There are roughly 160 types of massage in the world. With that many modalities to choose from everyone should be about to find a type of massage that best suits them. Let's take a look at some of the more popular ones.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is sometimes called classic massage. This is the most widely practiced form of massage in the Western world. It involves the use of long flowing strokes. Many massage therapists learn Swedish massage in school. It is the foundation for a relaxation massage.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a combination of Swedish massage and shiatsu. It focuses on various areas that may have been injured. When used on athletes this massage is given before an event to prepare the muscles, after an event to help restore the muscles and for injured muscles during training to speed recovery time. Sports massage is becoming more and more popular. It is sometimes offered in spas now.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage that follows the same principles as traditional Chinese medicine. Shiatsu therapists use their finger pressure to unblock energy pathways in your body. Shiatsu is a compressive massage. You stay fully clothed for the therapy.
Thai Massage
Also known as Thai yoga massage, Thai massage also involves unblocking energy pathways. For Thai massage you stay fully clothed and lay on a mat on the floor. The therapist starts by giving you some compression massage. Then you are placed passively into yoga like positions to stretch you muscles.
Tui Na
Tui na is a Chinese form of massage that usually accompanies acupuncture. The therapist works one specific area that you are having problems with. The work is usually quite deep and the massage is vigorous.
Reflexology
Reflexology, originally known as zone therapy, is a therapy that focuses on the feet, hands and ears. Foot reflexology is more popular than the other two forms. The reflexologist works on areas of the foot, hand or ear that correspond with organs and different areas of the body. They can treat dysfunction in any area of the body by massaging the hands, feet or ears.
Neuromusclar Therapy
This therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy. It involves the treatment of trigger points. A trigger point is an area where the muscle tissue in contracted, holding in toxins and preventing proper blood flow. These areas are quite painful due to damage caused by the starvation of tissue. Neuromuscular therapy treats these areas of dysfunction.
Now that you know about some basic forms of massage you can go out and try them. Maybe you'll discover a modality not mentioned here that's just right for you.
Lovelyn Bettison is a licensed massage therapist who believes in a holistic approach to health. You can learn more about types massage therapy and the conditions it can treat at her website. You can also learn how to treat yourself using self massage and how to give a massage to someone else.
http://www.massage-therapy-benefits.net
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