Massage can be a refresher for the whole body. It’s one of those things where there are so many options that it’s difficult to pick any one treatment. When we look for treatments, there are several we can choose from.

Body Massage

Under body massage, there are a whole host of different options.

Some are:

• Full Body
• Back, Neck & Shoulders
• Hot Stone Full Body
• Hot Stone Back, Neck and Shoulders
• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage
• Reflexology
• Lomi Lomi
• Bamboo

Breaking these down is a bit of a minefield, as there are often so many different terms for the same thing. In most circumstances, ‘body massage’ and ‘swedish massage’ will be the same or very similar, in that it is a relaxing, hands on and feel good massage. ‘Deep tissue massage,’ will have more pressure, depth and tools may be used to maniplate muscles.

The one that is different from all the rest is the ‘sports massage.’

Sports massage therapists ‘should,’ have significant training to enable deeper manipulation of muscle and tissue. Short courses and beauty or holistic therapy courses do not qualify the therapist to perform a sports massage. For this option, ensure you choose your therapist well, and ensure they suitably qualified.

Treating Yourself

Therapy level body massage is a treat. There will be some minimal manipulation of muscles and several knots may be found and worked on, but on the whole, it should be therapeutic and for the most part, relaxing.

5 Benefits of Massage

Here is a short guide to help you decide if a massage is for you.

1 – Helps with Stress and Tension

Reducing stress levels tends to be the ultimate goal for most of us in this fast moving world of 24 hour lives. When we add the risk of stress related conditions that can affect our lives, such as headaches, and insomnia, massage looks like an acceptable option.

2 – Eases Muscles Tension and Pain

Knots, pain, injuries and bad posture can have a significantly negative impact on our lives as a whole. Massage improves the flow of blood to muscles, which in turn, helps to reduce pain and increase flexor reach.

3 – Aids Sleep and Reduces Stress Levels

With the increase in the feel good hormone released during enjoyable activities like massage, getting to sleep can be easier, and sleep can be more relaxed and comfortable with some people reporting reduced effects of conditions such as restless legs and muscle aches.

4 – Immune System Boosting

In the same way that massage aids sleep and reduced stress levels, the potential of reduction of symptoms from inflammatory and immune system issues can be noticeable.

5 – Improve Blood Circulation

All that relaxing movement can help push newly oxygenated blood as far as the fingers and toes, providing vital nutrients and helping you to feel better and be more energised.