Which Type of Massage Is Right for You?

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massage types

Are you hip with Ayurvedic?

Ayurvedic medicine dates back as one of the world’s oldest healing systems. Originating from India, more than 3000 years ago, this medicine offers a holistic whole-body approach. Rather than using medicines, Ayurvedic practitioners use different massage types to promote self-healing.

If you’re thinking about partaking in the ancient practice of getting a massage, you want to make sure you’re picking the right one. While some massages are gentle and relaxing, others are abrupt and intense.

However, once you find out what the best massage is for you, the benefits can be life-changing. Read on to learn about the different types of massages and how they can help you.

Popular Massage Types

It can be confusing, choosing between the different massage types, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Before you start diving into each type of massage therapy, ask yourself what you’re hoping to get out of it.

Are you looking to branch out a bit and try something new? Or do you have a health condition or injury, that you’re hoping the massage will address?

Whatever you’re looking for, here’s a shortlist of the most popular types of massages

  • Reflexology
  • Sports massage
  • Pregnancy massage
  • Shiatsu massage
  • Aromatherapy massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Swedish massage
  • Deep tissue massage

If you’re looking for a classic type of massage, then the Swedish option might be your best choice. Swedish massages are a standard type of massage. It’s common for gents, wellness centers, and spas, to offer Swedish massages.

The masseuse working on your body will use lotion or oil. Typically, massage therapists will start with large strokes. After a series of broad general strokes, they’ll start targeting specific problem areas.

Rolling in the Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is a specific technique that can help treat musculoskeletal issues. Sports injuries, strains, or other traumatic events, can damage the tissues in your body.

When you get a deep tissue massage you’ll be putting pressure, on the damaged areas. The firm pressure targets the inner layers of your muscles, and all of your connective tissues.

As you activate blood flow, deep within your tissue, you can break up scar tissue that was trying to form. By removing the scar tissue, you’ll reduce tension on your muscles.

Deep Tissue vs Swedish Massage

You might be wondering, what the difference is between a deep tissue massage and a Swedish massage. While both of these massages use some of the same strokes, they vary greatly when it comes to the amount of pressure used.

Here are some of the main differences between deep tissue massages and Swedish massages

  • Amount of pressure
  • Focus area
  • Purpose of massage

It’s common for a Swedish massage to help promote relaxation, while also reducing muscle tension. Everyday activities such as sitting at your desk, or driving in your car, it can cause tension to form in your muscles.

A deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is for more intense tension. Rather than addressing everyday buildup, deep tissue massages work to release tension from traumatic injuries.

Finally, the area of focus differs greatly between these two massages as well. A Swedish massage will target your neck, shoulders, and back.

A deep tissue massage doesn’t target your superficial layers of muscle and instead goes for your inner layers of muscle. Tendon injuries, chronic stiffness, and major joints and muscle groups, will all benefit from the deep tissue option.

Mood-Boosting Aromatherapy Massages

An aromatic massage can target discomfort in a number of ways. While most massages focus on pain relief, aromatherapy also works on your mood.

If you choose to have an aromatherapy massage, you’ll want to know a little bit about the essential oils that will be using. Different essential oils can have different effects on your mood, and health.

Here’s a shortlist of popular essential oils your masseuse may use

  • Cedarwood
  • Chamomile
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Ginger
  • Peppermint
  • Tea tree

Typically speaking, aromatherapy is a type of add-on to a traditional massage. Whether you’re getting a relaxing massage, deep tissue massage, or a different style, find out if your spa offers an aromatherapy add-on.

Some of the aromatherapy benefits you can enjoy, include reduced anxiety, and better sleep. Depression, nausea, and pain, can also benefit from aromatherapy massages.

Tips for Getting Aromatherapy Massages

If you decide an aromatherapy massage is a right add-on for you, you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of your session. Here are a few tips to make sure you have the best essential oil experience

  • Choose a specific essential oil based on your needs
  • Decide if you want the essential oil applied directly to your skin or diffuse
  • Eat a small meal before going to your massage
  • Drink water before your massage
  • Take a warm shower after your massage

First, pick an essential oil that will help address whatever you’re looking to target. If you need to boost your mood, consider going with the citrusy scent. However, if you’re looking to relax, lavender can be your best friend.

Next, you’ll want to decide if you want the masseuse to apply the essential oils directly to your skin, or diffuse them in the air. If you have skin sensitivities, you should steer clear of aromatherapy massages altogether.

We suggest eating a little bit of food before going to your massage but don’t eat too much. Your stomach could become upset during the aromatherapy session if you eat too much food beforehand.

It’s also a good idea to drink water before and after your massage, as well as have a small snack. When you’re getting a massage your body is working hard to get rid of unwanted toxins. Even though you’re laying there, you’re still expending a large amount of energy and will need to refuel.

Finally, a warm shower after aromatherapy massage will remove any leftover oils from your skin.

Make Your Muscles Happy

Learning about the different massage types gives you the power to finally make your muscles happy. Whether you’re looking to treat an injury, or just give yourself a jump start in life, there’s a massage out there for you.

We hope our article will inspire you to take the steps you need to have the best health possible. For more ways to give your body an advantage, check out the rest of the site.

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