Massage therapy comes in many different guises. It is important to ascertain your particular requirements in order to choose the type of massage that will suit you . Here is a description of types of massage therapy to help you choose the best form of massage for your needs.
5 different massage modalities to choose from
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is characterized by long, flowing strokes. It is the most deeply relaxing type of massage. The pressure exerted by the therapist is medium, not deep. Extra attention may be paid to the back and neck or whatever part of the body needs it most. It is however, a full body massage as the flow of the sequence of movements plays an important part in this relaxing modality. Aromatherapy oils are frequently added to the carrier oil in order to enhance stress reduction.
2. Deep tissue massage
In deep tissue massage, the objective is primarily to release tight muscles. It is not often a relaxing massage. If your muscles are seized up or you are very tense, this is the appropriate style of massage for you. It is not recommended for your first massage ever unless you have specifically been recommended a deep tissue massage by your physician or chiropractor. You may, of course, decide that this style is your favorite as it can be very effective for people who hold a lot of tension in their muscles.
3. Ashiatsu massage
This type of massage is also called “barefoot massage” because the therapist does not wear shoes and balances from parallel bars on the ceiling in order to massage your body. Ashiatsu is an Asian modality and “ashi” mean foot and “atsu” means pressure. It feels like a luxurious deep pressure massage as the therapist is able to use her heels and arches to mould to the contours of the body. There are more than 1,700 certified U.S. graduates in Ashiatsu, so if this modality sounds intriguing, seek one out!
4. Hot stone massage
A Hot Stone massage uses smooth river stones which have been heated up to a comfortable temperature. Most therapists will use the stones in their hands to stroke the length of the limbs and contours of the neck. This is the recommended method of using the stones as it is possible to suffer burns if the stones are allowed to remain on parts of the body. Occasionally cold stones might also be used in conjunction with the hot stones. This is a wonderfully soothing and comforting massage technique, particularly in winter.
5. Variations on massage
There are more than 230 modalities that fall within the scope of body therapies. While not all of them are strictly massage, a lot of them work on the physical body with lighter or deeper degrees of pressure. Discuss all the possibilities with your practitioner and you may find a modality your therapist has studied that really suits your needs.
Do a little homework on the different types of massage available before you go in for your first massage. There is a type of massage for every problem and you are bound to find one that suits you.
Source
Salvo, Susan G. Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier, 2007. Print.
Alexandra Clark - Alexandra Clark has always been interested in alternative health and healing. She transferred from a career as a translator of Spanish and ...
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