Different Kinds of Alternative Massage or Therapy
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are about 100 different kinds of massage therapy. Most of them offer specialized treatment for the soft tissues of the body and enhance the body's internal workings. This can help a person to recover from ailments that are hard to relieve otherwise. The massage therapists who offer these services should be licensed and trained in these types of therapies.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage was developed in the 18th century by a Swedish gymnast named Per Henrik Ling. Swedish massage is a type of therapeutic massage that manipulates the body's muscles, skin tendons and ligaments. The Swedish massage therapist uses a number of different techniques to achieve their goals. The therapist uses stroking, kneading and fast rhythmic movements in a continuous, flowing, motion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Swedish massage techniques can be utilized to increase blood flow to the heart, enhance the lymphatic system and even reduce stress and muscle tension.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is very similar to Swedish massage, but it focuses on therapeutic pain relief. However, according to the Oregon Health and Science University, it is a much deeper type of massage and works the muscles with deep, kneading strokes. Muscles can sometimes become very tense and hard and this can affect nerve paths to cause pain in other parts of the body. For, example, a migraine sufferer may complain of tight neck muscles that trigger migraines. According to the University of Michigan Health System, a massage therapist using neuromuscular massage will apply deep compression of certain areas on the body to release these trigger points or tight muscles that cause this radiating pain.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is more than 5,000 years old and has roots in Chinese medicine. However, Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of massage therapy and is widely used throughout the world. The name shiatsu can be translated as shi (finger), and atsu (pressure). According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, shiatsu massage is a more gentle type of massage that uses pressure applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain, tensions and enhance bodily functions and flow of energy. Shiatsu is utilized by the massage therapist much like acupuncture as a specialized therapeutic treatment. It is very effective on the severe muscle tightening in the neck and back area that many people complain of.
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