The massage is a very ancient practice. For several
centuries now, societies across the world have been
using massage therapy not only as a means of
eliciting pleasure and relaxation but a method of
remedying certain illnesses.
From rubbing to pressing and manipulating the
muscles using one’s hands and fingers, massage
therapy is a very wide field, with over eighty
different styles practiced around the world.
The majority of people in modern society have
experienced a massage at some point in their
lifetime; and most such people rarely take into
account the types and styles of massages available
to them, merely content to enjoy the relaxing
experience that often follows. As such, the question
of best massage type is often met with surprise,
with even those individuals that know the different
types of massages unable to really discern or choose
between the different options.
+What are the Best Types of Massage?
There is no such thing as the best type of massage.
Rather, different styles of massages are effective
for different individuals and situations. And it is
worth taking into account the rather drastic
differences between the various styles of massages.
From styles that favour long and smooth strokes to
types that place emphasis on percussive movements
and even those options that use oils and lotions,
anyone looking for a massage, especially as a means
of fighting illnesses and disease, is urged to take
their situation into careful consideration, choosing
that style that will best suit their needs, some of
the best and most prominent massage styles including
the following:
-Swedish
If you have every experienced a massage, then it was
most likely the Swedish variety. Swedish massages
are the most common style around. They typically
involve long and sweeping strokes, muscle rolling
and kneading (the muscles are worked like dough) as
well friction (where the fingertips, thumbs, and
even the knuckles are used to apply deep pressure to
specific sections of the body). If you are looking
for relaxation, possibly even trying to relieve
stress, then the Swedish massage is the answer.
-Hot Stone
If you are new to the massage arena, then you will
appreciate the hot stone style. Here, a skilled
masseuse uses hot, smooth stones to massage your
body. Considering the fact that you are being
caressed by smooth yet scorching hot stones, hot
stone massages tend to be quite invigorating. All
the heat bearing down upon your back will keep you
in the moment where other massage styles might
encourage you to drift off. Additionally, the heat
from the stones will relieve any tension you might
have in your back, allowing the muscles in that area
to work more effectively.
-Chair
Chair massages are more or less what they sound
like, that is to say, you sit face forward in a
chair while the masseuse in question works on your
back, neck and shoulders. What makes chair massages
so attractive is their convenience.
You do not have to take your clothes off. Even
better (depending on your preferences), there are no
oils involved.
Unfortunately, chair massages are not very
comprehensive. Do not expect a thorough massage and
the fact that chair massages typically take place in
public means that some people might find the
experience distracting.
If you want to relieve tension in your neck, back
and shoulders, though, chair massages are still
quite effective.
-Deep Tissue
The deep Tissue massage is almost torturous,
especially when it is performed by an inexperienced
masseuse. This is because the style requires the
masseuse to apply deep pressure, pushing into
knotted muscle. Using knuckles and elbows, the
masseuse will try to reach down to the bone where
possible, which is why deep tissue massages tend to
leave patients feeling sore. They are certainly not
for everyone. Whereas traditional massages are
sufficient for anyone simply looking to relax and
relieve stress, deep tissue styles are used by
individuals with specific illnesses. Deep tissue
styles are interactive. As the recipient of a deep
tissue massage, you are encouraged to speak up,
informing your masseuse when you need them to either
apply more pressure or ease up. Unless you are
dealing with aches and pains in your neck and
shoulders, deep tissue massages are probably not for
you.
-Point
As the name suggest, point massage therapy requires
the masseuse to pinpoint the specific muscles
causing problems, the idea then being to use deep
pressure to bring about relaxation. There are a lot
of similarities between trigger point and deep
tissue massage styles. The primary difference is
their focus. Whereas trigger point massage styles
are specifically purposed towards manipulating a
particular point on the body to relieve pain in the
entire area, deep tissue massages utilize
traditional techniques to work the body at a deeper
level. Trigger point massages are perfect for
individuals with chronic muscle pain.
-Neuromuscular
Neuromuscular messages can be described as soft
tissue manipulation. Their goal is to locate and
remedy any underlying causes of chronic pain,
especially when it is related to the muscles and the
nervous system. There are some similarities between
neuromuscular and point massages. Neuromuscular
therapy has a tendency to cause pain in the
beginning. However, the muscles being targeted
eventually relax. Athletes recovering from injuries
or who might be dealing with ailments related to
poor circulation tend to favour neuromuscular
massages. The style can also remedy lower back pain
as well as posture problems.
-Shiatsu
Most massage types are designed to bring about
relief and relaxation, leaving the individual
feeling better, not only physically but mentally.
Shiatsu is one such massage style, only its results
are especially potent. Originating from Japan,
shiatsu uses finger pressure and gentle stretches to
fix imbalances in the flow of energy within one’s
body. Used to relieve pain and stress, shiatsu is a
unique massage style in that patients stay clothed
during the process.
You can use shiatsu to treat back pain and
headaches. When applied properly, shiatsu should
leave you feeling rejuvenated.
-Sports
Combining Swedish and shiatsu styles as well as
several other techniques, the sports massage is best
suited for physically active individuals,
emphasizing those areas relevant to an individual’s
sport.
Sports massages will bring pain relief, relax the
muscles and improve circulation.
There are more massage styles available to the
average individual than they know what to do with.
If you want to get the best out of your massage, you
are encouraged to match the styles available to you
with your specific condition and the purpose for
which you are seeking the massage.
I
was introduced to massageservices.com.sg by my
colleague. My husband and i called for
traditional outcall massage to our home. The
masseurs arrived on time and they are very
professional. We signed a monthly package with
them and we are very happy with their service.
Rachael Tan (Bishan)
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