Massage therapy is an alternative method to manage a wide range of health issues. Sometimes, you just need to take a break and treat yourself with a good massage. As the research suggests, it benefits both your physical and mental health to a large extent. During a session, the therapist applies various strokes to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of your body. Now, there are different types of massage therapy, each with its own techniques and benefits. Below, we have described the five most popular ones among them. Thai massage: Thai massage was originally invented by Buddhist monks in India. However, with time, it has become a widely popular healing technique in most parts of the world. In this process, the participants get the massage keeping their clothes on, which is quite unlike the other traditional massage therapy methods. The therapy is extremely relaxing and improves your overall health by easing pain, reducing stress, relieving migraines, promoting blood circulation, and supporting the range of motion. The process involves various techniques like yoga, acupressure, etc. Swedish massage: Also referred to as the classic massage, this method was originally invented by a Swedish fencing instructor named Pehr Henrik Ling. The process uses some strokes like effleurage, friction, vibration, petrissage, tapotement, etc. The therapist uses essential oils and puts gentle pressure on the superficial layers of the body's muscles as well as soft tissues. It reduces body pain, boosts immunity, relieves headache, increases blood circulation, promotes sleep patterns, enhances the range of motion, supports mental health, and more. Aromatherapy massage: Aromatherapy massage, invented over 3500 years ago, is majorly dependent on the use of various essential oils such as lavender, ginger, bergamot, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, etc. The aroma of these oils, along with the gentle pressure on the body, soothe the soul and improves your overall health. It reduces pain, increases blood circulation, cures headaches, promotes sleep patterns, provides energy, regulates blood pressure, and more. Hot Stone massage: The practice of hot stone massage dates back to more than 5,000 years ago. In the process, the therapist places flat, smooth, and heated stones (which are usually made of basalt stones) on several parts of your body, such as the chest, spine, face, palm, stomach, etc. The heat, along with the gentle manipulation, benefits your health in a lot of ways. It relieves pain, boosts immunity, improves sleep, promotes circulation, fights autoimmune diseases, and more. Deep Tissue massage: While deep tissue massage has been practiced for centuries, modern techniques were invented by a Canadian doctor named Therese Phimmer in the mid-1900s. This therapy puts more pressure on the deeper layers of your soft tissues and muscles. It reduces stress, regulates blood pressure, relieves back pain, treats arthritis symptoms, and more. Some other popular methods are back massage, sports massage, reflexology, etc.
