Massage Therapy: 10 Common Types
By Brittany at 3 October, 2009, 6:54 am
Massage therapy is a personal body treatment that is gaining popularity as a method of helping people feel naturally energized, healthy and stress-free. Several popular types of massage therapy are practiced worldwide including:
Acupressure
An acupressure massage utilizes firm pressure, slow motion kneading, hard fast rubbing, and gentle finger or hand taps applied along a person’s body. The massage targets areas of the body where energy is being blocked, thus effectively eliminating pain, illness and stress.
Balinese
Balinese massage therapy uses a combination of techniques including acupressure, gentle skin massaging and scented aromatherapy oils to help increase blood, energy and oxygen circulation within the body. The massage helps damaged areas heal quicker and promotes internal peace, wellness and deep relaxation.
Chair Massage
A chair massage uses acupressure techniques, which are focused on a person’s spine, back, shoulders, neck and arms to increase energy, alertness, and relieve stress and work-related injuries. This massage is also referred to as a seated or on-site massage.
Deep Muscle
Deep muscle massage therapy utilizes steady direct acupressure by pressing, rubbing or kneading various parts of a person’s body to relieve deep-seated pain. This massage relieves chronic tension deep within the core of the muscle and tissue, providing deep relaxation, improved personal wellness, posture and increased oxygen flow.
Facial Massage
A Facial utilizes light finger and hand pressure along a person’s face to relieve headaches, stress, sinus pressure and also promote smooth younger looking skin.
Geriatric
Geriatric massage therapy utilizes light skin rubbing and kneading in combination with joint movement to help improve a person’s blood circulation, relieve pain and increase pain-free range of motion. This type of massage is designed and primarily used for the elderly.
Jamu
Jamu utilizes acupressure techniques such as pressing, rubbing and kneading a person’s skin in combination with fresh flowers, scented oils and soft soothing music in a dimly lit secluded room. This massage provides complete relaxation and increases inner harmony and energy circulation.
Medical
A medical massage utilizes multiple techniques with the goal of resolving a person’s discomfort due to diseases and other afflictions. This massage technique is often necessary to improve painful medical conditions.
Oncology
Oncology massage therapy utilizes acupressure techniques along various parts of the body to aid in the recovery process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Sports
A sports massage uses forceful pressure applied to a person’s muscles and deep tissue using elbows, fingers, fists, hands and knuckles. This massage enhances sports performance through injury prevention and recovery.
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