It exists many types of massage, each with their own benefits for relieving stress, pain or improving general well-being. Massage is an ancient art with many variations depending on the country of origin. I explore some of the most popular ones, explaining the treatment and its individual benefits.
1- Swedish massage
Swedish massage is the most popular massage in the world, also known as “classic massage”, and it is the basis of most other types of Western massage. It involves using strong and gentle pressure to promote relaxation to treat specific areas of muscle tension. Use grease or lotion on bare skin. The therapist uses their hand, forearm or elbow to manipulate the superficial layer of the muscle. Swedish massage increases the oxygen level in the blood to remove lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes, thereby shortening the recovery time of muscle tension, thereby increasing the speed at which human cells eliminate waste.
The five basic movements of Swedish massage include:
- Effleurage (sliding or sliding)
- Kneading (kneading)
- Tapping (rhythmic tapping)
- Friction (crossed fibers)
- Vibrations and shaking
2 – Deep tissue massage
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Contrary to Swedish massage for relaxation, deep tissue massage focuses on specific issues, such as chronic pain. It can not only treat surface muscles, but also the connective tissues of the body. It is similar to Swedish massage, but with slower movements and greater pressure. Deep tissue massage helps cool and relax the muscles, thereby increasing blood flow, thereby increasing the flow of oxygen in the body. Deep tissue massage uses a long period of very slow fluid movement to promote muscle entry and exit. The goal of deep tissue massage is not to make you relax and be happy, but to help you to deal with specific physical and muscular problems to relieve pain and return to normal exercise.
3 – Sports massage
THE sports massage is designed for athletes, but for people who suffer from chronic pain, injuries or sports problems. It focuses on the prevention and healing of muscle and tendon injuries. The difference between sports massage and therapeutic massage is that it is a deep form of soft tissue massage that uses specific techniques to treat physically active people.
THE different types of massage include:
- Post-activity – to restore body tissues to a normal state, especially before training or sports exercise.
- Relief – During the training process, the athlete can train harder and minimize the risk of injury.
- Re-education – Rehabilitation aims to relieve pain caused by an injury. If you have specific sports support issues, sports massage is a good choice. It stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation to achieve optimal metabolic exchange.
- Recovery – After rigorous training, it can better recover the body, improve muscle performance and reduce pain and reduce the risk of injury.
4 – Indian head massage
THE indian head massage has become popular in Asia and has been shown to be effective in relieving stress, insomnia, headaches, migraines, tension and sinusitis. The West understands its benefits by using it as a quick stress relief program. As the name suggests, Indian head massage is a very relaxing treatment that focuses on massaging the head. The massage also includes a shoulder massage, arms, neck, scalp, face and ears. The treatment uses a series of different movements, including deep kneading movements and compression movements of the neck, shoulders and back. scalp. When performed while sitting upright in a chair, it can clear the mind by revitalizing and improving alertness and concentration, while improving mobility and flexibility of the neck and shoulder joints.
5 – Reflexology massage
Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is based on the concept that there are “reflex” zones on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands and other parts of the body. The theory behind it is that if pressure is applied to a specific reflex area, it will affect the organ it represents. This seated treatment involves using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to apply pressure to the “zone” area of the feet and hands without the use of oils or lotions. Reflexology can stimulate internal organs, boost blood circulation, and restore normal body function. Reflexology promotes healing by stimulating the feet, which increases the flow of life energy to different parts of the body and releases endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers).
6 – Hot stone massage
THE hot stone massage is a full-body treatment that uses smooth, water-heated stones placed along the sides of the spine (chakra center). The goal is to relax the muscles and quickly relieve tension. Different weights of stones are used for different stress levels. The massage with hot stones combines the proven benefits of Swedish massage with the use of deep heating and pressure provided by warm basalt rocks and soothing oils to relax muscles, allowing for deeper, more intense massages throughout the body. The stones are used as an effective massage tool for tissues and muscles with mild, medium or deep levels of stress, and can treat muscle aches, back pain, stress and other common illnesses. Benefits include restoring the body’s natural balance, deep muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation, and a feeling of comfort and warmth for the entire body.
7 – Shiatsu massage
THE Shiatsu massage is a traditional manual therapy originating from Japan and used to harmonize Qi in the body. Shiatsu works from body to mind throughout life. Shiatsu, also known as acupressure, is a type of acupressure that includes acupressure techniques (no needles are used). Hands, thumbs, elbows and knees can be used for deep, firm pressure exercises. Hold, rub, heat or stretch. Shiatsu massage is usually performed on floor mats or futons, it is a deeply relaxing experience that stimulates the body’s rehabilitation system and balances the body energetically and physically. Shiatsu massage is known to relieve stress-related symptoms (like headaches and general muscle tension) and improve mental and spiritual awareness.
8 – Neuromuscular massage
Neuromuscular massage therapy is a form of deep tissue massage that can relieve muscle pain by stimulating circulation in the nervous system. The theory behind neuromuscular massage is that when a muscle spasms, it is not in the entire muscle, but in the central area within the muscle. When blood flow to this area decreases, it can then flow to other areas of the muscle, causing pain. This treatment involves the use of static pressure focused on a specific area called a trigger point and does not involve a full body massage. By applying pressure to the trigger point for a few seconds, lactic acid buildup at the trigger point can be dispersed. By increasing blood flow and available oxygen to relax the muscles, lactic acid is released by the nervous system, releasing the cause of the pain. By repeatedly focusing pressure on the trigger point, muscle aches and pains can be eliminated.
9 – Pregnancy massage
Pregnancy massage is similar to Swedish massage, but the position is adjusted. It is used to relieve certain discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as leg swelling, muscle and joint pain or flexibility and reduced blood circulation. Massage usually involves using a special pillow to put the body in a position of maximum comfort while the mother lies on her side. Also called prenatal massage, this therapy can help relax, reduce stress and relieve tight back and leg muscles to correct posture and reduce back tension. THE massage during pregnancy can promote the circulatory system and lymphatic system, so that healthy blood circulates to mother and baby.
10 – Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massage uses highly concentrated plant oils (called essential oils), which are added to massage oils or lotions. This technology combines the natural healing properties of essential oils with the healing power of massage therapy. Aromatherapy massages are very effective in relaxing and restoring the mind, body and soul, and are often described as a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Essential oils are the most important part of aromatherapy massage and are selected based on their therapeutic effects, not just “therapeutic” scents that stimulate the nose and smell. These can be directly applied to the human body in the form of incense, oil dispersant or essential oil as required.
A full body massage with essential oils uses different movements directly linked to the desired effect, whether to relieve tension, restore energy, aid relaxation and pain relief or to promote a feeling of well-being. be general.
Originally posted 2019-08-27 14:20:33 .