Massage is a technique that has been used for many centuries to treat various ailments. It is believed that the first massage therapy was introduced in 3000 BC. There are many different types of massage, each with its own unique benefits. Swedish massage is the most common type of massage and focuses on kneading the muscles to reduce tension and pain.
Deep tissue massage is another popular type of massage that pays attention to painful problem points on the body. Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage that focuses on nourishing the skin rather than deeply massaging the muscles. Prenatal massage is a safe way for pregnant women to enjoy the benefits of a massage. Sports massage is designed specifically for athletes and uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish massages.
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage style rooted in Chinese medicine that aims to remove blockages that prevent the body's energy force from flowing freely. Trigger point massage is similar to deep tissue massage, but it focuses on relieving tension from a very specific point or points. Couples massages are becoming increasingly popular, as two clients can be massaged side by side in the same room. Oncological massage therapy combines several methods, such as Swedish, deep tissue, and lymphatic massages, to help treat muscle problems and injuries.
Lymphatic drainage massage helps stimulate the circulation of lymphatic fluids through the body. Cranial-sacral therapy or craniosacral massage helps release compression in the bones of the head, lower back, and spine. Myofascial release therapy relieves stiffness in the fascia, which is the connective tissue system that contains every muscle in the body. It is important to talk to your doctor before receiving any type of massage if you have any health problems or conditions.
Experiment with different types of massages and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that best suits your needs.
