In its simplest form massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue in order to achieve physical, functional, and psychological benefits. The word itself comes from different origins – the French word massage meaning “friction of kneading”, the Latin massa meaning “mass, dough” or from the Arabic massa meaning “to touch, feel or handle”.

Massage has existed in some form or another for centuries with writings about massage being found in ancient civilizations including Greece, China, Rome, Egypt and Turkey. In the United States all different styles of massage therapy became popular in the mid 1800s. Due to medical advancements in the 1930s and 1940s massage fell out of favor, but it found a resurgence in the 1970s as athletes began using massage for rehabilitation purposes. The connection between sports and massage culminated during the 1996 Summer Olympics when massage was offered as a core medical service for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games.

In today’s fast paced world there dozens of things that add stress to our lives. Not to mention our crazy busy lifestyles that we lead; with work, family, friends, social obligations and the like crowding every single minute out of our weeks. Luckily, there are almost as many different forms of massage to help reduce that stress. Here are a few of them.

1. Swedish massage – This is the most common type massage therapy there is in the United States. This technique uses long, smooth strokes and kneading. Massage oils and lotions are also often used. This is your basic run-of-the-mill massage that is perfect for first timers.

2. Hot Stone Massage – The name kind of says it all. The therapist uses heated stones placed strategically on various points of the body to warm and loosen tight muscles. This massage form is becoming more and more popular, and is perfect for those who prefer a lighter massage because of the lack of pressure involved.

3. Aromatherapy Massage – This massage technique uses lavender and other essential oils for specific needs. It is a perfect solution for those suffering with a stress related condition as it enhances a person’s emotional well-being. With evidence of aromatherapy existing in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece it is considered an ancient form of healing.

4. Shiatsu – This is a Japanese licensed medical therapy that is very popular the world over. It is often referred to as a finger pressure massage. The pressure is firm, but relaxing as it targets the body’s acupuncture points.

5. Deep Tissue Massage – This massage form relieves severe tension in muscle and the connective tissue, specifically focusing on the muscles below the surface of the top muscles. Individuals with consistent, chronic pain, athletes and others involved in heavy physical activity, and by those who have sustained an injury often use it.

From ancient beginnings massage really hasn’t evolved too much. It is still used to relax, rejuvenate, invigorate and heal. Try one massage technique, or all of them. The only side effect will be a happier you.

Author Bio: Sara regularly writes for AML Stone Source, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry such products as hot stone massage kit and massage stones, as well as many other many other accessories for hot stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stone massage kit,massage stones