You may be surprised to discover just how many different forms, types and variations of massage there are. When you have a session with a professional massage therapist you won’t necessarily receive the same massage technique as the next client. Massage therapists train in different types of massages and use their expertise to determine which massage style will be best for you. Some of the most common massage techniques include:

Swedish Massage- undoubtedly the most common form of massage. Swedish massage is known for its ability to bring the body into a state of relaxation and is often the first massage technique that therapists learn. Swedish Massage does not involve deep tissue or layers but is reserved to the upper most layers of the skin and muscle.

Sports Massage- this massage is used to treat the injuries that are often associated with various athletes due to the sports they participate in. This type of massage is also effective in preventing sports related injuries as well as treating them. One of the best benefits of Sports Massage is found in the fact that muscles and ligaments may be stretched and lengthened during these sessions. This results in enhanced athletic performance.

Deep Tissue Massage- this type of massage is performed more deeply upon the muscle and tissue compared to other types. Due to the nature of this massage, it is very beneficial in treating various types of chronic pain. It is important to realize that due to the amount of friction used in this type of massage, patients may experience a slight degree of discomfort following the treatment.

Reflexology- many people refer to Reflexology as a foot massage, however it is more involved than simply massaging the feet. Reflexology is based upon the Acupressure points that reside in the foot. The belief is that stimulation and massage on these points will connect with various points throughout the body.

Spa Therapies- this type of massage is found in spas and resorts. It may be a combination of other types of massage and combine other elements that are being used in the spa. These may include aromatherapy, deep tissue, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and much more.

Thai Massage- sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage, this form of massage combines many of the stretching poses of yoga with deep, vigorous massage techniques.

Shiatsu- otherwise known as Japanese Massage, Shiatsu uses the same pressure points in Chinese Acupressure and Acupuncture to perform deep tissue bodywork.

Hot Stone Massage- this type of massage uses hot or heated stones that are placed on certain points in the body. The heat from the stones relaxes tight and tense muscles and is believed to bring balance to the body.

Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage- this massage is used to help promote circulation, relaxation, and reduce stress in expectant mothers. It is important that pregnant women use a professional to perform these massages as too much stimulation may have a negative effect on the baby. Pregnant women should also be in specific positions while they are being massaged as well.

You may be surprised to discover just how many different forms, types and variations of massage there are.

When you have a session with a professional massage therapist you will not necessarily receive the same massage technique as the next client.

Massage therapists train in different types of massages and use their expertise to determine which massage style will be best for you. Some of the most common massage techniques include:

Swedish Massage – undoubtedly the most common form of massage. Swedish massage is known for its ability to bring the body into a state of relaxation and is often the first massage technique that therapists learn. Swedish Massage does not involve deep tissue or layers but is reserved to the upper most layers of the skin and muscle.

Sports Massage – this massage is used to treat the injuries that are often associated with various athletes due to the sports they participate in. This type of massage is also effective in preventing sports related injuries as well as treating them. One of the best benefits of Sports Massage is found in the fact that muscles and ligaments may be stretched and lengthened during these sessions. This results in enhanced athletic performance.

Deep Tissue Massage – this type of massage is performed more deeply upon the muscle and tissue compared to other types. Due to the nature of this massage, it is very beneficial in treating various types of chronic pain. It is important to realize that due to the amount of friction used in this type of massage, patients may experience a slight degree of discomfort following the treatment.

Reflexology – many people refer to Reflexology as a foot massage, however it is more involved than simply massaging the feet. Reflexology is based upon the Acupressure points that reside in the foot. The belief is that stimulation and massage on these points will connect with various points throughout the body.

Spa Therapies – this type of massage is found in spas and resorts. It may be a combination of other types of massage and combine other elements that are being used in the spa. These may include aromatherapy, deep tissue, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and much more.

Thai Massage- sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage, this form of massage combines many of the stretching poses of yoga with deep, vigorous massage techniques.

Shiatsu – otherwise known as Japanese Massage, Shiatsu uses the same pressure points in Chinese Acupressure and Acupuncture to perform deep tissue bodywork.

Hot Stone Massage – this type of massage uses hot or heated stones that are placed on certain points in the body. The heat from the stones relaxes tight and tense muscles and is believed to bring balance to the body.

Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage- this massage is used to help promote circulation, relaxation, and reduce stress in expectant mothers. It is important that pregnant women use a professional to perform these massages as too much stimulation may have a negative effect on the baby. Pregnant women should also be in specific positions while they are being massaged as well.

Massage therapy modalities are as diverse in nature as leaves on a tree; and subsequently, quite effective in helping to naturally heal common and chronic health conditions. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the more common massage therapy modalities, specific strokes and general health benefits.

One of the widely used types of massage therapy is Swedish massage. Most massage therapists have learned and practice this particular form of bodywork; and utilize four types of touch therapy: Effleurage, Friction, Petrisage and Tapotement. These deep tissue motions are known to relax body tissues, increase blood circulation, and alleviate stress.

Another emerging massage therapy is reflexology. Reflexology is a foot massage therapy based on the theory of meridian therapy; whereby parts of the foot sole are believed to be interrelated to various body systems. Pressure is applied to specific points to the sole to help in healing, and in relieving stress. In addition to foot reflexology, there are a number of practitioners that practice hand, ear and body reflexology as well.

Some popular Eastern massage therapy methods include Thai massage, Acupressure/Shiatsu, and Tuina. Thai massage therapy is a bodywork modality that is based on the Yin and Yang principle of restoring energy balance to the body, and is administered through muscle stretching motions. Acupressure (also referred to as Shiatsu) is a distinct massage therapy that facilitates finger pressure to particular energy channels (meridians) along the body. This massage method is similar to acupuncture without the needles, and is believed to restore harmony to the chi (energy flow) to the body; which, in turn restores health and vitality. Tuina massage therapy is commonly taught in many Oriental medicine programs and is referred to as “Chinese medical massage.” In Tuina, various touch methods are used to balance Qi (chi) and the internal organs and body systems.

Myofascial release is a massage therapy that mixes stretches and massage to the fibrous bands of connective tissue (fascia). Gently kneading and softly stretching the fascia, myofascial release lengthens, softens and realigns the fascia; treating an array of health conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

Finally, lymphatic drainage massage therapy is specifically used to reduce edema (swelling of the tissues due to water retention). Facilitating gentle massage along the body’s lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage, MLD) is helpful in stimulating the immune system and improving circulation. This particular massage technique is beneficial to patients who suffer from chronic disease like congestive heart failure and cancer.

Stay tuned for Massage Therapy Overview – Part II of this series of articles.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage therapy near you.

Massage Therapy Overview – Part I

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We are the choices we make. Sometimes the choices are relatively simple: do we choose chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream? Other times, the choices are more significant: do we visit Cancun or Jamaica for vacation? And on other occasions, our choices are a fork-in-the-road in our lives: do we continue to rent an apartment, or make a down- payment on a new house? When providing a therapeutic massage, one of the most important choices to make is regarding the type of massage to give. Each type of massage has a different style and approach. As a therapist, which types of massage therapies are preferable? It depends.

Though numerous types of massages exist, it is important to be familiar with the basic varieties:

1. Back massage. This type of massage typically lasts 30 minutes, and focuses on both the back and neck. I struggle from time-to-time from back spasms, and can attest to the effectiveness of this type of massage.

2. Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a variety of Japanese massage that uses finger pressure on local regions of the body. The pressure is applied in a series of rhythms, on acupuncture lines on the body. The pressure points are held for multiple seconds, creating balance in the body and boosting the energy flow in the patient. The benefits of shiatsu are that while the pressure remains solid, typically no pain occurs after the massage session.

3. Aromatherapy Massage: This type of therapy combines massage therapy with one or multiple scented plant oils, or essential oils. Whether you need to boost your energy, lower your stress levels, or simply relax, the therapist chooses the right oil for the right effect. Aromatherapy is particularly ideal for reducing stress, with therapists choosing lavender as one of the most frequently used essential oils.

4. Reflexology. People often refer to this type of massage as a “foot massage,” but “foot massage plus” would probably be a better title for it. The theory behind his type of massage therapy is that various pressure points on the foot are linked to various organs and systems throughout the body. For those who work on their feet, reflexology is heaven on Earth.

5. Swedish Massage Therapy: This is the one of America’s most popular massage therapies. It is a mild and relaxing massage that uses oil or lotion. Swedish Massage Therapy applies lengthy strokes, rubs and circulates motions on the outside muscle layers.

6. Thai Massage. Thai massage therapy uses mild pressure on specific pressure points, to align the body’s energies; stretches and compressions. From my experience, this is the most “mobile” massage therapy. The therapist places the patient in various yoga-like postures. Having the therapist cling to your back like a backpack is awkward, but ultimately this massage method is perfect for improving your range of motion, lowering stress levels, and boosting flexibility.

7. Hot stone massage. A massage with hot stones involves smooth, heated stones (usually Basalt) that are positioned on particular points of the body. They are used to heat and stabilize energy centers within the body, and to relax stiff muscles. In addition, the therapist can grip the stones themselves while giving the massage, using them to apply a moderate pressure. A massage with hot stones is perfect for those with tight muscles, but who also need a gentler massage therapy.

As a massage therapist, you have several massage therapies in your battery of ways to battle your patient’s stress, pain and fatigue. Massages such as those with hot stones can help your patient to truly feel like the same person in a new body. You can tell him or her, “You have chosen wisely.”

Have you ever felt stressed from work or at home? Do you wish that you could relax? There are lots of different types of massages available today to help you calm yourself and release all those stress in your body.

Sometimes we tend to forget that we should also unwind and loosen up. Let’s not also forget to take care of our health. Here are some tips to choose the kind of massage that is best for you:

Reflexology

Reflexology is commonly known as foot massage but not just the typical kind of foot massage. It comprises putting in pressure to particular points on the foot that connect to systems and organs in the body. This type of massage is very helpful for people whose job is mostly making use of their feet or that require walking or standing most of the time.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu uses finger pressure in a rhythmic cycle. Every point takes 2 to 8 seconds to promote the flow of energy and support the body resume balance. It is very amazing for a first timer to try shiatsu because it is very soothing in spite of the hard pressure. You do not feel any swelling after.

Sports massage

Sports massage is particularly intended for people who are engaged in physical activity. You’re maybe thinking that only athletes can have this type of massage. It could also be tried by anyone who are just active or a person who works out most of the time. This type of massage doesn’t focus much on relaxation rather in avoiding and dealing with injury and improving athletic performance. Mostly, facilitated stretching is a usual method that enables your muscles to loosen and enhance flexibility.

Swedish massage therapy

This is the most popular type of therapy. In some countries, it is known as plainly massage therapy. It makes use of circular motions on superficial layers of the muscle, kneading and long smooth strokes with an application of a massage oil or lotion. This massage therapy can be very calming and very soothing that is why if ever you don’t know which type of massage to try first, choose this type of massage.

The majority of us neglect the body part we use all the time, which are our feet. We walk on them all day long and they rarely receive proper treatment. While pedicures are nice, chances are you do not go on a regular basis because of the cost. How we treat our feet can affect out legs back and neck too. It even affects our posture. Investing in a few foot care products is all you need to help prevent body aches and foot pain. Below are some cool foot care products that will make you re-evaluate the way you treat you feet.

Foot Care Products

1. Yamuna Foot Wakers This foot care product strengthens tones and increases flexibility in your feet. It allows easier movement in your knees and back, improves your walking stance and posture and helps your feet point straight forward over time. You can use them while sitting down or use them standing up for a more intense workout. This foot care product also helps with foot pain and poor foot circulation.

2. Homedics Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat I am sure just reading the title of this foot care product made you want to go and get one! This heated foot massager has rotating discs for deep kneading action. It also lights up and has the option of a regular massage or a heated foot massage. A great foot care product for tired feet or foot pain.

3. ToeSox Yoga/ Pilates Toe Socks The next time you do Yoga or Pilates don’t forget your yoga socks! Each toe has its own compartment allowing your toes to stretch out during your workout. This foot care product is a great alternative to lugging around a mat all the time because they keep germs off your bare feet! This foot care product has a black horizontal stripe at the front of the socks tells you if your body is aligned properly during workouts and these socks do not slip. This is important because bad posture can lead to aches in your back and foot pain.

4. Dr. Scholl’s Foot Bath with Bubbles and Massage This foot bath massages tired feet after a long day and is ten times more exciting than a stagnant water basin. The sound of the bubbles alone will cause you to drift away in your own fantasy world. A massage is one great way to alleviate foot pain and this foot care product does all the work. It is great for a Pedicure With this foot bath, you can bring the spa to you!

5. Pampered Toes A cheaper version of yoga toes, this foot care product for your toes is great for relieving foot pain and maintaining proper foot alignment. Pampered toes are made out of a gel substance, which fits between each toe for soothing comfort. Stretch out your cramped toes and soothe swollen feet with ease. Use daily to prevent foot pain.

If you are looking for a convenient product for relieving tension and stress, then you need to consider an electric shiatsu foot massager.

Not only will you experience the melting away of stress and tension from your feet, your overall well-being will be tremendously enhanced as the acupressure points on your soles are stimulated as if being massaged by an expert masseuse. Of course, if you have the time and the money to have frequent appointments with a real live masseuse, you are very lucky, especially in this economy! Few things in life can compare with the soothing personal attention of that nature. But if convenience and money are an issue, then the next best thing is to have an electric shiatsu foot massager in your home where you can use it whenever you are so inclined.

“Shiatsu” is a Japanese word that simply means “finger pressure.” A shiatsu foot massager is therefore going to mimic the pressure you would feel if a masseuse were using her thumbs to stimulate the acupressure points on the soles of your feet.

The ancient Chinese developed the theories regarding energy fields and pathways within the human body upon which the practice of acupressure is based. These pathways have ending points that are the acupressure points worked on during a massage. A total of 360 acupressure points exist on the body, and 60 of those are on the soles of the feel. By stimulating the points in just the right way, blocked energy, – the source of tension and stress – is released and freed to flow in the way nature intended. This is why a shiatsu foot massage will leave you with a profound feeling of relaxation from head to toe.

When you are ready to choose an electric shiatsu foot massager, you will find a variety of styles on the market based on the range of motions and levels of intensity they offer. And most of them offer the wonderful benefit of infrared heat to make your massage experience even more soothing.

Just think how great it would be to come home at the end of a hard day of standing or walking on your feet and being able to pamper yourself with a foot massage. You may even want to have a cup of tea or a glass a wine while your shiatsu foot massager melts away all your stress and tension.

For help in choosing the right shiatsu foot massager for you, Karina Paulson invites you to visit http://hubpages.com/hub/shiatsu-foot-massagers-for-feel-good-feet.

I get pedicures from a Korean salon owner. He does a foot massage as part of the service that is FABULOUS. I think he uses some form of Asian reflexology or something- it’s much more than just getting a "foot rub." I look forward to it and would go daily- skip the nail polish- just for the foot massage part.

The last one I had, that evening my feet were sore. The next day I felt very tired and lethargic. Is this normal? What happens when those foot nerves are worked on?

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I get my feet massaged on a regular basis, and I always enjoy my feet being massaged, (foot massages are wonderful) and it feels great on my feet. One massage therapist, who massages my feet, also flexed my toes back and forth. What she does is presses them back hard, but firm, (It doesn’t hurt) and as she holds them back this stretches my leg muscles, and she asks me to press on her hand, and both leg muscles stretch out which feels very good on my leg muscles, then she would curl them and ask me to do the same, and this stretches my muscles out again. What is the purpose of this? I enjoy doing this, and it does feel good on my lower leg muscles, it is like almost like stretching out before you go for a run, but what is the main purpose, would this make my toes stronger?

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