Top Ten Types of Massage

Are you in need of kneading? The top ten types of massage in popularity and beneficial results are

(in alphabetical order)---

Aromatherapy Massage: Combines the therapeutic properties of essential oils with specific massage techniques to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint.

Deep tissue massage. Targets deep muscle tissue through direct pressure and friction on muscles by using heavy strokes.

Hilot massage (/hee-lot/) is an ancient Filipino art of healing that is commonly used today in the Philippines to relax stressed muscles.

Neuromuscular massage. Concentrates on painful areas in muscles. A massage therapist uses deep massage techniques to locate and  release tender points in muscles.

Oriental massage (relaxation massage). This technique is very gentle and relaxes a person. Oriental massage features a smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension.

Remedial Massage: This massage treatment helps to restore function to injured "soft tissues" (muscles, tendons and ligaments). One major remedial massage technique is Rolfing massage that focuses on the connective tissue that form a web of support throughout the  body. Practitioners often apply pressure in an attempt to realign connective tissues, which they believe become out of alignment by everyday stress. Craniosacral massage is another remedial massage technique in which treatment focuses on imbalances or blockages in the head, neck, and spine areas.

Shiatsu massage. Shiatsu is a form of Oriental Therapy evolved from a 5000 years old tradition of healing arts. This Japanese form of massaging is actually a form of acupressure, exerting massaging pressure on certain key points of the body. Shiatsu stimulates the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, releases toxins and deep seated tensions from the muscles, stimulates the hormonal system and the immune system, and acts on the autonomic nervous system, allowing the recipient to relax deeply and to get in touch with his or her own healing power.

Swedish massage. Concentrates on soft tissues near the surface of your skin. Therapist uses long, smooth strokes and kneading movements, along the skin, working all areas of the body

Sports massage. Designed for athletes to focus on the specific muscle groups used in a particular sport. A sports massage therapist might use a combination of Swedish and deep massage to attend to muscle pain or stiffness.

Thai Massage. This massage technique also involves the use of Yoga and certain Chinese traditional medicine methods.