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6 Popular Massage Techniques And Their Health Benefits

Introduction


Massage therapy has been in practice for centuries. In fact, it was in use in China and Egypt as far back as 3000 B.C. to cure illnesses and correct the body’s energy flow. And even though thousands of years may have passed, massage therapy is still widely practiced for health and relaxation purposes. Experts have also added various techniques and styles to the practice such that there are now over 80 massage styles that are used as some form of alternative medicine. It is, however, essential to choose the right type of massage in order to revive the body and properly address any illnesses that you may be suffering from. Below, therefore, we take a look at the top 6 massage therapies and the various benefits that they provide as follows:massage 1



1. Swedish Massage


Arguably the most common type of massage therapy, the Swedish massage consists of 5 different strokes i.e. pettrisage (kneading), effleurage (gliding or sliding), friction (rubbing), vibration (shaking), and tapotement (rhythmic tapping). It is aimed at relaxing muscles by applying pressure to them against bones and deeper-lying muscles, and generally rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood back to the heart. Its main purpose is to release toxins from the muscles whilst increasing oxygen flow in the blood.



Doctors and health practitioners highly recommend the Swedish massage due to its numerous medical benefits including:

  • Improving the lymphatic system which removes waste from the body thus resulting in less swellings following injury.

  • Improving joint health as circulation is enhanced whilst the therapist moves the muscles and surrounding joint areas which consequently increases the rate of toxin removal from the body. In fact, incorporating knowledge of massage therapy and arthritis greatly improves joint mobility.

  • Shortening recovery time from muscular strains by getting rid of uric acid, lactic acid, and other metabolic wastes from the tissues.

  • Stretching tendons and ligaments thereby keeping them pliable and supple.

  • Increasing circulation without additional pressure on the heart.

  • Stimulating the nervous system and skin whilst soothing your nerves.

  • Reducing stress, both physical and emotional. This, perhaps, explains why this therapy is often included in stress management programs.


2. Shiatsu Massage


Shiatsu is a Japanese term that means finger pressure hence a Shiatsu massage is some form of finger pressure therapy. Here, massage therapists use their fingers, palms, elbows, and thumbs to apply the right type of pressure in order to unblock chi (energy) and allow it to flow unhindered. Additionally, other techniques such as squeezing, rubbing, and tapping can also be used to ensure that the muscles are properly massaged. Shiatsu promotes muscle relaxation, flexibility and blood circulation with studies showing that it is especially beneficial for people who are experiencing constipation, anxiety, headache, insomnia, and premenstrual syndrome.


3. Deep Tissue Massage



A Deep tissue massages is stronger and goes deeper into muscle tissues than the Swedish massage. It entails applying firm pressure to the muscles using hands, knuckles, fingertips, forearms, and elbows and is usually what you are likely to encounter at your local chiropractic office. This massage therapy is, nonetheless, very therapeutic and some of its health benefits include:


It offers numerous health benefits and is forceful- A deep tissue massage does a better job at increasing mobility, alleviating pain, loosening muscles, and releasing tension- making it very popular with athletes.


Stimulates circulation to painful areas thereby relieving pain- Sufferers of osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, muscle cramping, carpal tunnel syndrome, and edema may experience significant pain relief from this treatment.


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Breaks up scar tissue- Deep massage therapy has also been established to break up scar tissue thus restoring normal movement to muscles.


4. Tantric Massage


A Tantric massage combines traditional massage methods with spiritual energy. The idea behind it is the awakening of the chakras- the body’s 7 energy centers that are located along the spine. Here, the massage therapist tries to align these centers so that they can release the energy that is stored within them, which in turn allows the blocked energy to flow and unravel throughout the recipient’s body. This energy flow begins at the spine’s base, rising throughout the rest of the body. It is little wonder that tantric massages are such a hit amongst couples.


5. Thai Massage


A Thai massage also includes stretches and compression but unlike regular massage, a therapist stretches and moves the recipient into a sequence of postures that can be compared to performing yoga without actually doing any work. Like the Shiatsu, the aim of a Thai massage is to align the body’s energies by using gentle pressure on specific points to increase flexibility, range of motion, and reduce stress. Many people report this massage therapy to be more energizing than most.massage 2


6. Hot stone therapy


A hot stone therapy is actually a Swedish massage in conjunction with smooth, heated stones. These warm/hot stones are placed on certain areas of the body, either inside palms, between toes, or on the back with the heat emanating from the stones providing a soothing and calming effect that is good for blood circulation and the nervous system. Hot stone massages are ideal for people experiencing stress, insomnia, depression, back pains, and arthritis.


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