TYPES OF MASSAGES
There are many types of massage treatments today.
In this post you will find the types of massages that are popular today, difference between Traditional massages and Western massages, and the different approaches to massage.
WESTERN MASSAGE AND TRADITIONAL MASSAGE
TRADITIONAL MASSAGE TREATMENT
A Traditional massage is a type massage that originated from cultures outside of Western societies. These massages are Eastern massage practises such as Alternative massage treatments.
Traditional massage focuses on the flow of energy, and particular energy points within the body. This type of massage uses the concept of energy and life force within the body to correct imbalance, treat illness, and manage stress.
Traditional massages usually starts with a prayer, and uses special ointments, and specific movements to achieve desired results.
A typical traditional massage deals with the abstract, that is the unseen elements in and around the body, such as energy and aura.
WESTERN MASSAGE TREATMENT
Western massage focuses on the physical components of the body and the skeletal structure.
A western massage is a type of massage that focuses on treating pain, injury, and correcting problems in the muscles and connective tissues for better health.
Also Western massages focuses mainly on what we see, touch, and feel. This is why Western massages are used in medical and health treatments.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRADITIONAL AND WESTERN MASSAGE
The main difference between Traditional massages and Western massages is that Traditional massage focuses on the flow of energy in the body and different energy points.
While Western massage focuses on the physical components of the body, that is the musculoskeletal system of the body.
Over the years massage practitioners have developed different approaches, techniques, philosophy, and styles of massage to create an effect in the body and mind.
APPROACHES TO MASSAGE THERAPY
Some of the approaches use in massage today are:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses aromatic plants, scents, and essential oils to influence the senses. It is use for Relaxation massages, to treat aliments, and to elevate mood.
Energy Points Therapy
This approach of massage focuses on the different energy points, and the flow of energy in the body.
Holistic Massage Approach
This approach to massage focuses on the whole person, taking into consideration the mental, physical, emotional, and social factors, rather than just a part of the person.
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a form of Physical therapy. It is used in medical massage, Sports massage, and Deep tissue massage.
Remedial Therapeutic Massage
This is a physical, hands-on massage treatment, using kneading, pressing, tapping, and stretching, to treat pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Due to the different approaches to massage, we now have different techniques and types of massages for different purposes.
So , here are the different types of massages.
TYPES OF MASSAGES
POPULAR WESTERN MASSAGES
- Deep tissue massage
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- Relaxing massage
- Sports massage
- Swedish massage
POPULAR TRADITIONAL MASSAGES
- Ayurvedic massage
- Lomi lomi massage
- Reflexology massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Thai massage
- Hot stone massage
TYPES OF MASSAGES TREATMENTS
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage treatment uses firm but gentle pressure on the skin to reach inner layers of muscles and connective tissues. This massage is use to treat aches, chronic pain, weak muscles, muscle injury, stiff joints, and connective tissues. Also Deep tissue massage reduces inflammation, and breaks down scar tissues, to improve blood circulation, and quicken muscle and tendon recovery.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system. It is considered a type of massage because it uses, in part, hand movements on the skin. But it is different from other therapeutic massages such as a Swedish massage or a Relaxing massage.
Lymphatic massage is use to remove toxins from body tissues, to improve the flow of lymph fluids, and to reduce swelling.
RELAXING MASSAGE
A Relaxing massage is a type of massage that uses long, soothing strokes of medium to light pressure on the skin.
Relaxing massage focuses on relaxation, by reducing muscle tension and aches. It helps to reduce tightness in the muscles, promotes rest, and a good night sleep.
SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
Sports massage is a massage treatment for treating, and preventing injuries from sports or other physical activities. It focuses on correcting problems and imbalances that are caused from repetitive physical activities in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Sports massage can be a slow paced massage or a fast paced massage, with stretching and movement.
SWEDISH MASSAGE THERAPY
Swedish massage is a type of Relaxation massage that uses long strokes, kneading, percussion and rolling movements. But the massage treatment can be used to relax, or energise. Swedish massage reduces aches, improves blood circulation, and soothes tense muscles.
Swedish massage is a full body massage, using body oil or lotion.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Ayurvedic massage is a traditional Indian massage. It is use to create a balance within the body, mind and spirit, by clearing the energy pathways so that the body can heal itself.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
Hot stone massage is a form of Alternative massage treatment. The stone used for the treatment are smooth, flat and hot. The stones are heated to a right temperature that is bearable and can’t char the skin. Hot stone massage is use to relief pain, increase circulation, and to relax.
LOMI LOMI MASSAGE
Lomi lomi is from the Hawaiian language which translates to ‘rub rub’. It is a traditional Hawaiian massage.
A typical Lomi lomi massage uses a combination of prayer, nut oils, massage techniques, breathing, and dance to restore energy and relax the body.
REFLEXOLOGY
This is a traditional massage from ancient Egypt. Reflexology is a massage that focuses on the feet, and sometimes the hands and ears, to relax and improve a person’s mood, organs, and tissues in the body.
SHIATSU MASSAGE
It is a traditional Japanese massage treatment. Shiatsu massage uses the concept of traditional Chinese medicine which uses pressure on specific points of the body to relieve tension and pain. Shiatsu translates to ‘finger pressure’.
THAI MASSAGE
Thai massage is a traditional massage from Thailand. It is carried out with a combination of acupressure, yoga postures and concepts of Ayurveda to revive energy, relieve pain, improve motion and flexibility.
CONCULSION
So here you have the popular Traditional and Western massages, although there are other massage treatments that are less known.
I hope this post on the Types Of Massages was helpful to you. You can use this article as a guild for when you want to book a massage, and to find the distinction between the approaches of massage, and the types of massages.
