One-third of people living in the U.S. admit to living under extreme stress. Alongside this statistic, nearly half of all Americans report stress negatively impacting their professional and personal lives.
One of the best ways to release stress and tension is through a consistent practice of self-care and relaxation.
While finding time to take care of yourself isn’t always easy, massage therapy is an effective and enjoyable activity that allows you to relax, unwind, and let go. Please keep reading for the different types of massages, which may be your ticket to living a stress-free life. All you need is sixty minutes.
Swedish Massage
If you are new to massage therapy, Swedish massage is a great place to start.
Swedish massage is a therapeutic treatment that works the muscles and soft tissues of your body to create a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system. It’s a gentle full-body massage that’s perfect for people who are sensitive to touch and hold a lot of tension.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is similar to a Swedish massage; only the therapist uses heated stones in addition to their hands when working your body. This form of massage is shown to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, promote relaxation, relieve stress, and alleviate pain.
Hot stone massage has become increasingly popular. Treatments are available at most Spa and wellness facilities such as the Island Salt & Spa.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massages combine the use of essential oils with gentle pressure. Essential oils are diluted before applied to your skin and are used depending on your mood and preference.
Aromatherapy massage helps reduce stress, lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression, relieve pain, and boost your mood.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue uses more pressure than a Swedish massage and is a good option if you have chronic muscle soreness, imbalance, or injury. It can help relieve chronic pain, tight muscles, and anxiety.
Your massage therapist will use deep finger pressure to relieve tension from your connective tissues and muscles. A deep tissue massage typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage that works the whole body to promote emotional and physical calm and relaxation.
During a Shiatsu massage, a therapist will use their hands, thumbs, and palms to massage certain areas of your body using pulsing or rhythmic pressure. Shiatsu is one of the best massages to relieve muscle tension and chronic headaches.
Thai Massage
A Thai massage is an active form of massage that works the entire body using a sequence of stretching movements. A therapist uses their palms and fingers to apply firm and deep pressure to areas of your body while you are stretched and twisted into different yogic positions.
Thai massage helps to relieve pain and stress while increasing flexibility, energy levels, and circulation.
The Many Different Types of Massages
While there are many different types of massages, each one promotes relaxation and reduces stress. So no matter which you choose, you’re bound to feel a sense of calm both mentally and physically.
Stick with one type of massage therapy or try them all. Either way, practicing self-care is bound to improve your life both personally and professionally.
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