A massage has many benefits to your body. Simply, a massage is the stroking, kneading, warming, rolling, and/or pressing of skin and muscles. Different types can give different kinds of results and can treat a wide range of emotional of physical health problems. Many massages come from different origins and are aimed at different results. Some can relax and refresh tired or knotted muscles, other can increase blood circulation. They can also stimulate circulation and encourage your body to produce endorphins. From soothing muscle pain to increasing energy levels, massages are meant to make you feel good and positive about your body. Your whole body can benefit from a massage: your bones, your heart, your skin, your muscles, your digestion, and even your mental health.
Simply getting a massage can help cure and relieve a wide array of body complaints. Research has shown that massages can relieve stress-related problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, to asthma, constipation, and high blood pressure. More and more today massages are being used to help stroke and cancer patients and even people suffering with dementia. A massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organ and tissues. Basically massages help circulate the good stuff in your body while getting rid of the bad stuff such as: waste products, toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water. Usually people with physical injuries or difficulties and need help with rehabilitations often use massages as a way to prevent further muscle or tissue damage. Above all, a massage makes you feel more relaxed and more comfortable in your own skin.
When deciding on what massage will be most beneficial to you, there are few things to bear in mind. No matter what the massage, you should generally wear loose-fitting clothes or if you are comfortable enough, just wear a towel. Before any massage make sure to avoid large meals and alcohol. Make sure to drink plenty of water which will help you body flush those unwanted toxins from your body. There are always things you should tell you therapist in advance before they start the massage. Such thing include: whether you might be pregnant, have any medical conditions, if you have recently had an injury or operation, if you allegoric to anything or have a skin allergy, if you have a fever or infection, and let them know if you have any broken skin or sores. The masseur should begin by asking you some basic questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and general health, but just in case make sure to bring it up.
There are so many types of massage spa treatments now days. Here are a few suggestions:
Swedish massage:
The most common of massage therapy that uses a combination of basic movements like: long, sweeping strokes, muscle kneading and rolling, deep applied pressure, and rhythmic tapping. This massage is best for stress relief, relaxation, and tense muscles.
Hot Stone Massage:
During this massage your body will be weighted down with hot, smooth stones. This massage is incredibly relaxing and is about invigorating your body. The heat helps release tension in your back and shoulders, so those muscles can be worked on more effectively. It is best used for releasing muscles tension and relaxation, as well as centering yourself.
Deep Tissue Massage:
This massage applies deep pressure to specific trouble points. It might feel as if someone is torturing you, but they are just pushing into your knotted muscles. This massage can also leave you feeling sore for a while after. This massage is beat for treating stiff, painful trouble spots like the shoulder and neck.
Other popular massages include: Thai massage, Hot Stone massage, Indian head massage, Watsu, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, Lymphatic drainage, Ayurvedic massage, and Aromatherapy massage. There are so many options, because each culture has their own versions and remedies for many bodily concerns.
During the massage, masseurs will massage you with their bare hands and possibly their feet or elbows as well. They will also use some oils to make it easier to glide across your skin. The strength of pressure will be different depending on what type of massage you are receiving and on which party of the body you are receiving the massage on. The length will also vary; the treatments can last from half an hour to half a day. Either way, make sure to allow yourself enough time to get ready, as well as time to wind down after the treatment. After the massage expect to feel relaxed and calm. You might feel a bit achy, or a bit vague or sleepy. However, some massages may also leave you feeling really energized and ready to go! A good spa will offer you a shower or even a lie-down after you massage to allow yourself some more “me time.”
