What are the different types of massage?

In this section, I will explain the most common types of massage: Swedish, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Neuromuscular, Myofascial Release, Chair, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Baby, and Pet Massage.

Swedish is a basic relaxation massage that almost every therapist will incorporate which is comprised of numerous techniques which are very unique to each therapist.  Petrissage which involves squeezing, rolling, and kneading of the muscles is used during a Swedish massage.
Blood flow during the massage is always toward the heart as part of the normal circulation process.

Shiatsu: based on the body's energy meridians where a therapist uses pressure points, related to acupuncture; it is normal to be emotional during and after this type of massage because of the release.

Reflexology: based on the fact that every part of feet and hands corresponds to other parts of the body, if these areas are manipuated, there will be a direct effect on another body part; areas of the feet can be very tender and sensitive, even painful when first starting.  The pressure can be adjusted for each client to accomodate any discomfort.  There are 7000 nerve endings on the sole of the foot so the body serves as a mirror to the foot.  When the feet feel fatigued, massage can be applied to increase energy.

Trigger Point (Neuromuscular or Myotherapy):  An area of ischemia (decreased oxygen) is usually a tender area where muscle has been damaged.  The nervous system maintains the spasm or cramp.  By a therapist applying pressure to a trigger point (area where pain referred) for a short time, new blood flow will go to the area, and muscles will be stretched.  It is a pain relief technique (deep tissue) that is painful but relieving.   Cranio-sacral can be fit into this category as it is a technique to first find and then correct any spinal/cerebral blockages or imbalances that cause dysfunction.

Myofascial release:  This type of massage is done on chronic pain sufferers.  Usually fascia (connective tissue) has been shortened, and blood flow has been restricted leading to fatigue (e.g. fibromyalgia).  A therapist will coax muscles to relax and break up adhesions (knotted areas), apply pressure and/or traction to increase flexibility and mobility.

Chair massage:  usually a shorter massage of 10 minutes, up to 20 minutes where a client sits in a portable chair...Clients are fully clothed, and lotion vs oil is used.  It is popular for groups and in office situations for an employee benefit.

Deep Tissue Massage:  involves releasing a chronic pattern of tension in deeper level muscle by following or going across the grain of the muscle in a contracted area.  Pressure is deep, and everyone has a different level of tolerance which needs to be communicated to the therapist.  There is a great deal of relief when this type of massage is used in combination with other techniques.  See  cupping below also.

Cupping:  In this type of procedure , which is used by acupuncturists mainly, cupping is added to the massage technique in certain target areas by applying glass cups to the back, hands, legs, or stomach in order to promote healing and stimulate the flow of chi (body energy.)  It dates back to ancient Greeks and is very popular in Europe.  There are different types: fire which uses a flame and air which I will be using in my office, which uses a suction action where a mechanical pump attached to a valve at the top of the cup creates a vacuum and draws up connective tissue.  It drains excess fluid and toxins from the area and looses adhesions.  When the cups are moved by the massage therapist, aromatherapy massage oil will be used as a lubricant.  Friction is generated when the cups are moved opening the skin's pores and realigning chi.  Stagnation is relived as well as local congestion with blood coming to the surface.  Since cupping detects cold energy in the body, the stimulated skin will be warm.  Cups will be left on the client's body for 5-15 minutes.  As for side effects, there will be a red circular mark on the skin where the cup was placed which disappears quickly, usually within days.  If there are excessive toxins in the client's body, there may be bruising of a darker color, which is painless to the client.  Cupping should be used w/ caution in the elderly and children and not at all in pregnancy, inflamed skin, high fever, cramping, heart disease, or convulsions.  It is most effective in areas of muscle pain, respiratory problems, arthritis, GI issues, and depression.  Many clients who need deep tissue massage work done may want to add cupping to their regimen for added benefits. 

Baby Massage:  Your gentle touch awakens a baby's senses and allows a strong connection increasing the parent/child bond.  Little muscles grow as your touch is love.  Many benefits such as decreased stress response to inoculations/pain procedures, decreased teething pain, decreased constipation and colic, induced sleep, decreased fussiness, and weight gain are obtained from massaging your baby.  Parents also feel good in the process.  Using basic swedish techniques is recommended.  Mothers suffering from post partem depression also will be helped by massaging their babies and deepening the bond.

Pet Massage: There are many benefits of pet massage which include maintaining wellness, increasing circulation of blood and lymph, alleviating pain, reducing recovery time after surgery, stimulating muscles, helping in time of injury, and restoring range of motion and flexibility especially in cases of arthritis or hip dysplasia.  Animal aromatherapy is a relatively new area, but applying essential oils by the owner or vet allows for a more proactive approach to maintain pet health as well as promoting healing.  Oils are absorbed thru the skin and into the blood within minutes; also, the animal breathes in the aroma.  Dogs as well as horses like to have the oil placed on the pad of each foot.  Cats prefer not having it on their feet, so it is best to use a diffuser or put the oils on their bedding.  For birds, use 1`oz of oil with 1 ounce of water and spritz the cage twice a day.  Oil can also be used inside the ears and rubbed along the spine in dogs.  Lavender is a great oil to use for wounds, insect bites, exzema, burns, and in itching and can be used undiluted.  Lemongrass is an oil that needs to be diluted, usually 1 drop to 1 oz of almond oil twice a day to affected area, and can be used for areas of ligament or joint injuries.  For cases of musculoskeletal problems with the spine, other oils such as spruce, rosewood, or frankincense can be used on foot pads.  Combining essential oils with other alternative medical practices such as massage can help heal a variety of conditions affecting pets.   You can go to www.thepetwhisperer.com for more information.

Hot Stone Massage:  In this kind of massage, a therapist uses both hot basalt stones of various sizes as well as her hands to give a massage.  It will be slightly longer than the 50 minute version and will be more expensive due to the extra preparation  time of warming the stones and getting things ready.  The heat relaxes the muscles, improves circulation, and calms the nervous system which makes it even easier for the therapist to massage the client.  Health conditions like insomnia, back pain, arthritis, depression, and stress would be examples of why clients would choose a hot stone massage.  Only oil is used to apply to your body with the hot stones.  Everyone has a comfort zone with temperature, and the stones should be at the 'Goldilocks' temperature, not too hot and not too cold but just right.  Hot stones may be placed in certain key locations for maximum effect and left on your body for a certain time.  They connect with the flow of energy in our bodies to rebalance and allow the most healing to occur.  The elderly and pregnant women should not get a hot stone massage. 

 

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