What is the deep tissue massage and what are the benefits?
Deep Tissue is a powerful form of massage that has a profound effect on the body. The benefits of Deep Tissue massage are varied, but include relief from sports injuries, a sense of well-being and relaxation, improved blood flow and reduced inflammation.
Targeting the connective tissue (fascia)
Deep Tissue massage targets not only the upper layers of muscles, but also the connective tissue (fascia). This connective tissue is like a “glue” located around and between muscles, organs, bones and other tissue in the body. Connective tissue gives your body structure, stores energy and transports nutrients and waste products. As you age and/or strain your body incorrectly, connective tissue becomes stiffer. This happens because adhesions develop. This can make you feel less supple and vital. A Deep Tissue Massage stretches the connective tissue, making it supple again. This has a great effect on your vitality and energy.
Technique of Deep Tissue
This massage involves slow but powerful and deep movements with fingers, thumbs, fists, forearm and/or elbow. Deep work will be done on the muscles. This optimizes the energy flow and reduces stress and tension.
Restoration of energy balance
In a Deep Tissue Massage, contact with the muscle layers is made in a gentle manner, gradually deeper and deeper. By applying pressure, the muscles naturally release tension. The strokes of a Deep Tissue Massage are slower than those of a classic massage (relaxation massage) and can feel intense. By paying attention to tense points, we allow the knots in your body to dissolve. When the muscle tension is reduced, the energy flow in your body is also immediately restored. As a result, you feel more balanced.
Dissolving accumulated tension
Long-term built-up tension in the body is resolved by creating space in the body. The massage is done from the attachment of muscles and between joints, often using fists, knuckles and forearms. In this way, stretches are created. Both physically and mentally you experience more space as a result. A Deep Tissue Massage also helps with the circulation of blood through the body.
Lifting emotional blockages
Mental tension (sadness, anger, fear or stress) often translates into tension in prolonged muscle tension. This is our system’s way of not having to deal with the stress mentally. Yet it does not disappear; the tension remains present in the body until the underlying emotion can be felt and resolved. When attention is paid to these physical tension points during a massage, the underlying emotions can sometimes surface. Both physically and mentally, this provides much relief after the massage.
More about fascia
Earlier in this blog, the concept of fascia was briefly discussed. Fascia plays an important role in the whole body and its communication. You could think of it as movable glue/elastics that connect the layers and structures of the body. If you are interested in this subject and would like to learn more about it, Samsara Books & Art – our sister company around the corner – has a very nice book for you on this topic.
The book “Fascia” by David Lesondak explains the role fascia plays in the body and how it interacts with the other systems in the body. Especially since the importance of fascia in overall health is increasingly recognized, this book fits the need where the facts are presented clearly and concisely.
Book your Deep Tissue massage at Koan Float and experience it yourself