There are over 80 different massage therapy styles which has been practiced for thousands of years. All styles have different techniques of pressures and movements. It involves rubbing, pressing or manipulating the soft tissues and muscles with fingers, hands, elbows, forearms or feet.
There are multiple reasons to get massage therapies done, such as:
- To get relief from symptoms
- To heal injuries
- To promote overall wellness
- To help with certain health conditions like arthritis etcetera
Which is the Best Massage?
There is no best massage for every occasion i.e. different massage styles are preferred at different times as per the need and requirements of the individual.
Different therapies range from short, percussive stroke to long, smooth strokes, use of essential massage oils and lotions are not compulsory, unclothing the individual also depends on the therapy style as well as the duration of the therapy.
The only question individuals need to ask themselves is, “why does he need the therapy, is it because of stress, to relax, for any health condition, injury or simply to cleanse the soul and body?”
Different Massage Styles
6 most famous massage therapy styles are as follows:
Swedish Massage
One of the most common type of style is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft and long, rhythmic-kneading strokes on the topmost layers of the muscles and other soft tissues. It helps with relaxing and energizing the individual by relieving him from stress.
4 common strokes are:
- Effleurage is a smooth, gliding stroke which is used to relax soft tissue
- Petrissage is the rolling, squeezing or kneading that the above technique
- Friction is deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
- Tapotement is a short, alternating tap which is done with fingers, cupped hands or the edge of the hand
Deep Tissue Massage
It is considered the best to give attention to painful, stiff or troubled spots. The masseuse uses slow-deliberate strokes to focus the pressure on the muscles, tendons and other tissues in the body. It is quite therapeutic as it helps with muscle injuries and relieves the body of chronic patterns of tension.
Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
It is a form of soft tissue manipulation, aiming to treat causes of chronic pain which involves the muscular and nervous systems. It is medically-oriented as it addresses trigger points, nerve compression, circulation, postural issues and biomechanical problems that are generally caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Sports Massage
It is basically developed to help athletes by using a variety of approaches in training- during, before and after their sports events. It helps the muscle systems to promote flexibility, prevent injuries and cure muscle strains after sports injuries.
Chair Massage
It is basically a therapy session with the individual sitting fully clothed on the chair. It involves kneading on shoulders, neck, arms, back and hands. It can be seen at a music festival, conferences, inside offices as regular benefits and at malls (electric massage chairs).
Thai Massage
The masseuse is required to move his body in the body of the individual into a variety of positions which includes mobilization of joints, compression of muscles and acupressure.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu means ‘Finger Pressure’ in Japanese in which the masseuse uses a variety of rhythmic pressure on certain pressure points of the body. Such points are acupressure points which are important for the flow of the body’s vital energy, known as ‘Chi’. It helps to relieve blockages at the pressure points.
Reflexology
It uses thumb, hand and finger techniques to stimulate certain areas of the feet, which are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. It is used to promote health and well-being.
Hot Stone Massage
Warmed stones are used at specific pressure points of the body as massage tools or just left, which provides a soothing and relaxing experience as heat is transmitted deep into the body.
Pregnancy Massage
The body goes through major changes during pregnancy. This massage helps to reduce stress, leg & arm swelling, relieves pain in joints & muscles. Massage pillows are used to keep the body in a comfortable position.
Health Benefits of Massage
All massage therapies have different benefits, but they all give the body a calming, relaxing and soothing experience. Other benefits include the following:
- Relieves back pain
- Cure headache
- Helps in treating Osteoarthritis
- Helps cancer patients to relax and with their swellings
- Treats anxiety
Individuals go for massage therapies for the above mentioned benefits and more; the massage therapy varies as per the requirements. It is not difficult to find best massage tables if the therapy for use is confirmed as there are many Massage Table for Sale, available on the net as well as bulk markets, to purchase at affordable prices.
