Types of massage, what are they? Uses and benefits

How many types of massage do you know? Despite having a basic foundation that is easy to explain, there is a lot of information about the method that few know. Until then, 100 different types of massage have been discovered and studied.

Each has a unique objective and series of benefits. This makes massage a great option for those who want to relax and treat possible illnesses at the same time. You can say goodbye to pain and tension after a few good sessions with a professional massage therapist, and you can heal much more than just body ailments.

Likewise, certain types of massage even make it possible to treat emotional problems. Their properties don’t stop there: combined with certain devices or techniques, they are responsible for shaping and helping to reduce body swelling, being highly sought after by those who like extra care.

Although there are a wide variety of modalities, check out the most popular massages of recent times below, along with their benefits.

Types of massage

Whether relaxing, medicinal or modeling, massage has different applications and can focus on different parts of the body. Their approaches vary over the centuries, in addition to the technique changing in certain countries.

1 – Hot stone massage

Widely seen in spas and the image of relaxation, hot stone massage works as an alternative therapy to cure pain and discomfort. Before being deposited on the skin, the stones used are heated and coated with oil. The technique is capable of relieving muscle tension, helping with better blood flow or just relaxing. With the help of your hands, gentle pressure movements are made along the body, in different areas, thus combining the temperature of the stones with relaxation. It lasts around 90 minutes.

2 – Swedish massage

Like hot stone massage, the Swedish massage follows similar movements, as well as being one of the most popular of all time. This technique is valuable for those who have many muscle knots, promoting intense relaxation. Its script is made up of long, circular movements in the direction of the heart, along with vibrations and light beats along the muscles, combined with the passive joint movement technique, which prevents muscle contractures.

3 – Foot reflexology

Reflexology combines much more than physical contact during its implementation. It is capable of restoring energy levels, as well as altering emotions by treating possible imbalances and disorders. All of this occurs through stimuli carried out at specific points on the foot, nerve endings that run directly to the brain. In this way, it is possible to cure illnesses through the stimulating response. The massage can also be done on the ears and hands, and lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

4 – Craniossacral

Like reflexology, craniosacral massage focuses on a specific part of the body, namely the head. This technique consists of gentle movements along the skull and spine, so that it is possible to reactivate the flow of CSF, the cerebrospinal fluid, also known as cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, craniosacral massage helps correct imbalances.

5 – Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy has become a much sought after alternative for those who like natural and gradual solutions for changes in mood. The different oils influence emotional problems, in addition to awakening deep regions of the brain, such as those responsible for storing memory and certain emotions. Aromatherapy massage reduces anxiety and stress, can improve mood and even help with symptoms of depression, all while promoting relaxation and the elimination of muscle pain and tension.

Using a specific oil, the masseur must perform gentle movements and apply little pressure to the skin, in addition to using a diffuser to promote steam inhalation. Aromatherapy massages often focus on the back, shoulders and head, lasting around 60 or 90 minutes.

6 – Shiatsu

You’ve certainly heard this word associated with different types of massage. The Japanese technique is extremely popular for promoting intense relaxation, as well as deep relief from muscle tension and stress. Shiatsu massage involves eliminating headaches and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.

Using pulsation and rhythmic pressure techniques, pressure is applied with the palm of the hand and thumbs along the entire body, especially the points that are the subject of the greatest tension. Likewise, the massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

7 – Myofascial release

Myofascial release focuses on relaxing the fascia, which comprises the body’s connecting tissues and is sometimes the target of a lot of tension. In addition, it also acts on muscles and other related structures, stretching them by applying little pressure throughout the body.

Still focusing on the fascia, there is also rolfing, which consists of applying pressure to the region, so that it is possible to extend it. The objective of Rolfing is to realign body expression while conserving your energy, releasing the tensions present there.

8 – Shantala

Shantala massage has strong historical roots. Initially originally from India, more specifically from Calcutta, it emerged from the experience of a doctor, fascinated by watching a woman massage her child. The ancestral technique consists of specifically massaging babies, which can alleviate terrible colic and promote the child’s well-being. Shantala is inspired by Ayurveda Medicine, which is a bioenergetic therapy, focused on breathing techniques, self-knowledge and nutrition.

9 – Prenatal massage

During pregnancy, having a few prenatal massage sessions can be essential to promote the well-being of mother and baby. It is capable of reducing any pain, muscle tension and stress that may arise during pregnancy. However, it is important to pay attention to the specificities of your pregnancy, as during the first trimester, there is a risk of miscarriage.

Just like Swedish massage, pressure is concentrated on certain parts of the body, such as the lower back, legs and hips. The pregnant woman should be positioned face down on a table designed for pregnant women or lying on her side. The massage lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

10 – Thai

Another alternative type of massage, Thai massage focuses on body flexibility, combining pressure with yoga movements. It seeks to raise energy levels and improve circulation by stretching and twisting the body into different positions to achieve the necessary flexibility, as well as firm pressure applied by the fingers and palm.

11 – Tantric

Above all, another method strongly based on spiritual connection, tantric massage is a type of erotic massage that works on the senses as a whole. The technique is extremely old and has roots in Tantra Yoga, a philosophy from 2,500 BC, from the Dravid culture, present-day Pakistan. Tantric massage consists of strengthening the connection between partners on a high spiritual level, involving chakras and the flow of energy that travels throughout the body.

12 – Trigger point

Another type of massage available to relieve pain, trigger point massage works in such a way that it is possible to treat the problem by focusing on certain regions of the body. These are, for example, areas of joint tension, or trigger points, which influence well-being by spreading pain to other parts. As well as common aches and pains, trigger point massage helps alleviate chronic pain, more specific conditions, or injuries.

Modeling massage

The technique is not only useful for relaxation and pain treatment. Likewise, there are specific massages that are useful for those looking to lose weight, reduce swelling or shape their body, combining movements with equipment suitable for this purpose.

Lymphatic drainage

In this sense, lymphatic drainage is a key element when it comes to eliminating fluid retention and swelling. Even more, it is capable of activating circulation, being highly sought after among women as it is one of the most effective aesthetic procedures on the market. It works in such a way that drainage, when activated, eliminates toxins and deflates the tissues that cause the feeling of swelling. Likewise, lymphatic drainage is used as an auxiliary action to eliminate cellulite, sagging, localized fat and stretch marks.

Cupping massage

Furthermore, widely used in post-operative treatments and physiotherapy, cupping is also a miraculous ally of massage. Functioning as a modeling massage, the suction cup is capable of generating enough pressure to improve blood flow and soften cellulite, while modeling the silhouette.

If you liked this article, also check out Relaxing massage, what is it? Types, benefits and contraindications

Sources: Onodera, Ecycle, Ratraca Livre

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