There is a lot of potential in massage. In fact massage has long been known and practiced for its restorative effects. Massage has always been administered to patients to fully recover from injuries, stress, and tension. Studies have shown massage’s therapeutic claims and so far there’s lots of evidence linking its effectiveness in curing a range of health conditions.
Massage can increase joint mobility, restore range of motion to stiff joints, improve muscle tone and balance, relieve muscular tightness, stiffness, and spasms, increases flexibility in the muscles, increases blood circulation, promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products, improves circulation, enhances blood flow, strengthens your immune system, reduce stress and anxiety and a lot more.
There are different kinds of massage – some of the most popular massages are listed below:
1. Swedish Massage. This uses five styles of long, flowing strokes which are sliding or gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, working across the muscle fiber, vibration and tapping.
2. Myofascial Release Massage uses compression or tension in different directions otherwise known as skin rolling.
3. Deep Tissue Massage – focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles, this type of massage uses a dedicated set of techniques and strokes and will not be used for the whole body in one session.
4. Breema Massage. The strokes here involve rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches.
5. Hot Stone Massage. This type uses heated, smooth stones that are placed on certain points on the body.
6. Shiatsu Massage. This type of massage uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2-8 seconds.
7. Aromatherapy Massage. This type of massage involves massage therapy with one or more essential oils.
8. Thai Massage. This type of massage involves gentle pressure on specific points as well as compressions and stretches.
9. Slimming Massage. This type of massage involves acupuncture and pressure. Its techniques may include rubbing, slapping, striking, tapping, and providing friction.
10. Tui Na and Zhi Ya Massage. These are traditional Chinese massages that involve pushing, stretching, kneading the muscle, pinching, and pressing at acupuncture points.