There are more than 80 known types of massages, each with its own unique characteristics. With all those differences in mind, here are 35 different massages from around the world. A combination of pressure, stretching, stroking and percussion manipulations, along with gentle, fluid movements are used to stimulate the circulatory system. To perform the massage, the fingers, thumbs, arms, elbows, knees and feet are used, which are applied together with the acupressure points found on the 14 meridians or energy pathways of the body.
Oils are generally not used and the client can be seated or lying down, although a lying position creates a stronger energy flow in the body. As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, some public health requirements in public settings are changing. Changes such as no longer having to present proof of vaccination to have dinner at a restaurant or that we are no longer required to wear a mask when we are going to do the shopping. There are a lot of different massage techniques to choose from.
Find out what type of massage is best for you. Read our complete guide to Swedish massage. Buy Swedish massages near you. As the name suggests, deep tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia.
For this reason, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish ones. Search for deep tissue massages near you. Look for hot stone massages near you. Designed specifically for athletes, sports massage is a variant of Swedish massage that aims to treat pain caused by repetitive movements and to help active people recover more quickly from stress and injuries.
Read our guide to sports massages. Buy sports massages near you. Shiatsu massage, a Japanese style of massage rooted in Chinese medicine, aims to eliminate blockages that prevent the body's energy force, or Qi, from flowing freely. Therapists use many different techniques, often with the elbows, knees, and even feet, to relieve tension in the back, joints and limbs.
Read our Shiatsu massage guide. Buy shiatsu massages near you. Like deep tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep in the muscles. However, while deep tissue is ideal for tension to spread over a large area, the trigger point is better for pain that radiates from a very specific point (or points).
Masseuses knead two clients side by side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you can also request other types of massages, such as deep tissue or hot stone massages. Buy massages for couples near you. Read our guide to prenatal massages and other ways to combat pregnancy pains.
Buy prenatal massages near you.
