7 Types of Massage Therapy and Their Benefits

Massage therapy is a great way to relax & reduce stress while improving overall health & wellness! Learn about 7 types & their benefits!

7 Types of Massage Therapy and Their Benefits

Massage therapy is a great way to relax, reduce stress, and improve your overall health. There are many different types of massage therapy, each with its own unique benefits. Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress. 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.

A sports massage is ideal for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle. Shiatsu massage dates back to ancient Japan and means “finger pressure”. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam laminate” by Men's Health. Reflexology, also known as “zone therapy”, involves applying different levels of pressure to the hands, feet and ears.

Aromatherapy massage uses plant essential oils to improve physical and mental well-being. Thai massage is different from other techniques in that the patient lies on the floor and is actively involved. Trigger point massage aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep in the depths of. Thai massage is best for those who want a more active form of massage and are looking to reduce and relieve pain and stress. A study conducted by the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Emory University investigated the effects of Swedish massage on people who had generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but were not receiving medical treatment.

The Swedish massage group reported that anxiety scores were significantly reduced, making it an effective treatment for the condition. A sports massage is perfect for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle. Shiatsu massage dates back centuries to ancient Japan and means “finger pressure”. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam laminate” by Men's Health magazine. Reflexology, also known as “zone therapy”, involves applying different levels of pressure to the hands, feet and ears.

If you're suffering from pain and discomfort associated with a medical condition, reflexology may be helpful. Researchers have reviewed 17 studies that analyze the psychological benefits of reflexology and have concluded that it improves mental well-being and helps people manage long-term health conditions. A study found that Thai massage can lower the levels of the stress marker present in our saliva. Massage has always been a great way to get your blood pumping. Thai massage, in particular, works wonders with its yoga-like stretches that fill the body's tissues with oxygen.

A study involving 58 cancer patients looked at how participants felt before and after an aroma massage. Another way to treat trigger points is through ancient Chinese acupressure therapy, a combination of acupuncture and reflexology. Other research which tracked 340 participants suffering from alopecia revealed that twice-daily scalp massages improved hair loss in 69% of participants. If you're feeling stressed and exhausted, you might want to consider a shiatsu massage. The technique has been scientifically proven to promote emotional and physical calm. Whether it's your first massage or number 50, you may not know the many types of massages that exist.

There are a variety of types of massage therapy that have incredible mental and physical health benefits (usually under the title of therapeutic massage), while fulfilling different functions. Today, we'll explore seven of the most common types of massages and the differences between them. After reading, not only will you be more informed about the benefits of massage and choose the best massage for you, but you will be one step closer to relaxation. Swedish massage is the most common type of massage. Known for its soft, long kneading strokes combined with shorter, more rhythmic strokes, this type of massage uses light to moderate pressure to adapt to your comfort level. Swedish massage therapy includes five different types of strokes. Deep tissue massage pays attention to painful problem points on the body.

It focuses on muscle nodes (areas of tension within the muscle fiber) and problem areas in deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. Massage therapists will use slow, firm, and more intense or frictional movements to help relieve pain caused by repetitive tension, postural problems, injuries, and tight or painful muscles. Deep tissue massage should never hurt, even if the blows are more intense. Hot stone massages include hot stones (usually a volcanic rock called basalt that retains heat) that are placed on different parts of the body. The stones can be left in place or used as massage tools by a massage therapist. This heat on the muscles of the body has a relaxing and healing effect and increases blood flow to the area, in addition to relaxing the muscles.

Hot stone massage can be used to treat muscle injuries by reducing stiffness and discomfort. Sports massages manipulate the soft tissues of the body and focus on certain muscle groups that depend on the athlete's sport. Usually used for people who play sports or exercise regularly, sports massage helps prevent and treat injuries, reduce muscle pain, correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility and improve sports performance. Sports massage involves faster movements than Swedish massage and may include other massage techniques such as compression, pressure point therapy, friction and joint mobilization. Probably the most popular of the massages on our list, Swedish massage is based on a variety of techniques: effleurage, percussion and kneading, among others, to relieve tension, improve blood circulation and improve mood. Plus, you don't have to worry about too much discomfort during the process as Swedish massage is one of the gentlest types available. The doctor will also use oil on the skin to prevent any surface irritation due to friction. This moderate-pressure massage therapy combines Swedish massage techniques with the use of hot volcanic stones to improve blood circulation and relieve pain. Depending on the practitioner this massage may include hot and cold stones; The latter being used to reduce inflammation and soothe skin; However don't worry; The temperature of stones is never high enough to cause pain or damage skin. Like deep tissue massage trigger point therapy aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep in depths; However while deep tissue is ideal for tension spread over large area trigger point better for pain radiates from very specific point (or points).Massages are one of life's simple but sometimes confusing pleasures; With so many types available it can be difficult decide which one right for you; Fortunately there are seven main types each offering unique benefits; From Swedish relaxation hot stone injury treatment sports performance aromatherapy shiatsu trigger point therapy there something everyone; So next time you're looking get away from it all consider one these seven types massages reap rewards!.

Meagan Furgerson
Meagan Furgerson

Passionate social media aficionado. Hipster-friendly zombie maven. Friendly music maven. Incurable pop culture fanatic. Professional travel evangelist.