Swedish massage is commonly used by the general population to reduce muscle tension. Deep tissue employs the use of pressure applied deep into areas that are experiencing pain or dysfunction. Dozens of massage therapy techniques are used today and understanding their differences will help you choose the most effective one for your needs. The most popular type of this therapy is Swedish massage.
Other common varieties include deep tissue, trigger point, sports massage, and cupping. Swedish massage is one of the best known and most widely practiced varieties. This method focuses on improving blood flow to the skin and muscles to relieve tension. Swedish massage therapy provides relaxation, improves blood circulation, reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.
These benefits are achieved by rubbing the muscles with long, gliding movements. Deep tissue and trigger point therapy uses slow friction and deep pressure on areas suffering from muscle tension. This method is useful for areas of hypertension, such as the neck or shoulders. Deep tissue therapy works excellently in combination with traditional techniques.
Those who are dealing with low back pain, injury recovery, limited mobility, posture problems, and fibromyalgia can benefit greatly from this service. Cupping therapy is an ancient type of medicine developed by the Chinese. A certified cupping therapist places the cups on the skin and creates suction to push the tissues into the cup. This practice helps with pain, blood flow, and inflammation, and improves overall well-being.
Cupping therapy is beneficial for people with orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, cellulite and more. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 25% of men and 21% of women in the U.S. UU. enjoyed a massage last year, and more than half of them motivated by health and well-being reasons.
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. If you are looking to reduce tension or suffer from anxiety, definitely opt for a Swedish massage. A study conducted by Emory University's Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program investigated the effects of Swedish massage on people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but who were not receiving medical treatment. The Swedish massage group reported a significant reduction in anxiety scores, and researchers say it may be an effective treatment for the condition.
A sports massage is, as expected, ideal for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle. Shiatsu massage dates back to ancient Japan and means “finger pressure”. The idea of energy flow, also known as' Ki 'or' Qi '(pronounced' chee '), is the underlying principle here. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam roll” by Men's Health.
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 health conditions in the long term. One study, involving 58 cancer patients, tracked how participants felt before and after a. In addition to sharing similar benefits with other forms of massage, such as relieving muscle tension and helping to promote better sleep, hot stone massage can treat painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The underlying belief of acupuncture is that a disease is the result of blocked or interrupted 'chi' (similar to the 'Ki' mentioned above, but this is the Chinese spelling, since acupuncture has its roots in China).
Another research that followed 340 participants suffering from alopecia revealed that twice-daily scalp massages improved hair loss for 69% of participants. Reiki means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign” and comes from the Japanese words “rei” (which means universal) and “ki” (which means vital energy). 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.
You can get a personal recommendation for a massage therapist from a doctor, a friend, or an online directory. You can also book some massages with different therapists to see which one you prefer. Read our complete guide to Swedish massages. Buy Swedish massages near you.
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Because of this, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish ones. Buy deep tissue massages near you. Buy hot stone massages near you.
Specifically designed with athletes in mind, sports massage is a variation of Swedish massage that aims to address pain caused by repetitive movements and help active people recover more quickly from stress and injury. Read our guide to sports massages. Buy sports massages near you. A Japanese style of massage rooted in Chinese medicine, shiatsu massage aims to eliminate blockages that prevent the body's energy force, or Qi, from flowing freely.
Therapists use many different techniques, often using the elbows, knees and even the feet, while working on tension in the back, joints, and extremities. Read our Shiatsu massage guide. Buy Shiatsu massages near you. Like deep tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep within the muscles.
But while deep tissue is ideal for tension to spread over a large area, the trigger point is best for pain that radiates from a very specific point (or several points). Massage therapists knead two clients side by side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you can also request other types of massages, such as deep tissue massage or hot stone massage. Buy couples massages near you.
Read our guide to prenatal massages and other ways to combat pregnancy pains. Buy prenatal massages near you. . .
