| You may be surprised to discover just how many | | | | following the treatment. |
| different forms, types and variations of massage | | | | Reflexology- many people refer to Reflexology as |
| there are. When you have a session with a | | | | a foot massage, however it is more involved than |
| professional massage therapist you won't | | | | simply massaging the feet. Reflexology is based |
| necessarily receive the same massage technique | | | | upon the Acupressure points that reside in the |
| as the next client. Massage therapists train in | | | | foot. The belief is that stimulation and massage on |
| different types of massages and use their | | | | these points will connect with various points |
| expertise to determine which massage style will | | | | throughout the body. |
| be best for you. Some of the most common | | | | Spa Therapies- this type of massage is found in |
| massage techniques include: | | | | spas and resorts. It may be a combination of |
| Swedish Massage- undoubtedly the most common | | | | other types of massage and combine other |
| form of massage. Swedish massage is known for | | | | elements that are being used in the spa. These |
| its ability to bring the body into a state of | | | | may include aromatherapy, deep tissue, |
| relaxation and is often the first massage | | | | reflexology, hydrotherapy, and much more. |
| technique that therapists learn. Swedish Massage | | | | Thai Massage- sometimes referred to as Thai |
| does not involve deep tissue or layers but is | | | | Yoga Massage, this form of massage combines |
| reserved to the upper most layers of the skin | | | | many of the stretching poses of yoga with deep, |
| and muscle. | | | | vigorous massage techniques. |
| Sports Massage- this massage is used to treat | | | | Shiatsu- otherwise known as Japanese Massage, |
| the injuries that are often associated with various | | | | Shiatsu uses the same pressure points in Chinese |
| athletes due to the sports they participate in. This | | | | Acupressure and Acupuncture to perform deep |
| type of massage is also effective in preventing | | | | tissue bodywork. |
| sports related injuries as well as treating them. | | | | Hot Stone Massage- this type of massage uses |
| One of the best benefits of Sports Massage is | | | | hot or heated stones that are placed on certain |
| found in the fact that muscles and ligaments may | | | | points in the body. The heat from the stones |
| be stretched and lengthened during these | | | | relaxes tight and tense muscles and is believed to |
| sessions. This results in enhanced athletic | | | | bring balance to the body. |
| performance. | | | | Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage- this massage is |
| Deep Tissue Massage- this type of massage is | | | | used to help promote circulation, relaxation, and |
| performed more deeply upon the muscle and | | | | reduce stress in expectant mothers. It is |
| tissue compared to other types. Due to the | | | | important that pregnant women use a |
| nature of this massage, it is very beneficial in | | | | professional to perform these massages as too |
| treating various types of chronic pain. It is | | | | much stimulation may have a negative effect on |
| important to realize that due to the amount of | | | | the baby. Pregnant women should also be in |
| friction used in this type of massage, patients | | | | specific positions while they are being massaged |
| may experience a slight degree of discomfort | | | | as well. |