Since ancient times, body massage is being practised in different civilizations to relax the body and mind of the recipient. Body massage types exist in a number of varieties, amongst which those which provide innumerable health benefits are the most popular.
Acupressure – This is a famous massage and it has originated in China; it is closely related to acupuncture. It includes pressing of acupuncture meridian points with elbow, fingers or some other means, rather than puncturing them and so is quite easier.
Deep Tissue Massage – This massage mainly includes treating of the layer of muscles below the top muscles. It is perfectly good for the patients of continuous aches or some long-term bodily injury or those who have to perform heavy exercises, like athletes. Sometimes, the original pain is replaced by a new pain for a day or two. However keep well in mind that deep pressure massage is something which is not at all similar to deep tissue massage.
Deep Pressure Massage – This massage is given to full body and a strong pressure is used in it. It is not advisable for any particular problem. It mainly aims at soothing of whole body.
Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage – This is a blend of oriental and western massages. You don’t have to undress or get applied any oil. This type mainly uses foot or foot-part to impart pressure, slightly less than thumb, elbow etc. A large muscle like thigh muscle gets very much relief from this type of massage. Renowned Olympics champion of America, Dara Torres, found this massage of great help while she was in training.
Ayurvedic Massage – This massage has arisen from India and is connected to Ayurvedic system of doshas, meaning humors. People from across the world approach the therapists of this genuinely rejuvenating massage in Goa or Kerala in India.
Stone Massage – In this massage, heated stones are used to apply pressure and for heating up the body. Sometime oiled stones are also used. The stones used are collected from rivers which have become perfectly smooth naturally. The benefit of the stones are to take out the tension from the patient’s body by rendering it the heat, when kept on the back.
Swedish Massage – This famous massage is also known as Classic Massage in the non-English-speaking regions. Five different kinds of strokes, viz. effleurage (sliding), petrissage (Kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction and vibration or shaking are used in it. This massage reduces pain and joint stiffness and improves functions of osteoarthritic patients, in eight weeks. It also improves circulation.
Traditional Chinese Massage – There are mainly two aspects involved in this, one is Tui Na, which means kneading, stretching and pushing of the muscles and second is Zhi Ya, meaning pressing and pinching of the acupuncture points. Both Tui Na and Zhi Ya, are connected to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Really speaking, Tui Na does not come under the category of massage, but it comes in the category of physiotherapy, which is utilized for treating musculoskeletal conditions, some diseases and also headaches.
Aromatherapy Massage – This uses one or more aromatic plant oils, such as sandalwood oil, according to the patient’s needs. These oils are greatly useful in soothing, pacifying and energizing.
Shiatsu – This massage has originated in Japan; it applies the method of pressurizing and releasing the acupuncture points in a rhythmic fashion, which soothes and energizes the body .
Pregnancy Massage – This massage is gaining wide popularity among the carrying ladies. It reduces swelling, relieves pain and decreases stress and depression.
Foot Massage – This is also termed as Reflexology and is especially helpful in relieving the pain of foot of those who have to stand for the entire day.
Body massage types are quite varying, including those which relax some chosen body parts. You just have to identify which type will help you and it will help you for sure.