Difference between types of massage – and how to do a relaxing one at home –

Nothing like a massage to relax during the most hectic and stressful periods of our lives, right? But the thing is, there are many types of massage, and depending on your goal (be it relaxation, pain treatment or even spiritual balance), some may be more suitable than others. How about meeting them?

types of massage

1 – Shiatsu

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Coming from the East and with the name derived from the Japanese, which means “finger pressure”, Shiatsu is a type of massage with a more therapeutic approach, which helps in the treatment of pain. “It is a physical-mental rebalancing technique through body touch, running through a network of energy channels distributed throughout the body. Fingers, palms and elbows are used in the massage”, explains Sueli Szterling, therapist and director of the Kurma Spa.

In Shiatsu, pressures of specific intensities are applied for each case, mainly on the energy nodes. It can be applied with the patient dressed or in bathing suits, and use essencial oils for performing maneuvers — such as sliding and stretching. “It improves the energy and blood flow of the body, nourishing, strengthening and regulating all the functions of the organs and systems. It also increases the body’s resistance. It improves stress and anxiety, promoting balance in the body and mind,” says Sueli.

2 – Reflexology

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Another therapy that resembles Shiatsu is Reflexology. The treatment technique is done through stimulation/pressure in the reflex areas of the feet, with the fingers of the hands and using specific methods. “Reflexology is a technique that seeks holistic healing through the feet. In them, points are found that correspond to the whole body, which, when stimulated, can help improve physical and mental issues.”

By stimulating the body’s own healing capacity, it is capable of promoting major changes, says Sueli. In addition to providing relaxation and well-being. “The feet can be great allies in the search and maintenance of good health”, she explains.

3 – Ayurvedic

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Some massages therapies are also ancient, fitting into both categories, as is the case of Shiatsu and Reflexology. But as an ancient technique, it is also worth highlighting the Ayurvedic massage.

Of Indian origin, it is performed on the ground, with vigorous movements of stretching and sliding with hands, elbows and feet. It can also be associated with essential oils. “It’s a very complete massage. A success when given as a gift”, says Marcos Yshida, therapist at Kurma Spa. Marcos points out that Ayurvedic massage stimulates the muscles and circulation, allowing the release of toxins from the body. In addition to helping with stress and anxiety, it promotes postural realignment, relieves tension and strengthens the immune system.

4 – Relaxing massage

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One of the main goals of most types of massage is to be relaxing. It may even have other associated benefits, but it will hardly fail to promote relaxation, even if minimal, in the person receiving the technique. Thus, relaxing massage is one of the easiest modalities to be reproduced at home.

The therapist teaches movements to relieve tension in the shoulders. “In the region of the shoulders and trapezius, make circular movements with your fingertips and then start pressing on the hardest points, and sliding backwards, like making ripples to the neck region. Do this five to eight times.”

Despite the benefits, it is worth warning that self-massage and traditional massage need to be done taking some points into consideration. They are contraindicated for people who have skin wounds (such as diabetics), fractures, high blood pressure, cancer (except with medical advice) and varicose veins.