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5 Best Massage Techniques

By: Gian Erguiza - May, 2008

Massage has come a long way. Back in the day when aspirins, heating pads, whirlpools and such were not available, massage was the only way to treat a sore body. Massage is the most natural way to remedy body aches and sores. Experts have time and time again, remind us that massage can be a powerful healer.

Here are a few massage techniques:

Swedish Massage - This technique improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and improves flexibility. It requires a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrational taps to promote the release of tension. The five basic strokes, gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction, and hacking are applied in the same direction of the heart to encourage blood flow circulation and help get rid of bodily waste. With oil, therapists can do long gliding strokes smoothly and helps clients to be more comfortable and tap into their sense of smell. When getting a Swedish massage, it is necessary to be nude. You can cover body parts when they’re not being massaged.

Deep Tissue Massage - Deep Tissue Massage is an intense massage dedicated to releasing myofascial restrictions in the body and break up scar tissue. It also helps relieve chronic tension to increase the body’s range of motion, promotes good posture and enhance the harmony of the body and the mind. It improves the body’s tissues to strengthen the health of the overall body. Oils and lotions aren’t typically used. The intense pressure is what separates this technique from a Swedish massage. The strokes of this massage are slower and more pressure is involved to warm the body and reach the deeper layers of the muscles. This helps you improve your lifestyle as well if you have bad posture, balance, or movement.

Sports Massage - This technique helps the athlete fight injuries. The more the athlete strives to perform better and enhance their performance, the more it causes tears, strains and imbalances in the soft muscle tissue. One way of encouraging muscle repair after training is through a sports massage. It will help release build up and tension so that blood and oxygen are again flowing to the muscle, effectively repairing the muscle. You can also get a pre-event sports massage to help loosen you up and warm you up, invigorating your spirit. A post-event sports massage can help calm and relax the muscles. It decreases tension and should only be 15-20 minutes. Post event- massages encourage the return of blood and oxygen to the muscle after strenuous muscle use.

Shiatsu - Shiatsu was founded over 2000 years ago. Shiatsu massage is a finger technique that utilizes the acupuncture points like Oriental healing. Shiatsu is similar to acupressure since it concentrates on the unblocking of flow of energy and restores the balance in various meridians of the body. When these meridians are unblocked, organs are encouraged to heal and attain perfect balance. Shiatsu is performed with the client ni a reclined position. The therapist can then apply various amounts of pressure with their fingers, thumbs, elbows, palms, or knees to specific areas of the skin along the energy meridians. This technique brings forth blood circulation and stimulates lymphatic flow. Shiatsu is the massage technique to fend off diseases and disorders. You might feel a flu-like symptom after your first Shiatsu massage due to the major systems of the body being stimulated. After each and every Shiatsu massage though, the flu-like symptoms go away.

Rolfing - Rolfing is the massage technique to organize the body. Rolfing utilizes physical manipulation to align the head, shoulders, pelvic, thorax, and legs into vertical alignment. When Rolfing therapy is successful, the body is gravitationally balanced and will be able to function more smoothly and efficiently. Rolfing realigns the body by unblocking fascial adhesions. Once the fascial adhesions are unblocked and smothered, the muscle and bone realign. Many clients who report pain claim drastic reductions in pain and a feeling of total rejuvenation. Rolfing give youthe ability to move more effectively due to the improved energy, range of motion, balance, coordination and strength. Rolfing consists of three steps, Palpation, Discrimination and Integration. Palpation is the screening of the body and muscle to decide whether therapy should be involved. Discrimination is the process where the therapist separates the facial layers that adhere the muscles together. Integration is when the therapist integrates the body by relating its segments and bring physical balance in the gravitational field. Rolfing is usually a 10 step series for much success.

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