Massage Therapy Styles

 A massage therapy can release tension within the body, alleviate body pains and aches, and improve overall health. One of the best ways to relax and unwind is to get a massage.It is not a wonder many people love getting a massage. But do you know that there are various kinds of massage styles?

You probably know about Swedish and shiatsu but the list of massage styles goes way beyond those two. To help you decide which one would be best for you, here are some of the most popular massage styles for you to choose from and pieces of practical information about them.

Swedish Massage

Introduced by Per Heinrik Ling in the early 1800’s, Swedish massage has become one of the most popular forms of massage styles known to man. Ling came from Sweden, which is why this technique became known under this name. This style employs long sweeping motions with the use of lotions and oils. The four basic strokes of Swedish massage are the effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is similar to Swedish style but the difference is that this one incorporates the use of heated basalt stones that are placed in key areas of the body for heat to penetrate into the deep layers of the muscles and help tight areas to relax. The hot stones are also used to knead the muscles of the body. Hot stones are usually placed along the spine, on the palm of the hands and the thigh. The massage therapist would touch the stone first to ensure that the warmth is just right enough and to avoid scalding the skin of the patient.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu, which originated in Japan, was based on traditional oriental medicine. Traditionally, the therapist would ask the person to lie on a mat on the floor instead of on a massage table. Also known as “point therapy,” shiatsu is all about putting pressure on stimulating points on the body to cause a response on internal organs and body functions. The pressure is applied with the use of a hand or arm. Sometimes, the thumb and elbow are also used.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is gaining in popularity among expectant mothers. This provides wonderful relaxation, posture support, and reduction of prenatal effects. It is essential to get this kind of therapy not just from any massage therapist but from someone who has received ample training in pregnancy massage.

Thai Massage

Sometimes dubbed as the “lazy man’s yoga,” Thai massage is performed by applying palm and thumb pressure techniques on certain points of the body while the client is being stretched into positions similar to yoga poses. Most Thai massages are done while lying on a mat on the floor instead of on a massage table.

Chair Massage

Instead of lying down, the client would receive the massage while sitting on a chair. Massage styles incorporated in a chair massage can be anything from Swedish, shiatsu and acupressure techniques. Chairs massage has become so popular that massage recliners have been invented to keep up with the demand for this kind of massage technique.

Massage can be a wonderful way to relieve stress. If you feel that you do not have the luxury of time to visit a massage therapist, it would be a good idea to invest on a massage chair that can enable you to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy right inside your home.