Cupping Massage
People get cupping done for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. It may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair, as well. In cupping massage, a therapist puts special cups on your skin to create suction, which can leave temporary marks on the skin.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage will help people with stressed, overworked muscles as well as those with chronic joint and muscle pain. This type of massage is also known as Therapeutic Massage and uses special techniques that work deeper into the tissues, requiring firmer pressure which may result in some discomfort. In the end, those that receive deep tissue massages may find much relief.
Hot Stone Massage
Massage therapists place warmed stones on the body and work the muscles through massage. The heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work deeper on muscles while using lighter pressure. As you can imagine, the warmth of the stones is very relaxing! Common placements for the stones are typically along both sides of the spine, in the palms of your hand, on your legs, abdomen, and feet.
Reiki Therapy
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is a therapy often described as palm healing, hands-on-body healing, or energy healing in which a practitioner places hands lightly on or over the body. Reiki is said to aid relaxation, the body’s natural healing processes, and develop emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology massage works by applying pressure to reflex areas to remove energy blockages and promote health in the related body area. The massage therapist may focus on areas of the body such as the tips of the toes for the head, around the ball of the foot for the heart and chest, and the arch of the food for the liver, pancreas, and kidney. Reflexology can be used to help stress and stress-related conditions, tension headaches and migraines, arthritis, insomnia, and much more.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage relaxes the entire body with long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. Among the benefits of Swedish massage are relief for headaches, improved sleep, and immune system support. It can also help increase the level of oxygen in the blood and improve circulation and flexibility, in addition to being extremely relaxing.
Sport Massage
Sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes before, during, or after sports events. This type of massage helps muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury. Sports massage can help people get into good shape faster and with less stiffness and soreness. It may help someone recover faster from heavy workouts and relieves conditions that may cause injury.
While this isn’t a full list of all types of massage, we hope you’ve learned a little about these common massages. Knowing what massage is best suited for your needs is important to a good massage experience. If you’re ever unsure, check in with your doctor and consult with your massage therapist to learn more.
