What is a massage?
There are numerous types of massage that focus on different parts of the body or healing techniques. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body utilizing the hands. Throughout a massage, a massage therapist will use mild or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease discomfort and tension. A massage therapist is a person trained in offering massages.
Check out on to find out about the different kinds of massage and which type may be best for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s perfect for individuals who:
are brand-new to massage
have a great deal of stress
are sensitive to touch
It can help release muscle knots, and it’s likewise a good choice for when you want to totally relax during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll eliminate your clothes, though you might choose to keep your underclothing on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while pushing the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively dealing with.
The massage therapist will utilize a mix of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular motions
vibration and tapping
passive joint motion strategies
Typically a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Pick a Swedish massage for relaxation or handling small discomfort.
This type of massage is also great for individuals brand-new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply wish to unwind. This type of restorative massage is comparable to a Swedish massage, just the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It reduces muscle tension, enhances blood circulation, and alleviates discomfort by utilizing heated stones. Hot stone massage may assist:
ease muscle stress
improve blood flow
minimize discomfort
promote relaxation
alleviate tension
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are positioned on various areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques utilizing gentle pressure. In some cases cold stones are also used.
You do not use clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable using your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Typically the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage may eliminate more muscle stress than a Swedish massage because of the added heat.
This type of massage in normally more expensive than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for individuals who want to have a psychological recovery component to their massage. This type of massage can help:
improve your mood
reduce tension and anxiety
decrease signs of anxiety
relieve muscle stress
ease pain
Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with making use of necessary oils. Your massage therapist will typically choose which vital oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a choice. Important oils are diluted before being used to the skin.
During the massage, you’ll be provided a full-body massage while breathing in necessary oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will just focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You will not wear any clothes aside from underclothing, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy integrates the gentle touches of Swedish massage with the addition of essential oils.
Do not utilize this kind of massage if you’re sensitive to smell or important oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good choice if you have chronic muscle problems, such as discomfort, injury, or imbalance. It can help alleviate tight muscles, persistent muscle pain, and stress and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use sluggish strokes and deep finger pressure to alleviate stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or use your underwear.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a good option if you have a great deal of muscle tension or persistent discomfort.
Prevent this kind of massage if you’re excessively conscious pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is an excellent choice if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you might obtain from playing a sport. It’s likewise an excellent alternative if you’re susceptible to injuries due to the fact that it can be utilized to assist prevent sports injuries. You may likewise utilize sports massage to increase versatility and performance. Furthermore, sports massage can be utilized to relieve pain, stress and anxiety, and muscle tension.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. deep tissue massage therapy pressure might be rotated with relaxing strokes depending on your needs.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to use clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and permits the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are choices.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Sports massage is a good choice if you have an injury from repeated muscle usage.
This kind of massage might also assist improve versatility and sports efficiency, and reduce your danger for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best suited for individuals who have injuries, persistent discomfort, or a specific concern or condition. Often areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, called trigger points, can cause discomfort in other parts of the body. By concentrating on relieving trigger points, this kind of massage can lower discomfort.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are mild and peaceful combined with more powerful, much deeper pressure. The massage will consist of work on your whole body, though your therapist will concentrate on particular areas of your body that need to be released. You can use lightweight clothing for the massage or be totally or partly undressed.
This type of massage will typically last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can help you manage persistent pain.
Wear lightweight clothes for this kind of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is finest for individuals who are seeking to unwind or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a great alternative if you aren’t comfortable being touched on your whole body. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can use loose, comfortable clothing that enables access to your legs.
A reflexology massage lasts for 30– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Reflexology concentrates on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears.
This is a good alternative if you’re unpleasant being touched over your whole body. You can also be fully clothed during this type of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for individuals who wish to feel relaxed and relieve stress, discomfort, and stress. It’s a Japanese kind of massage that:
promotes psychological and physical calm and relaxation
helps to ease stress, stress and anxiety, and depression
may ease headache
minimizes muscle tension
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist might focus on areas of your body that require extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will utilize their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be completely clothed throughout this massage.
Shiatsu massages generally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is a great choice if you’re trying to find a relaxing massage It might also assist launch small tension.
You can be completely dressed throughout this type of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active kind of massage and desire to decrease and ease discomfort and tension. It can also help improve:
flexibility
circulation
energy levels
Thai massage works the whole body utilizing a sequence of motions that resemble yogic extending. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to use firm pressure to your body. You’ll likewise be extended and twisted into different positions. You can use loose, comfy clothes throughout the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other kinds of massage, and the therapist will extend your body in addition to providing a massage
This is another type of massage where you remain completely outfitted.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe method for ladies to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help in reducing pregnancy body aches, decrease stress, and ease muscle stress. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. However, many centers, specifically in the United States, do not offer massages to females in their first trimester due to the threat of miscarriage during this time.
Prenatal massage uses moderate pressure comparable to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on locations such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be completely or partially undressed depending upon your convenience level. During the massage, deep tissue massage therapy you’ll either lie on your side or on a specifically developed table with a cutout for your stomach. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a medical professional prior to you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is a great choice for pregnant women.
This kind of massage concentrates on mild pressure and is great for relaxation and mild tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you finish with your partner, pal, or member of the family in the very same room. It brings all the advantages of a regular massage and sometimes supplies you with access to the spa’s hot tubs, saunas, and other centers. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are often provided as part of a plan.
You can generally select which kind of massage you ‘d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type of massage depending on your preference and the offerings at the spa. Your partner and you will be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist working on your body. You can talk during the massage if you wish.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared space with a pal, partner, or relative.
You can normally choose from a range of types of massages to have throughout your appointment. Swedish and hot stone massages are typically provided as an alternative throughout a couple’s massage
12. Chair massage.
A chair massage is best for people who want a fast massage that concentrates on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can likewise be a way to introduce you to massage if you’ve never ever had one previously. Chair massage likewise assists to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
During the massage, you’ll remain completely clothed and sit in a specially created chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest presses into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are normally 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a terrific choice if you’re brief on time.
This kind of massage is likewise a good choice if you’re new to massage.
How to find a massage therapist
You can get an individual recommendation for a massage therapist from a physician, pal, or an online directory site. Or you can schedule a couple of massages with various therapists to see which one you prefer. Make certain it’s someone with whom you feel comfortable so that you can fully relax.
Make sure your massage therapist s appropriately trained and has certificates and state licenses that are current. You might wish to have a brief conversation with your therapist before beginning your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any relevant questions.
Just how much does a massage expense?
Rates vary considerably for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is usually $50–$ 150. A lot of therapists will anticipate a 15– 20 percent idea on top of this. However, some places don’t accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more costly than standard massages. Depending upon the location, some specialized massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages may run a bit greater, too.
You can have a look at a massage school in your area or find a massage therapist who operates at home if you wish to discover massages at a more sensible expense.
Insurance in some cases covers massage treatment if you can reveal it’s being utilized to treat a medical condition. Sometimes insurer will cover massage therapy if it belongs to chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage might be a method for you to feel better physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Try out various types of massage and with various massage therapists to find the type and supplier that is most perfect for you.
Always interact your expectations and intents with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your physician before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions
You must be logged in to post a comment.