Massage Styles
There are many different massage styles in this world and I want to give you a brief introduction to many of those and also give you the opportunity to find videos to the different massage styles through a link to the respective article.
Acupressure
Acupressure is based on the same principles as Acupuncture, but instead of needles the therapist uses mainly his fingers and thumb to put pressure on the acupuncture points. This technique is to increase the flow of chi in the meridians and reinstate energetic balance within the body.Ayurvedic massage
Indian massages are traditionally performed by two massage therapists, who are working synchronized on each side of the body. The therapist is frequently using hot (warm) oil, that is first poured onto a certain body area, before it is massaged. This massage technique uses a lot of oil. Most famous techniques are Ahyanga (using herbal ingredients to balance the Tridoshas), Indian Head Massage and Shirodhara (warm oil poured on forehead). To read more and watch Ayurvedic massage videos.Baby Massage
To read more and watch baby massage videos.Barefoot massage
Barefoot massage has originated in Asia, although there are some western hybrid versions popular now. The techniques is basically using the feet instead of the hands to massage the client. (It is a very good technique for people with wrist problems or not enough strength in the hands and forearms). Traditionally done with oil or lotion, it is sometimes now done with clothes mainly for the release of trigger points and fascial congestions.Craniosacral therapy
Cranio Sacral Massage Therapy is a treatment, which is used by massage therapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. It comprises a series of subtle massage techniques and manipulations that influence and move the spinal and cranial bones to balance out the central nervous system. To read more and watch Craniosacral Therapy videos.Deep tissue massage
The goal of deep tissue massage is to access deeper layers of soft tissue with manual techniques. You can use either fingers, thumbs, knuckles, palms, forearms, elbows or knees to achieve your goal, but adequate use of intensity is the foremost principle of this massage technique. To read more and watch deep tissue massage videos.Infant massage
To read more and watch infant massage videos.Lomilomi
Hawaiian massage therapy is also called Lomi Lomi massage. Lomi Lomi means basically "loving hands" and I think it definitely characterizes this massage style from Hawaii in its very essence. To read more and watch Lomi Lomi videos.Medical massage
The most important medical massage technique is with no doubt lymph drainage, in which the practitioner tries to manipulate the lymph flow with gently strokes.Myofascial release
Myofascial release refers to the manipulation of fascia, which is tissue that envelopes pretty much all structures of the body (like muscles, organs, bones) and give each of these parts its characteristic shape. Most popular forms of Myofascial release are Rolfing and Structural Integration.Neuromuscular therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a great massage style in the treatment of pain relief, but is also helpful for postural imbalances. Tension in muscles is either treated with fingers, knuckles or elbows, but occasionally also with specially designed wooden massage tools.Pregnancy massage
Pregnancy massage can be very helpful throughout all 3 trimesters. It targets mainly discomfort areas that occur during pregnancy, like swelling of feet and ankles, tight hips, buttocks and lower back muscles and also helps to sooth the mom with relaxing strokes. Massage has also shown to smooth the labor process. A special technique is the perineal massage which prepares the perineum for the stretching during giving birth. To read more and watch pregnancy massage videos.Reflexology massage
Reflexology is based on the premise that trigger points on hands and feet are energetically connected to inner organs. Stimulation of these points will have an effect of the corresponding organ. To read more and watch reflexology massage videos.Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage style that uses mainly thumb pressure along the meridians in combination with stretching. To read more and watch shiatsu massage videos.Sports massage
Sports massage is any kind of massage style that is applied to improve the performance of an athlete. Sports massage can be applied before or after an event or training. The specific style of the massage should be chosen according to the needs of a specific athlete and the challenges of the respective sport. To read more and watch sports massage videos.Stone massage
Hot stone massage uses heated basalt or marble stones to treat muscles, chakras and meridians. It is very relaxing for the muscle and can be use before deep tissue treatments. To read more and watch hot stone massage videos.Structural Integration
See Myofascial Release.Swedish massage Therapy
Swedish massage therapy or classic massage is probably the standard of western massage. It is usually done with lubrication (oil, cream, lotion) and incorporates a variety of massage strokes (effleurage, pettrissage, tapotment etc.), stretches and passive range of motion exercises. To read more and watch swedish massage videos.Thai massage
Thai massage is usually applied on a padded mat on the floor or on a low table. There are many different styles within Thai massage but the most interesting ones are the styles that incorporate yoga stretches with massage. Thai massage is an energy based massage technique. To read more and watch Thai massage videos.Traditional Chinese massage
Traditional Chinese massage (like Tui Na and Zhi Ya) is based on the meridian system of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and uses pushing, stretching and kneading of the muscles as well as manipulating of so-called acupressure points to harmonize the chi within the body.Traditional Japanese massage
Traditional Japanese massage has been around for more than a 1000 years. It is based on an energetic system very closely related to the TCM meridian system and used point work, deep tissue techniques and stretch releases to balance Ki (same as Chinese "Chi") inside the body.Trigger point massage
Trigger point massage is based on the premise that toxic waste is accumulating in muscle tissue, which can be felt as a taut band. These bands are very pressure sensitive and can lead to referral pain in other areas of the body. To read more about this massage style.