Posted on July 9, 2007 in Massage Basics
There is constant innovation and developments in massage therapy techniques and equipment used. These have resulted in many variations coming into popular use by qualified and licensed masseuses and physiotherapists alike.
Types of Massage Techniques
- Thai Massage: developed about 2000 years ago and is a widely practiced technique even today. It is a combination of gentle rocking, acupressure, reflexology, energy work and stretching. To put it simply, Thai massage is a technique that is akin to a form of passive yoga. Muscles are stretched resulting in internal organs getting toned up, leading the subject towards increased vitality and relaxation as the technique at work is rhythmical and meditative.
- Swedish Massage: is aimed at relaxing muscles and easing pain. It is mainly a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the superficial layers of the muscles and combines passive movements of the joints with active ones.
- Deep Tissue Massage Technique: is a unique massage treatment, which releases chronic patterns of tension in the body and requires the masseur to follow slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas. There is an option of either going across or following the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. This technique can be for the full-body or restricted to specific areas.
- Hot Rock Stone Therapy Technique: requires warm stones to be placed strategically on the back of the subject, which are used to massage the body. The heat in the rocks warms the bones and holds special benefits for arthritic patients. It is known to de-stress women suffering pressure from PMS too.
- Sports Massage Techniques: are used at almost all stages of athletic events, be it before, after or during sports training. For sporty people suffering injuries, these massage techniques are particularly helpful in hastening rehabilitation.
- Corporate Seated Massage: is an on-site massage treatment wherein the client is fully clothed and seated in a specially designed massage chair, usually sloping forward, allowing access to the large back muscles. This technique helps the person to relax and improves the circulation of oxygen and blood in the body.
- Pregnancy Massage Techniques: are designed to help in de-stressing, sleep enhancement and calming the baby, if it is too active. Many therapists integrate different styles into pregnancy massages and the use of reflexology, Swedish massage or very light shiatsu is equally favored.
- Shiatsu Technique of Massage: is a system based on the body’s energy meridians. The recipients can be fully clothed energy meridian points on their body are pressed, stretched and opened. Its advocates consider it as a healthy alternative medicine or surgery.
- Jin Shin Do: massage technique includes gentle fingertip pressure applied to thirty specific points along the body, which in turn helps in the release and balance of vital Chi, or energy. Therapists meditate and transfer chi to clients by using their knowledge of energy flow destinations and meeting point of patterns which goes to improve circulation, balance emotions and raise subjects to a higher spiritual plane.
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