Types of Massage and Their Benefits

Body pain after exercise or activity is most comfortable to overcome with massage. The pressure given during a massage can help relax tense muscles so that the body becomes more relaxed. But apparently, different types of massage are also different benefits, you know!

Various types of massage and its benefits for health

1. Swedish massage

For those of you who just want to try a massage or experience mild body pain for the first time, then this type of massage is suitable for you. This Swedish massage therapy is done by using long massage techniques, circular movements, vibrations, to pressing the joints and all parts of the body.

This most popular type of massage is useful to help relax tense body muscles and accelerate injury recovery. Before starting massage, the therapist will usually ask you to take off your clothes first, then cover your body parts with a cloth.

2. Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage is actually another version of Swedish massage. Just as the name suggests, this type of massage uses scented oils, or so-called essential oils, to be distributed to the body during a massage.

The essential oil that is used can make the body become more relaxed, even believed to be beneficial to cure some diseases. Lavender oil, for example, is believed to make sleep more restful while relieving PMS symptoms.

In addition to being distributed to the body, you can breathe in essential oils with the help of a diffuser that is usually provided in a spa or massage room. This type of massage usually takes 60 to 90 minutes per session.

3. Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage aka hot stone massage is perfect for those of you who experience severe muscle pain throughout the body. The hot temperature of the stone can help increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

This hot stone is not only affixed to the body parts that are painful. Because the therapist will massage your body while holding the hot stone. That way, the heat will spread throughout your body to the fullest.

For those of you who want to do this massage but have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or varicose veins, you should first consult a doctor to determine your health condition.

4. Deep tissue massage (deep tissue massage)

Compared to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage or deep tissue massage tends to use more pressure on the body. That is why, this massage is perfect for those of you who experience chronic muscle problems such as muscle aches, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, to posture problems.

The massage technique will be carried out slowly and deeper to touch the deepest layer of muscle and connective tissue. Calm down, this method is safe and won't make you sick when you get a massage.

5. Shiatsu massage

Unlike other types of massage, shiatsu massage is done using fingers, hands, or elbows to massage. This method is done to stimulate the acupressure points in the body, the goal is to increase energy flow and restore body balance.

This type of massage is believed to help reduce stress and protect you from various health problems, such as arthritis, insomnia, back and neck pain, pelvic pain and sinuses. You don't even need to take off your clothes while doing shiatsu massage.

6. Thai massage

Thai Massage is a unique blend of massage and yoga therapies to put pressure along the body's energy lines. During Thai massage, you will do various massage positions along with the therapist.

You may be asked to sit down, bend down, tilt right or left, puff out your chest, and position other stretches during a massage. This method can reduce muscle stiffness and back pain, it has even been shown to treat balance problems and migraine symptoms.

7. Prenatal massage

Pregnant massage can be done, but with a note that it should only be done by a special therapist who has a prenatal massage license. This type of massage can help relieve body aches, muscle tension, swollen feet, to reduce stress during pregnancy.

The pressure given tends to be soft and similar to Swedish massage, so you don't need to worry and fear this will endanger your baby. The therapist will usually focus on the lower back, hips, and legs that often get sore during pregnancy. Even so, still consult with your obstetrician before deciding on a prenatal massage.

8. Reflexology

This type of massage is perfect for those who want to get a massage, but tend to be sensitive or easy to feel when certain body parts are touched by other people. This reflexology is more focused on the feet and hands - not until the whole body.

Feet and hands are two parts of the body that have acupressure points that are connected to organs or other body parts. By pressing just one point on the foot or tan, your nervous system will produce endorphins, aka the happiness hormone. As a result, you will feel more relaxed and no longer feel pain in the body.

9. Sports massage (sport massage)

For those of you who often experience injuries after exercise, sports massage is suitable for you. Yes, this type of massage can of course help you overcome repeated injuries and speed up the recovery process.

In addition, you can also use sports massage to increase flexibility and endurance during exercise. The comfort that is given will make you avoid stress, anxiety, and muscle tension.