In need of a good rubdown? The art of massage has been practiced for thousands of years leaving plenty of time for numerous forms to develop. With massage styles varying from pulling and stretching to kneading and tapping, it’s important to choose the massage that will not only address your ailments, but will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed, as well. Read on to learn about the most popular forms of massage therapy and decided which one is best for you.
1. Swedish Massage – The most common form of massage therapy in the United States, Swedish massage uses techniques such as kneading, friction, hacking, tapping, and vibration. Long smooth strokes are aided by the use of a lotion or massage oil. This type of massage is good for relieving pain and muscle tension and helps with the removal of lactic acid and other waste from the body. The benefits include pain relief and an increase in flexibility and mobility. Rubbing and kneading also work to improve circulation, bringing fresh oxygen to the bloodstream and transferring valuable nutrients to the rest of your body.
2. Hot Stone Therapy – A Swedish massage with a twist, the hot stone massage uses traditional Swedish techniques along with smooth, heated stones. Hot stones are placed on specific points of the body such as, between the toes, along the back, or in the palms of the hands. Stones are heated in water and replaced upon cooling. This style of massage helps to soothe and relax tight muscles. Heat from the stones improves circulation, calms the nervous system, and releases toxins.
3. Deep Tissue Massage – This massage uses slow movement, deep pressure, and friction to realign muscles and connective tissues. The therapist focuses on areas of pain and tension and works to break up scar tissue. Some find this type of massage to be painful at times; however, you are guaranteed to feel better afterwards. A Deep Tissue massage is recommended for sore shoulders, a stiff neck, tightness in the lower back, or any other extremely tense areas. Besides alleviating pain it also aids in the release of toxins stored in the muscles, improves circulation, and loosens muscle tissue.
4. Thai Massage –Thai massage is both calming and energizing – like a yoga class bust without the effort. Thai massage therapists use their legs, knees, hands, and feet to manipulate the body into different positions and stretches. Acupressure, muscle compression, and joint mobilization may be used as well. This style of massage focuses on aligning the body’s energies, focusing the mind, and increasing flexibility. It also provides an inner organ massage, increases circulation, and decreases stress.
5. Shiatsu – Shiatsu is based on the Chinese meridian system and uses finger pressure on specific areas of the body. Pressure is applied along the meridians to unblock energy and correct the flow of chi. Therapists use their thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows to apply pressure. Besides applying pressure they may also use tapping, squeezing, and rubbing. Shiatsu promotes muscle relaxation, improved circulation, flexibility, and the release of toxins. It reduces stress, prevents disease, and reduces blood pressure.
~ Laci Chiodo
