According to many sources, here are the most popular massage therapies out there. Few surprises, it’s true, but have you tried all of them? I have to say this is mainly for Western consumers.
- Swedish Massage Therapy: By far the most common massage therapy in Western world, also called oil massage. Perfect for newbies or if you just want to relax
- Aromatherapy Massage: This therapy is similar to Swedish but the therapist uses essential oils. There are a great number of oils, each addressing different needs.
- Hot Stone Massage: Gaining in popularity in the last decade or so, Hot Stone Massage is the technique of using heated stones on certain points on the body. It helps reducing stress in strained or tight muscles
- Deep Tissue Massage: This form of massage therapy is used mainly for treating postural problems, recurring tightness and to help recover from injuries.
- Shiatsu: Coming from Japan, it uses the acupuncture technique but without the needles, by focusing on specific points on your body.
- Thai Massage: Often called “yoga massage“, your body is stretched in different positions. It’s really helpful to improve your flexibility. You might want to wait after the massage to eat!
- Pregnancy Massage: Using specific positions and techniques, pregnancy massage will help reduce stress, aches and pains, and reduce anxiety.
- Reflexology: Often called “foot massage“, reflexology uses pressure points on the feet. Very relaxing.
- Sports Massage: Here the focus is on increasing flexibility and preventing injuries. Stretching is also a main element of sports massage.
- Back Massage: Some people often only needs specific areas to be treated and the back massage answers this by focusing solely on this part of the body for an entire session.
In North America especially, a massage is almost by default a swedish massage. In other parts of the world people simply use “oil massage” or “classical massage”, but we all agree this term is by far the most commonly used in North Maerica.