Which style of massage would suit Me best?

Here's the Top 10 most popular massages to help you decide...

I hope a brief description of the various approaches and techniques by a qualified Swedish masseuse/muscle therapist (Me!) will be of some guidance for you.

This is not a complete list, by any means, but probably the ten most popular at this time.

Check back here for updates as I come across more muscle therapies worthy enough for you to try.

1. Firstly, there's Swedish

This is probably the most 'heard of' method, yet few people know that you can't get a Swedish massage in Sweden!!

There it's called ‘Ling’, after the founder Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839).

He developed a system of muscle therapy which is credited as the foundation or origin of modern Western physiotherapy, and he is often referred to as the father of modern muscle therapies.

Ling, (and me, by the way) are Swedish, so his system became known as Swedish Massage

We use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the outer, or top, layers of muscle,

'Swedish' is really beneficial, being fairly gentle, very soothing and superbly relaxing.

So,if you've never had muscle therapy before, or you fancy some 'Me Time', this will be a great way to go.

2. Aromatherapy

This is where you indulge yourself... Cleopatra Style!!

Your lotion is laced with Essential Oils blended and tailored to your explicit requirements.

These Essential Oils contain the very 'Life Force' of the plants from which they were extracted and enhance and prolong the effects of your therapy.

Choose Aromatherapy for deep relaxation, pain management, or for balancing yourself mentally and emotionally.

3. Hot Stone

Specially selected smooth stones are warmed to about 12 degrees above normal body temperature.

They're placed on specific positions on your body to warm and loosen tight muscles.

These stones retain their heat for quite a long time, and release that localised heat directly into sore or painful areas.

This localised heat triggers endorphins to be released and they're attracted to that very spot.

Once again, this is us, helping our body heal itself

So, this may be something you'd consider for pain that's confined to a small area.

4. Deep Tissue

Deep tissue therapy, as its name suggests, targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

The upper layers of muscle have to be manipulated out of the way to access the deeper layers.

It's used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, posture problems, or recovery from injury.

You're likely to feel a little sore for a day or so afterwards, but the benefits far outweigh this slight discomfort.

5. Shiatsu

This is where you get to keep your clothes on!

Seriously though, there are those among us that really do have a problem disrobing in front of 'strangers'.

Shiatsu may well be the answer, It would be a shame not to treat one condition because of another!

It's a form of Japanese body work that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupressure meridians.

Each point is held for a few seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time.

It is relaxing, yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai

Thai muscle therapy, another one of the Eastern styles, works more on your meridians or energy pathways, rather than on your physical muscles, applying pressure on specific points around your body.

You don't just lie there; the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures.

It's a bit like yoga without doing the work yourself.

This technique is more energizing than other forms of muscle therapy. It may also reduce stress, improve flexibility and range of movement.

7. Pregnancy

Pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular.

Expectant mothers deserve some special treatment and a bit of pampering now and then.

Make sure your masseuse/therapist is qualified in pregnancy massage, for your sake, and for your unborn baby.

Your massage will be tailored to your progressively special needs.

It helps to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the legs and ankles, and relieve aches and pains.

8. Reflexology

Reflexology is sometimes understated as ‘foot massage’.

It is so much more than that!

There are over 5000 reflex points under your feet, corresponding to organs and muscles, pathways and more, much more, all around your body.

During a 60 to 90 minute session, a good Reflexologist will stimulate most of them, leaving you revitalized and energised.

Done correctly, it will hurt a bit, during the treatment session, but the result is like walking on air... and well worth the experience!

9. Sports

Sports muscle therapy is specifically designed for people who are keenly involved in physical activity of any kind.

You don't have to be a professional athlete, and you don't have to be injured to reap the tremendous benefits this type of treatment delivers.

It’s mostly for people who are physically fit, constantly active and/or work out.

The focus is on preventing (and treating) injury and enhancing athletic performance, not, repeat not on relaxation.

10. Back and Neck

Sometimes, just half an hour’s work on your neck and back can work wonders!

Especially suited for those of us with 'office activities'.

Hours in front of a computer can lead to an irregular posture, sore neck muscles, headaches and tired eyes.

There's even a special chair, expressly designed to suit this kind of treatment

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