What is a kinesiology tape?

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What is the meaning of the colours of kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology tapes were developed by Dr Kenzo Kaze who was a Japanese chiropractor and kinesiologist at the end of the 1970s. He made use of his in-depth knowledge of the properties of our skin and our muscles. The skin is the biggest reflex organ of our body.

The composition of all kinesiology tapes is much the same. They are made of cotton, which was woven in a rectangular pattern with elastic lengthwise threads. The elasticity and stretchability is comparable to the qualities of our muscles. The linear stretchability reaches up to 140%. The transverse stretchability is produced by using acrylic glue, which is put onto the backside of the tape in a wave pattern. Kinesiology tapes are water-resistant and can be left on the skin while taking a shower or swimming.

The tapes are applied along the muscles, for example, with varying tension. This activates the tissue and stimulates the skin (cutaneous) receptors. This, in turn, leads to an increased blood circulation and drainage of the lymphatic system, together with a relaxation of the muscles. The tape also has an effect on the acupuncture meridians and activates your self-healing powers. 

The application of kinesiology taping is often used in combination with other treatments such as acupuncture or osteopathy.

What are my benefits when using kinesiology tapes?

  • Improved blood flow through skin and muscles
  • Relaxation of muscles and fascia
  • Stimulation of the lymphatic system
  • Remission of bruises
  • Relief of the strain on sinews

Which medical indications can be treated with kinesiology tapes?

  • Pain of the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, sinews, ligaments, soft tissue)
  • Pulled muscles
  • Tense muscles
  • Inflammation of sinews
  • Arthrosis
  • Injuries of the ligaments
  • Tennis or golf elbow
  • Bruises and lymphoedema
  • Pain in your shoulders and knees
  • Malpositon of toes

Why do the tapes come in different colours?

No matter what colour – all the tapes possess the same strength and tension and are made of the same material. However, each colour has a special effect on our psyche!

Even the Mayas and Aztecs knew about the special effects that colours can have and made use of that knowledge!

There are no scientific studies confirming the effect of colours on our psyche. Just for your information: the effect of UV light and infrared light is not based on colour.

However, according to kinesiology, the colours do have a certain effect on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also assigns colours to certain organs and meridians.

The patients intuitively choose the right colour for them. They decide red tapes when they feel heat is required and blue tapes to bring about a cooling effect. Sometimes a nice colour mix just makes you feel better!

Red and Pink

In TCM philosophy the colour red stands for fire and symbolizes warmth. The following effects are attributed to red; warming, activating, stimulating, stabilizing, invigorating.

We use red tapes to help with

  • Muscle pain
  • Chronic aches and pains
  • Better blood circulation

Green

The colour green symbolizes hope and tranquillity and activates the meridian of the stomach. The following effects are attributed to green; balancing, harmonizing, refreshing, detoxicating, relaxing.

We use green tapes to achieve

  • The balance for body and soul
  • The stimulation of the metabolism
  • A better well-being.

Blue/Lilac

In TCM philosophy the colour blue symbolizes water and activates the meridian of our lungs. The following effects are attributed to blue; cooling, harmonizing, anti-inflammatory, softening.

We use blue tapes to help with

  • Pain relief
  • Muscle tensions
  • Bruises
  • Hematoma
  • Muscle injuries
  • Inflammation of the tendons
  • Inflammations

Black

Black tapes have similar effects to blue tapes. Athletes like them because they have a neutralizing and stabilizing effect. Black tapes are often applied on top of the other tapes to increase their effect. The following effects are attributed to black; stabilizing, neutral, strengthening, powerful.

We use black to help

  • Athletes (black taping resembles war paint)

Yellow

In TCM philosophy the colour yellow symbolizes the element earth. The following effects are attributed to yellow; neutral, good fortune, stimulating, positive.

We use yellow tapes to help with

  • Problems around the face and head
  • Problems in areas where the tape should not be seen
  • The stimulation of the lymphatic system
  • Nerve injuries.

Beige

Beige tapes have a neutralizing effect and used when they should be invisible, e.g. around the face or under clothes.

How do I treat the tapes, and how can I remove them?

  • Before the tapes are applied the skin must be dry, clean, free from grease (no body lotion!), possibly shaved (24 hours earlier!)
  • The adhesive is activated through body heat and friction
  • The tape should be applied 30 minutes before doing sport
  • After having a shower, the tape should be dried by patting it, not by blow-drying. The warm air will dissolve the adhesive.
  • The tape should be removed in the direction of hair growth, holding it close to the body
  • The tape can be removed while taking a shower, also to remove possible remainders of the glue.
  • Using some oils like olive oil and massage oils before removing the tape
  • We recommend you drink a lot of water because the tapes stimulate the lymphatic system.