Massage Styles

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With so many different massage styles out there, you might find yourself confused between your Shiatsu and your Ka Huna. Below are some of the more popular ways to be stretched, prodded and pampered.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage originated in Japan. The word itself translates to ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese. In essence a practitioner uses pressure from the fingers, palms and especially the thumbs on points related to the nervous system. This is said to relieve ‘blockages’ and stimulate blood flow.

Reiki Massage

Reiki also originated in Japan. It relies on the philosophy of moving a form of ‘energy’ - called ‘Ki’- through the palms and across the body. According to Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese tradition, this flow of energy sustains all living beings.

An unhindered flow, of these ‘Ki’ energy lines is said to induce a calming state of relaxation, while also promoting your body to detoxify itself, and restore its own health. Therapists use their palms to direct Ki energy along the entire length of the client’s body, both the back and front. They often hold their hands on specific places for several minutes at a time to relieve blockages.

Reflexology

This ancient therapy uses a method of foot massage, applying pressure to reflex zones on the soles of the feet, or sometimes to the hands and ears. Reflexology is based on ‘reflex zones’, which correspond to every part, organ and gland of the body. By applying pressure, reflexology is said to relieve tension, improve circulation, and help promote the natural functions of the corresponding areas of the body.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is said to be either a technique invented by the Buddha’s physician, or an ancient amalgam of various influences, including Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian. There are no oils used in this technique, and clients are usually dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Traditionally, a massage also takes place on the floor. Thai massage can incorporate yoga positions and yoga therapeutic practices.

The technique relies on the theory that the body is permeated with ‘lom,’ or ‘air,’ which is inhaled into the lungs before travelling throughout the body along thousands of pathways. These are known as ‘sen.’ Massage therapists usually manipulate a handful of major sen lines by putting pressure on certain points along the lines. Sen are most often believed to originate at the navel, from where they spread throughout the body.

Pra Krop is a kind of Thai massage using herbs wrapped tightly in cloth. This is steamed, and the herbal bundles are then touched or pressed to your body. It’s especially good for deep muscle aches and joint pain.

Swedish Massage

Among the most well-known techniques, Swedish massage uses firm pressure to relax your muscles by rubbing them against deeper muscles and bones, usually in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish Massage aims to increase the oxygen flow in the blood, release toxins from the muscles, and stretch ligaments and tendons. The masseuse starts the massage by using long, sweeping strokes to connect various parts of the body. The masseuse would continue the massage by using friction to ‘warm up’ the body, followed by kneading the muscles to allow the massage to penetrate deeper.

Next she will use a chopping motion to ‘energise’ a particular part of the body, before moving on to pull at the arms and legs, and sometimes the head. Finally, the masseuse may use vibration to loosen the muscles of a certain area, by rhythmically moving the heel of the hand, or the fingertips over that spot.

The client is usually naked, and towels are used to cover areas not being massaged. 

Traditional Balinese Massage

This massage includes gentle stretches, rolling and kneading pressure, and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ (energy) around your body. It’s good for breaking down tensely knotted tissue and improving circulation, while the essential oils act as a soothing tonic.

Hot Stone Massage

It’s more of a therapy than a massage, but almost everyone seems to be offering it these days as part of a massage package. Basically, the therapist applies hot smooth stones coated in fragrant oils to certain points on the body. The heat helps to relax the muscles, while the aromatherapy oils increases your sense of overall relaxation and calm.

Sometimes the therapist will apply oil directly to your body, which means she can slowly slide the stones over your muscles. Often, very cold stones are alternated with the hot ones. This is supposed to stimulate your nervous system.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massages use aromatic essential oils to improve your mood, mental abilities or health. Examples of aromatherapy oils include black pepper (commonly used to stimulate the circulation and reduce aches and pains); and lavender oil, which relaxes and calms.

Lomi Lomi

The word Lomi Lomi simply means ‘massage’ in Hawaiian. It was probably brought to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian settlers, and from there developed over hundreds of years into different forms, depending on where you lived.

The technique is based on energy flow, which can be blocked by ideas or beliefs. The massage is said to release these blockages, whilst giving the energy new direction. Essentially, it works to both relax the body and facilitate healing on mental, emotional and spiritual levels.

In general, the technique works by applying gentle yet deep pressure with continuous, flowing strokes using the forearms as well as the hands. It can often feel like gentle waves moving over the body. Different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time. For example, one arm may be working on a shoulder, while the other hand is massaging the opposite hip. Dance or hula movements, as well as loud, rhythmic breath work often accompany the massage.

Alternate names for Lomi Lomi, include ‘Loving Hands’ massage, and Ka Huna massage.

Javanese Lulur

The Lulur originated in the royal palaces of Central Java, Indonesia, in the 17th century.  It is still practiced today often as part of the lead up to a marriage ceremony. A traditional lulur ritual starts with a massage using coconut oil infused with pandanus leaves and cempaka flowers. This is followed by an invigorating total body exfoliation using rice, turmeric, sandalwood, jasmine flowers and jasmine oil. Next comes a flower bath laced with jasmine, frangipani, and various other blossoms and leaves.

 Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage originated in India. Ayurvedic is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots: ‘ayur’ which means ‘life’, and ‘veda’ which translates to ‘knowledge’. It works on the certain points on the body, and opens up ‘energy’ channels that are believed to cause an imbalance or blockage.

This technique concentrates on pressure points, as in reflexology, except that these pressure points are located around the head  - such as the top of forehead, the ‘third eye’, and the side of eyebrow - rather than on the feet. Body treatments can concentrate on energy centres of ‘chakras’, and often involve the use of herbs.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage have been trained to position and support the expectant mother's body during the massage. Pregnancy massage can reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints, and help with back pain.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to bring about well-being. These essences are either inhaled to stimulate a desired state of mind, directly applied to the skin through massage, or sprinkled on the surface of your bathwater.
Click here for a list of popular essential oils and their uses.