Types of Massage

Massage therapy is one of the oldest medicalligaments, tendons and joints.
treatments. There are records of this treatmentBreema bodywork: This is also performed on the
being practiced almost 4,000 years ago. Admittedly itfloor with the subject fully clothed. It is composed of
was a fairly simple form of treatment at this timegentle leans and stretches, to aid deep relaxation.
and was referred to as "rubbing." Modern massageSessions typically last for about 50 minutes.
therapy has now evolved to incorporate manyChair massage: This can be done either manually or
techniques and is a recognized form of alternativeby mechanical means, motors in the actual chair.
treatment. It is all part of a holistic approach toTui Na is a form of Chinese massage and involves
medicine that looks at the entire overall health of thepushing, stretching and kneading the muscle. Zhi Ya is
patient.another form of Chinese massage based on
Basic massage: pressure, tension, motion, or vibrationacupuncture. It involves pinching and pressing the
is applied to the soft tissues of the body. This canacupuncture points.
also include lymphatic vessels, joints, ligaments,CranioSacral Therapy: This, as the name applies, is
muscles, connective tissue and tendons. It can bethe gentle massage of the head and spine.
applied to the whole body or parts of it. There areDeep muscle therapy: this technique is generally
many reasons for using massage therapy, a fewfocused on increasing blood and lymphatic flow to
common ones are; to help heal the body after injury,the muscles. It is often used to promote healing and
relive stress, manage pain, or improve circulation.help manage back and neck pain.
The patient is treated by, sitting in a massage chair,Deep tissue techniques: This massage therapy
lying on a massage table, or lying on a pad on theconcentrates on specific sets of muscles, or joints.
floor. They are generally unclothed, or disrobed, withAn experienced massage therapist should do this as
their body "draped" in towels or sheets. How thewhen it is misapplied or done too quickly this
body is "draped " depends on where in the world youmassage can cause more problems and not help the
are having this treatment done. The therapy beginspatient.
with the patient lying on their back and continuesEffleurage: This form of massage is almost like
with them face downward. Relaxation is necessarystroking and is used to calm the muscles. It is often
for massage therapy to be effective.performed around the heart to help circulation and
Oils are sometimes used to increase the effects oflymphatic drainage.
massage therapy. Different oils are supposed toEsalen Massage: This style of massage therapy uses
induce different reactions in the body. Massagetraditional methods in a gentle manner. This will relax
therapy can also be practiced with no oil. Hot steamthe body and help muscles and circulation.
or sauna baths are often taken prior to massageFoot massage: The Chinese have different points on
therapy. This will help the patient to get warmed upthe sole of the foot that they associate with
and relax so that treatment can be more effective.different organs of the body. This is to do with
There are several different types of massage thatnerve endings in the sole and in theory is related to
are used in massage therapy. Here are someacupuncture and acupressure. This requires the
common ones:patient to soak their foot in a foot bath of warm
Barefoot Deep Tissue: This is a combination ofwater and herbs before having this massage therapy
Eastern and Western techniques. The patient isdone.
loosely clothed and lain on their back or side, on aAs you can see there are many types and styles of
mat on the floor. No oil is used in this technique.massage therapy. It is best to have this done by a
Bowen Technique: This is a rolling techniquelicensed therapist who will know what combination of
movement that is done to the fascia, muscles,techniques to apply to your particular situation.