There are numerous types of massage, each having distinct benefits that help alleviate pain, stress or boost general wellbeing. Massage is an ancient practice that has many variations based on the place of origin. I look into some of the most well-known treatments, describing the process and the benefits it brings to each individual massage.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, which is the most well-known worldwide is often referred to as ‘Classic massage and forms the basis for many other kinds of Western massage. It involves applying the use of gentle but firm pressure to induce relaxation. It is performed on specific areas of muscle tension. It is done on naked skin with oils as well as lotions. Therapists use their elbows, forearms, or hands to manipulate the superficial layer of muscles. Swedish massage speeds up recovery from strains on the muscles by flushing out the tissues of the uric acid, as well as other metabolic wastes. It does this by increasing the amount of oxygen in blood. It also improves the speed that the body cells are able to eliminate their toxic waste products.
The five fundamental massage strokes that make up Swedish massage comprise:
Effleurage (sliding or gliding)
Petrissage (kneading)
Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
Friction (cross fiber)
Vibration/shaking
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage as its name suggests, concentrates on the deep layers of muscle. In contrast to Swedish massage that is commonly intended to relax, deep tissue massage concentrates on a particular issue, for example chronic pain. It addresses the connective tissue of the body more than the muscles that are just on the surface. It’s like Swedish massage, but with slower movement and greater pressure. Deep tissue massage is a great way to revive muscles and relax them, while increasing the flow of blood and consequently oxygen circulation throughout the body. Deep tissue massages are very slow and involves slow, fluid strokes to relax and release the muscles. The purpose of a deep tissue massage not to make you feel calm and relaxed; instead it assists in tackling specific muscular and physical issues to ease the pain and return normal motion.
Sports Massage
The sports massage is designed specifically for athletes, but it can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain, injury , or mobility issues. It is focused upon the treatment and treatment of injuries to tendons and muscles. The difference between sports massage and therapeutic massage because it is a deeper type of soft tissue massage that employs specific techniques to treat active people.
The various types of massage are the following: Post-event massage to bring tissues of the body back to their normal condition. Restorative massage during training permits athletes to train more intensely and reduce the risk of injuries. Rehabilitation – designed to ease the pain caused by injury. A massage for athletes is an excellent option for those who have a particular issue that you have sustained from the sport. It improves blood circulation and lymphatic fluids that allow optimal metabolic exchange and a faster recovery after intensive training, enhanced performance, and less the onset of muscle soreness and lessens the chance of injuries.
Indian Head Massage
It is popular across Asia Indian Head Massage has been found to be effective for relieving insomnia, stress headaches, migraine tension, sinusitis, and tension. The West has recognized its benefits by using it as a stress-relieving program.
Indian Head Massage (IHM) is soothing treatment that like the name implies it focuses on massaging your head. Indian head massage (Champissage) is also a massage of upper and lower arms, shoulders along with the neck, scalp, ears and face. The treatment incorporates a variety of different techniques, such as deep kneading, compression and moves over the shoulder, neck and scalp regions. If performed sitting up straight in the chair, it assists to calm the mind, as it reenergizes and boosts alertness and focus levels, as well as increasing joint flexibility and mobility in the shoulders and neck.
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology, also referred to as zone therapy is based on the idea that there exist “reflex” areas on the hands and feet that are connected to specific glands, organs as well as other parts that comprise the human body. The theory behind this is that when the pressure applied is to a certain reflex zone, it influences the organ being represented.
The seated treatment includes applying pressure and pressure “Zone” areas on the feet and hands using specific thumb hand, finger and finger techniques, but without oil or cream. Reflexology is a way to stimulate internal organs, increases circulation and may help restore bodily functions back to normal. Reflexology aids in healing through stimulation of the foot, which improves the flow of vital energy through different parts of the body and also produces endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massages are an all-body treatment that utilizes the smooth, flat, heated water stones that are placed along each side of your spine (the chakra centers). The intention is to ease tension and ease tension quickly. Different stones with different weights are used to provide different levels of pressure.
Hot stone massage blends the advantages of Swedish massage with the intense pressure and heat that is created through the use of warm basalt stones as well as relaxing oils to ease the muscles, which allows to provide a deeper and more intense massage all over. The stones serve as tools for delivering efficient massage for muscles and tissues in light, medium, or even deep pressure levels for the treatment of back pain, stress , and other ailments that are common. The benefits include the restoration of the body’s natural equilibrium, deep muscle relaxation increased circulation, and the feeling of all being warm and comfortable.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage can be described as a classic hands-on treatment that was developed in Japan that is used to improve the balance of chi within the body. Shiatsu can be used to treat the entire being that includes the physical and the spiritual.
Shiatsu also referred to as Acupressure is a form of pressure massage that involves Acupressure techniques (without needles) by using thumbs, hands as well as knees, elbows and elbows. It involves pressure as well as holding, rubbing stretching, or heating that may be firm and deep. Most often, it is practiced on a mat on the floor or futon Shiatsu provides a deep calm experience that activates the body’s healing mechanisms and brings the body back to harmony, physically and energetically. Shiatsu massage is most well-known to ease stress-related symptoms like headaches and general tension in the muscles as also for enhancing your consciousness and spirituality.
Neuromuscular Massage
It is the deeply type of massage that is aimed at relieving muscle pain via the stimulation of the circulation to the nerve system. The theory behind neuromuscular therapy is that when muscles spasm it’s not in the whole muscle, it is in a specific part of the muscle. If blood flow to this area decreases, it can be reverberating to other parts within the muscle which can cause discomfort.
The treatment is performed using static pressure that is focused on an area known as the trigger point. It is not a massage for the entire body. When you apply pressure to the trigger point over about a few seconds and then releasing the build-up of lactic acid at the trigger point gets removed. It relaxes muscles through increasing circulation of blood and oxygen to them. This in turn release lactic acid, which is the source of pain through your nervous system. Soreness and muscle pain can be cured by repeated pressure over trigger points.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is like Swedish massage, but with a variety of changes in position. It helps alleviate some of the pains that are common to pregnancy, such as leg swelling, muscle and joint pains or decreased range of motion and circulatory.
The massage is done while the mother is on her side, using pillows that allow her to rest her body to ensure maximum ease. Also known as prenatal massage, this therapy assists to relax, eases tension and relaxes muscles in the leg and back to improve posture and lessen back strain. Pregnancy massage helps to improve the circulation and lymphatic systems. This allows an optimal flow of blood towards the woman and the baby.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is based on high concentrations of plants oils called essential oils that are added to oil or lotion used for massage. oil as well as lotion. This method combines the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and the healing powers in massage. It can be extremely efficient in calming and rejuvenating the body, mind and soul. It is described as a refreshing and relaxing experience. In fact, the oils are the most significant component of the treatment. They are selected for their therapeutic effects and not only for their scent that is used to “therapeutically” stimulate the nasal/olfactory senses. They can be used in the form of an incense or oil diffusers, and fragranced oils applied directly to the body in accordance with the requirements.