What kind of massage is right for you?

What kind of massage is right for you? Every kind of massages offers the similar goals: promoting general relaxation, enhanced circulation, improved joint mobilization, relief from stress and muscle tension, and promotion of a general sense of well-being. The only thing that is different is the technique. Each kind of massage is performed using a different technique such as gliding, kneading, rubbing, shaking, stroking and stretching or rocking. Each person has a different life style and likely has different conditions that their muscles and tissues may be in. One type of massage may be beneficial for one person but it might not be the best for you. Here is some information about different kinds of massage from the internet. Source: various from massage websites. I do not take responsibility for this information. I only provide Thai massage and foot massage.

Thai Massage	Swedish Massage	Aromatherapy	Shiatsu Massage
Reiki	Ayurvedic	Sports Massage	Reflexology
Accupressure	Acupunture	Tui Na	Trigger Point
Hot Stone Therapy

Thai Massage: The ancient and unique art of Thai massage technique has been handed down over 2,500 years. Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School is a famous temple school in Bangkok where traditional massage techniques are taught. Performed on a comfortable floor mat. The client is fully clothed and no oils are required. Thai massage uses point pressure to open energy lines or "sens" in the body as diagramed throughout Asian culture. The energy work is combined with stretching techniques to open the client's body creating a relaxing and simultaneously invigorating experience. The method uses thumbs, hands, palms, fingers, elbows, feet, knees and heels to move, massage and hold the body in yogic and/or therapeutic position. Swedish Massage: Swedish relaxation massage is probably the most commonly used technique in the Western massage community. Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pressure. Oil is usually used. The recipient of a Swedish massage may be completely undressed or remain in underwear. Aromatherapy: This treatment helps the whole person with the use of essential plant and vegetable oils into the massage session, allowing the oils to do much of the work. The application of essential oils to the human body is an ancient art developed about 5000 years ago by the Egyptians. Everyone can benefit from the combination of essential oils and massage. Each oil has it's own therapeutic property and a selection of oils can be blended for individual requirements. This treatment can be used to treat a wide range of psychological and physiological problems. Incorporate the use of essential plant and vegetable oils into the massage session. Shiatsu Massage: A Japanese massage system that incorporates finger, thumb and palm pressure along the bodies' energy channels. The intent is to release energy blockages, rebalance and stimulate energy flow. The Shiatsu can be performed on a mat or futon, on a massage table, or while seated. In a session of strictly Shiatsu, the client can remain clothed & no oils or lotions are used. Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese system of energy healing. It is based on the idea that pain & dis-ease are caused by an imbalance and/or shortage of Life Energy (Chi or Ki) in the physical body. In this technique, the therapist uses & transmits the Life Energy (electro-magnetic field) to facilitate healing. Reiki energy readjusts the electromagnetic fields to normal frequencies, restoring balance. The therapist places both hands gently in specific positions, either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses & aid spiritual growth. Ayurvedic: Originating in India, Ayurveda, is an ancient holistic medicine promoting the unity of body, mind and spirit. Ayurvedic massage unblocks invisible points of energy flow, enabling the body to heal itself more effectively. These massages can include through scalp massage and body kneading performed by two therapists simultaneously, generally using special scented oils. Sports Massage: Sports massage comprises of deep tissue work which incorporates specific techniques focussing on dysfunctional or tight areas. These techniques include stretches or movements that aim to re-align the fibres of overused muscles. Sports massage is beneficial for athletes training at high levels and receiving regular sports massage is vital for the reduction of injuries. It improves an athlete's flexibility and technique, overall enhancing their performance. Reflexology: An ancient Chinese technique applying pressure to points mainly on the feet but also on the hands and ears which correspond to specific areas of the body. Accupressure: An ancient Chinese finger point massage designed to release muscle tension and promote healing by applying pressure along vital energy points in order to improve energy flow. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is internationally recognized and respected as a powerful healing technique. It is part of a complete system of medicine which has been practiced in China for many thousands of years. It consists of inserting very fine needles into the skin at certain points along the meridians (energy channels) in order to correct energy imbalances within the body, which can lead to disease or discomfort. Tui Na: Its invigorating and re-energising method releases blocked energy and restores a balanced flow throughout the body promoting health and preventing disease. Treatment is given through clothes as the technique does not use oils and may take place seated or lying on a massage table. Various techniques such as squeezing, pulling, grabbing, kneading and stroking have been developed for certain conditions and all aim to relax the muscles, ease chronic pain and promote Qi flow. These soft tissue massage techniques lead on to certain joint manipulations which involve types of arm and leg shakes, extensions and rotations that complement the overall treatment. Trigger Point: Applies concentrated finger pressure to tender areas in the muscle in order to break the cycle of spasm and pain. Hot Stone Therapy: The healing power of warmed stones has been recognized by numerous cultures for centuries. The deep heat of the basalt (river rock) stones penetrates the muscles, providing and immediate relaxation response. Mentally, the individual can reach a state of relaxation within minutes of applying the first stones.