving aches & tensions in muscle & promotes a deeper, more natural breathing pattern. Thus massage increases lymph flow by stimulating lymph nodes & relaxes lymphatic system, which also provides a direct line of defense for body through its army of lymphocytes, phagocytes & antibody producing tissues.
Massage also has favorable effect on blood circulatory system. Massage increases blood circulation. Increase in the blood circulation, brings toxins from all over body to lungs through veins where fresh oxygen purifies blood & recycles it in the body. It is purported to improve circulation, enhance relaxation, decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain, as well as stimulate feelings of well-being. Massage therapy is reported to have a myriad of treatment benefits for a wide array of disorders, including pain syndromes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, asthma, HIV infection, and breast cancer. However, despite its widespread use, little is known about the mechanism of action of massage therapy, and the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (2002) has called for increased research investigating the mechanism of action and efficacy of massage therapy.
Thus massage improves nutrition to cells & tissues of body by providing them with fresher amount of oxygen vital for life. It has been proved scientifically that more blood flows through tissues during & after friction & sometimes also increases R.B.C. Waste products like lactic acid & congestion of blood in exhausted muscle gets removed & they become refreshed. Proper oil massage removes dirt from skin, cleans millions of pores on skin & helps indirectly to action of lungs, large intestine & kidneys. Increased blood circulation in the skin due to massage, helps exfoliation of superficial dead skin cells, tones the skin & encourages its rejuvenation process maintaining elasticity & strength of skin.Thus by increasing overall blood circulation on the body, massage improves local as well as general nutrition of body.
Massage is a very sensitizing & sensitive form of human contact & works through the medium of touch, a sense to which animals as well as all human beings are especially responsive. Human beings need to touch &be touched & research proves that individuals deprived of physical contact are more insecure & prone to illness. Massage works with fine network of nerves lying underneath skin & excites nervous system. Massage also serves as a cleanser & provides nerves with nourishment thereby improving their function. The two types of nervous system – Central & Autonomic works through the spine situated in Vertebral column, sending its offshoots to whole body through the opening in vertebrae's. A strong & properly aligned spine ensures the flow of vital life force in body for longer durations. Flow of CSF from brain to spinal cord & vice-versa is responsible for physical & mental health. Therefore, massage with a circular action of thumb over Vertebrae & spine should be done with bearable pressure, twisting spine to right & left, to put it in right shape & increase circulation of spinal fluid. Spine is the seat of Various ‘Chakras' & psychic centers. Psychic centers work through ductless glands & influence body chemistry, which is registered as emotional change by human brain. Hence massaging the spine can slowly bring about change in body chemistry, reducing stress & strain.
Massage increases lymph flow, which contains relatively large amount of a amino acid -'tryptophan', increase in which causes parallel increase in neurotransmitters & hormone ‘serotinin' depletion of which to brain cause irritability, aggressiveness, abnormal fear reactions tremor etc. Proper massage relieves symptoms of serotinin depletion like anxiety, depression etc.
Depending on depth of massage & various types of movements, nerve ending can be stimulated or soothed. Thus, massage can bring about change & influence physical as well as emotional well-being of an individual.
Massage affects almost all systems of the body as follows;
- Decreased stagnation of fluid in tissues spaces.
- Increased venous and lymphatic flow, increased arterial blood flow to the muscle and skin.
- Increased removal of waste products of metabolism.
- Increased WBC, RBC, and platelet count in blood.
- Increased nutritive exchange between blood and cells.
- Increased trophic status of the part massaged.
- Induce sedation and decrease pain.
- Modulate autonomic responses.
- Decreased excitability of motoneuronal pool in neurologically healthy person.
- Increased removal of secretions from lungs.
- Increased gaseous exchange across pulmonary capillaries.
- Increased removal of dead cell from the skin.
- Lowers psychosomatic arousal such as anxiety and stress.
- Mobilize soft tissues and breaks soft tissue adhesions.
- Promotes lipoylsis.
- Increased activity of sweat and sebaceous glands.
- Facilitate contraction in hypotonic muscles.
- Accelerates various metabolic processes by increasing arterial blood flow and venous lymphatic drainage.
Various studies done on massage therapy:
Blood Pressure: The University of South Florida, College of Nursing studied the effect of massage on hypertension. They took a group of 14 people suffering from hypertension and provided a 10-minute back massage to 8 of them, three times a week, while the other 6 relaxed in the same setting for 10 minutes, three times a week. After 10 sessions, the persons receiving massage showed lower blood pressure than the control group.
Depression: The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami conducted a study on the effects of massage on women diagnosed with breast cancer. Over a 5-week period, the women were either given three 30-minute massages per week, practiced progressive muscle relaxation for 30 minutes, three times per week, or received the standard treatment. At the conclusion of the study, the massage group reported less depression and anger, along with a number of physiological benefits.
Pain: Lower Back: The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami studied the effect of massage over a 5-week period on 24 randomized chronic low back pain sufferers. After receiving two 30-minute treatments per week for the duration of the study, the massage group reported less pain, depression, anxiety, and improved sleep.
Pregnancy: The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami randomly divided eighty-four depressed pregnant women into three groups; massage therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and a control. The massage group received two 20-minute massages per week for 16 weeks and reported lower anxiety, depression, and back pain. Interestingly, neonatal outcomes were better for the massage group than the other, leading the authors to conclude that both pregnant mothers and their children may benefit from massage therapy.
Stress: In 2008, the University of Colorado at Denver performed a comprehensive review of existing studies of massage therapy and its affect on stress reduction. After examining 25 different studies, the team concluded that single treatments improved stress-related conditions and longer-term benefits were apparent in blood pressure, but they were unable to prove longer-term stress-related benefits for massage.
Aggression:
Uppsala University in Sweden conducted an interesting study that demonstrates the power of touch, specifically massage therapy. They took a group of 4- to 5-year-old children with aggression and deviant behavior and provided half of them with a short massage during midday rest while the others listened to a story. The results showed a significant decrease in aggressive behavior among the children receiving massage at 3, 6, and 12 months with only 5-10 minutes of massage each day.
People who received tactile massage for a range of medical issues showed significant improvements across 11 measures of health and wellness following the hands-on intervention period, a recent study reported.
Breast cancer survivors who participated in a multimodal program, including core stability exercises and post-exercise massage, experience significant reductions in fatigue and improvements in strength, according to recent research.
For people with multiple sclerosis, a recent pilot study has shown that an aquatic exercise program is both feasible and beneficial, resulting in improved motor function among the subjects.
Abdominal massage may have several beneficial effects on people suffering from constipation, according to recent research.
For many women, menopause may bring along unwanted symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. A recent pilot study has shown massage therapy significantly improves all three of these unwanted effects in postmenopausal women.
Following a single 30-minute session of traditional Thai massage, people experiencing back pain associated with myofascial trigger points showed significant increases in heart rate variability, pressure pain threshold and body flexibility as well as significant decreases in pain intensity, anxiety and muscle tension, according to recent research.
A recent study showed that teen mothers who massaged their infants for two months showed a significant decrease in depression, along with enhanced physical contact with their infants and an improved perception of their infants' temperaments.
Massage therapy reduced psychological and physical distress among children with cancer and blood diseases, thereby contributing to a general improvement in overall quality of life among subjects, according to recent research.
In a recent study, pregnant women diagnosed with major depression received massage therapy from their significant others twice a week for 12 weeks. Analysis showed these women not only had reduced depression at the end of 12 weeks, but they also had lower levels of depression and cortisol in the postpartum period.
Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
More research continues to be done regarding the many health benefits of massage therapy, but health care professionals are already aware that when done with the proper technique, massage offers people help or relief from a variety of ailments.
- Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
- Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling;
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
- Reduces blood pressure
- Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
- Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
- Improves posture
- Strengthens the immune system
- Treats musculoskeletal problems
- Rehabilitation post operative
- Rehabilitation after injury
- Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain - Some massage therapy techniques are specifically recommended for sore muscle tissues. An overly sore muscle cannot function properly. By alleviating or preventing pain, dysfunction can be combated.
- Relax tight and tense muscles - Many people don't realize how much a tight muscle impacts on vital things such as posture. A tense muscle can throw off your body's balance. Before long, muscles that were not initially tight begin to tense as they compensate for other parts of the body. It becomes a chain reaction that can spread far from the initial problem spot. A talented massage therapist can identify the source of the problem and start working to alleviate the problem where it started.
- Improve circulation, recovery time and immune system function - The movements of massage cause blood to flush in and out of muscles and joints. This flushing process - enhancing circulation in the affected areas - can, in some cases, aid recovery time from injuries.
- Reduce overall stres: We're all becoming more aware of the role stress plays in health. People, who are stressed, all other things being equal, are less healthy than people who are relaxed. Stress, for example, increases the risk of heart disease. Massage therapy is an effective and enjoyable way to reduce stress.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/massage-dalak-types-and-its-therapeutic-values-5570281.html
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