Our bodies are our temples. We have to treat them as such. After all, We have to make sure that our physical health is top-notch to ensure our overall fluidity in life. Mental contentment lies in physical health too. If we keep feeling lethargic, all day, we will not be able to function at our highest capacity.
But sometimes for the satisfaction of mind and body, you need to pamper yourself. Now pampering includes massages. On the other hand, There are many types of massage, but they can be used for different purposes for different human beings.
What Is Body Massage Therapy?
Body massage therapy is a scientific manipulation of body tissues. This reorganizes the tissues and ensures that the tissues are in such an orientation that the organs relevant to them will not cause as much pain as before.
For example, Hands, fingers, elbows, feet, knees, forearms apply massage therapy on people. However, the types of massage can be intriguing for you after reading the following article.
Health Benefits Of Body Massages
Massaging is probably one of the oldest tricks in the book to alleviate muscle pains and such. The benefits of massage therapy are multifaceted. As a result, It comes in both physical and mental forms. Massages can be the ideal solution to sore muscles, insomnia and such. It bumps up joint mobility and flexibility. It helps us recover sooner too.
Massages aid in sustaining a chill vibe for the rest of the day. Moreover, Stress hormones will reduce significantly. And massages are reportedly good for anxiety and depression as well. So you can choose from different types of massage.
A session of massage gives out the endorphin hormone as well. This hormone contributes to creating the rush of calm flowing all over our bodies. These can be helpful for patients with high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, back pain, DOMS etc.
9 Efficacious Types of massage
There are a lot of types of massage for a host of purposes. A trained masseuse will do these massages on you. Below is a list of 9 efficient type of massages that people might need on different occasions—
1. Active Release Therapy
Active release therapy originally developed for hard-working athletes to bring out the highest efficiency from them. Above all, this can be helpful for anybody. The basic principle of it is, with soft tissue manipulation therapy this massage will get rid of the scar tissues lying within.
These scar tissues develop through the overuse of muscles. The therapist uses his/her hands to push several trigger points to release the tension built in the scar tissues. This particular therapy lasts for around 30-60 minutes.
You can also use an active release massage gun if you opt for a self massage. Many of our readers have recommended the Rapid Release RRT-PRO2 Targeted High Speed Vibration Massager which works just great for those who are suffering some muscle pain.
2. Swedish Massage
This is applied when we want to fully relax our body. This massage specializes in releasing muscle knots. And for this, we have removed all of our clothes, except for underwear. The masseur puts a sheet over the area he/she will be working in. He/she will use long flowing strokes.
He might vibrate the relevant parts as well. Deep circular motion is also something that practitioners often resort to. This therapy lasts for 60-90 minutes.
3. Myofascial Release Therapy
This is a type of massage for which you don’t even need outside assistance. When we feel surface-level muscle tension, it is mostly the fibrous layer that we have above the muscle and underneath the skin. This is called fascia.
As this fascia might get tightened after a long day’s work then we might feel a muscle tension. The therapist uses foam roller or lacrosse ball as accessories. He/she might use fingers, elbows, knuckles as well. He/she will try to slightly stretch the area and break the fascia down. This might hurt a bit considering the strain’s condition. The session lasts up to 30 minutes.
4. Trigger Point Massage
This massage is basically for people with tangible problems/disorders. Firstly, The masseur applies gentle and sustained pressure on the tightened areas of muscles called the trigger points.
Then, They use long flowing strokes which help relieve the trigger points. This type of massage lasts for 60-90 minutes.
5. Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage originated in Japan and its principle establishes peace and calms all over an individual’s existence. Moreover, We can be fully clothed when we receive this message.
The therapist will apply pulsing pressure using hands, palms, thumbs on certain important points. Lastly, It generally takes 60-90 minutes to end.
6. Deep Tissue Massage
For chronic pain or a lot of muscle tension, this can be a great option. This alleviates anxiety too to some extent. The receiver is undressed or only in underwear while getting this therapy. And while this is more intense than other massages, this shouldn’t cause any pain to the receiver.
On the other hand, The masseur will use slow and deep long strokes to apply this therapy. This roughly lasts for 60-90 minutes.
7. Hot Stone Massage
This is very much like the Swedish massage except for the masseur will use heated stones alongside his/her hands. This massage exists basically to chill the receiver out.
It eases all the muscle pains and tensions. Also improves blood flow. And most interestingly alleviates stress. The receiver has to wear a sheet and nothing else during the massage. It lasts for around 90 minutes.
8. Acupressure
This is a pseudo-scientific practice, originating in China, which mainly deals with getting needles in the body. The practitioner inserts these needles into the trigger points of the muscles to alleviate muscle pain.
On the other hand, This can be a great way to destress the fascial parts though. And the time duration of a session varies on how many needles are being inserted and how many places does the practitioner have to cover.
9. Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is specialized for pregnant women. This helps alleviate the pregnancy aches, the built-up stress and anxiety. The receiver has to lie down sideways or lie down on a special table that has a cut-out for the belly.
This is pretty similar to the Swedish massage in terms of technique. It focuses on the lower back, hips and legs. It lasts for about 45-60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are some frequently asked questions that may come to one’s mind. It’s really common to ask these questions. As different types of massage lead to different questions, we are combining the common ones only.
What should we expect during my first massage therapy visit?
We will be given a client intake and health history form. Through the latter, the therapist acquires a general understanding of the client’s condition. After all, it is imperative that we carefully fill up the forms.
Is the session time only for massaging?
The session constitutes of the massage, dressing and undressing, also our making ourselves comfortable on the massage table. Subsequently, If we want, we can arrive 10 or 20 minutes prior and handle the paperwork too.
Do we have to be completely undressed for the session?
The client can be undressed or fully dressed as well. As for traditional full-body massages, the convention is to undress completely. However, if someone does not feel comfortable enough in that state, he/she is completely free to wear underwear.
Is talking during massages allowed?
Above all, The whole idea is to make the client comfortable. Moreover, If talking about something would make us more comfortable, then sure. We can opt to listen to music as well. And it’s a must to let the masseur know our preference beforehand.
What is the general sensation after a massage?
People reportedly feel very mellow and relaxed. They feel a considerable or little decrease in aches and pains. If we receive a deep massage, we might feel a bit sore. Like we had a good workout.
Conclusion
Massages are a way to rid you of your physical and mental pains. If you ever feel uncomfortable with anything, always be straightforward with your practitioner. Establishing proper communication will ensure that you have a fruitful session with your masseur. You can choose from a variety of types of massage to get your body and mind relaxed. Because the right body can reflect on the right mind.