What You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Type of Massage

Life is full of stress which usually involves work, family, finances, and tough situations regardless are a huge source. Stress that is not managed will lead to a variety of physical, mental, and emotional ailments. That is because too much stress raises cortisol levels, which will lead to weight gain and can lead to diabetes, cancer, and other serious health problems. Additionally, stress that is not managed will lead to other serious problems such as insomnia and a weak immune system, which can also be hazardous to health.

This is why it is essential that people begin to learn how to manage stress and look into ways on how to mitigate the damage that was caused as a result. That is why it is essential that people start going for massages on a regular basis. Massages are designed to heal and to strengthen the body so that it becomes more immune to stress that will be faced down the road, which is inevitable.

However, before picking up the phone and calling the closest masseuse, it is critical for people to realize that not all types of massage therapy are alike. And that is why it is highly important that they take the time to learn about the different types of massage therapy and then choose the right one accordingly. Let's now take a look at the different types of massage therapies around which may be the best fit for you:

Traditional Thai Massage

The traditional Thai massage is actually quite different from the other types of massage therapies that you hear about. This type of massage therapy stems from ancient times and was used to heal people who were in pain and were ill, which also has its roots in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Unlike the others, those who are receiving a Thai massage will be fully clothed and will be placed on mats on the floor instead of the massage table. The masseuse who is performing this massage type will use their palms, elbows, thumbs, knees, and even feet to work on your body without the use of any oils.

A Thai massage involves pulling, stretching, and pressing to help loosen joints and muscles, and it helps remove blockages in the body to help improve circulation. It also helps clear chakras in order to help prevent illnesses and diseases, and this type of massage helps create chakric balance. This type of massage is great for those who have been facing physical or mental illnesses due to stress and other negativity that has been in their environment.

Additionally, if you are the type that is not at ease about getting undressed at all or in front of anyone who you don't know, except for a doctor, even though the job of a masseuse is work on an unclothed body—then you may prefer having the traditional Thai massage instead. However, perhaps you may change your mind if you read of another type listed below that may fit your particular needs better.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is quite different from a traditional Thai massage, as you are required to get undressed and lie on a massage bed under the towels. The masseuse will use massage oil to help keep the skin lubricated and will create circular and kneading movements and strokes with their hands while working on the body to help remove tension.

A Swedish massage is ideal for those who need a full-body massage to receive the relaxation they need, and it is great for removing stress as well as scar tissue from any ailment they have had. People who have received this type of massage love how refreshed they feel and do not have pain after. This type of massage is the one that is the most known, as whenever you think of going for a massage, the Swedish massage is the type that you will assume you will get. However, as you can see, there are other massage types that serve different purposes.

This type of massage was invented by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish fencing instructor who had injured his elbows in the 1830’=s. He cured his injury by tapping and stroking the area, which is how this type of massage originated.

Deep Tissue Massage

For people who feel that they have knots in their necks and have extremely sore backs and necks will benefit from having a deep tissue massage. It is pretty common due to the fact that many people are sitting at their office desks for eight hours a day without getting many breaks. This pain that these individuals experience is felt due to inflammation, and those who are suffering would benefit from getting this type of massage.

This means that those who will be receiving this type of massage will have to prepare themselves for the masseuse to work heavily on their bodies. A massage of this nature is quite intense. The therapists will be pressing hard to help relieve the knots, which can be painful. The purpose is to remove the knots completely, which means that relief will be provided after. It is highly advised that those who are about to receive this massage do not eat a heavy meal beforehand and that they drink a lot of water.

The water consumption is needed because as the masseuse is working to remove the knots, toxins will be released, and the water will help flush them. It is also important to take deep breaths during the session and to tell the masseuse to tone it down if the massage is becoming too painful. It is an intense massage, and it has to be in order for it to serve the purpose of removing knots.

Those who are inquiring about getting a deep tissue massage will need to follow the instructions carefully before they go in for the treatment. Having this type of massage done on a full stomach can lead to a disastrous outcome.

Hot Stone Massage

If you prefer having a hot massage and you do not suffer from hypertension and cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or if you are pregnant, then you will love the hot stone massage option. This type of massage involves the masseuse using flat stones that are heated, but not to the point of burning you, to help relax and loosen tight muscles.

This type of massage has been utilized for centuries, and the way it works is that you will undress and lie on a table as you would if you were to get a Swedish massage. The therapist will start off by providing you with a Swedish massage session and will place the heated stones ,which have been sitting in hot water, on the back. This type of massage is excellent for stress relief as well as for those who suffer from chronic pain.

Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy takes a lot out of women and this is why a prenatal massage is just what a pregnant woman needs. These massages are meant to be tailored to the woman herself and her own needs. The purpose of this type of massage is to help relieve tension headaches, joint and muscle pain, backaches, swelling, and other forms of discomfort, which is expected to happen during pregnancy.

Additionally, prenatal massage is meant to give the mom-to-be the type of relaxation that she needs because it is a known fact that stress is not good for the unborn baby. However, pregnant moms are advised to not have a prenatal massage in the first trimester or if they are dealing with complications such as severe morning sickness. If they are having a complication-free pregnancy, then they can get the treatment during the second and third trimester. However, they will also need to get the green light from their doctor if they want to go and have a prenatal massage, regardless of how well their pregnancy is going.

Couples Massage

When you have two people together that need a massage, then they can get one together, which will involve two different therapists working on them. The couple will need to undress and lie on the massage table under covers or towels, and the therapists will use different techniques such as the Swedish massage or the hot stone technique.

The purpose of a couples massage is to help reduce stress and to help them relax together. If you are thinking of getting a couples massage with your other half, then you will want to go for it. Especially if you and your other half have been arguing over finances, over who does the house chores, or over childcare; it is time to stop, relax, and get the couples massage.

Additionally, the emotional benefits of connecting with your partner by taking advantage of the highest quality couples massage are priceless. And that is why you will want to go and get one, especially if you are dealing with a situation that is creating a lot of stress and friction in your relationship. You and your other half deserve the best. Do you have any plans for your anniversary yet (hint hint...)?

And if you are wanting to get any of these other massages listed, you deserve the best. You deserve to be healthy, happy, and whole. And any of these massage types will create that type of wholeness and wellness you have been craving for so long. You were born whole, and a massage will restore that for you.