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What Type of Massage Is Right for Me?
Massage ameliorates chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, low immunity, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. A rubdown also relieves pain and swelling, and it releases serotonin and endorphins that combat stress. It can also boost the immune system by increasing white blood cells and natural killer T cells—immune cells that attack viruses and other foreign pathogens.
There are many types to choose from, starting with Swedish massage, which is the most widely used method today. Also commonly practiced are techniques from the Far East as well as contemporary approaches. Sports massage, for example, concentrates on the toll athletic activities can take on the body, while deep tissue massage focuses on problem areas and delivers pressure deep within muscles to relieve chronic pain.
The Chinese integrate acupuncture theory in massage. While using techniques like kneading, shaking, rocking, gliding, and friction, pressure is applied to specific points believed to stimulate the body's energy flow. The same can be found in Japanese massage, where pressure points are held with a light touch. This releases energy blockages to restore the internal flow of energy throughout the body.
