Thursday, February 27, 2014

Which Type of Massage is Best for You?

Massage therapy can have a variety of benefits and is gaining popularity among various age groups. Below you will find a list of different types of massage options for you to choose from.

1. Swedish Massage Therapy:
This one is the most common of all types. Swedish massage therapy using long, smooth strokes, pressing and circular movements. This type is a superficial massage, and does not penetrate deeper into tissues. Swedish massage is the best for beginners, and for those who want to just relax their body and de-stress.

2. Deep Tissue Massage:
This type, as the name suggests, targets deeper layers of the skin and muscles. This therapy can be quite vigorous, and often makes people feel sore for a couple of days following the massage. This type of massaging is targeted against painful muscles, injuries, and postural problems.

3. Reflexology:
This type is concentrated on the feet, but is beneficial for the whole body! There are certain known pressure points in our feet that correspond to various systems and organs in the body. Targeting these points can benefit the respective organs and systems. Reflexology can also be very soothing for the feet.

4. Sports Massage:
Sports massage is more appropriate for people involved in physical activities. This type is targeted at preventing or treating injury and pain arising from work-outs and sports. This therapy also helps increasing the flexibility of the muscles.

5. Back Massage:
A back massage can be extremely helpful for people with chronic back pain, or certain back injuries. Regular sittings may be required for long-term relief.

6. Head Massage:
As the name suggests, this is concentrated on the head, more particularly, the scalp. Essential oils are generally used for these massages, and can be an excellent solution to relieve your day-to-day stress. This massage also provides moisture to the scalp which helps to improve blood circulation which is beneficial for the scalp and the hair.

7. Pregnancy Massage:
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal massage, is gaining popularity among expectant mothers. Certified massage therapists use certain techniques that help reduce stress, decrease swelling, and relieve pains and aches. The massage therapist will first discuss the needs of the woman who is expecting, and will then customize the massage for her particular demands.

8. Aromatherapy Massage:
This type uses the benefits of essential oils to de-stress, relax, and energize.

9. Ayurvedic Massage:
Ayurvedic massage therapy has been practised since ancient times. Because the ayurvedic massage has been around for so long, the massage technique has been optimized over the years. The special techniques used in this therapy, and the ayurvedic oils used provide benefits such as relaxation and detoxification. If adopted as a routine, this therapy can help rejuvenate the body, and provide relief in a variety of diseases. 

10. Hot Stone Massage:
Heated smooth stones are placed at certain points of the body to warm and loosen certain muscle groups and to balance energy centers in the body. The therapist also applies slight pressure over the stones, which can be extremely relaxing.

Many therapies to choose from. Hope you found out what is right for you.

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