When it comes to massage, there are many different types to choose from. From Swedish massage to deep tissue massage, shiatsu, hot stones, reflexology and Thai massage, there is something for everyone. But which type of massage is the most popular?The most common type of massage is Swedish massage. This therapeutic full body massage is designed to relax muscles and joints and is found on most spa menus around the world.
It uses techniques such as effleurage (stroking), rubbing (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic stings) for a truly relaxing spa experience. It's a great option for those who are new to the spa scene or looking for a way to relax and reduce tension or anxiety. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 25% of men and 21% of women in the United States enjoyed a massage last year, and more than half of them were motivated by health and well-being reasons. A study conducted by the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Emory University investigated the effects of Swedish massage on people who had generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but were not receiving medical treatment. The Swedish massage group reported that anxiety scores were significantly reduced, suggesting that it could be an effective treatment for the condition. Sports massage is ideal for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle.
Shiatsu massage dates back to ancient Japan and means “finger pressure”. The idea of energy flow, also known as “Ki” or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), is the underlying principle here. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam laminate” by Men's Health. Researchers have reviewed 17 studies that analyze the psychological benefits of reflexology and have concluded that it improves mental well-being and helps people manage long-term health conditions. A study involving 58 cancer patients looked at how participants felt before and after an aroma massage.
In addition to sharing similar benefits with other forms of massage, such as relieving muscle tension and helping to promote better sleep, hot stone massage can treat painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The underlying belief of acupuncture is that a disease is the result of a blocked or interrupted “chi” (similar to the “Ki” we mentioned above, but this is the Chinese spelling, since acupuncture has its roots in China). Other research, which tracked 340 participants suffering from alopecia, revealed that twice-daily scalp massages improved hair loss in 69% of participants. Reiki means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign” and comes from the Japanese words “rei” (meaning universal) and “ki” (meaning vital energy). If you're feeling stressed and exhausted, you might want to consider a shiatsu massage.
The technique has been scientifically proven to promote emotional and physical calm. Friction is also one of the most common massage movements used to loosen muscle knots. The massage therapist will rub both hands with quick movements along the part of the body being worked to generate heat and help the muscles relax and rest. An aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage with scented vegetable oils (known as essential oils) added to the massage oil. Extracted from flowers and other parts of the plant, essential oils offer a pleasant scent and are believed to have healing properties. Lavender and rose, for example, are known to promote relaxation.
While oils can be selected to meet specific needs, the therapist generally uses premixed oils to relax, energize, or boost energy. The calming effects of aromatherapy massage can benefit a variety of conditions, such as headaches, insomnia, certain digestive disorders, back pain, and even premenstrual symptoms. As the name suggests, hot stone massage uses hot stones. The therapist places hot, smooth stones at specific points on the body and also holds the hot stones while performing the massage. The stones are usually basalt (a volcanic rock that retains heat well).
The heat from the stones can be relaxing and can relax tense muscles so that the therapist can quickly reach areas of muscle tension. If you have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or varicose veins, you should check with your healthcare provider if you plan to have a hot stone massage. Similarly, if you take any blood-thinning medications, be sure to get a medical opinion first. Deep tissue massage is a focused therapeutic massage that focuses on muscle nodes (also known as “adhesions”) and specific problem areas in the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Through slow, deliberate movements or friction in the grain of the muscle, the therapist addresses chronic tense or painful muscles, repetitive tension, postural problems or injuries. While it's true that deep tissue pressure is generally more intense than that of a Swedish massage, it shouldn't have to be painful to be effective. If you feel pain during your session report it to your therapist right away.
This type of massage is particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain or persistent injuries that cause limited mobility. It is effective in treating repetitive stress injuries such as tennis elbow syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome and may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. Myofascial release is different from most types of massage because it focuses on the fascia -the thin tissue that covers every organ in the body- rather than just muscles. Although not as common as other types of massage craniosacral therapy can be used to treat a variety of symptoms. But did you know that in addition to putting you in a totally zen state this type of therapy can also help reduce headaches improve sleep quality reduce stress levels improve posture increase joint mobility improve concentration reduce fatigue improve balance improve breathing patterns reduce anxiety improve digestion reduce inflammation improve immune system function improve circulation reduce blood pressure improve lymphatic drainage reduce eye strain improve mental clarity increase range of motion reduce TMJ pain decrease scar tissue adhesions?As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada some public health requirements in public settings are changing. Changes such as stopping having to present proof of vaccination to have dinner at a restaurant or stopping having to wear a mask when we go shopping. There are many types of massage therapy from classics such as Swedish and deep tissue to more exotic styles such as shiatsu craniosacral therapy myofascial release aromatherapy hot stone reflexology shiatsu acupuncture reiki sports massage Thai yoga massages etc.
With so many options available it can be difficult to decide which type is best for you but one thing is certain: Swedish Massage remains one of the most popular types around!.
