Six Most Popular Forms of Massage Therapies From Around the World

If you are stressed out or suffering from common diseases but do not want a drug- related remedy, treat yourself to a healing or relaxation massage for quick relief.

Here are six different kinds of massage therapy that are guaranteed to keep you in top shape.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage therapy. It is done by using the fingers, palms or thumbs to apply pressure to a particular part of the body to correct some imbalances of the body in order to heal specific illnesses.

Traditional Thai Massage

Thai Massage is a kind of massage that involves stretching and bending of the body. There are several variations to Thai Massage in Thailand. In some areas in the north, emphasis is more on stretching and bending while in the southern part, it is more on acupressure. In any case, Thai Massage is a combination of putting pressure on the body and a lot of stretching and bending.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a kind of relaxation and healing massage that concentrate more on muscles and bones. In Swedish massage the therapist applies excess pressure in affected areas and then rubbing the muscles in and around the adjoining area in just one direction. This kind of massage regulates the circulatory and excretory system of the body to facilitate the regular flow of blood into the body and brain.

Hilot

Hilot is a signature Filipino healing massage. It is also an ancient Filipino healing massage therapy. Hilot practitioners are cheaper alternative to Medical Doctors in the Philippines. Hilots are more like Chiropractors because they employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Hilots or “Manghihilot” as they are popularly known locally uses medicinal plants including banana leaves as their medium in treating the recipients or patients.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a universal form of massage therapy that has been practiced by therapists from all over the world. Reflexology is dispensed by practitioners by massaging and manipulating parts of the hands and feet for the purpose of generating beneficial effects on the other parts of the body for improved health and well being. Despite its popularity though, reflexology has no proven efficacy that supports its claim for cure of common diseases.

Acupressure

Acupressure massage therapy is a combination of or derived from the word “acupuncture” and “pressure”. In Acupressure, a physical pressure is applied to various acupuncture points which are known and established in the practice of acupuncture by the ancient Chinese medical practitioners. Just like reflexology, the practice of acupressure massage therapy has not been validated by clinical findings as an effective cure for common illnesses.