There are various types of massages that work for different parts of your body. The practice of manipulating the muscles and skin tissue of a person using a combination of stroking, pressure, rubbing, and heat is called a massage. For thousands of years, massages have been used as a method for providing relaxation and healing,
Top Benefits of Massages
Massages also have various health benefits to offer. Recent research tells us that massaging is helpful for several issues like:
- Pain or fatigue caused by cancer
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Recovery and pain after surgery
- Relief from carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Boosting immune system function
- Blood pressure
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Most Common Types of Massages
There are several types of massage techniques out there; each has its own characteristics. Let’s discuss the most common massages that will help you with stress relief, recovery from injury, and pain management.
- Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is definitely the most popular style of massage therapy. Other than Dutch and English-speaking countries, all others refer to this as a classic massage. This is a gentle type of therapeutic massage, but it feels deep and invigorating. It ensures a pain-free method to relieve sore muscles and relax your body.
- Acupressure Massage
Acupressure or Acupuncture is a type of trigger point massage with the use of needles. It was developed by the Chinese and is most commonly used to relieve pain. However, the methods involved in acupressure therapy are not backed by scientific facts, and it is considered a pseudoscience by many. Acupuncture has short term benefits and is used to relieve pain in the lower back, help with shoulder stiffness, knee pain, and other joint and muscle pains. A skilled acupuncture practitioner and clean needles are necessary.
- Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is derived from the Swedish massage; it utilizes stones that are heated and placed along the body. The stones are most often made of basalt- a type of volcanic rock- and are heated up to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot stones can be placed along with several areas of the body like:
- l Spine
- l Chest
- l Hands/Feet
- l Face
- l Stomach
There is no age restriction when it comes to availing hot stone massages, but parents need to be careful that children are not left unattended during this type of therapy. Hot stone massages help deal with muscle soreness, pain, and emotional traumas like anxiety, depression, and insomnia,
- Sports Massage
This massage is not primarily designed for relaxation, but it can still give a deep rest feeling. The name may suggest otherwise, but this massage is not exclusively for athletes. It is designed to prevent and treat injuries.
- Reflexology
Reflexology is a non-traditional type of massage therapy; it uses the body’s natural reflexes in the feet or hands through a combination of finger and hand techniques without using any oil or balm.
The aforementioned points should help you understand the different types of massages, and you can easily pick which one is best suited to your needs. So, if you have any muscle stiffness or are just looking for a sense of relaxation, get a massage today!