What people don’t realize is that massage is complex and its reaches are diverse. Furthermore, most don’t understand one form from another, which can lead to a bad experience or unmet needs.
1. Swedish Massage
Western massage began in Sweden, when a man named Per Henrik Ling developed techniques to expedite recovery from physical trauma. Using light pressure and long strokes, Swedish massage has five main moves: effleurage (sliding, usually with oil), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction (cross fiber) and vibration and shaking. For most of us, the Swedish is most stereotypically what we envision as massage, and likely what you’ll try to recreate when trying asked by a friend or lover.
Those most apt for a Swedish massage are those who have never had a professional massage, as it guarentees a good introduction into the world of touch. Those looking for a predictable, relaxing experience should also opt for a Swedish. If this sounds fitting, but you like a little force, ask for a “firm Swedish.”
2. Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massages are not for the faint of heart. When ordering this modality, be prepared for the massage technician to come at you with linebacker strength, bend your pain threshold, and dig into parts of your body that you didn’t know could squeak, crack, or throb. Designed as recovery after an injury or surgery, deep tissue massage will rock and roll your body into submission, with the intention of punishing any physical ailments.
But be careful. Many think that because they like massage a little bit hard, deep tissue is the way to go. This is not the case. Deep tissue is intense physical therapy, and should only be sought by those who have a concrete reason. It is painful, it is grinding, and it’s only necessary in certain cases.
3. Thai
Thai massage has become a bit of a buzz phrase in the past decade, without much of an explanation of its true identity. There are two forms: Northern Style and Wat Po Style, both which traditionally require two-and-a-half hour sessions and encompass a total of 220 different moves. They differ in that the former is sensitive to the patient’s range of motion, while the latter will push your body’s limits.
Those who might be interested in this eastern art of, ultimately, relaxation should be flexible, perhaps yogis, looking for a new experience, or even post-injury.
4. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage, which, despite its reverent name, is not even a century old. Inspired by a mystical group of blind practitioners, Shiatsu is derived from the word “shi,” meaning “finger,” and “atsu,” meaning “pressure,” which combined, pretty much explains this still-emerging world.
Shitasu massage is a thumb-driven form of acupressure, an eastern medical practice in which therapists find point in the body to treat various conditions. Think of Shiatsu massage as acupuncture with thumbs instead of needles.
Those best suited for Shiatsu should be shopping for something different with an open mind for traditional Chinese medicine.
5. Hot Stone Massage
Sweeping spas around the world, the Hot Stone Massage fad is heating up. Simply, a hot stone massage involves rocks of anything from jade to basalt, heated up to anywhere from 120 to 150 degrees, and spread out across the back for a relaxing, soothing sensation. Many times massage technicians will integrate stones into other forms of massage, to heighten the experience, or warm up loose muscles.
6. Pregnancy Massage
Although in a perfect world, pregnant women should be massaged every night in reverence, there is a form specifically for women with someone on the way. A combo Swedish, pregnancy massage pays special attention to the woman’s back and shoulders, and aims to unwind, reduce swelling, and ease joints that are overworked due to extra baggage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine that attempts to treat our bodies by pinpointing corresponding spots on our hands and feet. For example, if a massage therapist feels the area between one’s second and third toe, he can judge the condition of one’s eyes, and by rubbing same area with his hands, can correct inflicting disorders if necessary. In this sense, our hands and feet are maps of our bodies, and are essential for locating and treating abnormalities.
General tips for massage
- Communicate with your massage therapist. You will get more out of the experience if you’re brutally honest, and they will appreciate the input immensely. “That’s too much” or “could you work harder on that part” will ensure a better experience.
- Develop a relationship with a massage therapist. If you’re serious about massage, get to know someone, so they can get to know your body, and tailor each session around your needs.
Posted By: Denise In: Uncategorized Tags: Massage Modalities Rescue Facts
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