22 Different Types of Massages in the Massage World

Massages are an age-old practice with many health benefits. A massage helps with a quick recovery from ailments and is a technique to achieve relaxation of mind and body. Most people go to a masseur for muscle complaints, but some choose a massage to relax. In a spa, for example. It is not surprising that there are many different types of techniques to massage the muscles in a massage. In this article we will therefore focus on the 22 most well-known types of massage.

The benefits of massages in general

Massages are a way for many to relax, but a massage can also offer many health benefits. For example, a massage can improve blood circulation or relieve muscle tension. These benefits offer massages:

• Stress reduction
• Increases your resistance
• Relaxation for body and mind
• Faster muscle recovery
• Radiant skin due to improved blood circulation
• Increases your energy
• Increases your vitality
• Boosts your mood
• Helps lower blood pressure

What types of massage are there?

There are eighty different types of massages known. Each type of massage has its own techniques and benefits. In this blog we will discuss the 22 most famous types in the massage world.

1. Anma massage

The anma is one of the oldest types of massage that exist. The massage was developed in China and focuses on massaging the entire body. No oils are used, only kneading, rubbing, rotation and stretching techniques.

2. Sports massage

People who do a lot of sports know the sports massage definitely. This massage focuses on preventing or treating sports injuries. It is a firm way of muscle stimulation. With deep massage methods, blood circulation is improved and the supply of nutrients is promoted.

3. Trigger point massage

You may know trigger points better by the name muscle knots. A trigger point massage focuses on massaging these pressure points in the muscles. The goal is to release muscle tension using manual pressure techniques or dry needling.

4. Chinese massage

Chinese massage is a collective name for massage types such as Tui Na. A Tui Na massage focuses on blocked energy channels in the body. Tui Na is the predecessor of Shiatsu massage. Tui Na is a firm massage, where the focus is on removing blockages instead of offering relaxation.

5. Shiatsu massage

The Shiatsu massage is of Japanese origin. This massage technique aims to preventively take care of health by promoting vitality and reducing fatigue. In this massage, a practitioner will apply pressure to the acupuncture points with a finger and thus remove blockages.

6. Reiki massage

During a Reiki massage, the therapist will pass on energy through his or her hands to the patient, who is sitting or lying with his or her eyes closed. With the energy that the practitioner passes on to the patient, the body and mind can come into balance.

7. Chair massage

In a chair massage, the patient sits in a comfortable massage chair and the practitioner will perform a short pressure point massage on the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and back. This promotes blood flow to the treated tissues. With this type of massage, you can keep your clothes on. The massage works preventively, but also restoratively.

8. Sweda massage

Sweda originated in Tibet. The massage focuses on the male energy Shiva and the female energy Parvati. The Sweda massage focuses on resolving an imbalance between these male and female energies. The Sweda massage stimulates the self-healing capacity of your body.

9. Tantra massage

The Tantra massage is soft and awakens the life force. The special thing about this massage is that erogenous zones may also be touched, whereby a lot of sexual energy is evoked. The massage therefore does not consist of loving touches for nothing.

10. Lymphatic massage

The lymphatic massage is a type of massage that many people know better under the name lymphatic drainage. It is a gentle massage, which focuses on improving the drainage of waste products and excess fluid. If you have had an operation or suffer from fluid retention, this type of massage can offer a solution.

11. Metamorphosis massage

A metamorphosis massage focuses on creating a deeper connection with yourself. During the massage, your hands, feet and head are gently massaged. The goal is to bring peace and relaxation after periods with many changes.

12. Kum Nye

Kun Nye is also a massage form from Tibet. Massage oil is often used for this. It is a massage that is very suitable for people who often meditate or do body training. People with a heavy physical job or people who sit in the same position for a long time often benefit from a Kum Nye massage. It helps the muscles relax, which improves blood circulation.

13. Balinese massage

This massage originated from a traditional Indonesian massage. The Balinese massage incorporates elements from Swedish massage, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy. The massage is done with coconut oil because of its antibacterial effect and that is why this massage is good for eczema complaints. In addition, the Balinese massage helps to relieve pain complaints, aftercare for sports injuries, reduce stress and prevent sleep problems.

14. Massage with aromatherapy

An aromatherapy massage consists of a massage with plant-based massage oil. This gives off a wonderful scent and has healing properties. The main goal of aromatherapy is to provide relaxation, which will help relieve headaches and insomnia.

15. Acupressure

Acupressure is not the same as acupuncture. Acupressure is a form of massage, in which the hands, fingers and elbows are massaged. This should promote the flow of energy. It is a collective name for several types of massage.

16. Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the most well-known types of massages with the feet as a focus. Reflexology focuses on all organs and body parts that are connected to the feet. With reflexology, pressure is applied to reflex points, which stimulates the body's self-healing.

17. Swedish massage

The Swedish massage is actually the classic massage, which is aimed at reducing muscle strain and stimulation of the blood circulation. You will relax and your muscles will lose their tension. There are five basic techniques in Swedish massage:

• Vibration
• Friction
• effleurage
• Petrissage
• Tapotage

18. Lomi Lomi massage

The Lomi-Lomi massage originates from Hawaii and focuses on restoring the internal balance, so that harmony is created in the body. For this, this massage uses stroking movements with traditional methods. This massage is similar to the Swedish massage, but is more spiritually oriented.

19. Children's massage

This massage is specially developed for children and babies. The massage is a gentle treatment to promote peace and against physical complaints or aches. The children's massage also promotes the production of happiness hormones and strengthens the child's immune system.

20. Thai massage

Thai massage is probably one of the oldest types of massage in the world. This massage can be called firm, where the practitioner massages the energy channels vigorously and performs stretching movements.

21. Hot stone massage

In the hot stone massage, basalt stones are heated to approximately 45 degrees Celsius. These rounded stones are then used to provide relaxation and reduce tension in the muscles by kneading, stroking, vibrating and the like.

22. Ayurvedic/Indian head massage

Ayurveda is a holistic system of centuries old, which originated in India. Ayurvedic massage focuses on a gentle massage of the energetic body. Oils and hands and feet are used in the massage. Sometimes even herbal bundles or rice are massaged.