When you are looking for a fast but efficient way to feel great, take a look to see what a massage can offer you. If you feel great, it will translate towards your outward beauty.

Massage therapy has been used for hundreds of years for both rehabilitation and for relaxation and general health, and with interest in holistic and natural treatments growing every year, it is easy to see why sessions with trained massage therapists are getting so popular. If you check your local spa or the destination resort of your choice, there is a better than average chance that you will find several different types of massage offered. Whether you are reluctant to jump in without some background knowledge, or you just want to know a little more before you sign up for an appointment, you'll find that learning a little bit about different kinds of massages can be quite helpful when it comes to deciding what you are interested in.

On a personal note, I fell in love with the relaxation massage after being very hesitant about massages in general. I am very sensitive to touch….”ticklish” so having a massage sounded like torture to me!! I finally overcame my fears and took the plunge and had my first massage on a cruise. Needless to say that now I am a true fan of all types of massages!!

Here are 11 of the most popular massages out there.


1.Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is without a doubt the most common massage available, and you'll find massage therapists who are proficient in this technique at almost any spa or resort that you care to go to This is a fairly gentle, soothing type of massage, and you'll find that the kneading, circular movements, aided by lotion or oil, will only affect the upper layer of muscle. This is a great massage for a beginner or for someone who is not interested in rough handling

2.Deep Tissue Massage
As the name suggests, deep tissue uses a stronger motion to affect deeper layers of muscle and to work your connective tissue. You'll find that this massage is slower and friction is used in a way that is different from Swedish massage. If you suffer from constantly tight muscles, whether they are due to repetitive motions or past injuries, you might be interested to see what a deep tissue massage can do for you. Remember that you will feel a bit sore after this, particularly if you are not used to it.

3.Shiatsu
This type of Japanese massage will use pressure concentrated on small areas of the body. Rather than rubbing, these points will be pressed for a few seconds and then released. This is a surprisingly relaxing technique and people are often surprised that there is no soreness after shiatsu massage.

4.Aromatherapy Massage
For people who are a looking for full-on, holistic treatment, aromatherapy is something that they should try. Aromatherapy massage will use scents of essential oils to maximize the positive effect that you get from the massage. There may be some candles burning nearby, and the lotion that is used on the massage will be imbued with energetic healing scents, like lavender or citrus, to reduce stress and improve mood.

5.Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage utilizes stones that have been heated and then placed on various points of your body. The weight of the stones, the heat, and some pressure applied by the massage therapist will result in a wonderfully light massage that is extremely relaxing. This is a great massage for someone who wants to feel thoroughly refreshed but does not want the deep tissue work that other types of massage will provide.

6.Pregnancy Massage
While a woman who is pregnant should always consult with her doctor before trying any sort of bodywork, prenatal massage is something that can be very stress-reducing and therapeutic for an expecting mother. A massage therapist who is trained in this method will be able to move and position the body in a way that is safe and soothing for the mother-to-be.

7.Sports Massage
Whether you are your company softball team's star batter or you simply live a very active lifestyle, you'll find that sports massage might be exactly what you are looking for. This type of massage will focus on both preventing injuries, soothing old injuries and general enhancing your athletic performance.

8.Reflexology (Foot Massage)
Reflexology will use pressure applied to specific points on your foot to provide you with health benefits throughout your whole body. The philosophy behind reflexology holds that it will positively affect your organs and your nervous system, but you'll also find that it is terrific for people who are on their feet all day! If your feet often feel sore, particularly around the arch and the ball of the foot, this is an excellent massage for you to try

9.Thai Massage
Thai massage is a very active form of massage therapy; while it will use pressure on your body much like shiatsu does, it will also involve stretching and movement of the body through a series of postures. People often refer to this type of massage as an assisted yoga session, and you'll find that many of the benefits are identical. You'll find that not only does it improve your flexibility, it will also provide you with more energy than you had before your session.

10.Acupressure Massage
You may already be familiar with the Chinese Traditional Medicine of acupuncture, where needles are used to clean and optimize the flow of energy through your body. While acupressure uses the same points on your body, you'll find that it is completely non-invasive. Instead, it will stimulate those same points on your body through gentle pressure, leaving you feeling refreshed and very alert after a single session.

11. Relaxation Massage
At most spas, you'll find relaxation massage listed in the massage therapies offered. This sort of massage is exactly what it says it is; it is a gentle, soothing massage that will help you relieve muscle tension and stress while putting you at ease. This type of massage uses a flowing motion that will allow you simply relax and enjoy the motion. There will certainly be no soreness afterwards, and you will leave the session feeling awake and quite relaxed. This is a great first time massage for those of us who have never had one before.


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