Specialty Massages

In the United States, the Swedish massage tends to be the most common choice for clients needing to relax their minds and bodies. However, several other massage options are available. Some can even provide faster healing than what clients are traditionally used to. Examples of such massages include: deep tissue, Shiatsu, Thai, hot stone and cold stone massage.

1. Deep Tissue
As its name indicates, deep tissue massage is designed to go deeper than just the skin.
Muscles and connective tissue also get worked through slow strokes. When the massage is finished, the muscles are more relaxed, making this type of therapy an excellent choice for people suffering with muscular disorders.

2. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a type of therapy that originated in Japan. Its main premise is to free up pressure points to allow energy to flow better through the body. So, in this way, Shiatsu is very similar to acupuncture. But for the client, it's much more enjoyable, since no pins are used.

3. Thai
Like Shiatsu, Thai massages were born in Asia, albeit from a different country. Thus, some of the healing principles are very similar. However, with Thai therapy, yoga-like positions and stretches are used during the session. This further complements the metaphysical component associated with the massage's philosophy.

4. Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stone therapy uses heated stones to massage various areas of the body. Once the stones are applied, the heat courses through the body, increasing the patient's circulation and blood flow. The physical feeling is also very pleasant, since the massage stones are smooth to the skin.

5. Cold Stone Therapy
Cold stone therapy also uses massage stones, but they are chilled instead of heated. The sensations are still enjoyable, but since cold is used, the effects are a little different. This is because cold slows down the blood, which may retard swelling and inflammation.

Mary Singleton regularly writes for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry products for hot stone massage such as massage rocks, as well as many other many other accessories for hot stone therapy.