Our body is good at letting us know when it needs a massage-if only it could also inform us what kind of massage it would most benefit from. If you are going for a massage first time or have attempted past your normal Swedish session, it might be difficult to navigate all the different types of massage. Fortunately, we are here to help you out with the popular types of body massage, types of massage therapy specialties, massage benefits, etc. However, before that, we must know what a massage is.
What is a massage?
There are different kinds of massage that focus on various parts of the body and healing approaches. It is defined as the practice of rubbing and kneading the body utilizing the hands. During a massage, a massage therapist will apply strong or gentle pressure to the joints and muscles of the body to ease tension and pain. Read on to learn about the various types of massage and their benefits.
Popular Types of Body Massage
- Swedish Massage
This relaxation-focused massage is what most people think of first when they think about “Massage. “It is a gentle kind of full-body massage that is perfect for people who are new to a massage, have a lot of tension, are sensitive to touches. This massage helps in releasing muscle knots, and it is a great choice for people who want to relax during a massage. For this massage type, you need to remove your clothes, though you may keep your underwear on. A therapist will cover you with a sheet and make you lie down on a massage table. The massage therapist will remove the sheet to uncover areas where they will be working on actively. Generally, a Swedish massage lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. Some of the massage techniques that a therapist uses in Swedish massage includes:
- Kneading
- Circular motions
- Long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart
- Passive joint movement techniques
- Tapping and vibration
Besides relaxing the muscles and reducing superficial tension, this massage also helps in improving blood circulation throughout the body.
2. Deep tissue massage
As the name indicates, deep tissue massage focuses on relieving tension in the deep layers of fascia and muscle tissue. As such, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure compared to a Swedish massage. It is a great option if you gave chronic muscle issues, like injury, soreness, and imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, anxiety, and chronic muscle pain.
During a deep tissue massage, your therapist will use slow stroked along with deep finger pressure to relieve muscle tension from the deepest layers of muscles and connective tissues. A deep tissue massage lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes. While a deep tissue massage may be more intense, you must not feel any soreness or pain. People who suffer from pains and chronic aches or want to experience more pressure than the Classic Swedish massage can opt for this massage. One of the important benefits of deep-tissue massage is it relaxes chronic tension and helps in improving the range of motion.
3. Hot stone massage
A hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who want to relax. This kind of therapeutic massage is as same as Swedish massage. In this massage type, the therapist uses heated stones instead of their hands. It eases muscle tension, enhances the blood flow, and relieves pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage helps in easing muscle tension, improves blood flow, promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and relieves stress.
During a hot massage, heated stones are kept on various areas around your body. Your massage therapist may hold a stone as they massage various parts of the body using Swedish massage methods using gentle pressure. Sometimes, in this type of massage, cold stones are also utilized. Besides assisting in relieving tense areas, the heat from the stones can help in improving the blood flow.
4. Sports massage
Sports massage is a great option if you suffer from a repetitive injury to the muscles, like the one you may get from playing a sport. It is a great option if you are prone to injuries as it can be used to help avoid sports injuries. You may also opt for a sports massage to increase performance and flexibility. In addition, sports massage can be used to relieve anxiety, muscle tension, and anxiety.
A sports massage can be done in the form of a full-body massage or you can focus on certain parts of the body that need the most care. Deep pressure may be swapped with soothing strokes based on your requirements. You can have a sports massage while naked or clothed. If you prefer to wear clothes, ensure it is loose, thin, and allows the therapist to access your muscles. You can enjoy this massage wearing loose shorts with a tank top. This massage continues for about 60 to 90 minutes.
5. Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massages are right for people who want to add an emotional healing component to their massage. This massage helps in improving your mood, reduces anxiety and stress, reduces symptoms of depression, relieves pain, and muscle tension. This massage includes massaging with essential oils. Your therapist will decide which essential oil to use, but you can always tell your preference. In this massage, diluted essential oils are used.
During this massage, you will get a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils using a diffuser and absorbing them through the skin. There are times when an aromatherapy massage will only focus on some parts including shoulders, back, and head. This massage also continues for about 60 to 90 minutes.
6. Shiatsu Massage
It is a Japanese style of massage with its root in Chinese medicine. This massage focuses on eliminating blockages that help in keeping the energy flowing. Therapists use several techniques, often employing their knees, feet, and elbows as they relieve tension from joints, back, and limbs. This is one of the popular types of massage to release stress as it promotes blood circulation and production of oxytocin. If you want to relax and de-stress yourself, then this is the best massage. Or, you are curious about the Eastern kind of massage and require a good introduction, then go for this.
7. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massage is suitable for people suffering from chronic pain, any specific health issue, or injuries. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle, known as the trigger points, can cause severe pain in other body parts that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothes while undergoing a massage or you can be partially undressed too.
The type of massage movements included in this massage includes wide, flowing strokes that are relaxing blended with deep and strong pressure. The massage works on your whole body, though your therapist will focus on certain areas of your body that must be released. In this massage, you can be partially undressed or wear lightweight clothes.
- Thai massage- This is one of the popular types of massage for people who want an active form of massage and want to relieve stress and pain. It can improve circulation, flexibility, and energy level. Thai massage works on the entire body using a sequence of massage movements that are as same as yogic stretching. A therapist uses palms and fingers to apply pressure on your body. You can wear comfortable and loose clothes during the massage.
- Prenatal massage- Prenatal massage is safe for pregnant women. It helps to reduce pregnancy body pain, stress, and eases muscle tension. You can get this body massage at any phase of your pregnancy. Prenatal massage uses mild pressure, just like a Swedish massage. In this type of massage, the therapist focuses on specific areas like legs, lower back, and hips. During this massage, your therapist will make you lie either on your sire or on a table with a cutout on which you can place your belly. If you have had pain in your calves or any other parts of the leg, consult a doctor before going for a massage.
Massage may be a method for you to feel better mentally, physically, or emotionally. Experiment with these popular types of body massage to find which among the popular types of body massage is apt for you.