| There are many different types of massage, and | | | | This technique focuses on relieving severe tension |
| each one offers its own unique characteristics and | | | | by treating the deeper layer of muscles in the |
| benefits. Massage therapy is an ancient form of | | | | body. |
| relaxation and body treatment that has been | | | | For people who suffer from consistent pain or |
| used by cultures across the world. Today it is | | | | have serious injury and people who participate in |
| seen as both a science and an art and admired | | | | strenuous activity often, deep tissue massage is |
| for its ability to help naturally heal the mind and | | | | an effective treatment. Although the intensity of |
| body. There are more than 80 recognized | | | | this type of massage may cause the client to feel |
| methods of massage, but what are they? What | | | | sore even days after the massage, the |
| are the different purposes and benefits that each | | | | treatment should never hurt if it is done properly. |
| method has? The following varieties of massage | | | | Acupressure is a blend of styles that combines |
| therapy are some of the most commonly | | | | the use of acupuncture points and pressure from |
| practiced. | | | | traditional massage. This form is derived from |
| Swedish massage is perhaps the most well-known | | | | traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on |
| massage technique. It is a style that uses a series | | | | applying physical pressure to acupuncture points |
| of fluid strokes to massage the body, including | | | | using the hands, elbows or other devices. |
| gliding, kneading and rhythmic tapping. As a | | | | Reflexology is a style of alternative medicine that |
| therapeutic treatment, Swedish massage has | | | | is less proven scientifically but has many |
| been used to help treat joint stiffness, reduce | | | | practitioners who believe in its health benefits. The |
| pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis and improve | | | | basis for reflexology is the belief that there are |
| poor circulation. | | | | reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to |
| A variation of this common form is the stone | | | | every gland, organ and body system. Reflexology |
| massage. In this technique, traditional massage is | | | | massage focuses on massaging and applying |
| combined with smooth, water-heated stones that | | | | pressure to these key points with the goal of |
| are placed along key points on the body to warm | | | | improving overall body health. |
| the muscles and help relieve tension. The stones | | | | Although their styles vary, all types of massage |
| may also be held by the therapists and used to | | | | involve the manipulation of the soft tissue of the |
| perform the massage. Because the rocks retain | | | | body in order to gain physical, functional and even |
| heat so well, they are very effective tools for | | | | psychological improvements. Massage is an |
| penetrating the muscles and soothing the body. | | | | effective, all-natural way to help achieve total |
| Another popular form is deep tissue massage. | | | | body health. |