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T H E F U N D A M E N T A L T E C H N I Q U E S O F 
Kneading addresses the deeper tissues and especially the muscles. It consists in getting the grip of the muscles and other deeper tissues and lifting them up, according to the elasticity of one’s muscles and tissue and squeezing them between the fingers or fingers and palms through pressure in the deeper
areas.THE TECHNIQUE 1. Kneading in folds: This is what we may actually call a traditional method, as it applies on both wide and plat areas, and on the segments (arm, forearm, thigh, and shank). You may vary on the pressure and on the length of the segment to grip on one time. Thus, you will recourse to a smaller grip (between the fingers), the medium grip (between the fingers and the palm), and the large grip (between the tips of the fingers). The most common of these is the kneading in fold with medium grip: the fold of muscles and tissue is squeezed by the grip formed by the fingers and palm of the hand, compressing the tissue with the palms, and benefiting from the pressure it puts on the deeper tissues. Repeat the movement several times on the same place, and then move your hands longitudinally and transversally in the neighboring areas. 2. On plane surfaces, such as the back, and on the areas with a lot of flesh, such as the hips, get a grip of a long fold of muscles, with the fingers and the palms. Get this grip tight, raise it and then press it on the deeper levels, without letting go of it. After working on such a smaller area, move on to a neighboring part, until the entire back of hip is thoroughly massaged. This is the so-called wave kneading. 
Of course, you will use this technique only if the elasticity of the skin and tissue allows it.3. On the level of the circular segments, besides the traditional fold kneading there are also two special forms: circular kneading and winding kneading. For both forms, get a grip of the tissue with a circular grip, with both hands. The circular kneading is done as follows: place both hands on the surface to be knead (in "bracelet" or "in ring"). The muscles are caught between the fingers and the palms, and now this thing is done alternating the pressure on the right hand and on the left hand. In both cases, the muscles will be pressed on the support plane, only that after each movement the pressure is weaker, and the muscles are relaxed. The pressure force can be middle or small, according to the muscle volume and resistance. The circular and winding kneading are done in the reversed sense in which the lymph and the blood normally circulate. For instance, in the case of the feet, do this technique from the ankles to the thighs. 4. Another technical possibility of doing this type of massage is to use the fists on the buttocks or thighs. 5. In the abdominal area there is a special technique, besides the fold kneading we just described. Use the sides of your hands to massage this area without disturbing the energies involved in digestion. All these kneading techniques are known and practiced for a long time. 
THE EFFECTS OF KNEADING1. Kneading favors the deep circulation and the elimination of the toxins. 2. Kneading keeps the muscles fit, preventing the appearance and manifestation of muscular atrophies. 3. Squeezing the muscles develops mechanically the elasticity, preventing the appearance of muscular breaking, as a consequence of sudden contractions. 4. Other muscular properties, such as elasticity, contractility, and conductibility are thus physiologically stimulated. 5. The above-mentioned are the explanation for the recovery of weakness, atrophy, and muscular insufficiency caused by prolonged immobility, traumatisms, or by some muscular affections through massage, and especially through kneading. |