Massage therapy involves using the hands or other objects such as stones to apply pressure to the body. Massage therapy can be traced back to ancient cultures, including China, Egypt and Greece, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Numerous types of massage exist, and each offers different therapeutic benefits, ranging from pure relaxation to easing muscle tension after exercise.
Swedish
A Swedish massage is a deep-tissue massage where a therapist uses his hands to knead the skin using long strokes.
Swedish massage was initiated in the late 18th century to manipulate the skin, according to Drew University. As a result, circulation increases, the body releases toxins and the nervous system feels soothed.
Hot Stone
A hot stone massage involves the use of the hands and heated and oiled stones to provide relaxation and ease muscle tension. Basalt or jade stones, when heated, can expand blood vessels, which improves circulation. A stone massage also can involve chilled stones made of marble and jade.
Shiatsu
Pronounced "she-ought-sue," a shiatsu massage is similar to the practice of acupuncture, which uses pressure points to stimulate blood flow and balance to the body. Shiatsu is built around the principle that when the body is in balance, a life force known as chi flows freely. When inflammation or stress unbalance the body, rubbing the body in a certain manner can restore chi by opening any blocked areas.
Sports
Sports massage blends two types of massage therapy: Swedish and shiatsu. The therapy was developed to help athletes relieve muscle tension and strain, according to Drew University. During a sports massage, a masseuse applies pressure using the hands at 12 points athletes use to derive movement.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage techniques alleviate the unique aches and pains a woman may experience while expecting. This includes increasing circulation to provide relaxation and relieve back pain. This massage attempts to be calming and relaxing, not strenuous to the body as a Swedish massage can be.
Thai
Thai massage resembles yoga practice in that the massage is performed on a mat and involves full-body manipulations. Wearing soft, comfortable clothing, the massage recipient stretches and manipulates the body into a series of poses. While she achieves these positions, a masseuse uses his hands to apply pressure to her body. This massage involves numerous manipulations of the body, including walking on the recipient's back.
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