Swedish Massage Tops List of Popular Massage Therapies
Jan. 5, 2009
An increasing number of people agree about the healing qualities of massage therapy and among these people more and more are turning to online massage exchange communities in order to give and receive quality massages at no cost. The one thing that massage enthusiasts don't seem to be in complete agreement on is the type of massage therapy that is most beneficial.
According to a list posted on About.com as part of a comprehensive guide to alternative medicine, Swedish massage therapy tops the list of the ten most popular massage therapies. Filling out the list, in order of popularity, are: aromatherapy, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, shiatsu, Thai massage, pregnancy massage, reflexology, sports massage and back massage.
Though the type of massage therapy that is best for you often comes down to personal preference, there are aspects to each method to consider when choosing a massage therapist or online massage exchange partner.
Swedish massage therapy is perhaps most popular because, as a gentle and relaxing massage, it is great for first-timers. Aromatherapy can be used to enhance Swedish, or any other style of massage, with the addition of scented, essential oils that address specific needs of your body. For those who want to focus on muscle tension but still want a fairly gentle massage, hot stone therapy is good place to start.
As people become more familiar with massage therapy it is common to move to more intense methods. One common such massage is a deep tissue massage that targets the deeper layers of muscle and is often used for chronic muscle and posture problems as well as to aid with injury recovery. Though effective, deep tissue massage often leaves the recipient sore for up to two days after a session.
Two other intense massage therapies are shiatsu and Thai massage. These methods are similar in that both improve the flow of the body's energy through the use of specific pressure points. These massages are effective ways to relieve stress and improve flexibility. Though firm pressure is applied during a session, soreness is not generally associated with these two methods.
The massage methods at the bottom of the list – reflexology, pregnancy, sports and back massage –likely less popular due to how specific they are in nature. Reflexology generally refers to a foot massage. However, it is much more than that as the reflexology therapist applies pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and symptoms in the body. Pregnancy massage is gaining popularity among expectant mothers. Sports massage is specifically designed for people involved in heavy physical activity. Back massage, a common, relaxing massage, brings up the rear.
There are many forms of massage therapy from which to choose. Knowing your body will help you to select the method that best suits your needs and therefore receive the greatest benefits.
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