Types of massage

With the advances of medicine physicians developed different kind of massages to deal with different needs. Since a massage is an enjoyable form of therapy without side effects, massages got very popular in the health and wellness field. In order to know which type of massage will be best for yourself or for healing a particular complaint, you can learn about the method and its effect. If your aim is to relax the muscles and the soul as well, you could opt for a type of massage such as kneading or vibration massage, which you can even apply yourself with a massager. However, massages also help to relieve pain caused by tension. For this purpose, you can massage the affected area directly and benefit of the combination with Hot Stones or infrared heat.

This leads us to the Shiatsu massage, a kind of massage that targets specific areas. During a Shiatsu massage, the hands, fingers, elbows, knees or feet of the person applying the massage perform a certain pressure on specific points of the body. This helps to release energy blockages inside the body. In addition, a longer-term shiatsu therapy includes much more because Shiatsu understands the body and soul as a unit. Shiatsu is used not only for treating, but also as a preventive method.

Massage is very effective when it comes to release tension, muscle aches, headaches, back pain or even stress and sleep problems. Whether a massage has a stimulating or relaxing effect, depends very much on the depth and on the speed of the massaging movement. A rapid tapping massage with the hands will revive the treated area and a gentle kneading massage will have a relaxing effect. In addition, massage also has the positive effect of opening your "ears" to what your body needs. You can listen more closely, what your body appreciates, and pay more attention to the areas that need attention.

Many people do not have the chance to see a masseur on a regular basis, because of lack of time, money or other reasons. In such cases, you can benefit from a selection of different devices for a massage in your own home. The variety ranges from mini massagers to complete massage seats. When the massage is applied by another person however, it offers the advantage of the possibility to use various aids such as essential oils or hot stones to combine with the massage.

Why are massages so effective? First, the application of a dynamic or flowing pressure to the skin and muscles promotes the blood circulation in the treated area. At the same time, the body can relax while sitting or lying, and the breathing can slow down and be deeper. Reflexology not only has an effect on the reflex zones, which are connected to specific body parts. This type of massage also improves the blood supply as well as the function of the nerve impulses. However, you should avoid massaging areas with skin diseases or infectious rashes, bruises, varicose veins, thrombosis, arthritis, swellings or tumours.

After a busy, stressful day, the body is longing for a massage that will help it to relax. Massages applied by hand can be very relaxing and comforting. Electrical massagers can also promote relaxation by offering a specific treatment for a period of 15-20 minutes in the area that needs attention. The appointments, pressure and stress of everyday life no longer count during those moments, only the well-being of the body.