Did you know we can trace the origins of massage therapy back thousands of years?
Egyptian hieroglyphs from the Old Kingdom–over 4,5000 years ago–mention massage with essential oils. During the same time period, Traditional Chinese Medicine included body massage for a variety of ailments.
To the ancients, massage wasn’t for pampering or relaxation. It was part of their normal routine of healthcare.
Has anything changed today? Not at all! Massage therapy has endured for millennia because it’s still one of the best paths to improved health and wellbeing.
The question is: Which is the best massage for you?
In this post, we’ll look at 10 popular types of massage and help you decide which is the right one for you. Read on!
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, also known as relaxation massage, is one of the most popular modalities today.
Originating in Europe in the 1800s, Swedish massage is the perfect introduction to the world of bodywork. With light to moderate pressure, your therapist will use long flowing strokes and gently knead the tension out of tight muscles.
For those seeking tranquility and relaxation, Swedish is the best massage option.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
Also called therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage uses many of the same techniques as Swedish massage.
The difference? The amount of pressure applied to the muscles. This modality uses firmer pressure to increase circulation and break up adhesions in the muscles and tendons.
This is the best massage for anyone who suffers from chronic pain or is recovering from a surgery or injury.
3. Sports Massage
Similar to therapeutic massage, sports massage takes it one step further by including stretching.
Athletes suffering from muscle tension will benefit from the passive and active stretching techniques included in sports massage. Your session may also include trigger point therapy or tapotement (rhythmic tapping) to increase blood flow throughout the body.
Sports massage is ideal for athletes or anyone wishing to improve their flexibility.
4. Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is performed using essential oils derived from plants and herbs.
The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of essential oils are well-documented. In addition, they also smell fantastic!
Some of the most popular aromatherapy oils include lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass. To enhance relaxation and wellbeing, your therapist can include aromatherapy with any type of massage.
5. Hot Stone Massage
Looking for the ultimate pampering experience?
Many high-end spas offer the option of a hot stone massage with natural river rocks. Your therapist will place hot stones at key points on your body and also gently massage you using the stones and oil.
The warmth from these smooth stones will melt away any lingering tension from your body. This type of massage is the perfect “treat to self” or a great gift for a loved one.
6. Traditional Thai Massage
The massage modalities we’ve considered so far originated in western lands and focuses on relaxing the muscles.
Let’s switch gears for a moment and visit the Far East, where Buddhist monks developed the art of Thai massage. This style combines acupressure along energy lines with yoga-style stretching for an invigorating experience.
Thai massage is traditionally performed on the floor on a firm mat. Because no oil is used, you’ll wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow for easy stretching.
Some spas may offer a hybrid “Swe-Thai” massage that combines stretching and acupressure with a classic oil massage.
7. Shiatsu Massage
With roots in ancient Chinse medicine, Shiatsu massage first developed in Japan about 100 years ago.
Like other Asian modalities, it focuses on acupressure work to stimulate the body’s natural flow of energy. The idea is to reduce pain and heal the body by balancing yin and yang.
Because there’s no oil used, Shiatsu massage can be done right over your clothes on a table or in a chair.
A fun variation is called “Ashiatsu,” where the therapist performs acupressure work with their feet. They’ll maintain their balance by holding onto bars suspended from the ceiling.
8. Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy blends the best of western and eastern massage theory.
Those “knots” you feel in your shoulders and other parts of your body are simply muscle spasms that refuse to let go. By applying firm, steady pressure, the goal of trigger point massage is to release that stubborn tension.
Because it’s so effective, trigger point therapy is usually included with other types of therapeutic massage.
9. Prenatal Massage
Are you expecting? No doubt the changes in your body from the pregnancy is causing all sorts of strange aches and pains.
The good news is there’s a massage modality just for you! Many spas offer special prenatal massage for moms-to-be. The session will include a customized “pillow” to make room for your belly so you can enjoy the massage face-down.
Alternately, your therapist can also use 2 or 3 pillows to position you comfortably on your side. Either way, this is the perfect way for you to relax during your pregnancy.
10. Reflexology Massage
If you love having your feet rubbed, reflexology is the best massage for you.
Traditional reflexology includes deep acupressure work on the tops and bottoms of your feet. With roots in Chinese medicine, the idea is to balance your internal organs by stimulating specific nerve endings on the feet.
Don’t want anything that intense? Spa reflexology is generally more relaxing and involves a prolonged oil massage for your feet and calves.
Which Is the Best Massage for You?
With so many variations to choose from, how you can pick the best massage for you? The answer lies in your reason for seeking massage therapy.
Do you need to relax and unwind? Do you need pain relief for specific areas of your body? Are you recovering from an injury or training for competition?
Whichever type of massage you choose, one thing is certain. You’re sure to walk out of the treatment room feeling like a million bucks!
Did you find this post useful? Be sure to check out our other health and beauty posts for more helpful information.
