13 Different Types of MASSAGE Therapy and Their Benefits

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Body massage, like in a spa, has been known to insinuate body energy from the ancient years.

Massage implies a specific technique of producing pressure through human fingers at specific energy points in the human body. This gives immense pleasure to your system and relaxes you to a large extent.

While many people consider massage therapy to be nothing more than a luxury or indulgence, massage offers a wide variety of health benefits too.

13 Different Types of Massage Therapy

The key to getting all the health benefits of massage therapy is to schedule your massage appointment with a therapist prior to when stress starts causing too much disturbance in your daily life.

But before getting a massage, it is best to get some information about the different types of body massage, what are they and how these benefits.

Below are a couple of stress relief techniques you should know about before trying. Each of these has been described in detail in order to give you a general idea.

1- Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is known to be one of the commonest forms of massage. Experts claim that such massage forms to be a very basic technique, and is very popular in the Western community.

But, as suggested by industry professionals, these massages need to be performed with the help of expert masseurs.

Swedish massage requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology and concentrates on the muscle tissue. It can be performed with a variety of strategies which includes either a slow or a vigorous form.

Usually, the skin is lubricated with an oil to continue the process. Release of stress is a major objective of such a massage.

2- Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is a type of massage which promotes a complete relaxation mechanism. This type of massage is done with the help of essential oils that have a nice fragrance. Such a fragrance creates a beautiful aura and relaxes your mind and body.

The benefits of aromatic essential oils while massaging can be enjoyed either by directly applying the aroma oils on body topically OR by using an oil diffuser in a room for diffusing them slowly in the air.

The massage focuses on the limbic system which is a portion of the brain controlling human nerves. As a matter of fact, a hot stone massage is claimed to be a kind of ‘aromatherapy massage’ which eases your entire system.

3- Hot Stone Massage

A Hot stone massage is essentially a type of aromatherapy, which relaxes your entire body.

Typically prescribed for relieving stress this kind of massage can help you to get rid of muscular pain, body stiffness, digestive disorders and a lot many other complications that you might have.

The technique followed is wrapping a stone to create pressure on the specific muscles of your body in order to create an impact.

Special fragrance based essential oils is used to lubricate the skin which helps in complete relaxation.

4- Trigger Point Massage

Deep tissue or trigger point massage is a special type of massage that creates pressure points on specific tissues.

This type of massage might feel to be a little irritating initially, as the pressure created on specific points can make you feel uncomfortable.

However, you can stay relaxed as the entire process involves a methodical approach, to be honest.

Knuckles and elbows are used to a large extent to create a huge pressure on the bones and associated muscles.

Deep tissue massages are usually helpful for people who are rough and tough and can take the stress by itself.

5- Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu (literally, “finger pressure”) is a massage which is brought into effect through fingers. The massage is understood to be an ancient technique based on Japan.

Finger points, in this case, are used by masseurs in order to create pressure. Such a massage creates a balance in body metabolism through improving the flow of positivity throughout.

Shiatsu is a kind of massage which is used as a complete healing technique. It is widely popular due to its effectiveness to calm the human nerves which reduce stress through improving blood circulation.

Such a massage and massaging tools improves various ailments including body pain and headache.

6- Thai Massage

A very invigorating technique for massage, Thai massage creates different yoga postures in order to improve energy flow in the body.

Every part of the human body is deployed through such kind of massage, as this helps in stretching out of muscles.

Thai massages are usually prescribed for patients who are immobile and needs overall improvement of health.

7- Sports Massage

Sports massages are usually designed for individuals who are hyperactive. This type of massage combines various techniques to concentrate on specific body parts.

Designed for athletes, such massages can help you to tone your muscles in order to prevent injuries.

Sports massage helps in better circulation of blood and helps in reducing painful muscle impacts. At the same time, it helps to reduce mental anxiety and stress.

8- Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage is one of the best in terms of reducing body toxins. It helps to energize the lymphatic system, which helps in damage control through regulating the formation of body fluids.

Such a massage helps in drainage of excess fluids and is suggested for patients who have undergone a complicated surgery.

It is understood that lymphatic massage involves a gentle pressure technique which helps in removal of fluids which are of waste.

9- Pregnancy Massage

Safety and purpose of pregnancy massage have been questioned from the ancient times.

However, as per opinions shared by medical practitioners, it is understood that pregnancy massages can be an important tool during prenatal care.

However, such massages are advised to be taken on medical supervision and guidance as it requires trained hands in order to avoid calamities during pregnancy.

10- Water or Hydro-Massage

Hydromassage is like a water-based treatment that makes use of water pressure in order to soothe your senses.

Massage techniques in this type of massage are often applied in warm water, in order to provide relief to soft tissue injuries.

Like all normal massages, this also helps in stress relief for patients.

11- Tantric Massage

A much-questioned technique, it involves various elements of yoga, as well as sexual comforts. Therapeutic confrontations of sexual therapies are performed by expert masseurs.

Such massages orient from several theories related to the happiness of mind body and soul and improve an overall connect.

This, in turn, can increase the level of happiness experienced by the human soul.

12- Reflexology Massage

Addressing reflex points underneath your foot is just what reflexology is all about.

Each and every point below our feet are said to be connected with an important organ. Putting pressure on those energy points can create miracles for your overall health as such.

The entire process induces a feeling of comfort to initiate overall healing. Intense movements of fingers underneath of your foot are what constitute a reflexology massage. Hand and ears can also be treated for the same purpose.

13- Reiki

Reiki is a much-discussed technique nowadays, which is different from body massage.

Reiki constitutes body movements rather than body massage in order to heal internal deficiencies. The physical movement of body parts is important because it helps in the circulation of positive energy.

However, as far as the methodologies are concerned, both Reiki and massage promote the process of natural healing.

Relaxation and stress relief in addition to an overall improvement in health is understood to be major objectives of both the processes.

Overall,

Taking time to pamper and treat yourself, even if only on occasion, is an important part of maintaining your individual health and well-being.

Whether your massage is part of a mini spa day or was given to you as a gift, it can provide to you with much needed time for yourself.

To obtain the best health benefits of massage mentioned above, work with your massage therapist to identify the type of massage best suited to your health and wellness goals.

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