The Power of Massage & Its Benefits

It is daunting searching for the perfect place for massage especially when there are so many types of massages available out there in the market. To complement our stressful life, more and more people are turning to massage, enjoying a complete holistic care catering to their body, mind and soul.

In terms of health benefits, massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your regular wellness routine. Some other benefits include:

Calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

Help reduces tension and anxiety.

• Improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

• Stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

• Prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.

Common massages:

Swedish Massage: For someone who has never tried massage before, it is best to go for this classic massage that uses soothing effleurage and draining techniques to reduce stress and is especially good for blood circulation and to promote your well being.

Aromatherapy Massage: A very relaxing holistic massage technique that uses customized pure essential oil to relieve stress with healing power to harmonize your body, mind and soul.

Traditional Chinese Massage (Tuina): A traditional deep tissue technique massage that focuses on your muscle aches or stiff body parts to help to restore proper energy and blood flow to the body, alleviating pain for the neck, shoulder and the back.

Hot Stone Massage: A special combination of heat and aromatherapy oil using heated stone to drain deep into tissue to relieve stiffness, soreness while restoring energy to the body. Hot stone massage is good for people with muscle tension who prefer a lighter massage.

Deep Tissue Massage: Best suited for chronically tight or painful muscles,repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Shiatsu Massage: A form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for about two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

Thai Massage: Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage includes compressions and stretches. You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.

Foot Relaxing Massage (Reflexology): An uplifting foot therapy that massages the pressure points on the reflex zone of the sole to restore the natural flow of energy to increase the vitality for the whole body. Simply relaxing, especially for people who move around or stand on their feet all day.

Ideally, it is best to try and figure out which massage therapy style is right for you. Below are some tips which might be beneficial in helping you enjoy the best out of your massage.

Avoid a heavy meal if possible before a massage session.

Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like doing, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

Lastly, drink lots of water after your massage. 

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. 

Article contributed by Inner Peace