Massage is a strategic procedure, and just like medical practices, there are different strokes for different folks. The process of massage is greater than what we see in movies today, where a therapist only uses the hands and elbows to apply pressure on the patient body. Before the massage is carried out, the therapist must first know the patient’s reasons for obtaining the massage. The result of these findings would determine the types of massage to perform.
Also, the administration of massage in different parts of the world led to the invention of different types and styles. The styles that are common in Asia are different from those used in Americans. And for this reason, it will be challenging to evaluate and declare the total types of massage in the world.
This article focuses on discussing the uncommon types of massage. The common massages are Swedish, hot stone massage, reflexology, sports massage, aromatherapy, foot massage, and deep tissue massage etc.
1. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is a type of massage procedure that originated from Japan. Shiatsu is translated to be “finger pressure,” and it is the application of the pressure from one point to another rhythmically on the body. The pressure is applied at those specific points known as meridian, such that by manipulating these points, chi blockages are removed and allowing the flow of energy within the body. The massage is helpful in healing muscles and joints problems, and it also supplies power to the body.
2. Cupping massage.
This procedure is one of the rarest and ridiculous massages in the world because it is not established on any scientific principle. In this procedure, the therapist first locates the area of concentration of pain in the body, and then pressure is applied by suctioning the cup into those areas. The method is used to alleviate pain in the back and also to improve blood flow into those areas. Although scientist is yet to back up its benefit up with facts, some people claim that it worked for them.
3. Thai massage.
Thai massage is said to have originated from India. The non-invasive procedure involves the application of pressure along the body lines known as Sen. Unlike other massages that require hands kneading and stroking to add pressure on the body, Thai massage relaxes the muscle by stretching, pulling, and compression of the body. There are different styles of Thai massage, and it depends on the one preferable to the therapist.
4. Acupuncture/Acupressure.
Unlike others that involve the hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, acupuncture uses sterilized needles. The method was formulated from ancient Chinese medical practices and mostly used to relieve body pain. This massage technique is performed by a skilled therapist who first marks out the trigger points and quickly injects the needles in those points. These needles can be gently moved up and down to release the tension in the muscles and soft tissues. Although the massage is considered as pseudoscience, recipients have confirmed that they were relieved of pain after the procedure.
5. Lomilomi massage.
Lomilomi massage is shared among the ancient people of Hawaii, and it is believed that the practice was emulated from the Polynesian settlers. The name “Lomi” means to rub, soothe, knead, or shift. The therapist kneads, stroke, and add pressure on the body by using hands, elbows, knuckles, leg, and other means. The massage can be performed on any category of human beings, be it old, young, men, and women. However, the massage is usually administered privately, and not in Spas or hotels because natives claim that it compromises the culture of lomilomi.
6. Biodynamic massage.
This massage is supported by medical science but doesn’t make use of the scientific method. Biodynamic massage was developed in the 1950s by George Boyesen and became popular with the establishment of George Boyesen Training School. And it was established on Boyesen’s argument that the digestive system process food and also breakdown digestive emotional situations. Therefore, the massage aims in relaxing the digestive system to perform its functions effectively. The therapist also makes use of a stethoscope during the massage to monitor the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Active release therapy.
Just like sports massage, active release therapy is usually performed on athletes to give quick rejuvenation of the body. The massage was introduced about two decades ago by Dr. Michael Leahy, and it is known for correcting soft tissue disorder in the face, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Active release massage (ART) is usually conducted to repair overuse tissues during exercise, sports activities, and work. Therefore, the massage can also be extended to people who are not athletes. At first, the therapist uses their hand to locate the sore tissues in the body and uses the hand or other instruments to relieve the tension built at that point.
8. Craniosacral massage.
Craniosacral massage is a simple and less intensive massage that has been in use since 1945. The procedure is performed with full cloth on, and the therapist gentle makes a soft touch on the trigger points in the body. The procedure is usually performed on the head, feet, knees, and torso. And it is a very comfortable therapy, and most recipients often fall asleep during the massage. It is known for alleviating chronic pain, reducing stress, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, and helps in post-surgical recovery. The massage requires the knowledge of chiropractic and osmotherapy and can last for two hours.
