The most common type of massage used nowadays is the Swedish massage therapy, the primary result of which is to relax the body. It aims to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood resulting to enhanced blood circulation. This type was formulated by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish doctor but it was Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger who gave the French names to some of the strokes used in Swedish massage.

It employs five different strokes, usually in the direction to the heart. The long gliding strokes using the palm, thumb or fingertips are known as the effleurage while the firm kneading movement is called the petrissage. The tapotement or percussion is the rhythmic tapping or brisk hacking. Friction is created by applying pressure or compression. Vibration or movements which cause the body to shake and vibrate plus the bending and stretching round up the methods used in Swedish massage. Lotions or massage oils are used often used by the practitioner.

Increased blood circulation, lowered level of toxins in the muscles, relief of stress and enhanced muscular and joint flexibility are some of the benefits of Swedish massage. It also relieves the pain due to osteoarthritis. A sense of well-being is attained after a Swedish massage session.:)

Reflexology is also known as zone therapy. The feet and the hands are the focal point of this type of massage. It is believed that particular points in the feet correspond to certain parts of the body and that the application of pressure on the reflex points in the feet will have a healing effect on the body parts connected to it. The foot is said to be like a map which is used as a basis for the reflexologist in his treatment.

The origin of reflexology is not clear. It is no doubt an ancient healing practice and how it came about can be attributed to the Egyptians, the Chinese or the Indians. It is also possible that this practice was also existent in the Inca civilization that passed it on to the Native Americans and ultimately became widespread in the US.

In the early twentieth century, a book was published by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald and Dr. Edwin Bowers detailing the efficacy of the application of pressure on certain points of the feet in pain relief. There were other individuals who followed their footsteps and conducted their own research on reflexology.

The reflexology treatment session typically lasts between forty to forty five minutes followed by a fifteen minute hand reflexology. Some practitioners though take about an hour to finish depending on the receiver’s condition. The main tool used in reflexology is the hand. The finger is used to exert pressure on the foot starting from the toe area on to the heel. There are reflexologists who use simple equipments like a short wooden rod for the application of pressure.

When the pressure is applied and the part of the foot feels tender and causes discomfort, it is said that the body part connected to that area may have some problems. In some cases, the sensation felt is like a sharp pain. The tenderness may still be felt even after the session but will gradually stop. Those who have congested sinus might have a runny nose because of the treatment but it ceases shortly. Some may have more frequent bowel movements or urination. These are natural reactions during the initial stage of the reflexology therapy. During the session, the individual reclines on a seat with feet raised.

The initial reflexology sessions are done weekly for three to six weeks after which it can be done once a month depending on the prevailing conditions. The monthly sessions will be for the maintenance of good health and the prevention of the emergence of some medical conditions.

Adverse side effects are not very common though there are some people who are asked to refrain from undergoing such treatments. Diabetics and pregnant women should exercise extreme caution in having reflexology done on them because it might cause some complications.

Reflexology is often effective in alleviating chronic back pain and stress. Fibromyalgia or the inflammation of the body’s connective tissues may benefit from a reflexology therapy. Chronic fatigue can also be lessened with regular reflexology sessions.

Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage therapy is performed mainly on athletes. The event in which the athlete is involved determines largely how this kind of massage therapy will proceed. Specific events have different needs and this is true with athletes.

Sports massage therapy primes the athlete’s body for the athletic activity then helps it recuperate from the exertion done during the event. It soothes sore muscles, eases stress and fatigue. It also maintains the suppleness and top condition of the muscles.

Sports massage is a combination of strokes very similar to Swedish massage like the effleurage and petrissage. This therapeutic massage is usually done before and about two hours after an athletic event.