For thousands of years, massage practices have been an effective way to heal and strengthen the body, improve its appearance, and calm the mind. In addition to the benefits it provides, massage also brings pleasant sensations.
Thanks to the mechanical effects on various parts and points of the body through massage, a therapeutic effect is achieved. In addition, massage techniques allow you to relieve tension and work through the muscle layer.
Today, there are many massage techniques and methods. Each of them has its own characteristics and results. Some massages help you relax, some help restore muscles after injury, and some help with weight loss.
When choosing a procedure, clients often ask themselves, “Which massage is best and most effective for me?” Relaxing massage, Thai massage, or perhaps foot massage? In this article, we will examine popular massage techniques and types and determine which massage is best suited to your situation.
Classification and types of massage
There are many different types of massage. These are procedures that use various techniques and methods to relieve tension and achieve specific goals. It can be booked at a specialized beauty center or massage studio.
The most popular types of massage include classic, relaxation, and Thai massage. They all differ in terms of intensity, massage techniques, and the use of additional tools.
The main purpose of massage is to improve overall health and enhance physical and emotional well-being. Massage makes the body more toned and flexible, helps to relax and relieve tension. It can also be used in cosmetology to achieve various goals, such as improving skin tone and fighting cellulite. Among the types of massage, the following are commonly distinguished:
- full body massage;
- zonal massage focusing on a specific part of the body (face and neck, collar area, abdomen, legs, arms, etc.);
- modern and traditional massage;
- massage using hands, feet, equipment, additional devices (herbal pouches, hot stones, scrapers, brushes);
- relaxing massages;
- toning;
- use of oils, essential oils, scrubs, creams, and other products.
Massages are also divided into the following types:
- classic;
- cosmetic;
- hygienic;
- athletic;
- medical (therapeutic).
Swedish massage
Swedish massage is the type of massage that most people associate with the concept of massage in general. This type of massage combines several techniques for deep and intensive work on tissues and muscles: stroking at the beginning and end of the procedure, kneading muscles, tapping, and rubbing out lumps.
This type of massage also allows you to stretch vascular-nerve bundles and muscle tissue. This massage technique is effective for injuries, tense areas, tight muscles, and intense physical exertion.
Relaxing massage
Modern people often experience high levels of stress, which contributes to the development of many diseases and complications. A relaxing massage reduces stress levels and has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.
Relaxation massage involves gentle, superficial, and light touches, kneading, and stroking. During the procedure, the client does not feel any discomfort; all movements are gentle and relaxing.
Thai massage
A Thai massage session has some unique features. During the procedure, the client wears special clothing, so there is no direct contact with the skin. The massage therapist works on the entire body, which helps to balance the body’s energy and work on specific points.
Thai massage involves deep pressure and stretching of muscle tissue. Many clients compare the massage procedure to a yoga session. The massage procedure awakens the body’s vitality, boosts energy, and relieves muscle tension. This type of massage is recommended for chronic fatigue and to improve overall well-being.
Hot stone massage (stone therapy)
This massage is performed using special volcanic stones. These stones were formed on the slopes of volcanoes and slowly cooled. The stones are beneficial for the human body as they contain large amounts of useful microelements, macroelements, magnesium, and iron.
Stone therapy is popular among clients because it not only feels pleasant, but also helps relieve fatigue and tension, normalize blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular function. The procedure is often used to treat colds, osteochondrosis, and muscle spasms.
During the massage, the warm touch of the therapist’s hands is combined with massage movements using special stones. The stones are heated to a temperature of 40-50 degrees, and in some areas of the body, the stones can be left in place to warm and relax the muscles.
Aromatherapy massage (Aromatherapeutic massage)
During the procedure, special essential oils are used, which penetrate the skin into the bloodstream and have a beneficial effect on the entire body. This massage not only has anti-cellulite and rejuvenating effects, but is also an excellent way to prevent and treat various diseases. Essential oils have a relaxing effect, relieve stress, and restore the body’s energy and strength.
General recommendations when choosing a massage
It is important to note that before booking a massage, you should obtain information about the indications for massage and possible consequences. It is best to consult with a specialist (doctor or massage therapist) before attending a massage session. For example, in the acute form of the disease, massage is prescribed only after the first stage of exacerbation. It is also necessary to take into account the age and individual characteristics of the patient. Among the main contraindications are:
- infectious diseases;
- body temperature;
- diseases of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems;
- cancer.
Also, some types of massage are contraindicated during pregnancy. You can find out which massage is suitable for pregnant women in this article and from your doctor.
A properly selected and performed massage not only helps to cope with cosmetic problems, but is also an excellent preventive measure for emotional problems and various diseases. The price of a massage depends on its type and duration. Most often, a course of massages is necessary to maintain and achieve the best effect.
