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By
Terry Orr
Do you feel like you carry the weight of the world on your
shoulders? This expression embodies how the stress of life can literally lead
to physical pain. And while your honey may give you a quick shoulder squeeze to
ease off a rough day, sometimes you need to turn to the hands of a pro. Every other Wednesday – I spend a grateful
hour with Vivian who works out all those trouble spots on my body. Life is
good!
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In a recent article Talli van Sunder wrote, “We all know the benefits that can come with a good
massage. If we’re feeling stressed, a massage can help us relax and ease
that pressure. If we’re sore from a race or a long week at the gym, a
massage can loosen our muscles and get rid of those knots. And if we’re
feeling pain, a successful session of massage therapy may be able to
target that spot and make the discomfort go away.”
“But there are reasons to
get a massage that go beyond these more “superficial” benefits. While a
massage is certainly valuable from the perspective of stress and feel, it
can also help you battle everything from colds to cancer by boosting your
body’s immune system.”
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Tense muscles and stress can aggravate migraine headaches. Visiting
a massage therapist for a massage while a migraine is in progress can reduce
muscle pain and tension. This alone may not eliminate your headache, but it can
lessen the intensity and increase relaxation. These massages should focus on
the neck, shoulders and upper back.
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Here
is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you
figure out which massage therapy style is right for you.
Swedish Massage Therapy
- This is the most common
type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish
massage or simply massage therapy.
- Massage therapists use long
smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of
muscle using massage lotion or oil.
- Swedish massage therapy can
be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good
one to try first.
Aromatherapy Massage
- Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.
- The massage therapist can
select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, and balancing, etc.
One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.
- Aromatherapy massage is
particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an
emotional component.
Hot Stone Massage
- Heated, smooth stones are
placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and
balance energy centers in the body.
- The massage therapist may
also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting.
Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter
massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
- Deep tissue massage targets
the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses
slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.
- Deep tissue massage is used
for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems,
or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep
tissue massage.
Shiatsu
- Shiatsu is a form of
Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on
acupuncture meridians.
Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of
energy and help the body regain balance.
- People are normally
pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing
yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.
Thai Massage
- Like shiatsu, Thai massage
aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai
massage also includes compression's and stretches.
- You don't just lie
there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's
like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other
forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range
of motion.
Pregnancy Massage
- Also called prenatal
massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant
mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the
proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how
to modify techniques.
- Pregnancy massage is used
to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce
anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual
needs.
Reflexology
- Although reflexology is
sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology
involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to
organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for
people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.
Sports Massage
- Sports massage is
specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you
don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people
who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on
preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.
- A combination of techniques
are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated
stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase
flexibility.
Back Massage
- Some massage clinics and
spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not expressly
advertised, you can also book a 30- or 40-minute massage and ask that the
massage therapist to focus on your back. Massage for Neck
and Back Pain?
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Sometimes helps those nasty Migraines
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References
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