Many people are misinformed about what body massage is or the health benefits that come with it.
Do not worry, just follow closely and learn important details about body massage.
Introduction
Massage goes a long way for the human body. According to medical researches, it is proper to have a body massage at least three times a year. This fact tells the numerous health benefits that come with body massage. Read up and get all the important information about full body massage and how it benefits to fight aging.
What is a full-body massage?
There are various approaches to different body massages. However, the goal of each body massage is to serve as a healing process. In body massage, a masseur rubs and kneads one body with hands. The therapist does this by applying strong or mild pressure to the joints and muscles of the body to ease tension and pain.
Types of full body massage
There are different types of body massages. They include;
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a full body massage where the body is rubbed gently. It is the appropriate body massage for;
- People receiving body massage for their first time
- People who are sensitive to physical touches
- People who experience a high level of tension
The focus of Swedish massage is to loosen up the muscle knots. It is a relaxing type of body massage.
In Swedish massage, the individual lies down on the massage table with just underwear or no clothes on.
Sometimes, a sheet is used to cover areas of the body where there are no activities.
The whole process takes about an hour.
Most times, it is a combination of;
- Long strokes towards the heart
- Kneading
- Tapping and vibration
- Deep circular motions
- Passive movement of the joint
It is a top suggestion to manage mild pain or relax.
Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage is an ideal massage for individuals who require emotional healing as they get massaged. The massages aids to;
- Boosting an individual’s mood
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Relieving pain and muscle tension
- Reducing depression and improving the mind
In aromatherapy massage, gentle pressure is applied to the body using essential oils. The type of oil used is dependent on the masseur. However, individuals can choose their preferred oil.
The essential oils are spread to the body via a diffuser for the body to absorb them. Aromatherapy focuses on several parts of the body like the shoulders, back, and head. The entire process takes about an hour.
NB: Do not use essential oils that give allergic reactions.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is a good option for people who experience muscle tension and pain or need relaxation.
It is similar to Swedish massage except for the heated stones used together with the hand.
It enhances the flow of blood, eases muscle tension, and brings relief to pain via the heated stones.
This type of massage helps the body to;
- Reduce tension of the muscle
- Enhance the flow of blood
- Give relief to pain
- Support relaxation
- Alleviate stress.
The process has heated stones on different parts of the body to gently apply pressure. On other occasions, cold stones are effective. The massage takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
NB: It is an expensive type of body massage than the Swedish massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage requires more pressure than other types of body massage. It is an ideal solution for serious muscle problems, like injury, soreness, and imbalance. It helps to alleviate serious muscle pain, tight muscles, and anxiety.
in deep tissue massage, the masseur strokes the body to remove tension from critical layers of the connective tissues and muscles. It takes about an hour. Although it is an intense body massage, it is a painless massage.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a proper option for individuals who experience consistent muscle injury from sporting activities. It helps to prevent further sports injuries or increase performance during games. More so, it reduces pain, removes anxiety, and muscle tension.
In this case, the full body massage focuses on parts of the body that require optimum attention. It may also require deep pressured body strokes. The process takes about 1 hour or more.
There are other types of body massages. They include;
- Trigger point massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Reflexology
- Prenatal massage
- Thai massage
- Chair massage
- Couple massage
Benefits of body massage
There are numerous benefits of body massage. The notable benefits are;
- It gives relief to muscle pain and tension: Body massage helps to relieve pain and muscle tension. It the blood to flow properly in these areas. Additionally, it lowers spasms in the muscles and promotes flexibility. It also protects the muscle from inflammation.
- It lowers anxiety and stress: according to a medical study, massage has been proven to be an effective way to relieve the body from anxiety and stress. More so, massage is said to improve cardiovascular activities. Also, it is an effective way to reduce pain after surgical procedures.
- It may help to improve sleep patterns: massage helps to promote sleep. Many people even begin to sleep off during the process of the massage. It can be an alternative option to sleeping pills. Once the body is relaxed, it is easy for people to fall asleep.
Children and adults who suffer from insomnia have been administered massage to solve their sleep problems. Additionally, individuals are more active and alert after waking up from sound sleep. - It helps to boost immunity: Body massage helps to boost the immune system. Based on medical efforts, blood samples have been examined before and after body massages. The samples show a lower level of arginine-vasopressin.
- Arginine-vasopressin is a hormone responsible for the regulation of water retention and blood pressure. This process is an important impact on immunity. It helps to reduce the risk of being cancerous: different conditions can trigger the growth of cancerous cells in various parts of the body. According to a medical study, massages proved to help improve cancer symptoms in people. It has been argued that it is a result of the comfort it gives to man.
Conclusion
Getting a full body massage is always a healthy consideration. Due to daily activities, it is ideal to get one at least three times a year. Considering the numerous benefits it provides to the body, it is not expensive. Everyone would agree that health is wealth.
