Massages have become popular in recent years because many more people now realize their health benefits. They are great at relieving stress, improving your mood, improving circulation, and relieving pain. Many people do not realize that there are many types of massages, all with different benefits and suited to different situations. Read on to learn more about the different types of massage to see which one would be right for you.
The Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most well-known massage and is the one most people think about when they think of massages. It is a gentle massage that uses long strokes, gliding, kneading, and light to firm pressure depending on your preferences. The masseuse might also use deep circular motions, passive joint manipulation, vibrations, and tapping to give you even more benefits.
It is excellent for people who want stress and tension release, are new to getting massages, or desire a gentle touch. The Swedish massage is also great for releasing muscle knots and is recommended for those who want to relax fully during a session.
If you are unsure about which massage to get, start with the Swedish massage. You can schedule a session with the massage therapists at karmaholywood.co.uk, where you can also schedule appointments for other beauty treatments.
Deep Tissue Massage
If you want types of massage similar to the Swedish but want more pressure, go with a deep tissue massage. The deep tissue massage is excellent for releasing toxins and for those with tightness, imbalance, chronic muscle pain, soreness, and injury.
During this massage, the therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes with deep finger and hand pressure to reach deeper muscles and connective tissues. The result is muscle tension and pain relief.
If you like light to medium pressure, a deep tissue massage may feel too intense for you. In such a case, try a Swedish massage first to see how you like it.
Aromatherapy Massage
If you love essential oils, you will love aromatherapy massages. These massages have an emotional healing component, so they are also suited for people going through a difficult period. The massage therapist will use an essential oil diffuser to fill the space with the essential oil and use it on their hands during the massage to ensure your skin absorbs it.
These types of massages help:
- Relieve pain
- Relax muscle tension
- Reduce stress and depression
- Reduce anxiety
- Boost an individual’s mood
In addition to the essential oils, the massage also uses soft and gentle pressure. The massage therapist can pick the essential oils to use during the session, but you can also let them know if you prefer a specific essential oil or scent. You should tell them if you are allergic to any essential oils or the ingredients included in other oils they may use during the session.
In almost all cases, aromatherapy massages are full-body massages. However, it is not uncommon for the therapist to focus on problem areas such as the shoulders, neck, and back.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is a gentle massage meant to help ease physical and mental tension. It is very similar to a Swedish massage, but there is an important distinction; the therapist uses hot stones alongside or in place of their hands during the massage. These stones are made of volcanic rock and are excellent at promoting blood flow.
A hot stone massage helps alleviate pain, relieve stress, promote relaxation, and relieve muscle tension. The therapist will place the heated stones on specific parts of the body as they massage other parts using Swedish massage techniques.
The stones are usually placed along the spine and on the stomach, palms, face, and feet. The massage therapist may use cold stones to soothe the skin toward the end of the session.
Sports Massage
Unfortunately, repetitive injuries are very common in sports. That said, you can get repetitive injuries doing other things like working in construction. These massages target specific muscles that have suffered repetitive injuries due to repetitive use, multiple injuries, and other reasons. The massage uses deep pressure and long, soothing strokes around the target muscle. However, you can also receive a full-body sports massage if you have multiple muscles that you would like targeted.
Sports massages help reduce tension, anxiety, and pain. These types of massage also help improve athletic performance and increase flexibility.
Shiatsu Massage
The Shiatsu massage originated in ancient Japan and has been around for centuries. It uses the fingertips, and the aim is to unblock passages of natural energy or Qi. Apart from the fingertips, the therapist might also use their elbows and knuckles to target specific areas to restore energy, improve circulation and loosen muscles.
The Shiatsu massage has been shown to affect numerous parts of the body and body systems, including the nervous and digestive systems, and to help with issues such as headaches and insomnia.
Trigger Point Massage
A trigger point massage is similar in many ways to a shiatsu massage. However, it is best suited for those with specific issues or conditions, chronic pain, or injuries. In some cases, trigger points (areas of tight muscle tissues) can cause pain in different parts of the body. A trigger point massage can eliminate pain and help with issues such as muscle tightness by relieving these trigger points.
These massages use targeted pressure that can vary in intensity depending on the tightness and depth of the tight muscles. The massage therapist can also alternate between light, medium, and a lot of pressure depending on the issue they want to sort out. A therapist can do a full-body trigger point massage, but these massages often focus on specific areas.
Massages have many benefits which vary slightly depending on the types of massage you get. Depending on your preferences and the benefits you would like to see, there are multiple types of massage, all with their nuances. Because there are so many options, it is relatively easy to find the one that will provide you with the exact benefits you are looking for.