What is Massage?
Asking the question “What is massage?”, is almost the equivalent of asking “What is food?”. Both questions are filled with possibilities, different forms, and varying advantages. To answer the question about massage we need to examine a few of the different forms of massage to give you a glimpse at the wide variety.
When you first start thinking about massage you may visualize the pleasant feeling back rub given to you by one of your family members. They rub, tap, and pound up and down your back giving you a very relaxing feel.
The form of therapeutic massage most closely related to your home massage is Swedish Massage. In this form of massage you will receive a variety of different techniques ranging from long slow strokes, circular strokes, and a deeper kneading of your muscles. Swedish massage is primarily surface oriented and a very relaxing form of massage. This is the type of massage which is most common in the western world.
If you are trying to battle through pain issues, one of the most effective forms of massage is Shiatsu. Shiatsu massage is related to acupuncture, but instead of using needles the nerve centers are manipulated using various forms of massage, from deep fingertip rubbing, to rhythmic tapping massage techniques.
Perhaps you are needing to have your body stretched out, your muscles and joints carefully manipulated. Thai massage is very similar to Yoga, but you do not need to do any of the work. Your Thai massage expert will carefully manipulate your joints, moving your body in all kinds of interesting positions to help align your body’s energy, and give you greater flexibility.
Pregnancy massage is another form of specialized massage. The therapist specializes in working with pregnant women and their particular ailments. This includes working on the back muscles, hips, legs, and other parts of the body stressed by carrying a baby, and in preparation for delivery. Pregnant women have a higher percentage of back problems, and other muscular-skeletal issues while their body’s balance is thrown off center carrying a baby. The therapist helps to give relief to their patients.
If you are constantly having deep muscle pain or posture issues you may want to try deep tissue massage, just be prepared for the after effects. In this form of massage it is not a gentle surface massage, but a deep kneading, penetrating massage. Most people feel some pain and tenderness in their muscles for up to two days after receiving a deep tissue massage.
Now when you ask the the question, “What is massage?”, you will know there is not a simple answer. Depending on your needs, and your desires, there are many forms of massage to help in treating your body’s aches and pains. These few examples are only a few samples of the popular forms of massage. You should explore a few of these different types of massage for yourself and discover the amazing benefits found from each. By knowing a little about each kind, you will know which one your body needs when it is feeling stressed and painful.
