A massage after a long week of hard work and running around is definitely a good treat. This holistic healing technique has been used by man for generations to relax the muscles, rejuvenate the body and ease pains and aches.
In essence, massage involves pressing, rubbing and manipulating major pressure points, such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin and the joints, to soothe the body. Most massage therapists use their fingers, hands, elbows, knees, feet and forearm to perform the massage.
There are many different types of massage, with each having its own benefit on the body. We asked the Bloomington massage therapists of N8TouchMassage.com to share with us some of details about some of their most popular massage services. Explore five types of massage below and the benefits that each one has to offer.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a type of massage that uses essential oils from herbs, resin, woods, roots and flowers. Aromatherapy helps to improve blood circulation, promote relaxation, and heal wounds and burns. When it comes to performing the actual massage, the therapist will blend a carrier oil, like olive or almond oil, with some essential oil. In addition to the smells that make you feel happy, safe, peaceful, relaxed or energized, aromatherapy massage will leave you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage releases myofascial restrictions in your body by loosening the chronic knots in your muscle tissues. When tension in your body is released, the natural harmony of the body will be restored. Moreover, this type of massage therapy will help repair damaged cells and heal minor connective tissue injuries and muscle strains. Unlike other relaxation massage techniques, the deep tissue massage therapy is applied with more pressure to reach the deeper muscle and the surrounding tissues.
Hot/Cold Stone Massage
Hot/cold stone message therapy is commonly used at resorts and spas. It uses smooth, cooled and heated stones to relieve body pains and muscle stiffness, as well as to restore vitality to aching joints and muscles. This type of massage focuses on balancing the natural “chakra” of the body by using cool sedimentary stones and warm basalt stones to unlock energy and increase circulation of blood in the body.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a popular Japanese massage that uses ‘finger pressure’. The technique is based on the belief that the illness is caused by blockage of energy flow through the body. Shiatsu massage works by improving circulation, relieving stiff muscles, and alleviating stress. The therapist will perform the massage in rhythm with his fingers and palms. The therapy will also relieve your body from stress, constipation, poor digestion, depression, tiredness, headache, neck, shoulder pain, premenstrual syndrome and back pain.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage therapy employs five main strokes, and quite a number of variations, to deliver healing and relaxing effects. It uses firm strokes and calming pressure to help boost blood circulation, improve flexibility and ease muscle tension. The hacking and tapping coupled with gliding, kneading, friction and vibrations of Swedish massage therapy can help release back tension, increase blood circulation and reduce bodily toxins and waste.
Therapeutic and other types of massage have for been used for years to promote rehabilitation, provide pain relief, and improve flexibility. There are many variations of massage therapy used to treat many conditions and heal the mind and the body.
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