Massages are remarkably relaxing and can offer a wide range of benefits for a variety of ailments. However, with an innumerable amount of types of massage available, this is brief breakdown of several types of popular techniques is meant to aid you in choosing the best massage for you. Massages are not cheap so you should be a smart consumer and be assured that you get what you want for your hard earned money.
A few tips about massages for those who are new to partaking in the relaxation of massage, to begin, it is important to drink plenty of water before and after your massage. This is because lymph is being manipulated and the more hydrated you are, the more freedom the lymph has to be manipulated by the therapists. Second, you must be assured that you only have to dress down to your comfort level.
This can be an intimidating part of the massage experience so it is best to go in armed with this comforting piece of information. Lastly, if the cost of a massage seems just too much to spend, you should check if there are any massage schools in your area. These students need bodies to practice on and offer discounted prices. Most schools only allow their students that are close to graduation to perform on the community, so they are always, in my experience, very good and very professional.
The following are popular types of massage and some basic information regarding each type to allow you more insight into choosing the right massage for you.
Shiatsu Massage is the application of pressure to specific zones of the body to obtain balance
Deep-Tissue Massage is useful for “muscle pain and injury rehabilitation” as well as “reducing pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis
LaStone Therapy uses warm stones to encourage the flow of blood and lymph in the body
Reiki Massage is used to encourage the flow of energy as the therapist uses a “passive touch through twelve positions on the body”
Sports Massage is used to “enhance athletic performance and recovery”
Swedish Massage is the most popular type of massage performed and is used for general relaxation
Raindrop Technique is a form of aromatherapy offered by some massage therapists. According to younglivingworld.com, it is the use of essential oils “designed to bring balance to the body with its relaxing and mild application.” A treat for the senses brings the massage session to a completely new level of relaxation. If a therapist near you does not offer raindrop therapy, you can request that the therapist use an essential oil during your massage. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used by therapist and the scent provides reduction of stress and added relaxation.
