| Various influences in massage therapy have | | | | movements made by striking or tapping the |
| cropped up leading to the creation of several | | | | muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a |
| methods that differ in techniques but offer the | | | | closed fist, fingertips and the edge of the hand. It |
| same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic | | | | releases tension and relieves muscle cramps. |
| massage both have different origins and use | | | | Lastly, the therapist uses vibration or shaking that |
| contrasting styles but contribute a lot to achieve | | | | entails the pressing of hands on the back or limbs |
| a healthy and relaxed body. With all the kinds of | | | | and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. |
| massage therapy programs available today, it has | | | | It improves circulation and muscle contraction and |
| become really difficult for people to choose. | | | | is beneficial to people with low-back pain. |
| The Swedish Massage, which is also known as the | | | | On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated |
| classic or traditional massage is the most common | | | | from India and its aim is to create harmony and |
| massage therapy method and is usually preferred | | | | balance within the individual and it aids in the |
| by the majority of people. It is characterized by | | | | removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body. |
| long and flowing strokes which relax muscles, | | | | It was not practiced publicly until Indian |
| improve joint flexibility and aid in better circulation. | | | | practitioners decided to roam around and give |
| The first stroke is known as effleurage, involves | | | | muscle, joint and back massages |
| long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the | | | | Ayurvedic massage is based on a special system |
| base of the spine or from the shoulder down to | | | | that includes the knowledge of Ayurvedic and |
| the fingertips. It is also done on the limbs with all | | | | Greek systems of medicine which is focused on |
| strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood | | | | Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. |
| and lymphatic flow. The therapist uses his whole | | | | Muslim massage techniques were also adapted in |
| hand or a thumb pad. This technique is done for | | | | this system. |
| familiarization of the person's body. | | | | Ayurvedic massage techniques uses specific oils |
| Next is petrissage that consists of the gentle | | | | that suit your dosha and depends on your being. |
| lifting of muscles up and away from the bones, | | | | One is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises |
| then rolling and squeezing them, with a gentle | | | | of skin brushing followed by an oil massage, |
| pressure. It generally involves rolling, squeezing, or | | | | Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that |
| pressing the muscles to enhance deeper | | | | uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot |
| circulation. It increases circulation through | | | | massage which is a deep massage where the |
| eliminating toxins from muscle and nerve tissue. | | | | therapist uses his feet. |
| Friction, the third technique and the most forceful | | | | Now with enough knowledge on both Swedish and |
| one is characterized by deep circular movements | | | | Ayurvedic massage, a person has of course the |
| using fingertips applied near bony areas and joints | | | | privilege to choose among the two which best |
| and it relaxes the muscle fiber which enhances | | | | suits his or her style of relaxation. But with both |
| flexibility in muscles and joints. | | | | massages having unique techniques, the choosing |
| After friction, another technique called tapotement | | | | part can be a little tricky though. |
| is done. Tapotement is a series of quick forceful | | | | |