Our body has a natural tendency to let you know when it needs massage therapy - if only it could also tell us what kind of therapy it needs. It may only sometimes be possible for you to try out all of the (various) styles of massage therapy available in Christchurch, especially, if you have limited experience in it. Thankfully, we're here to help!
We’ve listed down our top massage therapies, popular all over the city, and when should you take them. Let’s dive right in!
Swedish Massage
Invented by Per Henrick Ling, a Swedish fence instructor, in the 19th century, Swedish massage has managed to sustain its popularity, ever since its inception. When most of us think of massage, we immediately think of this relaxing experience. To relieve superficial muscular tension, therapists employ a series of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular movements. Some therapists might include aromatherapy to help you relax better.
Benefits:
Swedish massage therapy in Christchurch helps improve circulation throughout the body, in addition to relaxing muscles and easing muscle tension.
Give it a try if:
You're new to massage or want to treat light-to-moderate stress in your back and shoulders, give it a try.
Deep-Tissue Massage
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage is known for releasing stress or pain in the deeper levels of muscle tissue and fascia. As a result, it requires more intensive kneading than Swedish massage.
Benefits:
Deep-tissue massage is beneficial for relieving chronic tension and may also help in improving the range of motion.
Give it a try if:
You have persistent aches or pains or just need more pressure during a massage than the traditional Swedish massage.
Hot-Stone Massage
For Hotstone massage, a massage therapist will use warm basalt stones on your back since it helps melt stiff areas in your body rather than depending entirely on your hands to work on the tough knots.
Benefits:
The heat from the stones usually helps in improving the blood flow and also alleviates sore muscles.
Give it a try if:
You have severely stiff areas in your body and don’t mind the soothing heat touching your body.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that is specifically designed for athletes to help them recover faster from stress and injury. It treats all kinds of pains produced by any repetitive movement and helps active individuals to recover faster from fatigue and injury.
Benefits:
Regular sports massages have been linked to faster exercise recovery periods, enhanced range of motion, and improved performance.
Give it a try if:
You engage in playing any kind of sports or hit the gym pretty often and wish to maintain your body in perfect shape.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage, that has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine. It is known for removing blockages that prevent the body's energy force (or ‘Qi’) from flowing freely. Therapists ease away tension from the back, joints, and limbs using a variety of methods, including elbows, knees, and even their feet.
Benefits:
Shiatsu massage is a great way to relieve stress since it increases circulation and the production of oxytocin (a hormone that controls major parts of the reproductive system, including childbirth and breastfeeding) and aspects of human behaviour).
Give it a try if:
You want to de-stress and relax completely. This can be a great experience for anyone who wants to experience the Eastern massage technique.
Trigger-Point Massage
Like Deep Tissue, Trigger-point massage also helps relieve chronic muscular tension deep inside the muscles. However, while deep tissue massage is responsible for releasing tension over a wider area, trigger point massage is better for pain that spreads from a single spot (or spots).
Benefits:
Diseases such as sciatica, rotator cuff disorders, tight joints, plantar fasciitis and other chronic issues can cause a lot of pain in our bodies.
Give it a try if:
You have any of these illnesses and can tolerate a little bit of tough love (trigger point massage has a reputation for being a little painful) then trigger point massage is the one for you.
Prenatal Massage
This massage technique is designed to help expecting mothers with their pregnancy pains. The customer will either lie on her side or use a massage table with a hole cut in it that enables her to recline on her stomach instead of laying on her back.
Benefits:
Reduces pregnancy-related discomfort and may also help with depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
Give it a try if:
You're having a lot of lower backache because of your pregnancy (just make sure to check with your doctor first).
Reflexology
Reflexology is a category of foot massage therapy where therapists stimulate certain spots on the feet that are said to be linked to different organs and systems in the body.
Benefits:
Reflexology has long been thought to aid in the rectify any physical imbalances. It's also very effective in easing stress caused by high heels or being on your feet all day long.
Give it a try if:
You want to understand how reflexology can reveal other health issues, or if you simply need an excuse to relax your feet up for a bit, here is the place to be.
Thai Massage
Thai massage, which is sometimes known as "yoga massage," involves the practitioner doing a series of intense stretches on a fully clothed client.
Benefits:
Thai massage has been found to provide improved flexibility, increased range of motion, and brief pain alleviation.
Give it a try if:
You need help with deeper stretches and prefer getting massaged while still being fully dressed.
Foot Massage
The therapeutic effects of massage are well-known, and foot massage, which targets the lower extremities, is no exception. A foot massage could be a great way to unwind after a long day of standing on one's feet since it helps alleviate the stress and tension that builds up there.
One of the main benefits of a foot massage is better circulation. A foot massage can help alleviate pain, inflammation, and edema by stimulating blood flow to the feet and the rest of the body.
The stress-relieving effects of a foot massage are just one more perk. A foot massage has been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety by easing muscular tension and promoting relaxation. As a result of the calming and relaxing effects it has on the body, it can also aid in bettering the quality of one's slumber.
Flexibility and range of motion can also be increased with regular foot massage. Massaging the feet can increase blood flow and relax stiff muscles, both of which contribute to a greater range of motion in the feet and ankles.
A foot massage might include a variety of methods, such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, or reflexology. All of these methods work on certain parts of the foot in unique ways.
Benefits:
Unlike reflexology, which focuses on other parts of the body, a conventional foot massage focuses only on providing relief to stressed feet.
Give it a try if:
You have work that demands you to be on your feet for most of the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, massage treatment has several potential advantages, including alleviation of pain and tension and enhanced circulation. It's vital to pick a massage that works for you, as there are many different kinds out there. You may get the most out of your massage by being open and honest with your therapist, drinking enough water, and giving yourself plenty of time to unwind afterwards. You could reap the numerous health and mental benefits of massage treatment by following these guidelines and making it a regular part of your self-care routine.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your favourite massage in Christchurch today!
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