Massage Therapy Can Keep You Away From The Doctor

The increasing demand for massage therapy has resulted in massage therapy being the fastest growing industry amongst all alternate therapies. Nowadays, most people have visited a massage therapist for either therapeutic or relaxation purposes. For massage in the comfort of your home, massage products such as massage chairs, back massagers, foot massagers, and portable massagers are readily available in retail stores or online stores.

Combination of massage equipment and the hands of a masseuse

When advanced massage equipment is used in combination with the massaging hands of a trained masseuse, the effect can be very beneficial. Research has shown that a body massage can reduce the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisone is a hormone that can cause symptoms of stress such as muscle pain and headaches.

Benefits of a therapeutic massage

Researchers believe that massaging the body releases endorphins which produce a ‘high’ or sense of well being similar to that which is achieved by exercise. This psychological ‘high’ feeling is beneficial to arthritis sufferers who may not be able to exercise regularly.

The stroking motion of a massage promotes blood flow and assists in clearing toxins from the blood. This can strengthen the immune system leading to increased resistance to disease.

Massage Techniques

1. Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage uses some of the same principles as acupuncture, tai chi, and other types of Chinese medicine. A Shiatsu practitioner will take your past medical history and enquire about specific symptoms, exercise, and diet. Shiatsu massage has shown to be beneficial for asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.

2. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common type of massage therapy in North America. This type of massage involves using long strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body using lotion or oil.

3. Aromatherapy Massage

This is massage therapy using one or more scented plant oils (essential oils). The massage therapist has the option of selecting oils that are relaxing, stress reducing, energizing, balancing, etc. Aromatherapy massage is recommended for stress related conditions.

4. Hot Stone Massage

This type of massage involves placing hot, smooth stones on certain parts of the body to loosen tight muscles and balance energy in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them on the body. This is recommended for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage.

5. Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and tissue. It’s recommended for tight, painful muscles, repetitive strain, or if you’re recovering from a muscle injury. After receiving a deep tissue massage, most people will feel sore for one or two days.

6. Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic motion on acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point is finger pressured for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body to regain balance.

7. Thai Massage

Similar to a Shiatsu massage, a Thai massage uses gentle pressure on specific points on the body. With Thai massage, the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. This form of massage is more energizing than other forms of massage.

8. Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, and reduce anxiety and depression. This type of massage is customized to a woman’s individual needs.

9. Reflexology

Most people equate reflexology with a foot massage but reflexology is more than just a foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. It is widely believed that massaging these critical points on the feet will simultaneously stimulate the corresponding organs in the body for a positive effect.

10. Back Massage

Obviously this type of massage focuses on the back. Most spas and beauty salons offer 30 minute, 45 minute, and 1 hour back massage sessions. Most people have back problems at some point in their lives due to work, sports, injury, or aging. A back massage is ideal for relaxation and reducing stress or it can be used for therapeutic purposes for back problems.

The ten massage types described above are the most popular types of massages. There are many more. Whether for relaxation or therapeutic purposes, the ten massage types described will benefit most people. Health, fitness, and well being are important for most people and most people realize that getting regular massages is beneficial to their health.