Getting a massage is both a relaxing and a magical experience. It relieves you from your daily stress, maintains your blood pressure and has other numerous benefits.
However, choices of massage techniques are vast. Whenever you visit a spa, the massage menu they offer can be overwhelming when you don’t know which is the one that you need right now.
It doesn’t just depend upon the light or deep massage but also depends on your current body condition and the focus areas which varies from person to person.
In this article, I’ll help you choose the massage technique that fits your needs.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is the most common therapeutic massage therapy in the US. It is a whole-body massage technique that helps relax the muscle tissues.
It releases toxins, reduces soreness and tension from the muscles. It is usually done by hands where pressure is applied to the muscles against the deeper muscles and bones. This promotes the proper flow of oxygen into the muscle tissues giving you a relaxing experience.
It is highly recommended if you are getting massage for the first time.
2. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu is the legendary massage technique first introduced in Japan. It is one of the most popular massage techniques in Japan.
It is a finger pressure technique which is often done through the clothes. It is a complete health care system and achieves lower levels of stress and healing using your body’s own resources.
It is best recommended for you if you want to improve your body’s immunity and energy as a whole.
3. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue technique is both corrective and therapeutic form of massage which focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissues.
It is usually performed using an elbow or forearm. It is effective in releasing the patterns of tension in a specific area of your body through slow and calculated strokes. The movements follow across the muscle fibers exerting more pressure into them relieving you from the cyclic pattern of tension.
It is advisable if you suffer from repetitive strain and also while recovering from an injury.
4. Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage is a therapeutic massage that uses heated cobblestones for a deep relaxation.
The stones are preheated to about 120 degrees and are glided over or placed at different specific regions of your body. The heat from the stone penetrates into your muscle tissues relieving the stress and tension. It goes on to calm your nervous system and promotes the circulation of blood in your body.
It is best for you when you have sore muscles and don’t want a deeper massage.
5. Reflexology
Reflexology is yet another alternative massage therapy technique besides Shiatsu. It is applied to your feet and in some cases, to your hands.
It works in the zone lines that goes from your toes all the way up your head. The pressure applied on this zone line will act on any parts residing in that zone line to your head. Many prefer the combination of reflexology and shiatsu for a whole body healing process.
Like Shiatsu, it is recommended if you want to target your body as a whole for a better healing process.
Conclusion
Each massage technique offers a unique, yet utterly satisfying experience to a human body and mind.
In the end, whatever massage technique you choose, it is important that you choose a skilled massage therapist. A bad therapist can ruin your massaging experience leaving you in greater pain.
Also, if you feel you don’t have enough time to go to a spa, you can get a personal massage chair. Best massage chairs offer all the techniques described above tuned to your personal preference. And, you can enjoy the massage at the comfort of your room at any time. It might also turn out to be a great investment for the future.
References
- https://www.massager.org/
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-104032/Why-massage-good-health.html
