S tress appears to be an integral part of today’s hectic life. Therefore, people are now remembering and reaching out as the ancients did, for a more complete way of viewing health. One way to get rid of stress is to get a good massage. In nearly all ancient cultures, some form of touch, healing, or massage was practiced. In Asia, massage has been practiced for over 5,000 years. But today, it is the western countries that are practicing the massage therapy more than Asian countries. Most types of massages are generalized to their origin (eastern and western countries). It is believed that massage connects the mind, body and spirit. Some of most common and popular massages which one can have in almost all reputed spas are the following ones.
Swedish
Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration. Petrissage movements help in strengthening the structures by stimulating the deep layers of tissue, and also help in increasing the supply of blood to the area. At the same time, it assists improvement of the lymph flow, and relieves congestion by reducing the edema. Petrissage techniques also make muscles more pliable, and are used to relieve soreness and cramping. “Light kneading eases the top muscle layers, while firmer kneading works on the deeper muscles. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury” says Sheela at the Relaxation Spa, Bali. “Our rejuvenating experiences are masterminded by well-trained experts armed with exclusive natural products and a gentle approach to all round healing” she adds.
Trigger Point
Therapy Trigger Point Therapy is a pain-relief technique to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points’, which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a recurring spasm or `kink’ that worsens painfully when aggravated. Trigger Points typically ‘refer’ pain to areas surrounding or even very distant from the ‘tender’ point’. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. One experiences a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a term used to describe various massage styles that focus on the deeper muscles and connective tissues of the body. The therapist uses movement and pressure to reshape and realign the muscles and connective tissue, breaking old, habitual holding patterns.
