The Different Types of Massages

In our modern way of life, rushing is pretty much a standard. This, of course, leads to stress and body abuse. One way to combat this course of events is to schedule a massage to give both your mind and body a break.

Picture a massage and you, me and everyone else thinks of the version with a faintly Eastern feel to it. While such images are certainly correct, there are actually many styles of massages out there. In fact, the most popular is not Eastern at all.

The number on massage in America is the Swedish. Ask for a general massage, and this is what you get. It is a relaxing massage made up of smooth strokes and circular motions. Soft music is often played. Good for temporary relief for a day or two.

And then there is the serious massage. Yes, the deep tissue. This massage is designed to get at the tension and knots deep down in your muscles. Strokes are strong and slow. It is designed to give you good results, not a good experience while it is occurring.

As the name suggests, the deep tissue massage is a more thorough treatment. The goal is to get at the underlying tensions and knots founds in your muscles. This requires slow strokes with lots of pressure. You will grimace. You will complain. You will feel better.

Next up we have the massage from Thailand. This can be a confusing massage the first time. It is done on a padded floor and involves the twisting and stretching of your body. It is designed to align energy points. When done properly, results are tremendous.

I am a huge fan of a properly done Thai massage. The problem is finding a therapist that does an authentic version. If you love a quality massage, I strongly suggest you take a trip to Thailand once in your life and get an authentic massage. They are less than $20.

The Japanese bring us the Shiatsu massage, which is similar to the Thai version and popular. The goal again is to align the energy centers, known as meridians, on the body. This is not done with twisting, but with the use of finger pressure on those spots.

The hot stone massage is becoming more popular by the day it seems. This is a light massage that uses heat to unlock muscle intersections. Stones are heated and then placed on points of muscle tension. The tension then melts away. A very superficial massage.

Being pregnant is both a time of great joy and misery. Pregnancy massages are designed to help with the misery by addressing aches, swelling and pain. These should only be undertaken with a therapist experienced in the practice.

I love massages. If you find them relaxing and helpful to your overall well being, don't skimp on them. One a week or so is a good course of action and many therapist will give you a discount for the steady work.

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