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By Terry Orr
Everybody
Deserves a Massage Week, July 14-20, 2013
Every year
massage therapists and body workers nationwide lend their hearts and hands to
raise awareness of the benefits of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies.
There are
various types of massage techniques and each has its own identified benefits of
addressing stress, pain or it just simply enhance general well being. There are
around 80 Massage therapy styles. Out of these 80, here under are the
considered Top Ten Massage Techniques:
1. Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage or popularly known as classic massage is usually done
using the hands, elbows and forearms to manipulate the superficial layers of
the muscles. This kind of therapy can shorten recovery from muscular strain by
eliminating uric acid, lactic acid and other metabolic waste by increasing the
level of oxygen in the blood.
2. Sports Massage therapy - This is the ideal and famous massage therapy
for athletes but is accordingly suitable for anyone who is undergoing chronic
injury or pain or range of motion problems. It is a good or right choice if one
has a specific problem sustained through sport – because this massage can
improve circulation of lymph and blood fluids that allows optimum metabolic
exchange.
3. Deep Tissue Massage – This kind of massage therapy style directly
targets the deeper layers of connective and muscle tissue. The therapist
usually employs slower frictions techniques or strokes to ease in and out of
the muscle. It is required that before employing the therapy, muscles must be
relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage.
4. Indian Head Massage – This is a type of Massage technique is
popular in India and is said to be good at relieving insomnia, headaches,
migraine, tension, sinusitis and stress. The treatment includes the use of deep
kneading and compression movements over the head and other related parts of the
head.
5. Reflexology Massage – This is otherwise known as zone therapy
which is based on the concept that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands
that corresponds to specific glands, specific organs, and other parts of the
body. This massage therapy involves the manipulation of specific reflex areas
in the hands, foot and ears that correspond to other parts of the body.
Pressure is usually being applied to the so called reflex zones to stimulate
body organs and relieve areas of congestion.
6. Shiatsu – This massage technique was developed and originated in Japan. It is
accomplished by utilizing finger pressure technique on a particular traditional
acupuncture points. It works similarly with acupressure by unblocking the flow
of life energy and rejuvenates balance in the organs and meridians in order to
ensure self-healing.
7. Hot Stone Massage –This type of massage therapy is accomplished by placing smooth stones
on certain point of the body to warm, loosen tight muscles and balance the
energy centers in the body. Hot stone massage is a good choice for people who
have muscle tension but prefers light massage.
8. Neuromuscular Massage – This kind of massage therapy works to reduce
muscle pain by stimulating circulation of blood that goes to the nervous
system. This kind of treatment involves using static pressure on a particular
area called a trigger point but it does not involve the massage of the whole
body.
9. Pregnancy Massage – This kind of muscle technique works
similarly with Swedish massage but is usually carried out with the mother on
her side using pillows to position her body at her most comfortable position.
It is employed to ease some of the discomforts that are associated with
pregnancy such as swelling of muscles, legs and joint aches or reduced normal
circulation of blood.
10. Aromatherapy Massage – The muscle therapy is accomplished by using
essential oils (extracted from flowers, herbs, woods, resin and roots) in the
body and in the skin. Each of this oil has unique benefits and features. The
oils are use for therapeutic reasons and not just for fragrance. Scented oils
are applied directly to the body depending on the need.
So do yourself a favor a get a nice
massage this week and every week!!
[Photos from Google]
