The Most Popular Massage Types And How You Can Benefit From Them

Massage therapy is known to provide many benefits to the body. Aside from relaxation, massages can relieve sore muscles and headaches, alleviate anxiety and depression, as well as improve the immunity system. A report from the Fraser Institute noted that massages started to be on the rise as a form of complementary therapy for Canadians, and it’s one of the most popular complementary therapies used by people living with cancer.

It’s also known to be a way of improving wellness for adults and for the elderly. In these current times, prioritising health and wellness has become a growing trend for many, and according to a Halifax massage therapy school, there’s been a large demand for massage therapists during the ongoing pandemic. If you’re planning to get a massage to either reduce stress or improve your health, then you can look at the different and widely known types of massages available for you to choose from.

Western-style massages

A Swedish massage is the most popular type of Western massage, and is the most common in Canada. It’s a type of massage that’s meant to give muscle relaxation, so it’s also beneficial to those recovering from an injury. A deep tissue massage focuses on adhesions, tight knots and painful muscles that helps with mobility-related or repetitive strain injuries. While they do share some similarities, the difference with deep tissue vs Swedish massage is that a deep tissue massage uses more pressure. Meanwhile, a sports massage is for improving athletic performance, and an aromatherapy massage makes use of essential oils to soothe you. A hot stone massage is where warm stones are specifically placed on parts of your body to ease muscle tension. 

These techniques can be used to not only relax the body, but also to target specific areas of tension and pain. Each massage is tailored to the client’s needs, making it a personalized experience. For example, a manual spine decompression massage targets the spine and surrounding muscles to alleviate pain caused by compressed nerves. This type of massage is especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic back pain or sciatica.

Eastern-style massages

While Western massages are based on anatomy, physiology, and treating body systems, Eastern techniques look at the energy flow to balance the body and mind for better wellness. Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage meaning “finger pressure”. As the name implies, the massage therapist uses their fingers (or hands or elbows) to apply pressure along the body. The goal of the massage is to reduce stress, and research shows that it can also help with nausea or insomnia. A Thai massage is unique in that it’s an active and energizing type of massage wherein the therapist helps you stretch in positions similar to yoga. It helps reduce anxiety, as well as treat back pain.

Massages come in different types and originate from different cultures. Each has their own distinctive technique that offer different ways of relaxation and healing. To relieve yourself from any tension or stress your body may be feeling, you can consult with your healthcare provider to find out about the type of massage that’s suitable for you.