10 Most Common Types of Massage: A Comprehensive Guide

Massage therapy is a popular form of treatment that uses rubbing and kneading areas of the body to release trigger points or stimulate blood flow. Here are 10 most common types of massages you're likely to encounter - aromatherapy, Swedish, deep tissue, trigger poi

10 Most Common Types of Massage: A Comprehensive Guide

Massage therapy is a popular form of treatment that uses rubbing and kneading areas of the body to release trigger points or stimulate blood flow. It is usually done with the hands, but sometimes tools are used. When you decide to book a massage, you likely have a variety of options to choose from, which can be overwhelming. Here are the 10 most common types of massages you're likely to encounter.

Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy with the addition of one or more perfumed vegetable oils called essential oils to meet specific needs. A Swedish massage should be at the top of your list if you're looking for a way to relax or if you want to experience your first treatment. It is a good choice for people looking to relieve muscle tension and pain. A deep tissue massage uses more pressure than other types of massage.

During a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist exerts deep finger pressure to release muscle tension, knots and trigger points. Trigger point massage combines aspects of acupressure used in acupuncture and deep tissue massage. Trigger point massages focus on specific pressure points in the body to help release muscles and blood flow through the body. Shiatsu massage can help relieve pain, muscle pain and anxiety.

This type of massage may be best for people who want to feel more relaxed, relieve stress and reduce muscle tension. An aromatherapy massage is best for people who want an extra mental health boost to their massage. This form of massage uses essential oils in conjunction with Swedish massage techniques. Hot stone massage often includes the techniques used in a Swedish massage with the addition of hot stones.

The stones can be used as tools to complete the massage or can simply be placed at pressure points to help relax the muscles. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam laminate” by Men's Health and is ideal for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle. Reiki means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign” and comes from the Japanese words “rei” (meaning universal) and “ki” (meaning vital energy). Thai massage has been used since BE 2556, and for good reason.

A classic Thai massage is an ancient practice that combines Indian Ayurvedic principles, acupressure, and some assisted yoga poses to relieve painful muscle tensions. The next time you book a massage, you'll have a good idea of what to expect, so you'll know exactly what you're looking for. Therapists who specialize in certain areas, such as prenatal massage, sports massage, or deep tissue massage, may cost more. The daily stress in our lives can manifest itself in our minds and muscles. It can cause our muscles to feel tense and this can restrict the flexibility and range of motion of the muscles.

Therapeutic massage is designed to help our minds and muscles fully relax. Massage therapy has been scientifically proven to promote emotional and physical calm, reduce tension or suffer from anxiety, improve mental well-being and helps people manage long-term health conditions, treat painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), improve hair loss in 69% of participants, and even reduce anxiety scores in people who had generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, some public health requirements in public settings are changing. Changes such as stopping having to present proof of vaccination to have dinner at a restaurant or stopping having to wear a mask when we go shopping.

Meagan Furgerson
Meagan Furgerson

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