There are more than 80 known types of massage, each with its own unique characteristics. With all those differences in mind, here are 35 different massages from around the world. This is a combination of pressure, stretching, stroking and percussion manipulations, along with gentle, fluid movements to stimulate the circulatory systems. To perform the massage, the fingers, thumbs, arms, elbows, knees and feet are used and applied next to the acupressure points found in the body's 14 meridians or energy pathways.
Oils are generally not used and the client may be sitting or lying down, although a lying position creates a stronger energy flow in the body. 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. There are many different massage techniques to choose from.
Find out what type of massage is best for you. 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 intensive 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, as they work on tension in the back, joints, and extremities.
Read our guide to shiatsu massage. 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 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.
