If you are thinking of giving yourself a massage, and want to know its benefits, then we tell you the main benefits of massage and a detailed list of the most popular massage techniques.
Massage can be one of the most requested aesthetic services today. But still, some people are afraid or do not know what kind of massage to ask.
Today there are many types of massages, but what are the most popular massage techniques? What massage techniques can be adapted to my needs?
Keep reading and discover how a massage can help your body and mind and what massage techniques are the most popular.
Top 10 Massage Techniques
There are many massage techniques offered by professionals today. Hereunder are the most popular massages.
1. Swedish massage
Without a doubt, this is one of the most used massages in the whole world. This massage technique is for relaxation. It consists of 5 main movements: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration.
This massage is also known as therapeutic massage since it is a basic treatment. The masseurs use long, smooth techniques, using the technique of kneading and circular movements. Of the most popular massages, Swedish massage is the sweetest and relaxing.
We recommend that if it’s your first time with the massage, you opt for Swedish massage since it relaxes and eliminates muscle tension and improves circulation.
2. Deep tissue massage
This massage combines a series of techniques to access the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
The masseuse uses much slower and deeper movements or also uses the friction technique. Deep tissue massage is used to massage the muscles that cause chronic pain and discomfort. These pains can be the cause of an injury, due to postural problems, etc.
After this massage, the patients can still feel pain during the following days, but little by little, it will disappear.
Of the most popular massages, this massage is the most effective to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy massages are the most popular and therapeutic massages in the world. This type of massage uses one or more fragrant vegetable oils, called essential oils. Each of these oils is chosen to meet specific needs and to treat certain ailments.
The masseur or therapist can choose between relaxing, energizing, to reduce stress, etc.
One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy is lavender. Aromatherapy is especially suitable for stress problems with emotional components.
4. Point therapy
The massage of points therapy consists of the search of painful fibrous knots in the muscles and in the connective tissue. This type of massage allows you to relieve all kinds of muscular pains, even in areas that are not your back.
This massage may seem painful at first, but it is often combined with other massage techniques to reduce the patient’s pain and well-being.
5. Sport massage
The sports massage is done before the sport to warm the muscles, and after the sport to loosen the muscles. This massage is also recommended for the rehabilitation of injuries, improve sports performance, flexibility, and muscle balance.
Even so, you do not have to be an athlete to go to this massage. Sports massage is also used by active people who do some exercise frequently. The objective of this massage is not relaxation but the prevention and treatment of injuries.
The movements that are used are longer stroke than in Swedish massage, and stretches are also used.
6. Massage in pregnancy
Pregnancy massage, also called “prenatal massage“, is becoming increasingly popular among pregnant women.
Women are increasingly aware of the importance of this treatment in this stage of pregnancy. The professional masseurs know the correct positions in which they can position the woman’s body and how to adapt the massage techniques to the physical condition and the gestation period of the woman.
Of the most popular massages, prenatal massage is also used to reduce stress, inflammation, pain, anxiety, and depression. The massage sessions are personalized and adapted to the needs of the mother, which is why it is one of the most popular massages.
7. Hot stones
Soft hot basalt stones massage consists of the placement of this type of stone in specific points of the body to warm and loosen the muscles, balancing the energy centers of the body.
The masseuse can also apply gentle pressure with these stones. This is one of the most popular massages today.
Thanks to the heat of the stones, they comfort the muscles and help those people who suffer from muscular tension but prefer a soft massage.
8. Foot reflexology
Reflexology aims to massage them but with a greater purpose.
Reflexology treatment consists of the application of pressure on certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and body systems.
Foot reflexology is a very relaxing massage, especially for people who spend a lot of time standing, with tired and aching feet. In addition, the purpose of this type of massage is to alleviate problems that are related to the health of the rest of the body.
9. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is one of the most popular massages and known all over the world. This is a massage technique that has its origin in Japan.
For this massage, the masseur uses a pressure technique with the fingers in areas using a rhythm sequence in the meridians of acupuncture. Each point is held down for a period of 2 to 8 seconds.
This treatment improves the flow of energy and helps the body to recover the psychophysical balance.
People who undergo this type of massage for the first time assured that it is very relaxing, although the pressure is constant and that it does not leave a subsequent pain. That is why it is becoming an increasingly popular massage performed by specialized masseurs.
10. Thai massage
Thai massage has become an art for several years and has experienced improvements in its techniques.
Like Shiatsu, Thai massage alienates the energies of the body. The masseur exerts a slight pressure on specific points, including also compressions and different types of maneuvers. This treatment is increasingly popular due to its energizing result.
This popular massage also helps reduce stress and improve the flexibility and mobility of the body.
The Benefits of Massage
The benefits of massage for the skin and the mind are multiple and depend on the type of massage that we take since each massage technique has several advantages. Some massages are particularly effective in reducing stress and tension, while others improve the immune system or the function of a particular organ.
Here are the main benefits of massage:
1. Relaxation and reduction of muscular rigidity
This is one of the main effects of massage. When we put ourselves in the hands of a professional masseur, we relax and can discharge all the muscular tension accumulated during the day, thus reducing stress. This relaxation of the muscles is good for joints and bones, as they become more elastic and easily moveable.
Thanks to this, the mind feels much clearer, less blocked, and more willing to face the day. The body naturally produces endorphins that help fight depression, anxiety, and pain.
2. Benefits for the skin
The most noticeable changes can be seen in the skin. A good massage stimulates the release of dead cells of the connective system and stimulates the pores of the sebaceous glands. In this way, the skin looks shiny and flexible, able to better absorb the oils and lotions used by the masseuse.
3. Benefits for the lymphatic system
Body massages have immediate effects on the stimulation of body fluids, helping the kidneys. The waste and toxins accumulated in the body are eliminated due to the stagnation of the lymphatic system.
Massages also act on cellulite, helping to reduce it as it increases blood circulation.
4. Cardiovascular system improvements
Massage is also effective in the cardiovascular system since it not only increases the capacity of blood in the body but also improves its quality. The flow increases, but the pressure on the blood vessels is reduced, strengthening the heart.
The massage gives greater nutrition to the tissues and increases capillary dilation, lowering blood pressure.
5. Breathing and digestion
As massage lowers the level of stress and anxiety, it allows the muscles of the diaphragm to relax, and the respiratory system is improved. This causes greater oxygenation of the blood and improves the cardiovascular system.
Increased blood flow also improves the digestive system and reduces the risk of gastritis. Even the intestines are benefited because a good massage stimulates peristalsis and reduces the cases of chronic constipation.
6. Energy channels
In addition to all the bodily benefits of a massage, it also helps to release the energy channels that flow through our bodies. According to many studies, massages can also improve our mood, our emotions, and the functioning of many areas of our body.
A good masseuse can release our emotions and rebalance the flow of our energy.
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