Types of body massages and their benefits

Does it seem like you have been working constantly without giving yourself time? Do you want to go for a vacation but can’t seem to find the time or money for it? Are you looking for a way to take it slow and just take a few minutes to unwind and relax? Well let me tell you, I may have just the suggestion for you. Go and get yourself a massage.

During the process of a massage, a trained massage therapist presses, rubs, kneads or applies pressure to various parts of your body. Massages are a great way to let your tensed muscles relax again and for you to feel rejuvenated within as less as an hour. But with so many varieties of massages to choose from, I’m sure you’re wondering what kind of massage will cater to your needs the most. Heed no more; we’re here to tell all about the most popular massages available nowadays!

Hot Stone Massage

During a hot stone massage, the massage therapist heats up stones in hot water and places them on different areas of your body. But these aren’t just any stones. They use salts containing basalt. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that retains heat for a long time. These massage stones are flat and smooth so that they can be places on body surfaces easily. Often they are heated to temperatures between 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and placed on areas such as your spine, chest, face, stomach, palms and feet.

Average Duration: 60-90 minutes

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

1. By causing vasodilatation and increasing blood flow to the affected areas, hot stone massage helps to ease muscle pain and tension.
2. It also gives you relief from muscle spasm and you may experience that there is more flexibility in your joints.
3. This type of massage (especially when done in the back), promotes quality sleep and can be a good alternative to taking sleeping pills.
4. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
5. Some studies have shown that this massage can give you relief from painful conditions like fibromyalgia.

Swedish Massage

The technique used in a Swedish massage is that the massage therapist rubs and strokes the muscles in gliding motions. This is done in the direction through which the blood returns to the heart. In addition he/she will also use deep circular motions, vibration and tapping and passive joint movement techniques. The motions in this massage are very gentle and this is thus an ideal type of massage if it is your first time. During the Swedish massage, you will be asked to remove your clothes. You are then told to lie on the massage table and covered with a sheet. The massage therapist will then uncover different areas of your body that he/she is working on.

Average Duration: 60-90 minutes

Benefits of Swedish massage:

1. It aids in releasing muscles knots and helps your nervous system as well as your muscles relax. It even helps to clear out lactic acid and uric acid which may be built up within your muscles due to overuse.
2. It improves blood circulation around your body.
3. It improves your posture and flexibility.
4. It helps improve your mood since it stimulates increased release of endorphins (the happy hormones.)
5. It relieves tension headaches and improves sleep quality.
6. By increasing nutrient delivery to your muscles, it increases your energy levels too.

Deep Tissue Massage

In comparison to a Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage is done with a little more pressure in order to reach the deeper muscle layers. The strokes are comparatively slower and you may feel a bit more force when the massage therapist presses onto the different areas of your body. This helps especially to relieve built-up tension from your deep muscles and connective tissues. However, if you are overly sensitive to pressure, it is a good idea to go for another kind of massage.

Average Duration: 60-90

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage:

1. It helps relieve deep muscle soreness and other chronic muscular pain. It can also help heal deep tissue injuries and imbalance.
2. It can help deal with anxiety.
3. Muscle knots can be relieved.
4. It can help people with hypertension or sciatica.

Aromatherapy Massage

Although most often neglected, the sensation of smell has the one of the most dominant effects on our mood. Keeping this into account, many people try aromatherapy. This type of massage incorporates application of pressure along with the use of essential oils for their aroma. While the massage therapist massages various areas of your body with their palms, they will also use fragrant essential oils. The essential oils may either me applied onto and absorbed through your skin or they may be inhaled through the use of a diffuser. You may ask the massage therapist for an aroma that you prefer, or just let him or her choose what he feels will be most suitable for you.

Average Duration: 60-90 minutes

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage:

1. It helps relive muscle tension and pain.
2. Along with the physical aspects, this massage also aims to accelerate emotional healing. You may immediately experience an elevation in your mood.
3. It provides relief from anxiety and stress.
4. It has been shown that aromatherapy provides relief from headaches and migraines.