Massages are one of lifes simplebut sometimes confusingpleasures.
Which one should you choose?
Here are 10 of the most popular types of massages to meet your varied needs.
Friction:where deep pressure is applied to a particular spot with the thumb, fingertips, or knuckles.
Rhythmic tapping (tapotement):fast, percussive movements like chopping and even pounding.
The good thing is you dont have to take off your clothes or have oils slathered all over you.
The bad thing is you dont get a thorough whole-body massage as you do with other methods.
Also, as these massages are often done in public places, you might have trouble relaxing.
When you have knotted muscles, however, or a more specific ailment, more attentive techniques are required.
It is definitely not for everyone.
However there are millions of people out there that would never have their treatment any other way.
Most everyone needs more pressure in some areas and less in others.
In this technique, the therapist pinpoints the problem muscle and coaxes it with deep pressure to relax.
Located in the skeletal muscle, trigger points are spots that produce pain when compressed.
In many cases, trigger points form as a result of trauma to the muscle fibers.
Deep tissue and trigger point massages are very similar.
Spine Healthexplains:
Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy.
Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm.
The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow.
Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for 10 to 30 seconds.
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu (literally, finger pressure) is an ancient technique from Japan.
It combines gentle stretches with finger pressure to work on different pressure points.
The idea is to fix imbalances in the flow of energy in your body.
Unlike other types of massage, you stay clothed during the treatment.
(Its sometimes referred to as Yoga for the lazy.)
You might even get walked on!
This punch in of massage is both energizing and, at times, relaxing.
Athletes often get sports massages to prepare for peak performance, prevent injury, or to treat injury.
What makes prenatal massage different?
A lot of it comes down to the position of the body.
But before booking anything, definitely talk to your doctor, .
The massage types outlined above are some of the most popular, but there are many others.
Be vocal during the massage, too, and let your massage therapist know how the pressure feels.
