Massage is one of the most natural methods of healing and stress relief. While many people choose to reduce stress with prescription medications, many others visit a day spa weekly in order to relax after a hard week at work. Additionally, massage can also be very healing. Many athletes undergo massage treatment for sore muscles, twisted ankles, and torn ligaments.
All day spas offer massage treatment. However, not all offer a wide variety of massage types. This article explains the different massage techniques available at different spas:
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is meant to relieve muscle tension and loosen sore joints. It is performed over the entire body. There are five major strokes used in Swedish massage. The first is effleurage, or stroking. The second is petrissage. This is a grabbing and lifting of the muscles. The third is friction. This is where the massage therapist massages the thickest parts of muscles by working their fingers and thumbs in a circular motion. The fourth is tapotement, or tapping and chopping strokes. The final major stroke used in Swedish massage is vibration. This is where the massage therapist flattens their fingers on a muscle and then shakes rapidly in order to create a vibration.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that targets the parts of muscle that lie far below the surface. All muscles in the human body have many layers, and the lower levels cannot be reached by normal massage techniques. Deep tissue massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs, and, occasionally, elbows to reach the deepest layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage generally involves quite a bit of pressure and friction.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep tissue massage that is used to increase the blood flow in individual muscles, release pressure on nerves, and reduce pain. Neuromuscular massage therapists search for knots in muscle that can cause pain not only in that individual muscle but also in other unrelated parts of the body.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is not only used to relieve pain — it is commonly used to prepare muscles prior to activity. Using techniques comparable to that of a Swedish massage, a sports massage can prepare muscles for activity and heighten an athlete’s energy. After activity, a sports massage can cool muscles and prevent injury.
Rolfing
Rolfing is a massage technique designed to restore a person’s posture. Rolfing massage therapists use their hands and elbows to massage the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. The end result is a noticeable improvement in posture.
Hellerwork
Hellerwork is a massage technique that expands on the posture improvement offered through Rolfing. In addition to improving posture, Hellerwork uses techniques that educate a person’s body on breaking bad posture habits. Many claim that persons who have undergone the eleven-week Helenwork session have even noticed an extension of their height.
Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi is the most common stress-relieving massage technique. Lomi Lomi massage therapists use large, broad strokes, often with hands, forearms, and elbows. Often, Lomi Lomi massage therapists say a prayer before beginning the massage that addresses the type of healing the patient is hoping for.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is different European massage techniques in that it focuses on circulation and pressure points. Thai massage promotes internal health and muscle flexibility through peripheral stimulation. Thai massage therapists use their hands, elbows, knees and feet.
Shiatsu
A Shiatsu massage consists of a finger-pressure technique that utilizes acupuncture points. Shiatsu massage is performed with the client in a reclined position. The massage therapist then applies varying degrees of pressure with their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows or knees. Shiatsu treatment relaxes the body while stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic flow.
The massage techniques listed above are the most common forms of massage offered at day spas. However, there are many other massage techniques, and many go by alternate names. To determine what massage technique is best for your needs, discuss what you’re looking for in your massage treatment with your spa of choice.
Melissa Steele is a freelance writer for BestDaySpas.com This site features local and far away day spas, luxury spas, medical spas, spa resorts, dental spas, weight loss spas and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture & Massage : Acupuncture Yin Ton Point
|
|
Acupuncture for Mind, produced by WANG Xu-dong $8.93 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Ocean $12.99 Ocean was recently nominated for a GRAMMY for Best New Age Album of The Year. Ocean is the second album in the Healing Sound Project by multi-Grammy nominated recording artist Michael Brant DeMaria. Ocean held the #1 spot on the New Age/World/Ambient Chart for 3 months and then went on to win two Zone Music Awards: BEST AMBIENT ALBUM OF 2009 and BEST RELAXATION/MEDITATION ALBUM OF 2009 which are a… |
|
|
Healing Music for Massage, Meditation and Transformation $17.99 The music is created for massage, relaxation, tablework, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, resting, sleeping, painting, cooking, loving or any joyful activity. The intent of this album is to help create a peaceful and loving space, and to assist in the opening and deepening of our individual experiencesThis product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return po… |
|
|
The Acupressure Facelift Class $19.95 Take some time for yourself. The Acupressure Facelift Class delivers the exquisite opportunity for you to relax, de-stress, bring a healthy glow to your face and massage away fine lines. Enjoy.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
|
|
Blossoms in the Spring: A Perfect Method of Qigong DVD $24.95 Blossoms in the Spring is a wonderful and beautiful form of Qigong practice. It can be adapted to any lifestyle . Its gentle, graceful movements can be performed sitting, lying down or standing. The authors have created a reference that takes the mystery out of Qigong while retaining its Chinese medical benefits and its philosphy. This DVD combines the teaching of a well known martial artist and a… |
|
|
The Essential Points of Boxing (Tai Chi practice) $11.99 Lots of people do Tai Chi, few understand what they are doing. Here is something rare: a lecture/demonstration outlining the essential points and principles in Chen style Taijiquan. In easy language, Mr. Zhu explores the profound theory and special attributes of Taiji. His goal is to make students understand their goals and the rewards of the study. Zhu Tian Cai is considered one of China’s living… |
|
|
Spoonk Mat – Cotton/Eco Foam Made in USA — DR OZ BEST ADVICE EVER! Back in Stock!!! $59.99 If you are pregnant, have any type of heart condition, bleeding disorder, diabetes, diabetic foot, on any medication involving blood-thinning drugs or agents, or suffer from any skin inflammation, you should not use our acupressure mat. If you have sensitive skin or any other medical conditions, you should consult a physician before using Spoonk acupressure massage product…. |
|
|
HIMALAYA ACUPRESSURE MAT/ Bed of nails (THE ORIGINAL) – BLACK $28.95 The Himalaya Acupressure Mat with a size of 30x17x1 inches is the latest Swedish Wellness sensation to now hit the US market. With its 8,820 Acupressure points that gently touch your skin and your bodys thousands of pressure points per Chinese Traditional Medicine you will experience a form of unique Self Treatment. Lie down on your back for 10 mins for a quick endorphin energy boost, or 20 mins o… |
|
|
Acupressure Mat | Acupuncture Mat for Back Pain Relief | #1 Back Pain Treatment | (nail bed or spike mat) (Green) $36.95 The Nayoya Acupressure Mat uses the benefits of acupuncture and acupressure to help the body repair itself, and heal itself from all kinds of stress such as back pain, fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, and muscular soreness. The Acupuncture points on the Nayoya Acupressure Mat stimulate the body to release endorphins, feel good hormones because they have a calming, soothing effect on the m… |
|
|
Accupressure Facelift [VHS] $19.99 … |
Acupuncture is really a good alternative medicine technique for common ailments such as allergies, minor headaches and pains. I have been practicing acupuncture for 4 years now.