Top 10 massage techniques
Website design By BotEap.comWith workplace stress becoming more common, the cost to the industry is rising as more and more people take time off work due to stress-related illness. To combat these rising numbers, a number of new measures are being implemented to combat stress in the workplace. One of the most popular is a workplace massage. The top ten massage techniques are listed below.
Website design By BotEap.com1. Swedish massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis is the most basic of all massage techniques and the most popular, as it is often the first massage therapists learn. The Swedish massage technique consists of five basic steps or sub-techniques.
Website design By BotEap.comEffleurage. This first step involves long, sweeping movements with the hands, gliding over the body. The main purpose of this is to relax the muscles.
Website design By BotEap.comKneading. In the next step, the muscles are gently manipulated by squeezing and lifting them off the body. This is to relax the muscles and improve circulation.
Website design By BotEap.comFriction. In this step, the masseuse applies heat to the skin and muscle, rubbing the surface in deep, circular motions. This stretches the muscle fibers, breaks up the knots caused by the joining of the muscle fibers, and improves the flexibility of the muscles and joints.
Website design By BotEap.complaying. Also known as percussion, the massage therapist will quickly and rhythmically beat, cup or cut the skin with their hands. This stimulates the muscles to promote gas exchange to improve circulation and also firms the skin and releases muscle tension and spasms.
Website design By BotEap.comVibration. This last step involves gently shaking the skin with your fingers or hand. This releases any remaining tension that may reside in the muscles and also increases circulation.
Website design By BotEap.com2. Deep tissue massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis type of massage technique is especially good for treating specific areas of the body. The massage therapist will usually use the elbows or the knuckles of the fingers, working in slow, deep strokes along the muscle fiber and tendons. This will restrict and release blood to the muscle, revitalizing the tissue with fresh oxygen and removing more complex knots in the muscle fibers.
Website design By BotEap.com3. Sports massage
Website design By BotEap.comThe Sports Massage technique is a combination of other massage techniques. The main techniques used are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and trigger point massage. With the last mentioned, the Trigger Point massage involves the masseuse identifying the affected muscle area by detecting a hardness in the tissue and then working directly on that area with the fingers until the muscle relaxes. Sports massage will reduce swelling and muscle tension, relieve muscle fatigue and increase the flexibility of muscle tissue.
Website design By BotEap.com4. Indian head massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis ancient technical massage, also known as Champissage, covers the neck and shoulders as well as the head. The neck and shoulders are first deeply kneaded and squeezed to remove any muscle tension. Once completed, the masseuse will move on to the head and scalp. With the dolls resting on the head and using the pads of the fingers, they will gently scratch the scalp, as if shampooing the hair. This will increase circulation thus improving blood supply to the brain. Before the final step, the masseuse will perform a facial massage, gently rubbing the temples with small circular movements. Once finished, you will gently rub the forehead, moving away from the center down each side of the face to the temple, finally stroking slowly from the forehead to the back of the head, lightening as you go, until the fingers get up. Head Lift This technique will take tension out of your shoulders and neck, release pressure from your sinuses, and relieve stress that can ultimately lead to headaches.
Website design By BotEap.com5. Reflexology
Website design By BotEap.comThis technical massage is specific for hands and feet. First, the foot or hand is gently stroked and rubbed to warm the area before working. The masseuse will then use her thumbs and fingers to explore the subject, including the area between the fingers and toes, to find abnormalities. An area that needs specific attention will be gently compressed and rubbed before the massage therapist moves on to the next area. Once the hand or foot is finished, the masseuse will gently rub and stroke the hand or foot again, to relieve any tension.
Website design By BotEap.com6. Hot stone massage
Website design By BotEap.comAs the name suggests, hot stone massage uses heated stones. The stones used are smooth and are preheated in water. Once the stones are at working temperature, they are placed on specific parts of the body. The heat from the stones penetrates the muscles, causing them to relax, stretching the muscle fibers and improving circulation. The stones are then used to massage the area, while they are still warm. Hot stone massage is used all over the body except the face and will relieve muscle pain and tension, improve muscle flexibility and increase blood circulation.
Website design By BotEap.com7. Shiatsu massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis eastern oriental massage technique uses the fingers and thumbs on acupuncture pressure points on the body and is often referred to as acupressure. Some massage therapists even use their elbows and knees during a massage session. The body’s pressure points are manipulated by tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and deep probing, which releases and restores the flow of energy around the body. This technique relieves pain and relaxes muscles, and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
Website design By BotEap.com8. Neuromuscular massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis particular technique targets a specific muscle complaint. The massage therapist will focus on that different area and locate the trigger point within that muscle that is causing the problem. The masseur will apply continuous pressure with the fingers, knuckles or elbows, for a long time. This will improve circulation within the muscle and relieve any pain or discomfort.
Website design By BotEap.com9. Massage during pregnancy
Website design By BotEap.comMassage techniques during pregnancy are specialized due to the nature of pregnancy. The areas that are covered are mainly the back and buttocks, legs and feet. For the back and buttocks, the massage therapist will use a soft fist and stretch the knuckles from the neck to the hips and then bring the fist back up to the ribs. The massage therapist will also apply pressure just below the base of the spine between the buttocks with the palm of their hand. Legs and feet will be gently rubbed. These techniques will relax the muscles and increase blood circulation.
Website design By BotEap.com10. Aromatherapy massage
Website design By BotEap.comThis is not strictly a technique, more the addition of essential oils to the techniques mentioned above. The masseuse will use the most relaxing caresses and will complement them with essential oils. The chosen oils vary depending on the result that the masseuse wants to achieve. Different oils will produce different feelings of well-being, and this is something the patient and masseuse will discuss beforehand.
Website design By BotEap.comThese massage techniques can benefit both employers and employees. By revitalizing the mind and body, morale in the workplace improves creating a more pleasant and stress-free work environment that everyone can benefit from.