Top 5 Massage Styles for Relaxation
There are several different massage styles that can be used for healing and relaxation, and sometimes the abundance of choice can be a little overwhelming to decide on what is the best one for us. In this blog, we break down the top 5 styles of massage that can be used for relaxation, as well as their additional positive physical benefits.
Swedish Holistic Massage
Swedish holistic massage is a great massage experience for those who suffer from joint stiffness, osteoarthritis, lower back pain and stress. This style incorporates long sweeping strokes with the help of nourishing oil, to not only encourage the muscles to relax, but also increase blood and lymph flow around the body. The long sweeping strokes promote lymphatic drainage, which in turn boosts the immune system and helps to clear fluid
retention around the body.
This technique uses a combination of effleurage (long sweeping strokes), petrissage (kneading movements), vibration/percussion (hand cupping / oscillatory movements) and gentle active movements (hand and foot joint rotation and mobility). Clothing is removed and the client is covered by a blanket to keep warm. These are then removed and recovered when different areas of the body are being treated by the massage therapist.
IS IT GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO:
● Deeply relax
● Release physical muscle tension
● Improve blood flow / circulation
● Reduce knots in muscles
● Improve overall sense of wellbeing
● Help with sleep
SWEDISH HOLISTIC MASSAGE IS SHOWN TO HELP:
● Reduce joint stiffness
● Reduce pain within joints/muscles
● Alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis
● Reduce lower back pain
● Decrease stress
Hot Stone
Hot stone massage is similar to Swedish holistic massage, though incorporates the use of hot stones during the effleurage component. The stones are versatile and can be utilised to apply gentle pressure with dispersed heat into muscles, and can also be used to assist with a firmer pressure that smooths out deeper muscular knots.
The stones can also be left on different parts of the body whilst other areas are being massaged. Used in this way, the heat can penetrate muscles deeply to help them to relax, all the while, receiving stone massage on
different muscular sections. As with Swedish holistic massage, clothing is removed, and the client is covered by a blanket to keep warm. These are then removed and recovered when different areas of the body are being
massaged.
As stones, oil, heat and various techniques are combined in this massage, hot stone massages are generally more expensive than other styles of massage.
IS IT GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO:
● Relax
● Improve blood flow and circulation
● Ease muscle tension
Hot stone massage has been shown to help:
● Reduce joint stiffness
● Reduce pain within joints/muscles
● Reduce lower back pain
● Decrease stress
● Create a sense of comfort and warmth
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy has been around for over 6000 years and is used in massage by combining pure essential oils with carrier oils. These oils absorb through the recipient’s skin to help reduce the symptoms of multiple ailments, whilst also helping the mind and body to unwind. Aromatherapy massage is usually carried out with a light to medium trance like pressure, rather than a firm/deep pressure commonly used in purely physical/remedial styles.
IS IT GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO:
● Relax
● Improve health and wellbeing
● Boost mood
IS IT GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO:
● Reduce symptoms of cold/flu
● Reduce insomnia
● Improve skin conditions
● Alleviate migraines/headaches
Reflexology
Reflexology works with the principle that tension in sections of the hands and feet are linked to corresponding sections of the body. There are astoundingly over 7000 nerve endings in the feet alone, each with the potential to help alleviate tension in the corresponding body part as they are connected to through the nervous system. Reflexology helps to stimulate energy through the different nerve channels, promoting homeostasis and balance.
Oil is sometimes used; however, it is generally not needed. The client is kept fully clothed as the massage only involves the hands and the feet.
IS IT GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO:
● Relax
● Relieve tired, achy feet
● Reduce stress
● Lift mood
Reflexology has been shown to help:
● Improve nerve function
● Increase blood flow / circulation
● Boost metabolism
● Issues with sleeping
● Improve sinus issues
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage style, directly translating as ‘finger pressure’, and describes the technique of using body weight for pressure assistance applied through the thumbs, palms, elbows, and forearms. This action is combined with assisted stretches, joint rotation and manipulation to treat the body on a holistic level providing a well rounded and holistic approach. This style also encourages rebalancing energy flow through the body.
Shiatsu is a relaxing massage, yet the pressure can be on the firmer side.. It incorporates pressure, stretching, rubbing, and heating, applied with sensitivity to sore/knotted muscles areas. Oil is not used in Shiatsu, the client is covered, and there is generally no soreness afterwards.
Reflexology has been shown to help:
● Relax
● Reduce stress
● Improve joint mobility
● Improve shoulder / neck tightness
Shiatsu has been shown to help:
● Back pain
● Headaches
● Neck stiffness
● Menstrual problems
● Digestive problems
● Stress
● Sports injuries
At Mirosuna, we have developed our Signature OMM (Original Meditative Massage). This style incorporates all the above elements with a short-guided meditation and singing bowls to help send you off into a deeper state of both physical and mental relaxation. To find out more information, or book your next massage, please get in touch at hello@mirosuna.com.
