Types of Massage Services
Besides hot stone massage, there are many different types of massage therapy services. To give you a brief overview of some of the more popular methods, we have compiled the following list:
Acupressure Massage
Also called Shiatsu in Japan, comes from the ancient Chinese technique of applying pressure along the body’s meridians, much like Acupuncture but without the use of needles. Acupressure massage is designed to restore the natural flow of energy or qi (chi) throughout the body.
Aromatherapy Massage
This type of massage usually combines the use of Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massage with the addition of scented oils. These oils, known as essential oils release their scent into the room and, depending on the particular oil, enhance relaxation or increase energy or address a variety of other areas.
Chair Massage
Increasingly popular, chair massage services are available in airports, shopping malls and within the offices of many major employers. Usually only lasting 10 to 15 minutes and done fully clothed, the chair massage is usually designed to focus on tension in the back, neck, shoulders and arms.
Deep Tissue Massage
When more than relaxation is needed, deep tissue massage is used to target chronic muscle tension or injury. The massage therapist uses deep pressure and works against the grain of the muscle. This can often be uncomfortable or painful and may result in some residual soreness for a few days.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal or pregnancy massage has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years as women look for ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, discomfort and swelling during pregnancy. There are different schools of thought on pregnancy massage so be sure to consult your physician in advance and search out a certified pregnancy massage therapist.
Reflexology
Sometimes mistakenly referred to as a foot massage, reflexologists massage or apply pressure to areas of the feet and hands that they believe correspond to other parts of the body. For instance, the bottom center of the big toe corresponds to the pituitary gland while the practitioner would focus on the heel area to address lower back issues.
Sport Massage
Working with amateur and professional athletes is big business and sports massage targets those with injuries resulting from physical activity as well as loosening muscles and increasing flexibility to prevent injury.
Swedish Massage
The most requested form of massage is the Swedish massage. Using combinations of five basic long, smooth strokes — sliding, kneading, rythmic tapping, friction and vibration or shaking — the massage therapist focuses on the superficial layers of muscle and soft tissue.
This is only a partial list of the some of the more popular modalities. It is always advisable to do your own research to determine the type of massage therapy service that is the best fit for you.
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Tagged With Acupressure, Aromatherapy Massage, chair massage, deep tissue massage, essential oils, hot stone massage, massage therapist, pregnancy, pregnancy massage, Prenatal massage, qi, reflexology, relaxation, sport massage, stress, Swedish massage
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2 Responses to “Types of Massage Services”
[…] attribute the rise in popularity of the various massage services that are now being offered to the increasing level of stress found in today’s world. While […]
Among the above I feel Swedish massage best suits for everyone. And thanks for providing the different massage styles and intro about it.