Ten Most Popular Massages

26 Aug

Posted by admin as Massage

Ten Most Popular Massages

Have you ever thought you might like to get a massage but are not sure which one may be for you? Below is a guide to ten of the most popular kinds of massage therapy. This will help you ascertain which style is for you.

1. Swedish Massage Therapy

Here in the United States the most common kind of massage therapy is the Swedish massage or just massage therapy.

Smooth, long strokes, circular movements and kneading are used on the superficial muscle layers by the massage therapist using oil or massage lotion. This can be quite gentle as well as relaxing. This would certainly be a good option to try if you have never had a massage.

2. Aromatherapy Massage

This is a type of massage therapy where the therapist uses one or more essential oils or plant oils to address specific needs.

Oils are selected by massage therapists which are energizing, balancing, relaxing, stress-reducing, etc. A very common essential oil that is used is lavender.

3. Hot Stone Massage

This is where smooth, heated stones are put on specific points on one’s body in order to loosen and warm tight muscles as well as balance energy centers in your body. Gentle pressure may also be applied with the stones by the massage. The warmth is very soothing and comforting. This type of massage is great for those who have muscle tension but are looking for a lighter type of massage.

4. Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage targets layers of muscles that are deeper under the skin as well as connective tissue. Friction techniques or slower strokes are used across the grain of one’s muscle. After a deep tissue massage one may experience soreness for a day or two after.

5. Shiatsu

This type of bodywork that is Japanese which makes use of finger pressure on local areas in a kind of rhythmic sequence used on acupuncture meridians. In order to improve the energy’s flow, each point must be held for at least 2 - 8 seconds. This will help your body regain balance.

6. Thai Massage

This is much like shiatsu only this type of massage aligns the body’s energies by using gentle pressure on certain points. It also includes stretches and compressions.

Don’t think you just lie there! The therapist stretches and moves you into specific sequences of postures. It is much like yoga except you don’t have to do any work.

7. Pregnancy Massage

This type of massage is also known as prenatal massage. It is becoming more and more popular with pregnant mothers.

This type of massage is used to decrease swelling, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce stress and relieve aches and pains. Pregnancy massage is customized to the womam’s particular needs.

8. Reflexology

You will often hear this called foot massage, but it is much more than that. This type of massage involves applying pressure to specific points on a person’s foot that correspond to organs as well as systems in the body. It is very relaxing especially to people who must be on their feet each and every day..

9. Sports Massage

This type of massage is especially designed for those who are involved in some kind of physical activity. It is not necessary that you are a professional to have a sports massage. This type of massage is also used by people who work out often and are very active.

10. Back Massage

Thirty-minute back massages are offered by some spas and clinics. If you do not see that a back massage is advertised you can always make an appointment for a 30 or 40 minute massage and ask the therapist to focus specifically on your back.

These are only ten of the most popular massage types. There are many more. You can easily learn more about massage types by visiting your local library or getting on the Information Highway.