Type of Massages and there Benefits

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological, purposes and goals. The word comes from the French massage – meaning friction of kneading, and from the Arabic Massa – meaning to touch, feel, or handle. Acting on and manipulating the body with pressure, a massage can be done manually or with mechanical aids. There are a number of different massage types available, each targeting specific points using a variety of pressure, technique and movement.

Let us look at some of the most popular type of massages and what benefits they offer.

Swedish massage

This method is one of the most popular types of massages available and includes a variety of long smooth strokes, circular movements and kneading. A Swedish massage is very gentle and therefore relaxing, which makes it great for those who have never had a massage before. This type of massage is beneficial to promote the feeling of well-being and also helps to reduce emotional and physical stress. If you are suffering from neck and back, pain or inflammatory or muscle related conditions, the Swedish massage therapy is there to help alleviate pain by relieving knots and tension, increasing flexibility and mobility by reducing stiffness in muscles and joints.

Aromatherapy massage

The aromatherapy massage is a massage that uses scented plant oils to address specific needs. Oils can have different effects on stress-related conditions in particular, as they add an emotional component. When you inhale the scent, messages are sent to your brain’s limbic system – the part that controls emotions and influences hormones and your nervous system. Lavender is perhaps the most common oil used in aromatherapy massage, it has a calming effect, and the same goes for geranium and chamomile. Rosemary is said to be cleansing and energising, while tea tree, eucalyptus and pine is decongesting.

Deep tissue massage

This is a massage that targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. People benefiting from a deep tissue massage are those struggling with chronically tight and painful muscles, repetitive strain and postural problems. Stiff necks and sore shoulders, often a result of too many hours spent in front of a computer, can be relieved by having regular deep tissue massages. You should expect to feel sore and stiff for a couple of days after a deep tissue massage, as the massage therapist concentrates on areas of pain and uses direct deep pressure or friction here.

Lymphatic massage

This massage is a technique used to help increase lymph flow – using a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. A lymph drainage massage is particularly useful in detoxifying the body and to boost the immune system, and can be helpful in cases of edema, sports injury or for people experiencing a sluggish immune system or those suffering from a lack of energy. Endermologie

Reflexology

Reflexology is a method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body – or just to improve general health. Reflexology can also be seen as a treatment that can help your body heal itself after an injury, illness, trauma or stress. Reflexology is a form of zone therapy and the idea is that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve general health through one’s energy flow. Working well to relax your mind and body, reflexology has been proven to be effective for back pain, migraines, fertility problems, arthritis, sleep disorders, sports injuries, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders and stress-related conditions. Most patients say they feel calmer and more relaxed after a treatment, and enjoy the non-invasive and safe approach of this alternative practice.

Hot stone massage

Hot and smooth lava rocks help to decrease tension in this massage by loosening tight muscles and balancing energy centres in the body. Your therapist uses the hot stones as a massage tool, applying gentle pressure with them. Heated to more or less 45 degrees, the stones slide up and down your skin, heating and soothing away tension as they go. And the warmth they give is very comforting as well.

Pregnancy massage

The prenatal massage is used to target symptoms related to pregnancy – such as stress, swelling, aches and pains, indigestion, anxiety and depression. Becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers, a pregnancy massage is performed by therapists who are certified and know how to support a pregnant woman’s body correctly during the massage.

For more information, please contact us on:

011.327.4490 (From 8:30 to 5:00, Mondays to Saturday)

Alternatively email Mariette Prinsloo on:

info@somabodytherapy.co.za

Or visit our Stunning new website on:

www.somabodytherapy.co.za

Touch is a very important part of human contact. It helps us feel connected and loved by those around us.
Massage uses touch through rubbing or kneading of parts of the body to aid circulation, relax the muscles, or provide sensual stimulation.

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy.
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

There are many health benefits to receiving massage therapy on a regular basis:

- Relieves stress
- Encourages relaxation
- Improves circulation
- Improves posture
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps manage pain
- Relaxes muscles
- Improves flexibility
- Improves breathing
- Relieves tension headaches
- Strengthens immune system
- Decreases depression

A good massage is an exhilarating experience.

To Book your massage please phone Soma Body Therapy on 011.327.4490 or go to www.somabodytherapy.co.za for more info.