Popular Types of Massage Therapy

There are well over 80 kinds of massage therapy available today. Of those that are most widely practiced in the massage industry, the most popular bodywork therapies include modalities like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, acupressure, reflexology, sports massage and chair massage, among others.

Acupressure massage therapy, for example, is founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories and is not only used on people, but as a form of canine and equine massage as well. Using meridian therapy as a guide to depressing key points on the body to relieve tension and blockages; and to restore the flow of energy (Chi) to the body, this particular type of massage therapy is believed to restore balance and enhance natural-healing capabilities.

Another form of massage therapy, reflexology, is a type of massage that is also rooted in Oriental medicine. Specific areas (reflex zones) of the foot sole correlate to particular organs and organ systems in the body. It is believed that by applying pressure techniques to these reflex zones, that these corresponding organ systems can be stimulated toward healing. While this particular massage therapy is more commonly used on the feet, reflexology is also administered to the hands, face and body.

For the athlete, massage therapy like sports massage may be helpful as a preventive therapy and health maintenance regimen In addition to using Swedish massage techniques, sports massage incorporates a variety of other touch therapies including compression, cross-fiber therapy, hydrotherapy, and pressure point methods, among others. Like acupressure, sports massage therapy is also administered to animals.

Deep tissue massage therapy is one of the foundational bodywork therapies taught in almost all massage and healing arts schools today. As the name implies, this is a deep muscle therapy that works the connective tissues and muscles to relieve chronic pain and tension.

Chair massage therapy, frequently referred to as seated massage, is gaining leeway in airports, corporate functions, and in shopping malls. This particular bodywork is administered while the client is seated in a chair in an upright position.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like natural healing, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage therapy near you.

Popular Types of Massage Therapy
Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy, Massage Schools, and other Healing Arts.

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