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Types of Massage Therapy

There are many types of massage therapy and almost every person that exists can derive some benefit from massage therapy whether they are young or old. From some simple benefits to some remarkable health benefits. Therapy using massage techniques can do things like helping a person to heal better by helping the person's body use it owns resources to heal. It can help with headaches and help to relieve many kinds of tension and stress. It is truly remarkable the healing power of touch and massage. There are many massage techniques and complementary therapies and we will explore some of them briefly here.

What are some of the main categories of massage professions?

The two categories are:

* Medical massage

* Energy massage

What are some of the therapies that complement massage?

Some complementary therapies are:

* Osteopathy

* Aromatherapy

* Reflexology

While these are a few of the complementary therapies to go with massage the two main professions can further be divided by specializations and uses. Some of the medical profession uses massage to assist with:

* sports healing

* Certain stretching massages with exercise

* Orthopedic

* Massage that is for the neuromuscular area

But the profession focused on energy type therapies use massage for:

* touch therapy

* Reiki

* Polarity which can be a combination of touch and polarity

There are many types of massages that can be utilized by a professional therapist for various problems and there are therapists who wish to only practice a specialized massage therapy. What are some of the massage therapies and what do they seek to accomplish in general? Let's take a look.

Some oriental massage therapies are:

* Acupressure

* Shiatsu

Acupressure is based on acupuncture only it doesn't utilize any needles at all and utilizes some deep tissue massage with pressure being applied along certain points or areas of the body. However it does not normally use any lotions or oils.

With Shiatsu massage the goal is to combine some acupressure and some massage and is focused somewhat on relieving discomfort and balancing ones energy.

One of the most basic massages is Swedish massage. It utilizes long and basically gentle strokes that can be used on all the various groups of muscles. It is mainly used to help ease and relieve tension and is known for improving circulation.

Along the same lines as Swedish massage is relaxation massage as it utilizes a flowing and smooth technique.

There is workplace massage.

A very specific massage of therapeutic value to the cranium called Cranial Sacral massage therapy. This is applied to the neck and the head.

A very medical application called remedial massage. It emphasizes a paramedical treatment that helps to achieve the restoration of and function of the soft tissue such as ligaments, tendons, muscles that have been injured. This utilizes many types of massage and includes self treatment at home.

To achieve a balance in the body there is a therapy that uses the reflex points in the feet. These points have matching or corresponding areas in the body. The therapist or if doing this yourself will apply pressure to these points with the thumb and fingers.

Certain massage therapies can be benefited or enhanced with the healing powers of essential oils and this would be called aromatherapy massage.

The massage therapy that involves deep tissue massage has several different massage techniques that apply some of the methods used in deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage involves many different types of strokes and involved some of these techniques such as;

* Sports massage

* Massage of the Connective Tissue

* trigger point therapy

* Neuromuscular massage Techniques

Finally, there is Hot Stone Massage which helps to increase blood flow to the muscles and is sometime used in conjunction with a Pilates workout.

There are many uses for massage therapy so find one that helps you achieve overall well being and helps you achieve the health goal you seek. Even a massage from a good pal will be beneficial.