Getting massages isn’t just a luxury thing, my friend. Did you know there are real health benefits of massage therapy? It’s true! Some of them might even surprise you.

More and more research is being done showing that the health benefits of massage therapy can aid in stress management, chronic headaches, old and new injuries, even heart and circulation issues… just to name a few.

Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2007. In all this time I’m still being amazed at what massage can do for the body. There are easily 100 different recognized massage techniques throughout the world, making them perfect for everyone to have a little something that works for them.

Once upon a time, massage was mainly limited to resorts and spas. But now, it’s offered everywhere including:

Hospitals
Airports
Chiropractors Offices
Wellness Centers
Some Yoga Studios
Private Practices
Nursing Homes
Large Massage Chains
Malls
Many Corporate and Smaller Offices

Everywhere.

What is Massage?

Massage is the all inclusive term for a hands on technique used to manipulate muscles, skin, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Pressures vary, ranging from the lightest touch to heavy pressure and can also include stretching and various tools.

The health benefits of massage therapy has been touted for centuries as complimentary and alternative medicine. Some records show that the earliest known recorded use of massage dates back to 3000 BC in China. Although, it is hard to say exactly what the accurate history of massage is, because it is so old.

Massage techniques can help treat and alleviate symptoms many many conditions. While there are many types, the names for many of the massage techniques are given in reference to what condition or philosophy they work with. This will help you figure out what kind you need.

Massage Safety

It is important to know, when dealing with your health, that you are working with a licensed massage professional. There are certain states and countries that do not require by law that a therapist is formally licensed. Within the US, it is your right to request to see proof of a therapist’s license.

Please remember, while licensed massage therapists are considered medical professionals, most are not doctors. They cannot diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or claim to cure any condition unless they hold other kinds of medical licenses that allow those claims (which is rare).

Massage Techniques and Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

There are easily 100 different kinds of massage techniques in practice today. Here are some of the most popular options that you might see at your local spa or wellness center.

Swedish Massage

The standard kind of massage. Pressure ranges from light to heavy. It uses a variety of strokes including long, smooth strokes, kneading, and percussive strokes. These movements help to:

improve circulation
relax the body
aid in pain management

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue is a slower, deeper, massage that is used to get into the deeper layers of tissue including fascia and connective tissues. *please note, this kind of massage does not mean getting your therapist to press so hard that they are scraping your bones. That request is more common that you think and can cause more harm that good. More pressure does not always equal more benefit.

Deep Tissue Massage helps to:

Treat muscle injuries
Break up scar tissue
aid in pain management
treat fascitis
Treat chronic back pain

Prenatal, Induction, and Postnatal Massage

Prenatal, Induction, and Postnatal massage is specifically designed to help pregnant women and women recovering from child birth. Light to medium techniques are used to work with, or around, acupuncture meridians (depending on the intention of the massage) to benefit pregnancy and recovery. This kind of massage helps to:

aid in pain management for muscles, joint, and ligament pain
lowering blood pressure and anxiety
improving circulation
some report easier and shorter labor and delivery (yes please!)
reduce insomnia

Reflexology

Reflexology is a pressure point massage focusing mainly on the feet, but can also involve the hands. It makes use of Chinese meridians to heal all areas of the body. It has been proven useful in treating:

Headaches
Detoxing the whole body
Improved nerve function
Ease side effect of cancer treatment

Trigger Point and Acupressure

These massages focus on different things but work in a similar way. Trigger Point Therapy focuses on releasing muscle and adhesions with the goal of eliminating the original source of pain. Acupressure, which is the same as “Shiatsu”, focuses on releasing blocked energy centers utilizing Chinese energy meridians. Both therapies can treat the full spectrum of bodily ailments.

Tip Ask your therapist if they offer aromatherapy! It’s an amazing way to boost the relaxation and healing power of your treatment.

Other Kinds Of Massage

The following massages are more specific to a type of ailment or cultural philosophy. Many, while very popular, might not be available at your local massage chain as they are more specialized.

Sport Massage
Lymphatic Draintage
Thai massage
Myofascial Release
Oncology Massage (Used in cancer treatment)
Mayan Massage
Hot Stone Therapy
Cold Stone Massage
Ashiatsu (That’s the one where the therapist walks on your back)
Pet Massage (for your furry friends)
Ayurvedic Massage
Rolfing
Craniosacral Therapy
and more……

The health benefits of massage therapy has been researched and proven on a regular basis. It’s unanimous that massage therapy can make an excellent complimentary and preventative treatment for many health issues. Make it a regular part of your health routine and see the benefits immediately!

Sources:

Comments

Erika Ann says
05/30/2018 at 06:16
I love massage and I try to spoil myself and go to a nearby spa at least twice a month. I think massage is really important for your body's wellness and life balance. Reflexology is my personal favorite. I'm really amaze on how it affects the whole body. Would love to try out all of the massage you listed here.
- CTWellness says
  06/04/2018 at 14:56
  I hope you do!! They are all wonderful and interesting to experience.