Massages are a universal thing and every culture boasts of their own home-bred technique. There are a lot of different types of massages and each one caters to preference or a need. Here’s a handful of familiar ones that you can choose from:
Thai Massage, Empowernetwork.com
Thai Massage
Do you know that this is also known as the “yoga for the lazy”? It’s because you will be involved in a stretching session without having to do it all on your own. So it’s like a passive stretching wherein the masseuse moves, loosens and stretches the joints.
What it does: This type of massage claims that it harmonizes the body to loosen blocks and restores balance to “energy lines"
Who needs this: Those who want to improve flexibility and stimulate overall health and well-being; Perfect for office people or those who are mostly seated in a chair during most of the day
Who doesn’t need this: People who want to just sleep and relax because the stretching sessions will disrupt your relaxation
Reflexology
Every part of your body is branching out to reflex points in your hands and feet. They are accordingly stimulated through targeted pressure. Reflexology increases circulation and promotes specific bodily and muscular functions.
What it does: It is claimed that reflexology can generate physical and emotional improvements such as increased confidence, motivation and concentration. Some claim that diseases can be pre-spotted if there is prevalent pain in some targeted pressure which is linked to a body part.
Who needs this: Those who believes that fiddling with hands and feet can treat disorders or boost self-esteem. Actually, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this belief.
Who doesn’t need this: Those who are not fans of targeted pressure and sticks poking to your hands and feet.
News.everest.edu: Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu
While reflexology does targeted pressure, shiatsu focuses on pressure points, with a combination of rotation and stretching of joints to unblock channels of energy. This is one of the most popular forms of massages and its effects are proven.
What it does: Restores natural balance to the system
Who needs this: A must for the hectic, modern-day worker. It relieves uncomfortable conditions like headaches, back pain, asthma, stiffness, and depression.
Swedish
Always in the direction of blood flow to the heart, the Swedish massage is a deep-tissue massage that rubs muscles against each other and against bone.
What it does: Reduces recovery time for injured muscles, increases circulation and flushed out lactic and uric acid. It also keeps ligaments and tendons supple.
Who needs this: Those who have chronic muscle fatigue or if your lifestyle demands intense physical work. This type of massage is also perfect for those who want total relaxation.
aromavietspa.com
Stone Massages
Structured around Swedish-style strokes, the hot or cold smooth stones are pressed on a person’s body as an extension of the hands, believed to absorb energy and stress. This type of massage is often treated with oils.
What it does: Different stones are said to have different therapeutic qualities so the benefits are manifold.
Hilot
Traditional Filipino massage, this goes back to the old “albularyos”/Faith healers in the past who use herbs that are pressed into oils or any exotic herbal medicine and oils, with pressure points directed towards the body part believed to be the root cause of the disease.
What it does: Benefits of traditional herbs are rampant nowadays, going back to the basics.
In massages, your muscles are kneaded, pressed and sometimes, beaten. But who doesn’t want a massage? It is a proven stress reliever and health booster. Not to mention, it really feels GOOD! With so many types to choose from, it’s hard not to be satisfied. Pick the one that suits you best.
I preferably like the Swedish and Shiatsu. How about you? Mag iSTORYA ta!
Source: www.askmen.com
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