Top 10 massage techniques

With workplace stress becoming more and more common, the cost to the industry rises as more and more people are absent from work due to stress-related illnesses. To combat these rising numbers, a number of new anti-stress measures are being implemented in the workplace. One of the most popular is a workplace massage. The top ten massage techniques are listed below.

1. Swedish massage

This is the most basic of all massage techniques and the most popular, as it is often the first one that masseurs learn. The Swedish massage technique consists of five basic steps or sub-techniques.

Touching. This first step involves long and wide movements with the hands, gliding over the body. The main purpose of this is to relax the muscles.

Kneading. In the next step, the muscles are gently manipulated by squeezing and lifting them from the body. This is to relax the muscles and improve circulation.

Friction. The masseuse applies heat to the skin and muscle in this step, rubbing the surface in deep circular motions. This stretches the muscle fibers, breaks the knots caused by the joining of the muscle fibers, and improves the flexibility of the muscles and joints.

Tapping Also known as percussion, the masseuse strikes, hollows, or cuts the skin quickly and rhythmically with her hands. This stimulates the muscles to promote gas exchange to improve circulation and also firms the skin and releases muscle tension and spasms.

Vibration. This last step involves gently shaking the skin with your fingers or hand. This releases any remaining tension that may reside in the muscles and also stimulates circulation.

2. Deep tissue massage

This type of massage technique is especially good for treating specific areas of the body. The masseur will normally use the elbows or knuckles of the fingers, working with slow, deep movements through the muscle fiber and through the tendons. This will restrict and release blood to the muscle, revitalizing the tissue with fresh oxygen and removing the more complex knots in the muscle fibers.

3. Sports massage

The sports massage technique is a combination of other massage techniques. The main techniques used are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point massage. With the latter, the Trigger Point massage consists of the masseur precisely pointing out the affected muscle area by detecting a hardness in the tissue, and then working directly on that area with the fingers until the muscle relaxes. Sports massage will reduce swelling and muscle tension, relieve muscle fatigue, and increase the flexibility of muscle tissue.

4. Indian head massage

This ancient massage technique, also known as Champissage, covers both the neck and shoulders as well as the head. The neck and shoulders are first kneaded and deeply squeezed to remove any muscle tension. Once completed, the masseuse will move on to the head and scalp. With their wrists resting on their heads and using their fingertips, they will lightly scratch the scalp, as if they were shampooing their hair. This will increase circulation thereby improving the blood supply to the brain. Before the final step, the masseuse will perform a facial massage, gently rubbing the temples in a small circular motion. Once finished, they will gently rub the forehead, moving away from the center down on each side of the face to the temple, before finally stroking slowly from the forehead to the back of the head, becoming lighter as they do so, until fingers up. of the head. This technique will remove tension from your shoulders and neck, release pressure from your sinuses, and relieve stress that can ultimately lead to headaches.

5. Reflexology

This massage technique is specific for hands and feet. First, the foot / hand is rubbed and rubbed gently to warm the area before working. The masseur will use the thumbs and fingers to explore the subject, including the area between the fingers and toes, for abnormalities. An area that needs specific attention will be gently compressed and rubbed before the masseuse moves on to the next area. After the hand or foot is finished, the masseuse will gently rub and stroke the hand or foot again to relieve stress.

6. Hot stone massage

As the name suggests, hot stone massage uses hot stones. The stones used are smooth and are previously preheated in water. Once the stones are at working temperature, they are placed on specific parts of the body. The heat from the stones penetrates the muscles, which relaxes them, stretches the muscle fibers and improves circulation. The stones are then used to massage the area, while it is still warm. Hot stone massage is used on the entire body, except the face, and will relieve pain and muscle tension, improve muscle flexibility, and increase blood circulation.

7. Shiatsu massage

This oriental oriental massage technique uses the fingers and thumbs on acupuncture pressure points on the body, and is often referred to as acupressure. Some masseurs even use their elbows and knees during a massage session. The pressure points of the body are manipulated by striking, squeezing, rubbing and probing deeply, which releases and restores the flow of energy around the body. This technique relieves pain and relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation throughout the body.

8. Neuromuscular massage

This particular technique targets a specific muscle problem. The massage therapist will focus on that distinct area and locate the trigger point within that muscle that is causing the problem. The masseuse will apply continuous pressure with the fingers, knuckles or elbows, for a long time. This will improve circulation within the muscle and relieve any pain or discomfort.

9. Pregnancy massage

Massage techniques during pregnancy are specialized due to the nature of pregnancy. The areas that are covered are mainly the back and the buttocks, legs and feet. For the back and buttocks, the masseuse will use a soft fist and draw her knuckles from the neck to the hips and then bring the fist up to the ribs. The masseur will also apply pressure just below the base of the spine between the buttocks with the palm of his hand. Your legs and feet will be gently rubbed. These techniques will relax the muscles and increase blood circulation.

10. Aromatherapy massage

This is not strictly a technique, rather the addition of essential oils to the techniques mentioned above. The masseuse will use the most relaxing caresses and will complement them with essential oils. The oils chosen vary depending on the result that the masseuse would like to achieve. Different oils will produce different feelings of well-being, and this is something that the patient and the masseur would discuss beforehand.

These massage techniques can benefit both employers and employees. By revitalizing the mind and body, the moral workplace improves and creates a more stress-free and pleasant work environment from which everyone can benefit.