Massage Styles
Throughout history massage has been used in many civilizations as one of the principle elements of healing. In more modern times newer forms of massage treatments or styles have been developed, consequently, by medical practitioners. In most cases these doctors, some naturopaths, some chiropractors, and a few osteopaths and General physicians have sought out cures for their own ailments which modern medicine failed to supply. In doing so they created numerous forms of massage targeting specific health conditions. The following is a brief introduction to most common forms of massage therapy.
Swedish
Formalized by Per Henrik Ling around 1800, this style of therapy has come to be accepted as the standard for massage. It’s a style consisting of 5 basic techniques each of which is achieved by a variety of methods. The style is characterized mainly as a very relaxing massage consisting of long flowing strokes called effleurage, with intermittent kneading strokes called petrissage. These are the two main techniques used. The other three are vibrations, tapotement, and deep friction. The overall effect in a well orchestrated Swedish massage is of deep relaxation brought upon by continuous waves of pleasure sweeping up and down the body. Swedish is truly a holistic form of massage.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue has its origins in Swedish massage. The founder of Swedish massage, Pir Henrik Ling created a style which would increase the circulation, facilitate joint mobility, and improve his general health, by combining what he thought were the most productive techniques around. He created a system of 5 main techniques, each of which could be achieved by use of different methods allowing for a very flexible modality. It is not exactly known when the distinction between Swedish and deep tissue was first made. As practiced today, deep tissue is a deep Swedish style. More emphasis is placed on isolating individual muscles, stretching, joint mobilization, and working out stress points. Deep friction and elbow techniques are utilized to achieve muscular relaxation and help eliminate knotting and other tightness issues.
In truth, any style that uses deep pressure and/or manipulates the deeper layer of tissues as well as joint connections can claim to be deep tissue.
Shiatsu
There are several forms of shiatsu, each with its own specific approach. But a few underlying principles pertain to all shiatsu styles. In shiatsu the main goal is the balancing of the energy channels. Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning finger pressure. In actuality, the fingers, the palms of the hand, the elbows, knees, and even feet are used to deliver the pressure used to open and balance energy imbalances. The most common techniques used involve downward static pressure, and stretching. Thus shiatsu is related to acupuncture and acupressure rendering similar results to the health of the individual.
Sports massage
Traditionally a pre and post sporting event therapy designed to warm up the muscles before an event and help flush out toxins and help the body's cool down process after an event, Spas have now taken to advertise this style as a deep tissue massage. This confuses those who has come to associate deep tissue with the common form of deep tissue Swedish massage. In its common use, sports massage consists of compression, kneading and fast friction and vibrations techniques. Oil is generally not used. This style is not designed to be mentally relaxing. Instead it has an energizing effect.
Thai
Traditional massage of Thailand involves stretching and pressure point techniques. This modality is often referred to as, "Lazy Man's Yoga", as the therapist assists you into a variety of yoga positions. If stretching is your main reason for wanting a massage, then Thai is the style for you. Thai massage in practice is similar to shiatsu but with less precision placed on the pressure points and much more emphasis put on stretching.
Reflexology
Few things feel better than a foot massage, but Reflexology is much more than that. A variety of points on the sole of foot relate to different organs and systems in the body. In stimulating these points, you are in turn stimulating your entire body.
Reiki
This is a pure form of energy work. Although very little contact with the body is required, it is still considered a form of massage.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy in its simplest form can be any massage which utilizes a combination of aromatherapy oils to treat a specific range of conditions or achieve a particular result. Their have been a few specific styles of massage developed for the purpose of enhancing the absorption and benefits of the essential oils. Probably the most accepted method is the one created by, in London. It is used in many larger resort spas throughout the US. This therapy can best be described as a combination of pressure points and light sweeping movements. The majority of the massage is concentrated on the back, shoulders, gluets and the feet. The arms and legs receive very little attention. The goal is to have the oils penetrate deeply into the spinal column, and the reflex points of the feet, where the vibrational quality of the oils can affect the nervous system to a greater degree.
Trager
The closest analogy I can think of that best describes a Trager massage is laying on a rubber raft on the beach as the waves gently rack you back and forth. A Trager massage session of gentle rocking and light stretching. To say that is to say a hurricane is a storm of high winds. You literally have to feel it to understand. Let's just say it is one of the most relaxing styles available.
Lomi Lomi
Otherwise known as Hawaiian massage, this style has spiritual elements connected to a tradition of healing. For centuries Hawaiian healers, used this form of therapy for treating various ailments including emotional problems. The style itself involves long sweeping movements utilizing the full forearms and hands of the practitioner. The massage incorporates a large amount of body contact which can achieve a high level of pressure on the tissues being manipulated. But because of the large amount of surface area being compressed, the massage itself doesn't feel as deep.
Neuromuscular
Using a combination of trigger point therapy, myofascial techniques, deep friction, and other deep tissue manipulations the therapist isolates and targets problem muscles helping to re-align muscle fibers and remove adhesions from tissues. This therapeutic style of massage is considered as medical rehabilitation. If you are looking to aid in the healing of muscular trauma this type of therapy may be right for you. If on the other hand your preference is to be relaxed, then Swedish or another form of deep tissue massage would be best.
Cranial Sacral
Blockages or other problems in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid may have a detrimental effect on the health of the whole body. Relieving these imbalances is the target of cranial sacral massage. The massage mainly involves manipulation of the persons head, and some stretching and holding is done on the sacrum as well. It is a very slow and gentle massage comprised mainly of holding and mild stretching techniques.
Stone massage
Stone massage is generally a Swedish style deep tissue treatment where hot lava stones are utilized instead of the therapist's hands. The uniqueness of a stone massage is in the ability of the stones to retain heat. When the stones are rubbed across the body, they transfer some of that heat energy to the person. The heat itself helps muscles to relax by increasing the blood flow to the area. Heat also helps the effect of the pressure penetrate into deeper tissues. Because the stones come from deep within the earth they are said to contain an inherent energy. This natural energy of the stones helps in balancing the energy in the individual getting the massage.