Regardless of the technique, amount of pressure, equipment, part of the body used or the type, all massages give the feeling of relaxation to the body in one way or another. This is because they all involve manipulation of the muscles or energy points and once this happens, the body experiences an enhanced flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, hence the relaxation feeling comes knocking. This article gives insights into the most relaxing type of massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Just as the name suggests, deep tissue massage focuses on the connective tissues buried deep into the skin. However, before it reaches the deep tissues, the therapist applies some light pressure on the tissues near the surface of the skin. This light pressure is meant to prepare the deep tissues for the increased pressure that follows later. After the tissues have been prepared, the therapist then uses their forearms, thumbs, and knuckles to manipulate the tissues found in the inner parts of the skin. This type of massage helps to relieve pain, tension and bring relaxation to people who suffer from immobility, chronic pain, and muscle tension.
Aromatherapy Massage
This type of massage combines both the manipulation of muscles and the soothing of essential oils. As the therapist manipulates and rubs your skin, the oils get absorbed into the skin, while the sweet scents of the oils are inhaled into the body through the nostrils. The oils contain healing properties that help the body heal and relax, thus calming the mind and helping you fight insomnia and stress. The oils come in multiple flavors so that you can choose your favorite. Manipulation of the tensed muscles helps cure muscle spasms, and this gives you the feeling of relaxation and calm.
Swedish Massage
Most people who walk into a massage parlor go for Swedish massage because this is the most popular. The popularity can be associated with the fact that it relies on five different strokes that are performed using different parts of the forearm. These strokes include kneading, which involves kneading the muscle spasms just like dough, friction, which involves the application of deep pressure using fingers and thumbs, and tapping, which involves rhythmic chopping and pounding then long sweeping strokes that take time to straighten the tensed muscles at the end of the massage. It is used to treat chronic and tensed muscles, hence causing a relaxed feeling.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This type of massage is very popular with people struggling with weight loss. This is because it relies on the application of pressure in a certain direction to accelerate the smooth flow of lymphatic fluid. As the fluid flows, it takes together with it, the metabolic waste from the body. In the same process, it helps accelerate the circulation of blood throughout the body. It helps calm and relax the muscles, while the smooth flow of fluids leads to weight loss because the buildup of fats is eliminated.
Muscle Release Massage
When muscle discs are misaligned, they may tend to be overused, misused or even not used at all. When this happens, you may experience pain, tightness of the muscles and eventually, short term paralysis. This type of massage is performed by applying pressure in a certain direction in a bid to bring the muscles back to the proper alignment. As these muscles move back to the initial position, the patient feels a release–like movement, often referred to as myofascial release. It is coupled with feelings of relaxation and calm, while pain and tension go away.
Trigger Point Massage
The body contains sensitive energy points in the muscles, usually known as trigger points. Due to overuse, misuse or disuse of such muscles, these trigger points may remain inactive, leading to chronic pain, soreness, and immobility of such muscles. This massage, therefore, relies on the application of increased but sustained pressure on specific muscles with a view of reactivating the trigger points in such muscles. When trigger points are reactivated, circulation of blood resumes, the tension eases and eventually, you regain movement. This massage is meant to relieve lower back, neck, shoulder pains it can also be used to cure chronic head pain, often referred to as migraines.
Whether or not you obtain relaxation from a massage therapy depends on your unique needs and problems. It also depends on the therapist administering the massage. Therefore, as you go looking for a massage, ensure you find the right therapist; otherwise, you will get an injury instead of a relaxed calm feeling.