Massage Styles and Benefits

Massage therapy has been practiced and used since ancient times. In fact, it has been used in Egypt and China in 3000 B.C. for correcting the body's energy flow to cure illnesses. To ensure good health, it was combined with proper diet and exercise.

Even though thousands of years have passed, it is still widely used for relaxation and health purposes. Experts have also added various styles and techniques to the list. At present, there are 80 massage styles practiced and applied as an alternative medicine. However, it is essential to choose the right massage to properly address the illness and leave the body renewed. Below are the top five massage styles and the benefits they provide.

Swedish Massage

This is the most popular massage in the U.S. This style involves friction, hacking, kneading, tapping and vibration techniques combined with long, smooth strokes. This is suitable for relieving pain due to muscle tension. The massage helps improve blood circulation removing lactic acid and other wastes from the body. This is perfect for people experiencing back pain, inflammatory conditions, respiratory problems and strain injury.

Thai Massage

Compared to other massages, this type is quite different because a customer does not only lie down. A massage therapist needs to use his or her full body strength to move the customer's body in different positions. It also includes techniques such as acupressure, compression and mobilization. This type of massage does not only reduce stress. It also centers mind and body, develops blood circulation, improves flexibility and increases energy.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is known as Japanese bodywork and is considered a finger pressure massage. Therapists use their fingers, elbows, palms and thumbs to apply enough pressure. The pressure technique it uses helps unblock energy allowing the proper flow of chi in the body. In addition, therapists can also use other techniques such as rubbing, squeezing and tapping to ensure the muscles are massaged properly. This type of massage promotes blood circulation, flexibility and muscle relaxation. This is good for people experiencing anxiety, constipation, insomnia, headache, premenstrual syndrome and other body pains.

Hot Stone Therapy

This is a Swedish massage with a combination of smooth, heated stones. These hot stones are placed on certain points of the body. It can be placed in the palms, at the back or between the toes. The heat coming from the stones gives a calming and soothing effect good for the nervous system and blood circulation. This type of massage is suitable for people with arthritis, back pains, depression, insomnia and stress.

Pregnancy Massage

Obviously this type of massage is for pregnant women. During pregnancy, a woman's body experience changes. Undergoing this type of massage will help decrease swelling and reduce stress relieving pain. However, this is not recommended when a woman is in her first trimester. Always consult the doctor before undergoing any massage. But if the doctor gives permission, make sure to look for a certified pregnancy massage therapist.

These are only a few of the massage styles available. Before undergoing any of them, it is important to seek a doctor's advice. If the doctor gives a go signal, look for a licensed therapist to ensure safety, relaxation and overall wellness.