When you visit a massage parlor thinking you will just have to change your clothes and lie down on the massage table to receive a massage, then you are wrong. There are different kinds of massage therapies that you will have to choose from, so be ready to be overwhelmed. In today’s blog, we have compiled a list of the most popular styles of therapeutic massage, so make sure to look at the below-mentioned list before deciding which massage therapy to opt for.
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the core for many western styles of massages, including deep tissue massage, sports massage, and aromatherapy massage. The massage gets its name from the Swedish person who invented this technique in the 1800s.
In this massage type, the masseuse uncovers only those parts of the body that he/she wants to work on, and this technique is called ‘Draping’. Many massage therapists recommend clients to undress completely to enjoy the massage to the fullest, but some modest masseuses feel more comfortable if clients keep their underwear on.
The massage therapists use different massage oils and lotions to provide smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. There are other moves as well, which include stretching, kneading, tapping, and friction.
In this massage type, the masseuse uncovers only those parts of the body that he/she wants to work on, and this technique is called ‘Draping’. Many massage therapists recommend clients to undress completely to enjoy the massage to the fullest, but some modest masseuses feel more comfortable if clients keep their underwear on.
The massage therapists use different massage oils and lotions to provide smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. There are other moves as well, which include stretching, kneading, tapping, and friction.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
This particular massage technique uses Swedish massage to penetrate deep into muscle fibers along with postural muscles present deep under other muscles. This type of therapy is a lot more than just putting pressure on certain body parts.
Deep tissue massage makes use of the same methodologies as other massage techniques. The main difference is in the execution: its pace is much slower to encourage penetration through the muscle layers. Likewise, the force of the maneuvers is progressive to warm up the muscles to avoid spasms. The therapist will likely use various contact surfaces or joints to bring relief from pain and stiffness in muscles.
Deep tissue massage makes use of the same methodologies as other massage techniques. The main difference is in the execution: its pace is much slower to encourage penetration through the muscle layers. Likewise, the force of the maneuvers is progressive to warm up the muscles to avoid spasms. The therapist will likely use various contact surfaces or joints to bring relief from pain and stiffness in muscles.
3. Sports Massage
Invigorating and/or relaxing, sports massage varies according to the needs of the person coming for a massage. The particularity of this massage? We do not massage the stomach or the scalp. We mainly target the back, arms, legs, and feet. In short, the muscles work the most to relieve them.
Contrary to what one might think, this treatment is not reserved for competitors. Whether you are athletic or not, it is always excellent to free muscles, promote lymphatic circulation, and restart blood circulation. As for the contraindications, they are the same as for any massage. This massage is not recommended if the person is injured because it can further harm the injured body parts.
Contrary to what one might think, this treatment is not reserved for competitors. Whether you are athletic or not, it is always excellent to free muscles, promote lymphatic circulation, and restart blood circulation. As for the contraindications, they are the same as for any massage. This massage is not recommended if the person is injured because it can further harm the injured body parts.
4. Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian massage or Lomi-Lomi is an ancestral practice where touch is essential to achieve deep relaxation and rebalance the mind and body. Unlike other relaxing massages (like the Californian one), this treatment which comes from Hawaii is carried out mainly with the help of the forearms and with more ample movements. The practitioner also uses a soothing oil (composed of essential oils or Monoi) to massage smoothly.
Hawaiian massage is a treatment allowing deep relaxation. The muscles are relaxed for a few days. If it is not supposed to be invigorating (compared for example to shiatsu), it would be reductive to consider it as a simple aesthetic treatment because its benefits on the mind and the body are real. And this, thanks to the circulation of energies. Originally, it was practiced to harmonize old energies and evacuate stress and annoyances. In short, the goal is to bring inner and outer peace to the person being massaged.
Hawaiian massage is a treatment allowing deep relaxation. The muscles are relaxed for a few days. If it is not supposed to be invigorating (compared for example to shiatsu), it would be reductive to consider it as a simple aesthetic treatment because its benefits on the mind and the body are real. And this, thanks to the circulation of energies. Originally, it was practiced to harmonize old energies and evacuate stress and annoyances. In short, the goal is to bring inner and outer peace to the person being massaged.
5. Shiatsu Massage
It is a traditional energy discipline of Japanese origin. It consists of stretching, pressing on certain points to facilitate the free flow of energy.
Shiatsu is a form of manipulation exerted with the thumbs, fingers, and palms, instead of using any instrument. This technique involves applying pressure to the epidermis, which helps correct internal dysfunctions, improve and preserve health and treat specific diseases.
Being practiced on a person dressed in flexible clothes, Shiatsu cannot be considered as a massage. It is a method of relaxation and well-being.
The practitioner applies pressure with the fingers and more particularly with the thumbs. These pressures are applied to specific areas or paths along the acupuncture meridians. Also, stretching promotes better circulation of energy.
Shiatsu is a form of manipulation exerted with the thumbs, fingers, and palms, instead of using any instrument. This technique involves applying pressure to the epidermis, which helps correct internal dysfunctions, improve and preserve health and treat specific diseases.
Being practiced on a person dressed in flexible clothes, Shiatsu cannot be considered as a massage. It is a method of relaxation and well-being.
The practitioner applies pressure with the fingers and more particularly with the thumbs. These pressures are applied to specific areas or paths along the acupuncture meridians. Also, stretching promotes better circulation of energy.
6. Thai Massage
Thai massage is a massage therapy technique that aims at complete relaxation of the body by vanquishing all kinds of anxieties and igniting positive energy in the body. There are several benefits of receiving Thai massage such as sound sleep, better digestion, and better health and well-being.
Thai massage is not new: this therapy was born 2,500 years ago in India, and not in Thailand! It would be the Buddha's physicist, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who would have developed this technique of relaxation and care which conquered Thailand shortly after. Today, Wat Phra Chetuphan temple in Bangkok, Thailand is considered to be the true birthplace of this Thai alternative medicine.
Thai massage is about expanding the muscles to release tension and muscle and mind! It is a passive moment for the client who just has to relax, but it is very physical for the masseur. It is made up of strong pressure - this is called acupressure: it's like acupuncture, but without the needles - and very delicate gestures that only touch the skin
Thai massage is not new: this therapy was born 2,500 years ago in India, and not in Thailand! It would be the Buddha's physicist, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who would have developed this technique of relaxation and care which conquered Thailand shortly after. Today, Wat Phra Chetuphan temple in Bangkok, Thailand is considered to be the true birthplace of this Thai alternative medicine.
Thai massage is about expanding the muscles to release tension and muscle and mind! It is a passive moment for the client who just has to relax, but it is very physical for the masseur. It is made up of strong pressure - this is called acupressure: it's like acupuncture, but without the needles - and very delicate gestures that only touch the skin