Massages will surely improve both physical and mental health. Interestingly, there are different types of massages available. Every type of massage has its own unique advantage.
Let us see which are the most popular types of messages
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is very popular across the world. It is a perfect choice for first-timers.
Typically, a Swedish massage session will last for 60 to 90 minutes. The certified therapist uses different techniques to calm your body, mind, and soul.
Gentle strokes, deep strokes, tapping, vibrating movements, and kneadings are techniques used in Swedish massage. The therapist will use both light and deeper pressure during the massaging.
You have to inform the therapist if you feel uncomfortable in any way. You can request the therapist to change the pressure level. Swedish massage will help to relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and improve sleep quality.
2. Sports Massage
Just like the name suggests, a sports massage is mainly used to enhance the performance of athletes by curing soft tissue injuries. It may sound like this type of massage is only good for athletes. But that is not the truth.
It is appropriate for anyone who wants to relieve muscle aches and faster recovery. Athletes use sports massage during the training period and before and after the events. In that way, athletes can ensure proper warmup, improved performance, and faster recovery.
It is important to explain the type of sports you are participating in, the training method, and the difficulties you face to the therapists before the massage session starts.
In sports massage, therapists use techniques like trigger pointing, friction, gliding, kneading, and compression. These methods will help the recipient get relief from muscle strain, muscle tension, and pains. This will help to improve performance, flexibility, and range of motion.
A sports massage will help you to reduce muscle tension, improve performance, reduce chances for injuries, and improve muscle flexibility.
SEE ALSO – HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MASSAGE SESSION
3. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is arguably an effective method to cure chronic pain and injuries. This massaging method focuses on deep muscle layers.
Within this method, the therapist uses deeper strokes, trigger point therapy, and cross-fiber friction.
These techniques are very effective in releasing muscle knots – painful spots formed within muscles, and relieving muscle restrictions and pains. So, deep tissue massaging can be a great choice for those who experience chronic pain and muscle tension.
But, this massaging method can be uncomfortable for some people. So, the right consultation and discussion with the certified therapist is needed. You can also request the therapist to adjust the pressure level during the massaging.
4. Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a special type of massage in which the therapist places the heated stones on the body. The therapist uses basalt stones – a type of volcanic stone for this type of massage.
They will place these stones along the spine and on the chest, stomach, feet, and palm. The therapist massages different pressure points using the stones.
Both heat from basalt stones and massage will increase blood circulation and help to lose tight muscles. Those who are pregnant, and have heart disease and diabetes should avoid choosing hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage will help the recipient get relief from stress, back pain, muscle pain, and tension.
SEE ALSO – 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO AFTER A MASSAGE THERAPY
5. Thai Massage
Thai massage is a traditional method that has been in practice for more than thousands of years. Thai massage uses a combination of acupuncture and yoga poses.
Unlike other massage styles therapists don’t use massaging tables in Thai massage. Customers have to lie on the mat.
The therapist will use hands, elbows, and knees to apply pressure. They will also request the customers to do several yoga poses and stretching.
Thai massage will help to improve the range of motion, blood circulation, flexibility, and relief from pain, muscle tension, stress, and anxiety.
6. Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy uses traditional massaging methods along with the usage of essential oil. To avoid skin irritation, the therapist first dilutes the essential oil with carrier oil.
There are different types of essential oils available for different applications. Lavender, sandalwood, cinnamon, rosemary, bergamot, and lemon are commonly used essential oils for aromatherapy.
The scent of these essential oils can reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation. A detailed discussion with the therapist will let you choose the right essential oil for massage. You have to inform the therapist if you have any kind of allergies.
Typically an aromatherapy will last for 60 to 90 minutes. This method includes full body massage. Both massaging techniques and the scent of oils will provide many benefits including relief from stress, and anxiety, and improved sleep, immunity, and mood.
7. Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is a special type of massage for pregnant women. It will help the recipient to experience deep relaxation and help to reduce pregnancy-related discomforts.
Unlike other massaging methods, prenatal massage has a side-lying position to ensure safety. Also, the therapist will only apply gentle pressure on the neck, legs, back, and shoulders while massaging.
It is extremely important to have a detailed discussion with the therapist before attending the session. You should tell the therapist about your medical conditions, needs, and preferences. This type of massage will last 45 to 60 minutes.
Prenatal massage will help women get relief from back pain, swelling, joint pain, and pregnancy headaches and improve blood circulation and sleep quality.
8. Shiatsu Massage
Shiatzu is a traditional Japanese massaging method. The word Shiatsu means finger pressure, like the name suggests, the therapists use finer to apply pressure on different energy lines on the body.
Therapists also use palms and elbows to apply pressure. This method follows the principles of acupuncture. This method avoids using oil for the massage
The therapist will instruct you to lie on a mat or floor. Using finger, elbow, and palm pressure will be applied on specific points on the body called acupoints. This method will promote both physical and mental well-being.
Therapists will also use stretching, tapping, and kneading while massaging. There are many benefits you can get from Shiatzu massage including the increase in body energy, improved sleep quality, and relief from stress, anxiety, and pain.
SEE ALSO – 9 OUTSTANDING BENEFITS OF USING A SCALP MASSAGER
9. Scalp Massage
A massaging method that is familiar to everyone. It can be done by applying pressure on the scalp using fingers or scalp brushes. Scalp massage can be done with or without oils.
Scalp massage will result in increased blood circulation to the head. It will surely boost hair growth.
This type of massage will also help the body to release happy hormones – endorphins. In that way, you will feel more relaxed and peaceful. In addition, a scalp massage will improve sleep quality and relieve headaches.
10. Chair Massage
Chair massage can be completed within 15 to 20 minutes using a specially designed massaging chair. During massaging your head will be placed on the cradle on the massage table.
The therapist will massage on neck, shoulders, and back. The most important highlight of chair massage is you only have to spend 15 to 20 minutes to get a satisfying and relaxing massage.
Chair massage will help the recipient get relief from anxiety, stress, headaches, and tension. Also, it will relieve pain and tension within the muscles and improve sleep quality.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks