What Are The Types Of Body Massage?

Acupressure: Originally from China, acupressure technique of massage enables the massage provider to identify specific points that are related to the patient's pain and fatigue. Physical pressure is applied on the acupressure points with hand, elbow, palm, wrist, knees or using machines. Acupressure technique of body massage is believed to restore the balance of energies throughout the body.

Anma Massage: Anma massage, originated from Japan, involves vigorous manipulation of the muscles like kneading, tapping, rubbing and shaking.

Ayurvedic Massage: Also known as Abhayangam in Sanskrit, Ayurvedic massage is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. The massage technique is aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system to produce lymphocytes and improve immunity. It also helps in detoxification of the body. Ayurvedic massage relieves general body fatigue and pain, maintains young looking skin and improves longevity.

Balinese Massage: This type of massage adopts gentle skin folding, kneading, stroking and other techniques and helps the patient feel calm and relaxed during and after the therapy. It improves the flow of blood, oxygen and energy throughout the body. Applying Balinese hot stones is an option.

Craniosacral Therapy: The technique involves applying gentle strokes and touches to the skull, face, spine and pelvis. This regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Reflexology: Reflexology is a special type of massage, used as a procedure in alternative medicine. The technique includes application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific movements and pressure using the therapist's thumb and fingers on the feet and hands of the patient. Oil or creams are not used in this technique. It is based on the idea that specific areas of the foot and palm are connected to specific organs of the body. The pressure applied in these areas stimulates effective functioning of those organs.

Stone Massage: Using stones that may be cold or hot to apply pressure and heat to the body. The stones may be heated with water, oil and are usually Basalt stones or lava rocks that are smooth and polished.

Shiatsu: Application of pressure using the fingers and palm, stretches and other simple massage techniques constitute the Shiatsu massage.

Lymphatic Drainage: This is a type of gentle massage that facilitates the natural production and drainage of the lymph. A specific amount of pressure is applied in rhythmic circular movements to stimulate and propel the lymph flow in the right direction.

Swedish Massage: This technique involves five styles of strokes, namely sliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, fiction and vibration or shaking. It helps in alleviating pain and joint stiffness.

Thai Massage: It involves deep, full body massage that progresses from feet towards upper body and concentrates on stroking the energy lines of the body. It is effective in managing musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, improves flexibility and movement of joints and improves blood flow in the body.

Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger points of the body for relieving specific pain is identified and manual pressure, vibration, injection or other treatment is applied to the part.