There are many different types of massage, and each one offers its own unique characteristics and benefits. Massage therapy is an ancient form of relaxation and body treatment that has been used by cultures across the world. Today it is seen as both a science and an art and admired for its ability to help naturally heal the mind and body. There are more than 80 recognized methods of massage, but what are they? What are the different purposes and benefits that each method has? The following varieties of massage therapy are some of the most commonly practiced.

Swedish massage is perhaps the most well-known massage technique. It is a style that uses a series of fluid strokes to massage the body, including gliding, kneading and rhythmic tapping. As a therapeutic treatment, Swedish massage has been used to help treat joint stiffness, reduce pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis and improve poor circulation.

A variation of this common form is the stone massage. In this technique, traditional massage is combined with smooth, water-heated stones that are placed along key points on the body to warm the muscles and help relieve tension. The stones may also be held by the therapists and used to perform the massage. Because the rocks retain heat so well, they are very effective tools for penetrating the muscles and soothing the body. Another popular form is deep tissue massage. This technique focuses on relieving severe tension by treating the deeper layer of muscles in the body.

For people who suffer from consistent pain or have serious injury and people who participate in strenuous activity often, deep tissue massage is an effective treatment. Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Acupressure is a blend of styles that combines the use of acupuncture points and pressure from traditional massage. This form is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on applying physical pressure to acupuncture points using the hands, elbows or other devices.

Reflexology is a style of alternative medicine that is less proven scientifically but has many practitioners who believe in its health benefits. The basis for reflexology is the belief that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every gland, organ and body system. Reflexology massage focuses on massaging and applying pressure to these key points with the goal of improving overall body health.

Although their styles vary, all types of massage involve the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body in order to gain physical, functional and even psychological improvements. Massage is an effective, all-natural way to help achieve total body health.

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

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