What is massage therapy and what can it do?
Massage therapy is the skilled manipulation of muscles and connective tissue. It relieves physical pain, promotes healthy circulation, reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and increases focus and alertness.
What types of massage are there?
There are many types or modalities, here are a few examples with some brief descriptions:
-Swedish Massage uses lotion or oil and involves fluid strokes over the entire body. This modality is what likely comes to mind when someone hears “Massage.”
-Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork . It uses acupressure from the thumbs and fingers along meridian lines through the body.
-Deep Tissue Massage is perhaps misnamed. It does not depend entirely on the depth of pressure, but works with the deeper structures of the body to help with postural alignment and muscular and joint pain.
-Sports Massage targets specific structures of the body to rehabilitate sport-related injuries. It is also used before and after sporting events to aid warming up and cooling down.
-Thai Massage involves a variety of stretches and compressions to increase flexibility and energize the body.
-Reflexology works on points in the feet and hands to affect the entirety of the body.
-Chair Massage combines elements of other modalities and is performed in a chair instead of on a table or mat. For more information see this link: http://www.ezentialmassage.com/2010/06/29/chair-massage/
What massage modality is right for me?
Everyone has their own specific needs and desires when it comes to massage therapy, and that makes this question impossible to answer for everyone. The best way to find out is research. If one of the modalities mentioned above sounds interesting then look up some information on it. Or better yet, contact a local massage therapist and ask him or her about it. Don’t be afraid to ask around for multiple opinions.
Do I have to be naked to receive massage?
No, many clients leave on their underwear while receiving massage. I always encourage my clients to undress to the level of their comfort. For Shiatsu, Thai, and Chair massage the client remains dressed.
What should I do during a massage?
The best answer to this question is: Relax. Of course relaxing can be different from person to person. Some clients will chat and others will remain silent the whole session. I have had several clients fall asleep during massage, and this is not something to be embarrassed about.
Another good answer is: Communicate. This is your session, and the therapist will want to make sure it is enjoyable. Offering feedback on depth of pressure, where the therapist is working, and what feels good or not will help create the session that you want. No matter how skilled a massage therapist is, you are the final authority for how things feel in your body.
I hope this proves helpful, feel free to send me your questions for future posts!
