Massage is a therapeutic art that masters the technique of mind and body relaxation. It has been in practice since 3000 B.C.  Over the centuries, many different forms of massage have been developed that deal with specific areas of the body but on a whole, the main goal of massage is to alleviate physical, mental and spiritual stress that will in turn lead to a complete state of relaxation.

There are many benefits of massage that, when put into practice, can affect your physical and mental health. A simple massage can relieve congestion and improve overall body circulation. It can increase blood supply and nutrients to the muscles and joints, which help reduce fatigue that might be brought on by strenuous exercise.

Massage helps improve muscle tone, which will reduce chances of muscle delay or muscular atrophy. It also reduces swelling and inflammation in the joints, which in turn alleviates pain. Massage can improve your body physically, while, at the same time, it allows your mind and spirit to enter into a state of relaxation. These benefits can lead to stress reduction, and a healthier lifestyle.
While general massage can help alleviate certain ailments, there are several different forms of massage used by massage therapists today that when used, trigger certain effects within the body:

Swedish Massage:
Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

Swedish massage employs five different movements:

• long, gliding strokes
• kneading of individual muscles
• friction
• hacking or tapping
• vibration

The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.

Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish Massage but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots.

Aromatherapy Massage:
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. An essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source. True essential oils have nothing added to them, and nothing taken away. Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit. They can be sedating or stimulating.  Some have an analgesic and antispasmodic effect, but most are antibacterial. Essential oils can aid in skin care and wound healing.

Many aromatherapists and aromatherapy tutors believe that essential oils are absorbed by the skin. There are however differing opinions as to how much of the components of essential oils can penetrate the skin, and indeed what their effect on the body might be, if they do penetrate. It seems that some components do penetrate, but more studies need to be carried out on this. Nevertheless, many beneficial effects can take place at the level of the skin. Many skin conditions can be improved by the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of the essential oils.

Sports Massage:
Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

The main purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. The massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.

Shiatsu:
Shiatsu (also known as acupressure) is a finger pressure massage technique that is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Shiatsu massage therapy is founded on the Chinese meridian system.  The massage therapist applies pressure with his or her thumbs, finger and palms to specific areas of the client's body that have been determined during an assessment period prior to the massage session. There are no needle pokes involved with Shiatsu. Massage techniques like tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and applied pressure are applied along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of ki (pronounced chee) which is believed to be the body’s vital energy.

Hot Stone Massage: (click here for more information)
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing and relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.  Before a client arrives, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.  The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.  The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

Reiki: (click here for more information)
Reiki is a Japanese technique and a form of energy work. It uses a series of hands-on holding positions that correspond to vital organs and nerves to assist the body's own recuperative processes and restore mental calm. Reiki is excellent for those with anxiety or mood disorders. It is also gaining favor with cancer patients. Reiki works at the deepest levels of the body and is extremely relaxing.

Reflexology: (click here for more information)
Reflexology is based on the concept that all the organs of the body are mapped to our feet (and hands). Reflexology applies finger pressure, some stretching and movement to pressure points on the feet with the goal of promoting healthy functioning of the body's various organs.

The following are recommended by Park Avenue Fertility for therapeutic massage:

Integrations Heart Beauty
www.integrationshealing.com

Amanda Poole, LCSW
www.Hunyuan.org

Revive Wellness Center
www.revivewellnesscenter.com