Types Of Massages

Massages have been apart of the human existence for thousands of year dating back to ancient civilizations. One of the most popular and well known messages is the Swedish massage. The Swedish massage was invented in 1812 by a Swedish psychologist, Henri Peter Ling. The Swedish massage consists of 5 different log movements in order to improve circulation, ease aches and increase flexibility. The five different movements that utilized to achieve this massage are long strokes, kneading of muscles, friction, tapping, and vibration. All these movements are used with firm but gentle pressure in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. Many times the massage therapist uses massage oils or other body creams in order to create long fluid motions over the body. A typical Swedish massage uses a technique called draping so that the clients body is only exposed to the open when it is being massaged. The Swedish massage is the fundamental massage for many of the other massage techniques that are used today.

Another type of commonly used massage is Reflexology. Reflexology was first invented by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. and Dr. Edwin Bowers in 1913. They claim that the body contains an energy force known as Qi, which can build up in the body and not allow the body to heal correctly. Reflexologists believe that by massaging and pressing on the hands and feet of a person it can lead to health benefits to organs and other body systems. Reflexology experts have created charts of hands and feet that map out parts of the body that are affected when massaged.

Developed in Japan, Shiatsu massage was first written about in a book published in 1915. The word “Shiatsu” when translated means finger pressure, which is the main basis of this massage. The massage therapist uses his/her fingers, palms and hands to correct imbalances in the body and promote healthy living. Shiatsu massage is known to treat many common ailments such as backaches, headaches and anxiety. In Japan, Shiatsu is used as a licensed medical therapy. The Shiatsu massage was not introduced to the US until the 1950’s when celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali began to use this conventional Japanese treatment.

Sports massage is a relatively new technique in the world of massage therapy. Sport massage is usually performed before, during or after and athletic event. The main purpose of sport massage is to alleviate pain and stress caused by an athletic event. Also, this massage is used to help prevent and treat many sports related injuries that may occur. This massage usually uses a combination of both Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques. Most sport messages are specifically implemented depending upon the type of sport the athlete plays and which groups of muscles are used most frequently.

Another type of massage is Prenatal Massage, which is designed for women who are pregnant and expecting. Prenatal massage is used to help release stress and pressure from a body that is beginning to experience major changes. When pregnant, the center of gravity is changed because of the added weight gain thus causing many women to experience pain in the lower back, neck and shoulders. Prenatal massage helps to decrease the amount of pain and promote relaxation.

Chair massage is becoming utilized in many work environments because of its benefits that increases productivity and decreases stress. Chair massages typically last 10-30 minutes where the client is sitting in a specially designed chair. The 6 different techniques that are used during chair massages are compression, squeezing, kneading, percussion, friction and grinding. Chair massages are performed when the client is fully clothed and no oils are used during the massage. Many people enjoy this massage because it is a relatively fast way to feel relaxed.

What Makes A Good Massage?

A massage should be an invigorating and relaxing experience. Therefore, when going for a massage it is important to look out for a few key factors to get your dollar’s worth and to not waste your time. Many say that when looking for a masseuse that you should book with the most popular masseuse in that location. This usually means that they are more attentive to their client’s needs and thus have a busier clientele. It is important to try to relax before your massage, otherwise it will take longer for you to unwind during the process. However, what really makes a good massage is the masseuse or massage therapist who is performing the massage. It is vital for the masseuse to be qualified so that he or she will not further aggravate any injury that you may have. You should expect the therapist to have you fill out some sort of questionnaire so that he or she can figure out the best route for treatment. After analyzing your answers, the therapist should then explain to you what will be done. Some also ask if you are ticklish in areas or if there is any area that you would prefer to be left alone, such as the feet.

You will then be led to the massage room and will have to change. The room should be warm and inviting with a comfortable massage table for you to lay on. There should be plenty of privacy. Facial pillows are not always offered but definitely do help to alleviate tension in the neck and upper back during the massage. There should be a comfortable temperature in the room so that you will be able to lay with just the blanket over you and not be freezing cold or sweating. A good masseuse will tuck in all of the blankets for you, allowing you to relax throughout the entire experience. The massage therapist will use oils or lotions for certain massages but you can ask for this to be omitted if it makes you more comfortable.

As the massage commences, the backside of the client is usually the first to be worked on. If the pressure is too little or too much it is crucial to tell the therapist. Otherwise, the massage will either cause you to be in a lot of pain the next day or will not do anything for you. Massage therapists will usually start with a relatively good amount of pressure. A good massage therapist will use a variety of techniques throughout the massage so if you find one to be uncomfortable or painful, let the therapist know. Be aware that the trigger points for many ailments are not directly on the spot where you are feeling pain. Do not be alarmed if the therapist is not working directly on the painful area for this reasoning. However, if you are sore in your shoulders and the therapist is working on your leg, voice your opinion that maybe he or she should work on your back more. You will eventually be asked to turn around. The therapist should assist you with the blankets so that nothing is exposed. Make sure to tell the masseuse if you do or do not want your head and face worked on, but if the massage is good the therapist should have already asked you this.

When the massage is complete, you should feel loose and relaxed. Depending on the severity of your case, not all of the symptoms will have vanished. There should be no excruciating pain after the massage. If this is the case, clearly you have not done your research on the therapist. The massage therapist should make sure to remind you to drink lots of fluids after you leave. This is so that the body will be able to flush out any toxins in your body that were released during the massage. If you enjoyed your experience, it would be a good idea to make an appointment for a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks to keep up with the massage. You may want to come more or less frequently depending on your lifestyle and budget. A good massage is a great way to relax and to improve your health!