Types of Massage

You will encounter many different forms of massage depending where around the world you travel. However in this modern age, you can probably find all significant forms of massage within a close proximity.

Explore the following range of massage types with Asian Massage Stores. See what massage is best suited to your body and mind, and discover your own approach to a higher physical, mental and spiritual self.

 

Shiatsu Massage

This iconic form of Japanese bodywork features pressure applied locally using the fingers, hands and elbows in a rhythm that spans the body, with each point held for 2-8 seconds.

Shiatsu massage therapy draws from traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the body’s acupressure points, encourage energy flow and regain balance.

Differently than most massage therapy types, shiatsu massages feature no oil or lotion. Loose clothing is worn by the recipient and the massage is performed either on the floor or low massage table.

Shiatsu is known for its efficacy in treating stress and related health issues, as well as conditions like arthritis, insomnia, back and neck pain, sciatica, and even sinus problems.

Shiatsu may help increase energy, promote recovery from injuries, and stimulate the digestive system.

 

Thai Massage

 Thai massage therapy involves a special combination of yoga, stretching, and pressing movements.

A Thai massage can be performed fully clothed, with rhythmic compressions that lower stress and improve range of motion.

The result is more invigorating than many other massage types. The Thai masseuse will move you through a sequence of poses on a mat on the floor, unlocking your flexibility and promoting the alignment of your bodily energies.

In addition, the Thai massage is vital in lowering back pain, muscle spasms, and migraines.

 

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is one of the world’s most popular forms of massage therapy –  and this is certainly true in the west.

The primary goal of the Swedish bodywork massage technique is to relax the entire body. Long strokes in the direction of the heart promote blood flow, as well as increase oxygen levels in the blood, flexibility and circulation.

Swedish massage therapy involves circular pressure applied by the hands, as well as kneading, tapping, bending and stretching. The techniques used by your Swedish massage therapist will depend on your unique needs and requests.

 

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are tightened areas within muscle tissues that cause pain in seemingly unrelated other parts of the body. A trigger point in the groin may release pain in the lower leg. Likewise, a trigger point in the back may produce pain in the abdomen.

Trigger point massage therapy discovers and reduces these sources of pain through isolated pressure moves.

The recipient breathes deeply and converses with the masseuse to pinpoint the location of the referral and trigger points.

The result is the loosening of tense muscles and reduction of debilitating trigger pain. Just a single treatment can result in drastic reductions in pain felt. Frequent trigger point massage therapy is invaluable in helping those with chronic pain and other lingering ailments.

 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage therapy bears some similarities to Swedish massage but the deeper pressure of this popular massage type helps relieve chronic muscle tension. The deep tissue therapist does this by focusing on the deepest tissue, tendons and fascia.

Deep tissue massages are excellent for reducing blood pressure, stress hormone levels and heart rate. At the same time, they raise mood and relaxation by encouraging the release serotonin.

 

Sports Massage

Sports massage therapy – as you can guess – caters to athletes of all levels.

Particular sports massage techniques are applied depending on the sport of choice by the recipient, focusing on body parts used and stressed from the repeat aggressive actions required by sports.

Sports massage therapy is both an integral recovery tool and valuable component of any balanced training schedule.

It is now used before events as preparation as well as after in recovery.  Athletes concur that sports massage can increase flexibility and endurance while lowering fatigue and susceptibility to injury. Sports massage can also be a great support to an athlete’s mental game.

 

Reflexology

Foot Reflexology is a form of massage that offers powerful relaxation and therapeutic benefits to those suffering from injuries spanning the length of the leg.

It incorporates movements from traditional Swedish massage then focuses them on toe, ankle, calf and thigh

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Combined with specialist stretching regimes, reflexology massage can reduce stress and anxiety throughout your whole body.

 

Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy is a non-invasive bodywork massage technique used to release compression throughout the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The result is the alleviation of pain and stress throughout the body.

Cranial sacral massage therapy restores the bones’ natural position, decreases chronic injury stress and lowers the chance of migraines, pain in the neck and back pain, and joint disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder that affects the jaw.

This massage type is proven to improve sleep quality in those suffering from migraines, with the effects of just a single session lasting up to three weeks. The scalp massage is a related component, reducing migraines by loosening the thin muscles that line the scalp.

 

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is one of the most popular forms of massage around the world. It is valued by prospective mothers as a unique way to lower stress during the process of pregnancy, relieving discomforts including edema, backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps and headaches. Serotonin release counteracts the painful toll that pregnancy can have upon the body.

Depending on the extent of the pregnancy, prenatal massage may incorporate comforting tools such as lower back cushions, pelvic supports and soft wedges to minimize stress in sensitive areas.

Prenatal massage also reduces stress on joints, improves circulation, relieves nerves, improves sleep, and minimizes hormonal imbalances. Techniques from other forms of massage such as Swedish massage and reflexology may also be incorporated.

Through the second trimester, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your therapist may utilize such massage techniques as reflexology, Swedish massage or certain techniques that address your specific requests and needs.

 

Geriatric Massage

 Geriatric massage therapy is specifically designed to meet and exceed the needs of the elderly. The rewards of the geriatric massage are vast and the massage itself is tailored to suit the individual needs of each recipient.

Geriatric massage is characterized by light assisted stretching and the use of oil to prevent excess friction against the skin.

Benefits include enhanced blood circulation, flexibility, joint mobility, posture and overall well-being, as well as reductions to arthritis and depression.

Massage is an excellent tool to support and boost health in old age. It reduces stress, encourages mobility and increases morale, with specific approaches to be applied depending on any individual health issues.

 

Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage uses warm stones placed on closely identified parts of the body. The stones are positioned to address areas of stress or pain.

The stones are volcanic and retain heat well throughout the duration of the massage.

The warm stones relax the body, loosening and soothing tight muscles. A hot stone massage is a great way to swiftly address areas of muscle tension.