Russian Massage

• Brought to Russia in the 1800s and perfected by the former Soviet Union, modern Russian massage bears many similarities to sports massage, reflexology, and point massage. This style of massage increases nervous system function, eases respiration, and improves immune function. Russian massage therapists use slower and softer motions than typical sports massage practitioners. They use friction to create heat inside their clients’ bodies and increase circulation. Russian massage practitioners also employ vibration, slapping, and kneading techniques to release tension in muscles and other soft tissues. Throughout the 20th century, Russian doctors used massage techniques (called “manual therapy”) in conjunction with standard treatments—even on the battlefields of WWII. In fact, in Soviet times, only medical patients and athletes qualified to get massage therapy treatments. Many patients today use Russian massage to complement other therapies and medical treatments. It can accelerate injury recovery and aid in the healing of many diseases. Ask you physician if this style of massage would help treat your condition, reduce symptoms, or mitigate side effects.
• Russian massage can also refer to Platza Massage : The word "platza" is Yiddish for ‘shoulders and back’ and used in the US to describe a thermal "venik" massage treatment performed in Russian banya. Its proper name "Parenie" (from the Russian "par" - steam). It has to be done in Russian steam room with humidity 65-70%. : This traditional Russian “venik” style of massage is also sometimes called “twigging.”  : Clients lay face down while two venik practitioners “hit” them gently and rhythmically with water-softened oak (or birch) branches. The impacts and friction caused by these branches create body heat and increase circulation. This unique form of massage therapy has gained popularity in recent decades with Russians and non-Russians alike. You can experience venik treatments at Russian steam bathhouses called “banyas.” Many clients enjoy immersing themselves in hot baths and sitting in steam rooms before their massages and jumping into cold water baths afterward. This traditional technique may have developed as a way for people to acclimate themselves to cold Russian winters.

Special Precautions of Russian Massage

• As with any other alternative therapy, you should talk with your doctor to see if Russian massage is right for you. For example, if you have burns (including sunburn), an infectious disease, or a skin condition (such as poison ivy), please delay or cancel your appointment. Also, people with deep vein thrombosis (or “blood clots”) and phlebitis should avoid getting massages.
• If you have cancer, however, massage may positively impact your condition (though some experts question the use of massage directly on tumors). If you have a heart condition, massage may help you increase circulation—but it may not be appropriate for all patients. Cancer and heart patients should check with their physicians to find out if massage is appropriate for them. Some doctors recommend particular massage therapists who specialize in working with seriously ill patients.

Health Benefits of Russian Massage

Russian massage can treat a wide variety of ailments:

• Muscular tension, stiffness, arthritis, and joint pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Limited range of motion
• Circulatory and blood disorders
• Slow metabolic and immune function
• Poor digestion, constipation, and stomach pain
• Stress and anxiety
• Asthma and other respiratory ailments
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues