There are more than 80 known types of massage, each with its own unique characteristics. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 25% of men and 21% of women in the U.S. UU. enjoyed a massage last year, and more than half of them motivated by health and well-being reasons.
A Swedish massage should be at the top of your list if you're looking for a way to relax or if you want to experience your first treatment. If you are looking to reduce tension or suffer from anxiety, definitely opt for a Swedish massage. A study conducted by Emory University's Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program investigated the effects of Swedish massage on people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but who were not receiving medical treatment. The Swedish massage group reported a significant reduction in anxiety scores, and researchers say it may be an effective treatment for the condition.
A sports massage is, as expected, ideal for athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle. Shiatsu massage dates back to ancient Japan and means “finger pressure”. Percussion massage has been dubbed the “new foam roll” by Men's Health. Reflexology, also known as “zone therapy”, involves applying different levels of pressure to the hands, feet and ears.
If you experience pain and discomfort associated with a medical condition, reflexology may be helpful. Researchers have reviewed 17 studies that analyze the psychological benefits of reflexology and have concluded that it improves mental well-being and helps people manage health conditions in the long term. Thai massage is different from other techniques, since the patient lies on the floor and actively participates. A study found that Thai massage can reduce levels of the stress marker present in our saliva.
Massage has always been a great way to get blood pumping. Thai massage in particular works wonders with its yoga-like stretches that fill the body tissues with oxygen. Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils from plants to improve mental and physical well-being. One study, involving 58 cancer patients, tracked how participants felt before and after a.
Another way to treat trigger points is through ancient Chinese acupressure therapy, a mixture of acupuncture and reflexology. Another research that followed 340 participants suffering from alopecia revealed that twice-daily scalp massages improved hair loss for 69% of participants. If you're feeling stressed and exhausted, you might want to consider a shiatsu massage. The technique has been scientifically proven to promote emotional and physical calm.
As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, some public health requirements in public settings are changing. Changes such as no longer having to provide proof of vaccination to eat in a restaurant or no longer having to wear a mask when we go shopping. Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you need or want a massage, you can choose from around 80 massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements and techniques.
All of them involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues with your hands and fingers. Sometimes forearms, elbows, or feet are even used. Read our complete guide to Swedish massages. Buy Swedish massages near you.
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Because of this, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish ones. Buy deep tissue massages near you. Buy hot stone massages near you.
Specifically designed with athletes in mind, sports massage is a variation of Swedish massage that aims to address pain caused by repetitive movements and help active people recover more quickly from stress and injury. Read our guide to sports massages. Buy sports massages near you. A Japanese style of massage rooted in Chinese medicine, shiatsu massage aims to eliminate blockages that prevent the body's energy force, or Qi, from flowing freely.
Therapists use many different techniques, often using the elbows, knees and even the feet, while working on tension in the back, joints, and extremities. Read our Shiatsu massage guide. Buy Shiatsu massages near you. Like deep tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep within the muscles.
But while deep tissue is ideal for tension to spread over a large area, the trigger point is best for pain that radiates from a very specific point (or several points). Massage therapists knead two clients side by side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you can also request other types of massages, such as deep tissue massage or hot stone massage. Buy couples massages near you.
Read our guide to prenatal massages and other ways to combat pregnancy pains. Buy prenatal massages near you. . .
