Massages and More

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles of the human body. In the last year, 20 percent of people have discussed with their doctor the advantages of a massage. One-fifth of the world’s population has received a massage in the last year. Various types of massages date back more than 3,000 years to ancient China.

There are many benefits to getting a massage. They are divided into three categories: mental, emotional, and physical.
Mental:

• Reduces Stress
• Promotes quality sleep and relaxation
• Improves quality of work

Emotional:

• Reduces anxiety
• Enhances self-esteem
• Gives a sense of well-being and calmness
• Induces mental relaxation

Physical Benefits:

• Relaxes the body
• Calms the nervous system
• Lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
• Reduces chronic pain
• Relieves tired and aching muscles
• Improves muscle tone and cramped muscles
• Increases range of motion and recovery
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves posture
• Fight pain and fatigue
• Decreases anxiety
• Enhances sleep quality
• Greater energy
• Improves concentration
• Increases circulation
• Helps with balance
• Quality of life
• Improves exercise performance

Here are a few of the various kinds of massages you may encounter the first time you walk into a gym, spa, or chiropractor’s office.

Swedish Massage Therapy

This is the standard type of massage offered in most facilities and the most common massage therapy. It is based on concepts of anatomy and physiology. Swedish massage provides full-body muscle relaxation.

Skinny Massage

This is targeted to the healthier looking skin, and cellulite is massaged and flattened. The pressure is lighter and shorter than a regular Swedish massage.

Hot Stone Massage

Heated stones made of volcanic rock are put on specific parts of the body to relax muscles and reduce tension. The posture of the stones helps positively relax and target injured areas.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a focused, therapeutic massage that targets muscle knots and specific problem areas in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Target therapy is another name for this massage.

Shiatsu Massage

A form of Japanese bodywork, shiatsu involves localized pressure using the therapist’s fingers (or sometimes hands and elbows) applied in a rhythmic sequence along the body. It is very effective but can be very painful at first. Therapists can even get on the table to generate more aggressive work.

Thai massage

Uses yoga exercises and rigorous and vigorous movements.

Pregnancy Massage

This massage is used in the later part of a pregnancy and is used to promote relaxation and help with swollen ankles and lower back pain. It is also known as a prenatal massage.

Reflexology Massage

The therapist uses finger pressure and techniques such as kneading and rubbing to promote relaxation and healing in the body. Reflexology is based on “reflex areas” on the hands and feet, whose energy is believed to be connected to organs and other body parts. The person is fully clothed except for the feet.

Sports Massage

Designed to prevent and treat injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance, sports massage can be used by athletes of all abilities to prepare for or recover from athletic or sports events. Sports massage may help muscle pain or restricted range of motion. This type of massage can help with increased blood flow, increased a range of motion, and increased flexibility. Many people try this as a treat after a long run or race event. Workers who have jobs where they stand all day––such as waitresses, teachers, and cashiers––benefit from this type of massage.

Aqua Massage

If you are new to massages, you might want to try an aqua massage. It keeps you fully dressed minus your shoes and allows you to feel with the help of a machine the benefits of the massage. Many gyms offer this service as part of their membership.

Chair Massage

This can be done either at a mall or having someone come to the office to manually manipulate sore muscles of the back. It is great for someone who is nervous about massages because the patient sits in the comfort of their chair and is fully clothed.

So if you are looking for an alternative to your health treatment, try a massage. You will be glad you did.

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Christina Chapan

Christina Lee Steele Chapan is a certified personal trainer with four certifications from ISSA ACE, AFAA and SCW. She specializes with fitness for children and those adults and children with special needs. In addition to attaining her certifications, she is also a certified elementary and special education school teacher with a B.S. in Elementary Education, a minor in Biblical Studies from North Central University, an endorsement in Special Education, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Development from Governors State University. Her passion is for training the future of tomorrow. She is available for training, speaking and writing.