Massage techniques: What are they and how to choose the right one

There are many massage techniques and each of them focuses on the right points to help you relieve stress or relieve back, leg, neck, and back pain.

Depending on the size of the problem you are facing, you should also choose the appropriate technique that will help you relax and achieve total well-being. Almost all massage techniques aim at the well-being of the soul as well as the body.

For example, Swedish massage and candle massage have the main goal of helping you get rid of the stress and anxiety of everyday life. While, massage techniques such as sports and lymphatic drainage massage, are ideal for those suffering from muscle injuries or poor circulation. 

The common denominator of all types of massage is the continuous pressure and massages that are done on the right parts of the body, with the aim of either relieving pain or promoting the good functioning of the body. 

With massage you can treat or relieve a wide range of ailments and physical or mental problems such as: 

• Poor functioning of the circulatory system
• Cellulite
• Acute muscle pain
• Intestinal and abdominal disorders
• Chronic stress
• Depression
• Poor respiratory function
• Pain of cancer patients

However, it is important to mention that there are also points in body that should not be massaged, while in some cases where there is a medical reason, this is prohibited.

What are the massage techniques?

Below you will see the most well-known massage techniques used today by specialized therapists, as well as what are their benefits.

1. Swedish massage

Το σουηδικό μασάζ είναι η πιο γνωστή τεχνική μασάζ που επιλέγουν καθημερινά χιλιάδες άνθρωποι για την σωματική και ψυχική τους ευεξία. Μερικές από τις κινήσεις που γίνονται σε αυτό το είδος χαλαρωτικού μασάζ είναι η μακρόχρονη ολίσθηση, τα γρήγορα χτυπήματα, η τριβή ή η εντριβή των μυών και η ανατάραξη. Οι κινήσεις αυτές βοηθούν αποτελεσματικά στην βελτίωση του κυκλοφορικού συστήματος, στη μείωση του στρες, στην ανακούφιση των μυϊκών πόνων, ενώ βελτιώνεται η συνολική εικόνα της ψυχικής υγείας.  

Swedish massage has many benefits, the most well-known being:

• Good management of chronic pain
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Improve flexibility
• Increases energy levels
• Improves posture
• Improved circulatory system
• Relieves headaches

2. Sports massage

Sports massage, or deep tissue massage, involves continuous pressure techniques using slow, deep strokes and targets the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues to relieve muscle pain and sports injuries. Many athletes choose sports massage mainly for the benefits that offers before and after training.

Some of these benefits are:

• Relaxes the spirit and improves mental health
• It helps if you suffer from chronic lung disease
• It promotes digestion
• It offers faster recovery after injuries
• Removes toxins from the body
• It increases your performance
• Improved circulatory system
• Sleep better

3. Candle massage

If you are looking for a massage technique that stimulates the senses and offers you a unique relaxing experience, then candle massage or otherwise massage with melted hot wax, is ideal for you. It is a special massage technique that is done with the use of hot melted wax which, as it melts, turns into oil and contains essential oils that rejuvenate the skin and relax you.

Benefits of candle massage

• It offers silky, smooth, and healthy skin
• You feel refreshed
• It offers healing and soothing action
• Essential oils lift the mood
• Anti-aging action
• It repairs sun-damaged skin and rejuvenates skin cells
• Increases blood circulation
• Fights muscle spasms

4. Massage with hot stones

Hot stone massage uses special stones, also known as basalts and they are usually black volcanic stones. Once heated, these stones are placed all over the body and help you to relieve tense muscles and damaged soft tissues. Usually hot stone massage combined with other massage techniques such as Swedish for better results and maximum relaxation. It has many benefits, especially when combined with other types of massage. 

Benefits of hot stone massage:

• Relieves general muscle tension
• Improves sleep
• Relieves symptoms of autoimmune diseases
• It strengthens the immune system
• Soothes the symptoms of cancer

5. Foot massage

One of the most famous massage techniques is the Foot massage. This type of massage uses various techniques from other types of massage, such as shiatsu and reflexology. It is used as a method of pain relief while at the same time helping to reduce stress and speed up recovery from injuries. The most common relaxing massage movements of the lower extremities are friction, skin rolling, and Trigger pointing, while in some cases the therapist chooses to use tools such as the massage gun for maximum relaxation and better results.

Some of the benefits of foot massage are:

• Increase balance and well-being
• Improved circulatory system
• Stress reduction
• Reduction of stomach disorders
• Better bowel function

6. Lymphatic drainage massage

With the lymphatic massage you can detoxify your body from unnecessary "waste", such as bacteria and excess fluid that accumulates in your body. In lymphatic massage or lymphatic drainage massage the therapist uses movements such as stretching, compression, sliding and cupping movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and stimulate blood circulation. It is recommended for people of all ages, as it offers a range of benefits that everyone can enjoy.

Lymphatic massage benefits:

• Reduces fluid retention
• Breaks down cellulite and fat cells
• It helps to remove and treat swelling
• Enhances the results of liposuction
• Improves the appearance of the skin
• It strengthens the immune system
• It helps digestion
• Helps in post-operative recovery
• Reduces tension in the body

See in detail: The benefits of lymphatic massage

7. Cellulite massage

The cellulite massage technique aims to reach deep into the connective tissues and break down the fat cells. In combination with other massage techniques such as lymphatic, it stimulates the circulatory system through the massages and the heat that develops in the targeted area and we achieve a reduction or even a complete fight against cellulite. The cellulite massage mainly targets the areas with a strong problem such as the buttocks, thighs, and in some cases the knees.

Cellulite massage and benefits:

• Blood circulation is stimulated
• Improves lymphatic flow
• Fat deposits are broken down
• Stimulates collagen production
• Removes dead cells and smoothes the skin
• Contributes to muscle relaxation

8. Reflexology

The technique of reflexology is mainly based on the application of special pressures and massages on the soles and backs of the feet. In addition, similar pressures and massages can be applied to the palms of the hands and ears. The pressures applied to specific points act reflexively, making the body develop a self-healing method for various ailments such as stomach pains, through the stimulation of the body's nervous and defense systems.

Benefits of Reflexology:

• Helps with gastrointestinal problems
• Improved circulatory system
• It strengthens the immune system
• Relieves headaches
• It helps with gynecological and endocrinological issues
• Strengthens the neurological and immune system (Massage for neuropathy)

9. Abdominal massage 

With abdominal massage you can fight stomach-related problems and pains, such as indigestion, constipation and bloating. In addition to the problems it solves, it can also contribute to the wider sculpting of the abdominal area, while due to the heat produced during abdominal massage, the fat cells are broken down and you can lose some points. But the benefits don't stop there,

Some additional benefits of abdominal massage are:

• Improves digestive function
• Relieves constipation
• It strengthens the immune system
• Improves body posture and skin elasticity
• Releases physical tension
• Relieves pain from PMS

Whichever massage technique you choose, it is certain that you will enjoy multiple benefits for your body and overall health. Find the right basis for the goals you want to achieve and start a journey of renewal and well-being, enjoying massage at home or visit a massage studio.

The experienced therapists of Athens Massage Center can advise you and guide you to the appropriate massage treatment based on your needs.