In general a good, professional massage has the ability to improve your overall health. This goes beyond just pampering yourself; this is about prolonging your life and living an active lifestyle so that you are not burdened by aches and pains. Massage can increase your blood flow, thus improving and plumping slack skin, and acts as a catalyst to encourage lymphatic drainage (removing toxins out of cells so that nutrients can flow in). Below are some benefits of massage therapy and different treatments that will make you look and feel more vibrant and just plain blissful.
Swedish Massage
This is one of the most common types of massage therapy treatments. A Swedish massage involves long, kneading strokes, in addition to soft, tapping strokes on the top layers of muscles. The friction that occurs when layers of tissue rub against one another, increases blood flow and decomposes scar tissue. A Swedish massage is beneficial because it relieves muscle tension that can assist in relaxing and energizing and assist in healing after an injury. This particular type of massage therapy is highly recommended for those suffering with osteoarthritis.
Hot Stone Massage
This type of treatment is accurately summed up in the name. The massage therapist places stones into a stone -heater filled with water (the water is typically heated to about 122-127 degrees Fahrenheit). The therapist will then place the warmed stones on certain areas of the body to act as acupressure points. These stones can be used with other massage therapy techniques as tools and can be quite soothing and relaxing as heat is transmitted to the deepest layers of the muscle tissue.
Deep Tissue Massage
Those suffering from chronic muscle tension, injury or if there are frequent adhesions (compilations of rigid, painful tissue) in their muscles and ligaments would benefit most from deep tissue massage. Adhesions are painful and can cause limited movement, pain and inflammation. Deep tissue massage is the best option for giving attention to certain frequent painful or stiff areas on your body. For this type of massage treatment the therapist will use slow, pressured strokes to focus on layers of muscles, tendons and other deep tissues below the skin. Although deep tissue massage is less rhythmic than other forms of massage therapy treatments, it can be quite therapeutic and beneficial in relieving chronic tension, injuries and back sprains.
Whichever your preference, make massage therapy a part of your health routine. Especially in this winter season, our bodies take a beating, add in the delicate balance between work and home, and by the end of the week we are just plain stressed. This stress is one of the main causes of muscle tension and pains. Contact your local day spa or massage therapist for more information on different treatment options.
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