There are over many types of massage, each offering different health benefits.With so many styles to choose from it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Massage is a great way to unwind from our busy and stressful lives, and it’s even the perfect way to escape for a bit of our time. You will find over many types of massage, each offering different health benefits. Because of so many styles to choose from it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This guide will differentiate from a few of the most common forms of massage, helping you to find the style that best suits your healing needs.
Shiatsu
A Japanese type of massage, Shiatsu mainly uses applied pressure in the thumbs, fingers, and palms, working along specific energetic meridians within the body. Using many of the same principals as acupuncture, Shiatsu concentrates on releasing energetic blockages within the body to induce healing. In this fashion of massage clients often remain clothed, receiving slower treatments with deeper pressure and much more deliberate attention from the practitioner. One benefit to Shiatsu is that healing occurs on the physical and energetic levels. An experienced Shiatsu practitioner is able to address energy imbalances which may be contributing to a specific physical ailment or disease inside a client. A strengthened immune system, lowered blood pressure, and stress relief, are added benefits from this relaxing type of massage.
Deep Tissue
If you like the feeling of a strong massage, then deep tissue massage may be for you. Like the name suggests, deep tissue massage is sort of a Swedish massage but administered with deeper pressure. Deep tissue massage focuses on the tendons, deep layers of muscle tissues, and the fascia that props up muscles. Because deep tissue massage can help relieve chronic tension within the muscles, this style of massage can be beneficial for people which are very physically active, have observed an injury, or experience chronic muscle pain. This style has also been proven to reduce stress and heartbeat while supporting relaxation.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is another popular technique since it is both relaxing and therapeutic. The masseuse incorporates warm, rounded stones in to the session by placing them on your belly, hands or to help warm your muscles while conducting a gentle massage on other parts of the body. Other ways the masseuse incorporates the stones in to the session is by using them being an extension of his or her hands to knead the nice and cozy, smooth stones into the muscles. Since the heat of the stone relaxes the muscles, the therapist is able to operate into the muscles and joints without using an excessive amount of pressure, which makes hot stone massages well suited for people who have muscle tension but should you prefer a lighter massage.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the most well-known styles of massage. Using the application of oil to reduce friction, Swedish massage employs five distinct movements to control the muscles and tissue of the body. These movements are rhythmic tapping, kneading, friction, shaking, and long flowing strokes. Swedish massage has proven to become useful in alleviating pain and soreness from stiff joints, specifically in clients suffering from osteoarthritis. This type of massage is great for improving circulation, flexibility, as well as stimulating the lymphatic system. If what you are wanting is an active yet relaxing massage having a variety of movements, Swedish massage may be what you are looking for.
Best Style Of Massage
Thai Massage
The predecessor of Shiatsu, Thai massage also places emphasis on the energetic meridians of the body, however with a more vigorous approach. Fully clothed and with no use of oil, clients receive rhythmic and deep pressured touch in the practitioner. Massage therapists often use their own weight to use pressure, stretch, and manipulate a client’s body in order to release tension from muscles and tissue. By moving and manipulating a client’s limbs, practitioners will often incorporate specific yoga postures in to the massage for deeper stretches. A conventional Thai massage lasts about two hours, and it is a good choice for those seeking an energizing and thorough full body massage.