Booking a massage session after a long, tiring week is one of the best forms of self-reward. From reflexology to remedial massage, these massage therapy options help keep physical and mental fitness on track. No wonder people are always down for a calming massage session to rest and reset their bodies.
Ahead, we’ll take a closer look at the health benefits of massage therapies and what options are available out there. Read on!
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is manual therapy performed by massage therapists on the body. It aims to reduce stress, release tension, and boost relaxation and overall well-being. The therapy involves moving soft tissues in the client’s body using various massage techniques.
A study stated that the massage profession in Australia remains largely part-time, further proving massage therapy’s status as the country’s most prominent profession within the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
When regular massage therapy is performed, you can gain various health benefits of massage.
Types of Massage
There are myriad massage types available for different needs, including:
Sports Massage
This massage type mainly focuses on helping athletes prevent injuries and promote flexibility before, during, or after an event. However, even if you’re not a sportsperson, you can still choose this massage as it also helps to relieve muscle strains after exercises.
Reflexology
Reflexology, or foot massage, targets specific areas of the feet connected to other body parts. For instance, there is a point in your left heel that is connected to the sciatic nerve. On top of that, this massage can also reduce a headache. Therapists use the thumb, finger, and hand to stimulate these areas and let the client feel maximum relaxation.
Hot Stone Massage
Living up to its name, hot stone massage involves placing heated stones on top of key meridian points to release tension, relieve pain and stress, improve circulation, and promote muscle relaxation. In addition to the stones, the therapists also use their hands to apply deeper pressure to certain parts where needed.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a targeted therapy for musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries, focusing on restoring balance and function. It employs deep tissue techniques and therapies like trigger points and myofascial release to address pain sources directly. The benefits are manifold: pain relief, increased flexibility, stress reduction, and improved mental health.
Which Massage Styles are Best?
Among various massage styles, you might wonder which one is best for your needs. However, before you book your session, you must know your main goal.
Do you simply want to relax and release tension? Try a hot stone massage. If you want to treat sports injuries, sports massage is a good option.
If you’re still unsure which one to choose, consult the therapist prior to your booking. They will give you the best recommendation aligned to your needs, whether it’s only one massage style or a combination of different styles.
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Getting regular massage therapy allows you to reap the health benefits. From managing pain to improving physical fitness, here are some of the health benefits of massage:
Manage Pain
Massage therapy can help manage pain like lower back and neck pain. This can reduce pain that limits activities and recovery.
Boost Mental Health and Wellness
A recent study highlighted how massage therapy positively affects mental health in terms of reducing stress, enhancing relaxation, and even impacting brain activity.
Increase Immune Function
Studies suggest that massage therapy can strengthen the immune system by enhancing the activities of killer T cells, which are crucial in combating viruses.
Lower Stress
Tension, stiffness, and mood swings are some of the effects of stress. Regular massage therapy can help lower stress levels and decrease these impacts.
Improve Physical Fitness
For athletes or regular sportspersons, regular massage, like sports massage, can help prevent sports injuries, minimize muscle tension that causes soreness, and improve their overall physical fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we so tired after a massage?
Feeling tired after a massage is normal due to the body’s recovery process. The massage stimulates circulation, helping to remove waste from muscles, which can lead to temporary fatigue as the body heals and regains energy.
Is it good to sleep after a massage?
Yes, sleeping after a massage session is good, as your body needs to rest for recovery.
Is a 30-minute massage worth it?
If you’re in a rush and need a specific treatment for a certain area, then a 30-minute massage session is totally worth it. However, consider getting a massage for a longer duration for overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
Including regular massage sessions in your routine can significantly improve your quality of life, especially with the various health benefits of massage. Whether you’re an athlete looking to treat sports injuries or simply want to experience the warmth of a hot stone massage, there are many options for your needs to promote well-being.
Don’t wait to start your feel-good journey towards a healthier, more relaxed life. Book your massage session at Chada Thai Massage today!