Types Of Massage
Massage is a method of relaxing the muscles in by applying light pressures to the muscles and joints using hands (massage therapist) or a device specifically designed for that purpose called massagers. There are different types of massage that focus on different areas of the body. A massage therapist is a person trained in giving massages. A good massage helps to ease pain and muscle tension.
Here are some types of massage and how to decide which one is best for you.
Swedish massage
This is a gentle type of full body massage that’s perfect for people who are receiving a massage for the first time, have very sensitive and tense muscles. Swedish massages are very effective in loosing muscle knots. It is also good for people who want to enjoy full body relaxation.
The massage will involve a combination of kneading, deep circular motions, long flowing strokes, vibration and tapping and reflexive joint movement procedures. It usually lasts for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hot stone massage
This is ideal for people with muscle pain and muscle tension or those who simply want to enjoy relaxation. This type of massage is therapeutic in nature and is quite similar to Swedish massage, however, here heated stones are used in the massage instead of hands. The resultant effect? Pain relief, stress relief, relaxation, enhanced blood circulation and decrease in muscle tension.
Different heated stones are placed on different parts of the body during this massage. Sometimes, cold stones are used also. The massage is usually about 1 hour 30 minutes long and is more effective in reducing muscle tension than the Swedish massage.
- Aromatherapy massage
This type of massage is perfect for people who desire an emotional or psychological effect to their massage. Aromatherapy massage aids in improving your mood, relieving stress, reducing anxiety and depression, relieving muscle tension and pain.
This is a full body massage with the use of essential oils. These oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.
An aromatherapy massage lasts for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. It is not suitable for those sensitive to smell or essential oils.
Deep tissue massage
While Swedish massage involves the use of light pressures, more pressure is applied to the body during a deep tissue massage. It is very good for those with chronic muscle issues, such as pain, injury, or imbalance. It can also help in relaxing tight muscle knots.
During this massage, slow finger strokes and deep pressure are used in relieving tension from the deepest layers of the muscles and connective tissues. The massage will last for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Though this massage is quite intense, it is not usually painful however if you are sensitive to pressure, it is advisable to avoid deep tissue massage.
- Sports massage
Sports massage is a good choice for athletes because they apply pressure repeated to some specific muscles used in sport activities. This massage can also help in preventing sports injuries, and in increasing flexibility and mobility. In addition, sports massage can be used in achieving pain relief, dissipation of anxiety and muscle tension.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.
This massage enhances overall sports performance and lasts for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Other types of massages include reflexology, couple massage, Thai massage, chair massage etc. A good massage requires a good masseuse or massage therapist and those are as rare as diamonds and do not come in cheap. Fortunately, you can reap all the benefits of a massage therapy using devices called massagers and enjoy at your leisure. Get yours here.
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