Are you stressed with your busy life? If it seems like you can’t get a clear mind these days, you need to loosen up those tight muscles. Maybe you just need a couple of minutes with your massage therapist. Massage therapy has been a common practice of people who want to de-stress their life.

Today, this is widely used as either a stress reliever or sometimes a healing solution of our souls. Most people use different types of massage therapy for different health-related purposes. In the United States, it is now considered as an integral part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Types of Massage Therapy.

• Swedish Massage. This is the most popular type of massage therapy. It is composed of five basic strokes which include:

• Effleurage (Sliding or gliding)
• Petrissage (kneading)
• Tapotement (Rhythmic Tapping)
• Friction (Cross fiber)
• Vibration or shaking

• Lymphatic Massage. This massage aims to stimulate the lymphatic system through a light application, gentle and repetitive strokes.

• Thai Massage. This is composed of stretching which originated in Thailand and without using any oil.

• Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Massage. Uses slow friction and deep-finger pressure on areas of the body.

• Myofascial Release. A soft-tissue therapy which improves the skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial structures of the body.

• A spiritual practice of energy which requires hands-on holding positions that connects the vital organs and nerve plexus.

• A foot-based massage therapy.

Science and Massage Therapy.

There nothing much when it comes to scientific evidence on massage therapy. Scientists have not proven yet the specific changes in our body during a massage especially how it influences our health. There are studies being conducted sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to prove and provide answers to questions how massage can be helpful.

When planning to go into a massage session, always remember both the positive and negative results it can give to our body. If not applied appropriately, a massage therapy can result in serious risks if it is not done by a trained massage professional. If you feel like you need a massage, inform your healthcare provider first if this is safe if you currently have health problems that might have a negative effect with massage.