There are many different types of massages from the loving back rub you give your spouse to hot stone massages provided by a massage therapist. We all know how good a massage feels, but did you know that there are health benefits associated with a massage such as a reduction of muscular pain, reduction in migraines, bursitis, arthritis, fatigue, high blood pressure and of course relaxation. It has been around for over 3,000 years and was used by the Chinese and Egyptians. In fact it was even a topic covered by Hippocrates. Now there are over 200 variations of different types of massage. According to the American Massage Therapy Association the top four types are: Swedish, deep tissue, sports and chair massage. A massage therapist at any local day spa can help you decide which type of massage will be most beneficial for what’s ailing you.
A massage consists of a variety of movements of various forces applied to the soft tissue areas of your body. A Swedish massage is the most common type of all. This type of massage uses long motions as well as circular motions and kneading motions. Lotion or oil is applied for this type of massage. An aromatherapy massage is any type of massage with the added benefits of aromatherapy. The therapist will select the type of oil based upon your exact needs. Hot stone massage is another type of massage that is growing in popularity. With this type hot stones are strategically placed in areas sometimes with slight pressure. It is used to reduce muscle fatigue and tension. Another type that is perfect for chronic muscle problems is the deep tissue massage. It works on the deeper muscle layers.
Shiatsu is another type of massage that is gaining popularity. It works along the same lines of acupuncture instead using pressure from the fingers along the acupuncture meridians. And don't forget about your body part that sustains your body weight. Reflexology is a massage of your feet, using certain pressure points. It typically uses aromatherapy oils to give you additional benefits. There are various parts of the feet that correspond to various body organs. The belief is that by applying pressure to certain areas of the body that you can improve your overall health in that corresponding area.
When working with a massage therapist, prior to the first session, tell them if you have any allergies to any plant oils. Massage oils typically contain plant oils used for their aromatic and anti bacterial and antifungal properties. Also, if any massage technique is uncomfortable to you or causes any pain, let your massage therapist know.
Day spas offer a variety of massages. If you are not sure what type of massage is best for you, start off with a consultation with a massage therapist. They can help you determine what type of massage with give you the most benefits based upon your individual problems. Communicating with your therapist can help you get the best massage. Tell your therapist if you are uncomfortable removing all of your clothing for example, and find out if it is acceptable for you to talk during the session. Also, if you prefer a particular type of music, a type that you find to be relaxing, tell your therapist, and offer to provide the music if you need to. After a long day or a hard week, everyone should treat themselves to a beneficial massage. |
