Massage is a wonderful way to relieve stress, promote healing of your body
and mind and recover from injury or chronic pain. In practice for centuries,
different techniques have been developed in such faraway places as Thailand,
Japan, China, Sweden and Germany. In the last few years, the world -- especially
the United States -- has experienced a revival of interest in massage, as people
turn to new (or rather ancient) methods for relieving pain, stress and anxiety.
In addition to promoting good health and relaxation, massage can help you grow
closer to a loved one. You may want to try receiving a massage with an intimate
partner. While some spas and massage therapy practices will allow mixed genders
to receive massage at the same time, in the same room, others may ask that you
meet up afterward. Some practitioners will perform massage services outdoors,
in a private location, which can be an especially romantic way to experience
massage with a partner.
Whether you've received massages before or are totally new to the experience,
you'll want to find out about the different types of massage available today.
Keep your mind open to new things, and you may find massage to be the solution
to your problems -- physical, emotional or romantic! Sports Massage
Sports massage is a general term for different styles of massages used to enhance
performance. Generally vigorous, like Swedish massage, and often dealing with deep
muscles, sports massage is also used on different parts of the body, such as legs
and arms, in addition to the back, neck and sacrum. Sports massage is most commonly
used to help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and heal the body
should injury occur. Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage helps relieve chronic pain and sports injury conditions,
emphasizing the underlying causes and pathology of each condition. Orthopedic
massage is the most "medical" form of massage commonly practiced, combining muscle
energy, stretching, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, frictioning, neuromuscular
re-education, structural balancing and patient home care to produce immediate and
generally permanent results. Orthopedic massage is usually performed by a medical
professional. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a general term for different styles of massage that focus
on the body's deeper muscles and connective tissues. The client disrobes, sometimes
only the clothes covering the torso, and lays facedown on a massage table. The therapist
uses lotion to relieve friction, and applies deep-kneading movements to realign muscles.
Rolfing, Trager, Hellerwork and Feldenkrais are all forms of deep-tissue massage. Deep tissue massage
is usually used to correct damage from some kind of injury, such as whiplash or back strain.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a vigorous style of massage designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.
The client disrobed and lays facedown on a table, under a sheet, with only the area being
worked on exposed. The therapist first applies oil to reduce friction, and then uses rolling,
kneading and percussive strokes to manipulate and relax the soft tissues of the body. Swedish
massage is used for relaxation and improved circulation. Shiatsu
Shiatsu incorporates the theory of acupuncture, acupressure and other manual therapy
techniques to balance the flow of yin and yang energies within the body. Shiatsu theory proposes
that energy, known as "Chi" (or "Ki") moves through the body along well defined pathways called
meridians. For optimum health, these energies should be balanced. Shiatsu clients are usually
clothed and resting on a mat during practice. Shiatsu is wonderful for reducing stress,
eliminating fatigue and alleviating a wide spectrum of symptoms such as back pain, shoulder
and neck problems, headaches, constipation and cramps.Seated Massage
Also know as "chair massage," this form of therapy is performed on a fully clothed client
seated in a chair, generally in a corporate or business setting. Therapists use a combination
of massage strokes, including Shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue massage to alleviate temporarily
the symptoms of stress and fatigue. Massages typically last five to fifteen minutes and are
performed in a dimly lit, cool, quiet place, such as an unused office or empty break room.
Stone Therapy
New to Western society, stone therapy, also known as "thermotherapy," combines heat, cold and
pressure, in the form of smooth hot and cold stones. The client disrobes and lies facedown on
a board or cot, with a sheet or towel draped over his or her lower half. The practitioner
applies the hot and cold stones, in sequence, to the client's back. This form of therapy is
deeply relaxing and can promote healing of the body and mind. Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils, aromatic essence distilled from a single botanical
source, along with long, flowing connective strokes, called "effleurage." Essential oils can be
sedative or stimulating; some have an analgesic and antispasmodic effect and most are antibacterial.
The client will disrobe and lie facedown on a comfortable padded table and will be covered by a sheet.
The environment will be peaceful and relaxing, often candlelit with soft music playing. Aromatherapy
massage reduces the level of harmful stress hormones, stimulates the blood circulation, stimulates
lymphatic flow and helps alleviate chronic problems such as hypertension, migraines, digestive
problems and PMS. Sensual Massage
Sensual massage often begins with the same elements of aromatherapy massage, a sensual environment,
full nudity and deep massage strokes, but takes things a step further. Usually given between
consensual sexual partners, sensual massage involves stimulation of the genitals and often ends
Swedish massage, with the addition of sexual release.
Both aromatherapy and sensual massage can be done in the privacy of your own home with an
intimate partner. In fact, sensual massages really should be done at home; otherwise, you're
looking at possible misunderstandings and jail time!
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