KEY POINTS:
Who'd say no to a massage? Where once a massage may have been considered a luxury for the pampered, or rehab for the sporty, today, for many, massage is an essential part of regular mind, body and soul maintenance.
Just look at the "no appointment necessary" massage booths
that have popped up in shopping malls recently. That's a sign that taking time out for body work is more accessible and acceptable than ever.
The health benefits are well publicised - improved circulation and immune system, muscle tension relief, enhanced sleep quality, improved concentration, reduced fatigue and reduced stress.
But with so many types of massage now available, how do you know which is suited to you or what to expect? Here's our guide to what's around. (If you're pregnant, have allergies or any other general health concerns talk with your massage therapist first.)
Hot Stone Therapy
A relative newcomer to our beauty salon menus, but a definite hit. Hot stone therapy is massage with water heated basalt stones - black volcanic rocks that absorb and retain heat. These are placed along the spine and torso then rhythmically glided over the body promoting muscle relaxation through their warmth, which allows the massage therapist to work deeper.
Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi, Kahuna or Temple Style is based on Huna - the Hawaiian philosophy that everything seeks harmony and love. The hands and forearms are used in combination with massage oil in long strokes that move the entire length of the body. Not recommended if you have muscle problems.
Aromatherapy
The use of essential plant oils and extracts for their physical and sensory properties has been around for centuries and was regularly used in ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt and the Middle and Far East. Aromatherapy massage involves the rubbing of warm, essential oils over the body to help relieve water tension, stimulate the lymphatic system and assist the body to release toxins.
Particular essential oils renowned for their healing properties can also be blended with carrier oils to target an individual's health needs. It is d a good idea to have a careful consultation with your therapist before treatment as some oils are highly concentrated and can pose health risks for some people.
Watsu or water shiatsu
A combination of Shiatsu and hydrotherapy based on the Japanese Zen Shiatsu principles and stretching, this form of massage targets the nervous and neuromuscular systems.
The client lies in warm water, supported by the therapist and the water, which takes the weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved by gentle twists and pulls. It can also be used to assist in injury rehabilitation but check with your doctor first.
Deep tissue
Not for the faint-hearted, this intense and focused massage is especially helpful for stiff necks, low back tightness and sore shoulders; all symptoms that come from sitting in front of a computer for long periods. Wherever there is muscle tension or injury, there are usually "knots" (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments which can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. The slow-moving massage targets specific joints or muscle groups to realign deep layers of muscles and connective tissues and physically break down the "knots".
Swedish
This is the core of many other types of Western massage including deep tissue and aromatherapy. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, it's the "standard" form of traditional European massage - kneading and friction techniques are used on the more superficial layers of muscle. Stroking usually goes in the direction of blood flow towards the heart as there's emphasis on stimulating circulation of blood through the body's soft tissues. It's effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. Not suitable for those with high blood pressure.
Thai
More of a yoga/acupressure massage, this form originated in India and is thought to have been brought to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj - a contemporary of Guatama Buddha more than 2500 years ago. It's based on Ayurveda, an Indian natural health care practice which incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. The receiver is gently put into many yoga-like positions on a padded floor mat to align the body's energies.
For centuries it was used by monks as a component of Thai medicine to stimulate internal organs, increase flexibility and adjust skeletal structure. Not suitable for those with serious injuries and illnesses, or those with osteoporosis, spinal fusions, phlebitis, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Shiatsu
This massage practice originated in Japan where the word means "finger pressure". The ability of the practitioner is important as they should aid in detecting irregularities or health problems by applying pressure to the body with their fingers, thumbs and palms.
The massage should stimulate the immune system, restore physical functions of the nervous system, circulatory system, bone structure and musculature. Shiatsu is based on traditional holistic Chinese medicine where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of "qi" (energy or chi) through the body. Not suitable if you have blood clots, heart disease or osteoporosis.
Reflexology
Based on a system of points on the hands, feet and ears that correspond or "reflex" to other areas of the body, reflexology is similar in theory to acupressure. Reflexologists believe that applying appropriate pressure to these points stimulates the flow of energy, in turn helping to relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. It's one of the more pleasurable forms of bodywork and also used to ease stress. Other proposed effects of reflexology include the release of endorphins (natural pain killers found in the body) and the promotion of lymphatic flow.
- Detours, HoS