Tag: massage therapy

Massage can bebut some very relaxing and some can work better than others. There are a number of different types of massage. Here’s a list of them…

1. Chair Massage – this can be very handy if you cannot get out for a massage. It is performed fully clothed by a professional for instant stress relief. This is an efficient way to unwind especially effective for shoulder tensions.
2. Trigger Point Massage – trigger point massage is a form of bodywork that focuses on identifying knots in your muscles and then breaking them up, or releasing them, by bringing fresh blood to the area. This type of massage is particularly popular among those who suffer from chronic pain. You don’t usually need to strip down for the session, though lightweight clothing is recommended.
3. Aromatherapy Massage – During an aromatherapy massage, essential oils may be applied directly to the skin or simply diffused into the air—either way, the idea is that these oils have benefits when it comes to relaxation, mood and pain management.
4. Sports Massage – The masseuse typically uses a combination of multiple techniques (stroking, kneading, compression and trigger points, to name a few) to improve joint range of motion and flexibility while reducing muscle tension. 
5. Thai Massage – Thai massage is distinct from the rest in that it combines yoga-like body positioning with massage techniques. The end result is a far more participatory massage experience that involves stretching and movement, in addition to pressure being applied to certain areas of the body. Thai massage can help reduce back pain, increase joint mobility and relieve headaches.
6. Reflexology – Reflexology is a type of massage that revolves around the traditional Chinese belief that certain pressure points in the hands, feet and ears correspond to other organs in the body. It can be an effective way to ease stress and anxiety.
7. Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue massage involves applying considerably more pressure than Swedish massage in order to target the inner layers of muscle tissue. It can reduce muscle tension and considerable relief for those who suffer from chronic pain.
8. Shiatsu Massage – This form of traditional Japanese bodywork involves using the fingers, thumbs, palms and sometimes elbows to apply relatively deep pressure to specific areas in an effort to reduce tension and improve blood flow. It has a wide range of health benefits, inluding alleviating lower back pain.
9. Hot Stone Massage – This moderate pressure massage therapy combines Swedish massage techniques with the use of heated volcanic stones to improve blood circulation and ease pain. This massage might involve both hot and cold stones and is designed to reduce pain, ease muscle tension and promote a general sense of well-being. 
10. Swedish Massage – The Swedish massage relies on a variety of techniques—effleurage, percussion and kneading, among others—to relieve tension, improve blood circulation and give your mood a boost.