What Constitutes Massage?
Massage is an umbrella term referring to rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body in order to alleviate pain, aid healing, and reduce stress. Massage therapists are trained in different types of massage and use motion ranging from gentle stroking to techniques that require more pressure.
Common Types of Massage
Of the 160 different types of massage therapy that have developed over various regions of the world, there are only a few that have become popular worldwide.
• Swedish massage. This type of massage is by far the most popular among Western cultures. Performed on a table usually with aromatherapy oil, Swedish massage is known for its relaxation effects. Other benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation and improved muscle conditioning. It is also recommended for improving skin conditions.
• Sports massage. Contrary to its name, sports massage is not solely for the athlete. Anybody who has muscle pain or certain other injuries can benefit from a sports massage. In sports massage, the focus is usually only on the injured area as opposed to the whole body. Athletes use sports massage before a sporting event to prepare their muscles performance, as well as post-event to help their muscles recover.
• Deep tissue massage. This type of massage targets the underlying muscle tissue. It is usually performed slowly with more intense pressure using the massage therapist’s knuckles, elbows, and forearms. Deep tissue massage is recommended for conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, muscle tension and spasms, and recovery from certain injuries.
• Hot stone massage. Valued as a luxury massage, hot stone massage consists of the use of smooth, flat stones that have been heated. The therapist employs these stones to work key points on the body, resulting in relaxation of the muscles and improved circulation, as well as the quieting the nervous system.
Massage is generally used in conjunction with other modalities to improve health and. among the many benefits of massage are better control over blood pressure, more efficient management of anxiety and depression, and stress relief.
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