Massage therapy involves the systematic manipulation of the body’s soft tissue structures in order to alleviate physical pain and/or discomfort and improve general health and wellbeing. As more people search for natural and holistic remedies to their ailments, the range of massage therapies available in the Western world has significantly expanded over recent years. While this is fantastic news, it can also be greatly confusing; with so many different and exotic styles offering so many different benefits, how do you know which massage therapy is best suited for your condition? The first step to finding your perfect massage therapy is gathering the facts.

Aromatherapy as massage therapy

Aromatherapy massage therapy uses specialised mixtures of concentrated essential oils to treat a range of mental and physical conditions. When the essential oil molecules are inhaled, messages are transmitted to the limbic system via the nostrils to positively affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. The oils, specifically combined to either calm, uplift, energise, cleanse or decongest, are also absorbed into the skin, where their benefits are believed to seep further into the body. Aromatherapy massage therapy is known to assist with stress and stress-related conditions such as insomnia, headaches, digestive disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and back pain.

Chinese massage therapy

There are five encompassing treatment components to traditional Chinese massage therapy:

1. Amno, for rejuvenation and health maintenance.
2. Tuina, a medical massage therapy used to treat injuries, joint and muscle problems and internal disorders.
3. Infant Tuina, a specialised treatment for babies and children
4. Dian Xue, utilising point press techniques similar to Acupressure.
5. Wai Qi Liao Fa, curing with external qi (energy)

Central to all components exists the idea that massage therapy affects the physical body with the qi body of energy and the mental/emotional body. Chinese massage therapy manipulates the points where blockages of qi can occur. Massage therapy techniques are understood to activate and regulate the flow of qi and blood and promote relaxation which eases pain, spasms, increases flexibility and straightens the joints.

Hot stone massage therapy

During hot rock massage therapy, heated, smooth, flat basalt rocks are placed on specific points of the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes, to relax muscles. The warmth of the hot stones almost instantly improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Lithos cold stone therapy has a similar effect, stimulating lymphatic flow and cleansing the blood. Stone massage therapy is perfect for anyone who wishes to feel rejuvenated and relaxed without being necessarily feeling deep pressure, and is known to assist with back pain, poor circulation, osteoarthritis and arthritis, stress, anxiety and tension, insomnia and depression.

Shirodhara massage therapy

Based on the ancient principles of Ayurvedic medicine and having originated in India, Shirodhara massage therapy has been practised for over 5000 years. It involves the warm and consistent flow of aromatic oils on the forehead, specifically on the ‘third eye’ which is believed to be the centre of human consciousness. The flow of oil over the third eye has a balancing effect on brainwaves, stimulating the endocrine system, balancing hormonal upsets and relieving depression and emotional insecurities. Mental burdens such as fear, anxiety, anger and irritability dissolve as the mind is lulled into a state of serenity and expanded consciousness. The deeply relaxing Shirodhara massage therapy is great for detoxing the mind, and perfect for anybody suffering from stress or insomnia.

Ka Huna massage therapy

Ka Huna is another style of traditional Hawaiian massage therapy whereby practitioners use their hands, forearms and elbows to treat the entire body. Music is played during the massage therapy and the practitioner may dance around the table using hula or tai chi style movements in order to attune to natural bodily rhythms and create a harmonious balance between mind, body and soul. Clients are encouraged to focus on their breath, the inhaling of positive and exhaling of negative energies, during the massage. Anybody is able to receive a Ka Huna massage therapy, which is also commonly called Ka Huna bodywork. It is excellent for those suffering from stress, depression, fatigue, grief, or any physical discomfort or injury.

Lomi Lomi massage therapy

A Hawaiian form of massage therapy, Lomi Lomi is traditionally known as “loving hands”. It is a unique style of massage theapy that sees the practitioner using their hands, forearms, elbows, fingers, feet, knees, and even sticks and stones to massage their client. The natural flow of energy within the body is stimulated to induce altered physical, mental, and spiritual states of consciousness. Lomi Lomi massage therapy aims to release stress and tension and thus restore optimal energy flow. It promotes detoxification and waste removal, stimulates the immune, lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems and releases muscle tension.

Neuromuscular massage therapy

Also referred to as ‘trigger point therapy’, neuromuscular massage therapy focuses on trigger points, or sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers created by injury or exhaustion, to restore the balance of the nervous system. Through the softening of trigger points, by the application of sustained pressure, neuromuscular massage therapy aims to reduce chronic pain, increase range of motion, and correct postural distortions. Other benefits can include increased flexibility, wider range of motion, more balanced posture and increased energy. Neuromuscular massage therapy is used primarily to treat the lower back, the neck and arms, repetitive motion injuries, headaches and reported numbness and tingling in the limbs.