Are you stressed? Have you had a busy week at work? Do you want to relax, unwind and rejuvenate your body? You are in need of a massage! What are the benefits of a massage and what different types of massage exist?

A massage manipulates the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to promote relaxation. Massage involves manipulating the body with pressure. During a message, pressure is applied using the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm and feet.

One of the benefits of a massage is stress relief. If you want to achieve a healthy lifestyle, massage therapy is one of the most effective methods of relieving stress. How? A massage relaxes your muscles, lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and boosts your body’s immune system. It also improves your physical and mental performance as it reduces the tension and pain that come from stress.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, don’t reach for a pain reliever. All you need is a massage! Stress is one of the leading causes of migraines and headaches. A frequent massage can help your body relax, and relive you of stress. For some, a massage can even provide immediate relief to a migraine.

Another benefit of having a massage is that it improves posture. Many aches and pains are a result of poor posture. However a massage looses and relaxes your muscles, allowing your body to restore a healthy posture. With an improved posture, you will be able to use your muscles more efficiently and thus experience less fatigue.

There exist over eighty different types of massage. Some that might interest you are:

Swedish

Deep Tissue

Lomi Lomi

Prenatal

Hot Stone

Swedish massage is one of the most common types of massage. During a Swedish massage, the massage therapist uses kneading and circular movements on the superficial layers of muscle. A Swedish massage is gentle and relaxing. If you are going to try a massage for the first time, a Swedish massage is a good start.

A deep tissue massage is another popular type of massage. A deep tissue massage is normally used to treat chronic muscle plains, and focuses on muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. During a deep tissue massage the massage therapist will use slow strokes and apply friction across the grain of the muscle. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, lower your blood pressure, improve your posture or calm your migraine a massage will do it all! Treat yourself today!