ExecutiveChronicles.com | Determining What Type of Massage is Best For You | If you’ve never received a professional massage before, you might feel overwhelmed by the different types of available therapies. And while choosing the right type of massage can be challenging, it’s not impossible.
Familiarizing yourself with the most common and popular massage types is a great way to prepare yourself for a session. Additionally, each type of massage offers specific benefits and drawbacks.
Understanding these differences can help you pick the best possible type of massage for your body and mind! Read on for a guide.
How Many Types of Massage Are There?
There are hundreds of different types of massage. Telling them apart from one another can be challenging, even for professional massage therapists!
As such, choosing the best type of massage for your needs and preference can be tricky. Fortunately, most massage therapy clinics offer a standard set of tried-and-true treatments.
More than likely, you’ll be choosing from this handful of massage types when scheduling your first session. But what are the most popular types of massage therapy? Let’s find out!
The Most Popular Massage Types
There’s a good chance that your local massage therapy clinic offers several of the most popular massage types, including the following:
- Swedish Massage
- Deep-Tissue Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Aromatherapy Massage
Treating yourself to an enjoyable massage starts with learning more about these types of massage, how they work, and why they’re beneficial. After all, if you’re considering massage for pain relief, you’ll want to choose wisely.
However, if you’re searching for the most relaxing and popular option, you’ll want to start with Swedish massage.
Swedish Massage
The most popular type of massage therapy throughout the entire world is Swedish massage. When you picture massage, do you see a half-naked person lying on a massage table, getting kneaded and gently squeezed?
If so, there’s a good chance that you’re thinking of Swedish massage. This type of massage can be performed on fully-clothed individuals, but it’s often more effective with skin-to-skin contact.
During a Swedish massage, your therapist will target the areas of your body where there’s excessive tension. They’ll work slowly, helping you to stay relaxed throughout the session.
Overall, Swedish massage is considered one of the most relaxing forms of massage therapy. It’s also a great option for first-time clients, as it’s extremely calming and unintrusive.
You can find more info here if you’re interested in getting the best possible massage therapy in your area.
Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-tissue massage is, in many ways, the opposite of Swedish massage. It’s one of the most intense types of massage. Some clients report mild physical pain and discomfort for several hours after a session.
However, this massage type is also one of the most effective at treating long-term stress. That’s because it can increase circulation more deeply than other forms of massage.
Individuals struggling with chronic pain or arthritis might benefit from getting a deep-tissue massage. However, repeat sessions are necessary to maintain those benefits.
Hot Stone Massage
This type of massage is exactly what it sounds like: Massage, but with hot stones! However, the techniques used are almost identical to Swedish massage. As such, a hot stone massage is typically incredibly relaxing.
During a hot stone massage, you’ll be asked to partially undress and lay flat on your stomach. The therapist will then used heated basalt river rocks to relax your muscles. These stones are placed along the back and spine.
After letting the heat dissipate into your muscle tissue, the therapist will begin performing Swedish massage techniques. They’ll knead and press your muscle tissue to promote improved circulation and relaxation.
This type of massage typically lasts at least one hour. Consequently, it’s not the best option for individuals looking to enjoy quick sessions.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage combines some of the most effective massage techniques with a variety of scent-based oils. You can select the precise type of scents you’d like or the desired emotional outcome.
For example, citrus oils tend to produce an energizing and uplifting effect. Lavender oils, on the other hand, are often relaxing and calming. Both can temporarily alter your emotional state.
The idea behind aromatherapy massage is that it’s a treatment for both your body and mind. By inducing specific feelings, your therapist could help your body reach a state of peace and contentment.
The types of massage techniques used in aromatherapy massage vary, though most opt for Swedish massage techniques. However, you could ask for a deep-tissue massage as well.
Benefits of a Massage Therapy Session
Each type of massage offers unique benefits. That said, there are some general benefits of undergoing regular massage therapy sessions.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- Increased feelings of relaxation
- Decreased muscle tension
- Improved circulation
- Clearer skin and more even skin tone
- Reduced feelings of stress or anxiety
- Fewer aches and pains
To understand these benefits, you’ll need to understand the human stress response and its impact on the body. After all, one of the most notable advantages of massage therapy is stress reduction.
The Human Stress Response
Most of us experience some form of stress throughout the day. Workplace stressors, hectic schedules, and growing families can strain both the body and mind. But what happens to our bodies when we’re stressed?
In the past, stress acted as a life-saving tool. When our ancient ancestors encountered a threat, their brains triggered the release of several crucial hormones. Adrenaline and cortisol may be the most vital of these.
This instinctual stress response (often called the fight-or-flight reaction) allowed our ancestors to outrun or overpower the threats they encountered. But the nature of common stressors has changed over time.
Instead of fighting off sabretooth tigers, we’re handling paperwork or co-worker relationships. Rather than outrunning natural disasters, we’re trying to outrun traffic on our way to the office.
The human stress response, however, has not changed. And when our bodies stay stressed for prolonged periods, it can lead to a ton of problems. Obesity, heart disease, and depression are a few such consequences.
A Chain of Fortunate Events
Massage therapy can combat many of the consequences of long-term stress. However, it does this in a unique way: Targeting the first sign of stress.
When you’re completely relaxed, your muscles are loose, flexible, and pain-free. But when stress begins to overwhelm you, those muscles often tense up and grow stiff. By loosening that stiffness, you might find relaxation.
In this way, massage therapy attempts to reduce stress and its many symptoms by focusing on its physical manifestation. And when your muscles are relaxed, your mind often follows suit.
Of course, not all massage types are identical. Some focus more on the body, and others target both the body and mind. Therefore, the best type of massage therapy for you depends on your unique needs.
Massage Benefits the Mind and Body
Choosing the best type of massage for your needs doesn’t have to be a frustrating process. Many massage therapy clinics offer a limited number of massage styles. You’ll likely choose from the most popular massage types.
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing therapy session, a Swedish or aromatherapy massage might be best. But those hoping to reduce muscle tension and increase circulation may opt for a deep-tissue massage.
Are you ready to take control over your personal health and fitness? If so, be sure to check out our related health and fitness articles now!