Massage therapy: 5 massage techniques from around the world 🌎

Using manual methods on the body's soft tissues, including the skin, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, is known as massage therapy.

💡View our article right here to find out when and why to see a massage therapist!

In the meantime, travel with your city’s professionals, enjoying massages from all over the world to relieve your physical and emotional needs! 🌴🪷

Here is some more information about 5 massages from the 4 corners of the world. ⤵️

Swedish massage 🇸🇪

This massage is one of the best-known in the West. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling, in the early 19th century.

It uses a variety of techniques, including effleurage, kneading, tapping and vibration. Massage therapists generally use oils to facilitate movements.

Swedish massage has several goals:  

• Help relaxation
• Activate blood circulation and stimulate the immune system 
• Relieve tension and chronic pain
• Improve flexibility and mobility 

You can ask for certain areas to be targeted according to your pain, the intensity of the pressure, or choose different types of essential oils. 

It's advisable to drink plenty of water after the massage to eliminate all toxins.

Thai massage 🇹🇭

This massage from Thailand is inspired by meditation and yoga. By addressing the energy lines, it seeks to bring the body's energies into balance.

Thai massage is often administered on a mattress on the floor, with the client staying fully clothed, in contrast to Western massages, which frequently use oils and gliding motions over the skin.

Techniques include acupressure on targeted areas, stretching to relax muscles, and joint mobilization to improve mobility. 

This type of massage helps to:

• Relieve muscular tension
• Improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system
• Promote a general feeling of physical and mental well-being

Shiatsu massage 🇯🇵

Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, shiatsu is a Japanese style of manual therapy that combines manipulation and massage techniques. The word “shiatsu” literally translates to “finger pressure” in Japanese, the principal method used during the massage.

Shiatsu massage is a holistic practice that aims to balance body, mind, and emotions.

There are some similarities with the Thai massages, such as the absence of oils and the use of acupressure, stretching, and joint mobilization

However, Thai massage is more dynamic, involving deep stretches and joint manipulation, whereas Shiatsu is more concentrated on gentle acupressure and energy balance.

There are several advantages, including mental, emotional, physical, and energetic:

• Improved circulation and immune system 
• Reduced stress
• Improved digestion and quality of sleep 
• Increased vitality
• Enhanced body awareness and healing process  

Ayurvedic massage 🇮🇳

Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga, is a traditional Indian practice forming part of Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. 

It involves the use of warm herbal oils and various massage techniques to boost physical and mental well-being. 

According to Ayurveda philosophy, it is important to balance the 3 doshas (body types):

• Vata: Vata is associated with motor function, heartbeat, breathing, and the stimulation of digestive juices.
  
  
• Pitta: Pitta is associated with the digestion and assimilation of food, the maintenance of body temperature, and the radiance of the eyes and skin.
  
  
• Kapha: Kapha is associated with softness, heat distribution, strength and endurance, sleep, and longevity.

Massage oils are used according to the person's dosha. Oils are often infused with herbs and heated. Movements are long, fluid, and circular to facilitate blood circulation.

The benefits of Ayurvedic massage include muscle relaxation, detoxification, and stress reduction. 

Balinese massage 🇮🇩 

Balinese massage is a traditional massage technique from Bali, in Indonesia. 

It combines various massage methods, including gentle movements, pressure, kneading, stretching and acupressure.

Balinese massage incorporates techniques from different massages such as Swedish and Shiatsu. Like Ayurvedic massage, the use of aromatic essential oils is essential.

Balinese massage aims to balance body and mind, aligning energies and promoting relaxation and well-being.

The benefits are varied:

• Stress reduction
• Improved circulation and flexibility
• Improved emotional balance 
• Relief of muscular pain and strengthening of the immune system