WMC Massage

Are you stressed out and need a massage to relax and get rid of some tension in your body?  Are you aware of the different types of massage therapy?  Below is a brief run down of the ones which are offered in spas:

1. Swedish massage therapy -  very gentle and relaxing.  The masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.
2. Hot stone massage – heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.
3. Deep tissue massage – designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. It is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.
4. Shiatsu -  a Japanese form of massage therapy wherein the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.
5. Thai massage -  similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.
6. Pregnancy massage – for women that are expecting and is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.
7. Reflexology -  also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.
8. Sports massage – as the name implies, designed mainly for people involved in sports activities.  However, this type is not just for professional athletes as it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.
9. Back massage – usually lasts 30 minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

So there you go.  What type of massage therapy is best is more of a personal preference and need.  If you like the soft (as opposed to the hard) kind of massage, then go for the Swedish massage.  Personally, I like the back massage mainly because my back, especially my upper back, aches after a long hard day at work.