Whether
you're stressed, overworked, or reeling from sports-related fatigue, the
one thing every friend will tell you is "Go for a massage!" But what
kind of massage should you treat your body to? What special technique is
most suitable for your aching muscles? Here is a list of some of the
various massages to ail your ills.
Shiatsu
- This technique has been practiced for thousands of years in the land
of the rising sun. As the patient lies down on a padded mat on the
floor, the masseuse uses her fingers, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and
feet to apply pressure to designated areas of the body to stimulate the
flow of the energy. Stretching and various manipulations are also used
to regulate the activity of the nervous system.
Reflexology - A little like acupressure, reflexology helps the body
to relax and gets rid of pain associated with problems like migraine,
sinus, digestion problems, circulatory problems, back problems, etc. The
technique focuses on pressure applied to certain points on the feet (and
hands) that supposedly corresponds with the example, rubbing your little
toe might give soothing pleasure to, urmmm, that place.
Swedish
massage - Don't expect a sensuous rub as Swedish massage (not a
reference to the country) is designed to help improve blood circulation
and energize the body. Using friction (but with the help of massage oil
as lubricant), kneading, rolling, percussive strokes and tapping, you
can bet your aching joints that after a session, you will feel some
tension lifted off.
Deep
tissue massage - If you are feeling tension in your body, it's
probably stress laid on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Using slow
strokes and deep finger pressure on the affected area, following the
fibers of the muscles and tendons, massaging can help release the
tension, remove toxins that are caused by blockages of oxygen and
nutrients which can lead to inflammation.
Reiki
- This healing technique is said to be more than 2500 years old and
requires hand placement on specific areas of the body, allowing the
energy or "chi" to flow through. Said to relieve pain, boost the immune
system and aid in spiritual growth, this method relies on the belief
that pain itself is linked to emotional, mental and spiritual state.
Acupressure - It's like acupuncture but without needles. Finger
pressure is applied to specific points on the body followed by massaging
using a circular motion, which helps release blocked or congested energy
pathways. It also includes rubbing, kneading, vibration and percussion.
It is said to help with problems like pain, headaches, migraines,
insomnia, depression, tooth care and dizziness.
Sports
massage - Athletes are more likely to injure themselves than the
regular joe so this form of massage is vital before, during and after a
sporting event. Sports massage is designed to help relieve swelling and
keep the body flexible. Focusing more on deep muscle massages used on
the arms and legs, back, neck and sacrum, this technique is similar to
Swedish massage.
Thai
massage - This style of massaging combines characteristics similar
to other forms of western massages. It involves stroking and kneading
the muscles, aligning the bone and acupressure style to specific nerves
or tendons. Thai massage is said to aid in body functions like
digestion, circulation and bodily secretions.
