The massage industry generated revenues of approximately $16.2bn in 2021. This staggering figure highlights the popularity of these treatments and may make you consider booking a massage for yourself or buying one as a gift.

But what are the most common types of massage and how can they benefit your mind and body? After all, if you’ve never had one of these treatments you may be skeptical about how effective they are for improving your physical or mental wellbeing. The good news is there are several different massage therapies with each one bringing a range of fantastic advantages.

Let’s dive in and learn more about different kinds of massages.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massages focus on the soft tissues, using kneading, rubbing, and vibrating motions to increase circulation. This method can loosen up your joints, increase flexibility, and promote blood flow. One of the best-known massages around the world, this therapy has been around for nearly two centuries.

Sports Massage

One of the benefits of a massage is that it can help heal muscles, and a sports rub down may improve recovery time after vigorous exercise. Some athletes also like to have a sports massage before a game to boost blood flow and help prevent injuries.

Aromatherapy Massage

Among the many massage options, you may find an aromatherapy treatment helps you destress quickly and in comfort. Using essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or lemon could aid with getting to sleep, helping you to feel more refreshed the next day.

While this can be a gentle type of massage, you can also use the oils in more intense treatments such as a sports massage.

Lymph Drainage Massage

A lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle rhythmic movements to promote lymph circulation. This therapy could help relieve swelling, aid with some skin conditions, relieve migraine headaches and reduce anxiety. It’s important to engage in lymphatic breathing before your massage as this process helps prepare the lymph nodes for stimulation.

Hot Stone Massage

This massage therapy requires placing warm stones on sore or tired muscles to aid with relaxation. The stones are usually made of a volcanic rock type called basalt and will be flat and smooth. A popular technique, this option can increase metabolism and ease muscle stiffness.

Reflexology Massage

Using a reflexology map, a professional will apply pressure to one part of the body to relieve stress in another. For example, a practitioner may massage your foot to aid with a gut issue. It’s possible this massage type could help with mental health issues and potentially reduce pain.

Choose Which of the Different Types of Massages Are Right for You

With the wide range of available choices, you can pick between the various types of massages to find one that suits your needs. Perhaps you’d like to ease your aches and pains, or maybe you’d like to unwind and relieve stress.

Whatever your decision, be sure to enjoy the experience and prepare to feel more relaxed!

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, be sure to check out more great posts in our Health & Fitness section before you go.