What Type of Massage Therapy is Right for You

About Massage Therapy

Common Types of Massage Therapy

• Aromatherapy – Essential oils are added to the massage oil or cream used during your massage based on your emotional and physical needs. Your massage therapist may choose lavender essential oil if you want stress relief. If your muscles are sore, your massage therapist may decide to combine eucalyptus with chamomile or peppermint. Adding aromatherapy to your massage makes it very personalized and effective for your specific needs, which allows for many varied benefits.
  
• Deep Tissue – This type of massage therapy focuses on the deep layers of muscle rather than the topical layers. It applies direct pressure to these deeper muscle layers, utilizing slow strokes and friction techniques. These movements are often done against the grain of the muscle. Many athletes and individuals with physical jobs get this type of massage, as well as those wanting help in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions. Some people may experience temporary soreness afterward because of the deeper pressure used during the massage.
  
• Hot Stone – Hot stones have been used for centuries in healing massages. Flat rocks are heated and placed on the body where needed. Usually, the stones are placed along the back or energy points to balance the mind and body. The heat from the stone promotes relaxation of the muscles, which allows the massage therapist to work deeper in the muscle if needed. The warmth can be relaxing and may help ease muscle tension and help to promote circulation. I have had this type of massage, and I really enjoyed it and was very relaxed afterward.
  
• Lymph Drainage Massage or Lymphatic Massage – The main focus of this gentle type of massage therapy is to encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. Manual lymphatic drainage is sometimes used to help manage swelling, including lymphedema. The massage commonly focuses on areas where lymph nodes are concentrated, such as the neck, armpits, torso, and groin. A healthy moving lymphatic system promotes a healthy immune system. Many individuals with edema, sports injuries, or women who have had breast cancer and some of their lymph nodes removed have benefited from this type of massage. Estheticians also use lymphatic massage for puffy faces and bags under the eyes.
  
• Relaxation or Swedish Massage – This is the most common known type of massage therapy. Massage oil or cream is used, and the massage therapist performs various strokes that warm up and loosen the muscles and knots throughout the body. It is generally used to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. It is more focused on the outer layer of muscle, avoiding deep tissue pressure. It is very relaxing and beneficial.
  
• Shiatsu – In traditional Eastern practices, Shiatsu focuses on pressure points along pathways believed to influence the flow of chi. It is performed by pressing on points throughout the body’s meridian system where the energy flow is blocked. The main purpose of this type of massage is to unblock the energy pathways of the meridians to promote an optimal flow of chi. When one has an optimal flow of chi, one has health and cleansing of the body and the mind.
  
• Sports Massage – This type of massage is a combination of deep tissue and Swedish massage. There are sports massage therapists at many gyms, and it can be beneficial for muscle aches and pains, recovery, and supporting an athlete’s performance.
  
• Thai – This type of massage began over 2,500 years ago as a healing modality to align and open up the physical, emotional, and spiritual side of an individual. It is usually done on the floor on a mat, and the recipient of this massage wears loose-fitting clothing as their body is gently stretched, kneaded, and compressed in various positions to open it up. The movements of this type of massage are similar to yoga. I have never experienced this type of massage. However, I do know individuals who have it done on a regular basis and really enjoy it.

There are other types of massage also available, including Trager Massage, which is a type of somatic movment.

Massage Therapy Benefits

The following is a list of some of the main benefits of massage.

• Relaxes the body and muscles.
• Helps relieve stress.
• Reduces fatigue caused by excessive exercise.
• Helps to break up scar tissue and adhesions.
• Provides temporary pain relief.
• Improves circulation.
• Helps reduce inflammation.
• Helps to loosen up mucus, especially in the lungs.
• Helps with constipation.
• Improves posture and range of motion.
• Strengthens the immune system by promoting lymphatic flow.

The benefits of massage are many. If you have never had a massage, I would start with a relaxation / Swedish Massage. Relax and Enjoy! You may also want to add a little warmth to your massage with a Far Infrared Heating Pad.  I also enjoy the Relax Wraps, which are wonderful herbal bags you can use with cold or heat. They offer many different shapes and sizes and are all natural and organic. I use several of them myself!