FITNESS & WELLNESS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 5 Types of Massage How They Can Improve Your Health Posted by Jacob Dawson keen observation Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent running errands all day, a 9-to-5 warrior pushing numbers at a desk, or a shift-worker who stands on your feet for ten hours a day, you probably feel like you need a massage. And guess what? Massage therapy could actually significantly improve your overall health in myriad ways! Massage is a natural remedy that has been practiced by cultures all over the world for thousands of years, with evidence of massage being practiced in ancient civilizations from China to Egypt to Rome. And there’s a great reason that it has been practiced so widely: it’s good for you. Studies show massage is quite effective for reducing pain and anxiety, improving blood pressure, stimulating joints and improving sleep. In this article we’ll review the various types of massage, the specific techniques of each and their benefits for various body systems. 1. Swedish massage Also known as ‘Classic massage,’ Swedish massage is the most widely recognized type of massage. With a primary focus on relaxation, the techniques of Swedish massage focus on stimulating the body with friction, long strokes and gliding motions. Unlike the majority of the Eastern massage philosophies, the methods by which Swedish massage breaks up muscle adhesions, or knots, are based upon anatomy rather than energy points, and are therefore the most secular of the massage types. How your body benefits from Swedish massage Increase the level of oxygen in the blood Flush toxins from the body’s tissues Improve circulation Reduce tension 2. Deep tissue massage Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage in the sense that it is also based upon anatomy and physiology, although deep tissue massage has a strong focus on working on the muscle fascia and connective tissue in order to realign imbalances and relieve tension. While it can be relaxing, deep tissue massage is best suited for providing relief from chronic pain, stiffness and strain. The technique is a mix between quick, intense strokes and deep pressure using the hands, forearms and elbows. Due to the intense nature of the technique, you may feel mild soreness in the days after your massage, although this will fade. How your body benefits from deep tissue massage Realign muscle imbalances Reduce tension Relieve chronic pain 3. Sports massage If you’re active at the gym, play organized sports or are training for an upcoming event, sports massage may be the type of massage you’re looking for. It is also suitable for those of us suffering from chronic pain or restricted movement due to past injuries. One of the most specifically therapeutic types of massage, sports massage is not the go-to style if you’re just looking for relaxation; it typically focuses on problem areas and — just like deep tissue massage— may cause some discomfort at first. Sports massage can range from fairly light, fast strokes to very deep movements that stretch the muscle fascia and connective tissue. How your body benefits from sports massage Remove knots within muscle Increase range of motion Stimulate blood flow 4. Shiatsu massage With origins in Chinese culture, the thing that stands out about shiatsu, which literally means ‘finger pressure,’ is the incorporation of hypothetical high-energy points within the body. Shiatsu massage seeks to improve blood flow by unblocking and stimulating these points, also sometimes referred to as meridians, with applied pressure using fingers, thumbs, palms, knuckles, forearms and elbows. Known as ‘acupuncture without needles,’ shiatsu massage is intense but also very therapeutic; many people find it as enjoyable as Swedish massage. The masseuse will vary the amount of pressure depending on how you respond, so you needn’t worry about it being too much for you to bear. How your body benefits from shiatsu massage Reduce tension Increase relaxation Improve circulation 5. Thai massage Thai massage, like shiatsu, follows the principle that there are energy points within the body that become blocked over time, and that these points need to be stimulated in order to regain proper balance and flow. If you’ve never had a Thai massage before, you’ll notice that the session is a lot more dynamic than other forms of massage, and, in essence, you’ll be taken through a series of assisted stretching poses that boost relaxation. Thai massage is particularly useful in helping with lymphatic drainage and restoring blood flow. How your body benefits from Thai massage Stretch muscles Reduce tension Improve circulation With all of the above types of massage you should make sure that the practitioner is certified, as this will ensure the quality of the massage and remove the chances of having an unpleasant experience. Take some time to research the most recommended masseuses in your area, and use this article as a guide when deciding which type of massage to go for. Most of all – enjoy yourself, your body will thank you! Have you experienced any of these types of massage? What’s your favorite? Have you tried a type of massage that we haven’t included? Let us know your experiences in the comments section; we’d love to hear from you
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:54:00 +0000
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