8 Famous Massage Therapies
1. Swedish Massage
Looking for a way to relieve the moderate tension on your back and shoulders?
Of all the therapies in this list, this is probably the most famous of them all – Swedish Massage. As a matter of fact, this is already the default massage type of wellness centers, spas, gyms, and clinics. Based more on the Western concept of physiology and anatomy, Swedish Massage makes use of lotion and oil, and starts off with general strokes for the whole body then go on to specific strokes to hit the problematic areas.
Swedish can not only relax your muscles or ease superficial tension, it can also promote blood circulation.
2. Hot Stone Massage
Massage can’t seem to hit the trouble spots that are hard-to-loosen?
As its name would suggest, hot stone massage makes use of moderately hot and warm ballistic stones – stones that can retain heat well. Heated stones are placed on specific points on your body while you are given a massage using warm stones. The warmth of these stones can be soothing and could even loosen up tight muscles to that muscle tensions could easily be reached by the masseuse.
Hot Stone Massage can not only relieve your tense areas, it can also promote blood circulation.
3. Deep Tissue Massage
Suffering from chronic tension causing aches and pain?
Deep-Tissue Massage is a more focused kind of therapeutic massage as it targets adhesions or muscle knots and other specific problematic areas in the deeper layers of the muscle and connective tissues. This massage makes use of slow deliberate strokes on the grain of your muscle. The masseuse specifically targets repetitive strain, tight muscles, injuries, or even postural problems.
Deep-Tissue Massage can release chronic tension and could also improve your motion range.
4. Shiatsu Massage
Suffering from chronic tension causing aches and pain?
Deep-Tissue Massage is a more focused kind of therapeutic massage as it targets adhesions or muscle knots and other specific problematic areas in the deeper layers of the muscle and connective tissues. This massage makes use of slow deliberate strokes on the grain of your muscle. The masseuse specifically targets repetitive strain, tight muscles, injuries, or even postural problems.
Deep-Tissue Massage can release chronic tension and could also improve your motion range.
5. Thai Massage
Want to achieve deeper stretches?
Thai Massage is like pressing massage movements with a mix of passive stretching and a hint of yoga. Of all massage forms, we could say it’s the most energizing. It’s like yoga but it’s not because you don’t do any work. The masseuse moves you and stretches your body in a sequence of postures. This is usually done on a mat on the floor as compared to other massage forms which are done usually on elevated massage beds – you know, safety first. Oh, and did we mention that you could be fully clothed while doing this?
Thai Massage can enhance your flexibility and motion range and can also provide temporary relief from pain.
6. Pre-Natal Massage
Pregnancy causing a significant pain on your lower back?
Pre-natal Massage is a customized type of massage for the future mother’s need. But be warned, even if this massage is customized for pregnant women, it is best that you consult your doctor before getting one. Mothers know this – the pain on your lower back and even the ankles. This is more evident during the later months. Pre-natal massage is safe and drug-free way to provide relief to these pained mothers.
Pre-natal massage can not only reduce the pain brought about by pregnancy, it can also help people with their anxieties, depression, and even insomnia.
7. Thai Massage
Want to put your feet up for just a while and need an excuse?
Reflexology is based on these “reflex areas” on our hands and feet which are said to be connected to our organs and other parts of the body. Finger pressure is applied on these areas to promote relaxation and healing for the whole body. Through this, our nervous system can be balanced. Endorphins are also stimulated, reducing our stress and discomfort.
Reflexology can not only correct your body’s imbalances, it can also relieve tension on your feet brought about by walking or for girls – their high heels.
8. Sports Massage
Want to keep your body in its top condition?
Sports Massage was specifically designed to treat injuries and prevent them. It can enhance flexibility and improve your athletic performance. Just because it’s called Sports Massage, it’s just for athletes. Even if you’re not into sports, it can still help with your muscle pain and restricted motion range. The objective for Sports Massage is to manipulate the soft body tissues and focus on a specific group of muscles depending on the athlete’s sport.
Sports Massage can leave you with quicker recovery times from workout because of promoted blood circulation, better motion range, and even enhanced performance.
