If you’ve never had a massage – you’re missing out on some awesome health benefits. It’s also a good way to have some personal pampering time, and it’s even more fun going with a friend or partner.
Massage therapy can help relieve stress, muscular pain, injuries, improve joint mobility, and will leave you feeling a lot better after just a 30 minute session. There are no side effects or risks involves, and there are lots of types of massage to choose from.
So what are you waiting for? You should be picking up the phone and booking a session with your nearest therapist as soon as possible!
If you still need further convincing, or want to know more about the different types of massage therapy available, read on and I’ll cover a few of the most popular forms of massage.
5 Popular Forms of Massage and Their Health Benefits
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most well-known and popular form of massage. If you are booking a massage session at a local spa, chances are the therapist will be using techniques from the Swedish massage.
This is the best massage for a first timer. It will familiarize you with what’s involved with the whole process of having a massage. From the initial consultation, to the massage, and how you feel after.
Hot Stone Massage
I love hot stone massages. This form of massage involves stones that have been heated up and oils. The hot stones are either placed on points across your body, or used by the therapist to glide across your muscles.
The heat allows the massage to reach much deeper into the muscles and tissues. You can work out knots, pains, aches, inflammation in joints, and more. It’s a wonderful massage to leave you feeling energized.
You can find out more about the top benefits of a hot stone massage here.
Balinese Massage
Balinese massages are interesting. They add a holistic approach to the standard massage techniques. The therapist will also use essential oils to help stimulate healing. There is more of an emotional connection with this form of massage, it’s incredibly relaxing.
It doesn’t have to involve a lot of pressure if that’s not what you prefer, but a balinese massage often does use pressure. It’s not the best choice if you’re new to massage therapy, but certainly an experience you should try.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage therapy. It’s based on the same principles as acupuncture in that the therapist will focus on pressure points across the body to help the flow of energy.
It’s best used if you feel like you need a complete overhaul and are feeling drained. Also, if you’re suffering from emotional or mental issues that’s taking a toll on your body you should visit with a Shiatsu therapist to discuss how they can help.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is a form of massage therapy that can resolve serious injuries and is often used by athletes or people recovering from surgeries. It involves pressure being applied to muscles and tissues to work deep and increase mobility, work out knots, and alleviate pain.
If you’re suffering from an muscular injury your doctor or chiropractor may refer you to a deep tissue therapist for a consultation. You can make an appointment yourself if you want to see if this form of therapy can help.
There you go, 5 of the most popular forms of massage therapy. There is something for everyone in this list. If you have an injury, general aches and pains, or just want to give yourself some quality relaxation time you should consider a massage.
I can guarantee that after just one session you’ll feel a lot better. It’s fun, enjoyable, and great for your health. What more could you want?