10 Types Of Massage And Their Health Benefits

When choosing a massage the menu at a spa can be quite overwhelming. There are a lot of different types of massage that work different body parts and have their own approaches to heal the body and mind. We want to help you find the right massage for your needs, so you will know what kind of treatment is best for you.

How Many Different Types Of Massage Are There?

If you have ever been to a massage parlour or took a look at the massage treatments RLAX offers, you probably realized that there are a lot of different massages out there. Some of them work your full body, others tackle a specific area of your body, for example, your head, neck, and shoulders.

There are so many types of massage that it is impossible to give you a specific number. However, some of them are popular all over the world, and we want to show you 10 of the best types of massage and how you can benefit from them mentally and physically.

1. Thai Massage

Thai massage is probably the most “active” type of massage you can get; some people even compare the stretched it contains with yoga. You will definitely feel just as refreshed after a Thai massage because the stretching can help reduce pain in different parts of your body and improve your flexibility. Moreover, it is the perfect treatment to reduce stress and release emotional burdens.

It works your entire body and your massage therapist will use their palms, fingers, and elbows to apply firm pressure. Sometimes they will even walk on you, so don’t be surprised. During a Thai massage, you are typically dressed, so either wear loose clothes or change into the shirt and pants combination your massage therapist hands to you at the beginning of your treatment. 

2. Swedish Massage

This western style massage is one of the most classic types you can get. If you have never received a massage before or Thai massage is a bit too firm for you, then this gentle full-body massage is perfect for you. 

Swedish massage is ideal to help release muscle knots, muscle tightness, and to increase blood flow in your body. Further, it can help you relax not only your body but also your mind. Your massage therapist will use some oil, that will make your massage even more relaxing.

During Swedish massage, you will have to remove your clothes and only wear your underwear. However, your massage therapist will cover your body with a sheet and only move it when they are actively working on a specific body part. 

3. Aromatherapy Massage

If you like essential oils and want a healing experience in stressful times, then Aromatherapy oil massage is the right choice for you. This massage can help boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and muscle tension. 

It is the perfect choice for you if you prefer a gentle full-body massage with nice smelling essential oils. Inhaling them will further your relaxation and help you truly unwind. During an Aromatherapy massage, you will only wear your underwear because the oils could stain your clothes. So make sure you take a shower afterwards to avoid staining your clothes or wear clothes that can be ruined.

4. Sports Massage

Are you an athlete who loves to push their training to the limit? Then it is time to invite sports massage to your training routine: It not only helps you get rid of sore muscles and other workout-related pain, but it also enhances your performance, reduces the risk of injuries and increases flexibility. 

There are all kinds of different massage types that you can use as a sports massage. If you want to have a full-body massage we recommend Jap Sen massage to you. This type of Thai massage is very special and works the ten meridian energy lines in your body. It not only works wonders for your body but will also help you to regain your focus to reach your goals. Take some time for yourself and try it next time after a strenuous workout session.

5. Deep Tissue Massage

This kind of massage is similar to Swedish massage, however, it uses more pressure. So if you suffer from chronic problems, for example after an injury or because of an imbalance, then Deep Tissue massage can help to relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety. 

Your therapist will use slow strokes and firm finger pressure to reach the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. So it can be quite intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain though. Since it is related to Swedish massage, you also have to be undressed and only wear your underwear for deep tissue massage.

6. Prenatal massage

Are you a mommy to be? Then Prenatal massage is tailored specifically for your needs. Not all types of massage are recommended during pregnancy, so Prenatal massage ensures that you and your baby are safe. It helps reduce stress and all kinds of pregnancy body aches.

We wouldn’t recommend getting it in your first trimester, because in that stage of your pregnancy there is a higher risk for miscarriage. Either way, you should always consult your doctor before getting a prenatal massage, to be on the safe side. 

During the massage, you are usually fully or partially undressed. A lot of massage therapists, that offer Prenatal massage, have a specifically designed table for you, so you and your belly can rest comfortably. 

7. Hot Stone Massage

If you suffer from muscle pain and tension, then this type of massage is the perfect relief for you. It is similar to Swedish massage, however, as the name refers, it includes heated stones in lieu that your massage therapist will use. 

Hot stone massage eases any tension in your body, improves blood circulation, and relieves pain. Further, it promotes emotional well-being and relieves stress. You are only wearing your underwear and be covered with a sheet during your treatment. In addition to the hot stones, your therapist might also use cold stones in between.

8. Office Syndrome Relief Massage

If you have a very sedentary lifestyle, for example, because of working in an office, then Office Syndrome Relief massage is tailored just for your needs. It helps stretch out your body and relieve any tension in your neck, back, and shoulders from sitting all day long. 

At RLAX we offer you Office Syndrome Relief massage that you can order directly to your office. Our massage therapists are trained to identify your problems and help you release any pain and tension due to sitting all day in front of your computer.

9. Shiatsu Massage

This Japanese type of massage is perfect to promote emotional and physical calm and relaxation, by reducing muscle tension and relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. It can even help ease headaches and migraines. 

Shiatsu massage works your whole body, however, your trained massage therapist will be able to identify the areas that need extra attention and focus especially on those. During your treatment, you can stay fully clothed, as there is no oil included. 

10. Trigger Point Massage

Do you have a specific injury or chronic pain? Then Trigger Point massage can give you some relief. It works the so-called trigger points in your muscles and tissues, that cause the pain you feel, and helps to release the tightness. 

Trigger Point massage combines gentle flowing strokes with stronger deeper pressure. It is a full-body massage, however, your therapist will focus mostly on the areas in your body, that cause you pain and that need extra attention. You can either be fully or partially undressed or wear loose clothing.

At RLAX we offer you a lot of the types of massage you just read about. Do you want to have a classic Thai massage or release muscle pain with Jap Sen massage? Then you should book your first appointment with our fully trained and experienced therapists. RLAX offers you massage on demand in Thailand and will come straight to your doorstep. Especially during these stressful times, you should treat yourself with a nice RLAX massage at home or at your office.