If you're already a fan of massage, you know how wonderful it feels to have your muscles kneaded, stretched and relaxed. Many of us have our familiar favourites - that Swedish, hot stone or deep-tissue treatment, especially if massage is an occasional treatment and it's more comfortable to stick with your tried and true. Of course, the options go far beyond the classics and branching out a bit will open you up to the unique forms of pampering and healing offered by lesser-known types of bodywork. We spoke to Canyon Ranch to find out which massages can have powerful benefits for body, mind and spirit: Indulging your interest to try something out of the ordinary - whether just to mix things up or because of a health condition or injury - can be confusing if you’re not exactly sure what each new-to-you massage type entails. Your therapist can suggest something similar to a type of bodywork you already enjoy. If you know you like Thai massage, for example, Ashiastu, which we describe below, may be a good choice. Likewise, he or she can detail the specifics of totally different massages, if you want to step out of the box. Whatever type of massage you choose, be sure to communicate your preferences and goals for the session to your therapist. 1. To Relieve Stress Craniosacral Massage Craniosacral massage relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system, which quiets the mind and calms the body. It puts you in a different space than a physical massage. Practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. Every modality of massage and every therapist brings something different to the table. 2. For a Meditative Feeling Shirodhara Woman says for me, you will have nothing to do with the FACE MAP? You may have heard of foot, hand and ear reflexology... But no face did you know? I will tell you that there are also points on the face that represent organs of our body and that, when it is in imbalance, signs appear in our skin such as acne, swelling, pain and color alteration... I am certain that you are very interested in knowing and being able to carry out this self-assessment to see for your face and the two that you take care of in your home This is the so-called face map! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍1 and 2) Bladder and/or small intestine. This region is affected when we consume fatty foods, we go through stress, alcohol consumption and reduced sound. 📍3) Liver: Your liver may be working too hard and not filtering toxins. 📍4) Heart: Pay attention to your circulation, cholesterol level and blood pressure! 📍5) Kidneys: Very deep odors can mean kidney weakness. 📍6) Gallbladder: Very marked, swelling, alteration of the heart wrinkles showing weakness
in the gallbladder. Pay attention! 📍7-Stomach: Eating fat and dozens and consuming a lot of caffeine and alcohol affect this area. 📍8) Lungs: Asthma, pollution, I smoke... This area can reveal that you have respiratory problems! 📍 9) Large Intestine: Alterations of heart, swelling, stiffness, sagging can be an alert of
imbalance not intestine! 📍10) Genitals: Signs on the chin can show imbalances in the reproductive organs. It is
important to consult a doctor! 📍11) Pancreas: Color alterations, marks or bubbles are related to disharmony of
pancreatic functions. We can treat and improve physical and emotional symptoms using aromatherapy. 3. To Be Transported by Scent Aromatherapy Massage; Abhyanga The hallmark of both of these therapies is the purposeful use of evocative essential oil blends. You can pick from different mixtures that relieve physical, mental and spiritual stress. An aromatherapy massage is an intense sensory experience that is a little bit like Swedish massage, but with scent added. The Ayurvedic abhyanga massage also uses scent and features smooth, long, fluid strokes. The latter may be especially ideal for anyone who wants a treatment that’s deeply relaxing but isn’t quite as physically manipulative as a Swedish massage. 4. For an Incredible Stretch Ashiatsu Ashiatsu loosely translates to “foot pressure” in Japanese. “It’s a barefoot massage that incorporates the front and back of the body,” Barton says. During an Ashiatsu treatment, you will be either seated or standing and your therapist will use her feet to conduct the massage. Using their feet as extensions of their body, the therapists can give a very deep experience, especially in the back, glutes and hamstrings. If someone is looking for a deep therapeutic treatment and they want to try something new, this is a great way to expand their experience. 5. If You’re Dealing With Chronic Pain Neuromuscular Therapy Massage isn’t just for relaxation, of course; it can be an important part of healing from an ongoing health problem. That’s where neuromuscular therapy (NMT) can be useful, particularly for those dealing with some chronic conditions, including headache, sciatica and other issues that simply aren’t resolving with other approaches. NMT sessions use massage and stretching to relieve nerve compression, postural issues and pain trigger points; therapists may also provide nutrition at-home exercise suggestions. 6. For a Good Spring Cleaning Manual
Lymphatic Drainage
This is a very light, delicate type of treatment that stimulates the lymphatic system to help the cleansing and detox process in the body. Therapists use light strokes to work on central areas of the body to open up the joint areas and allow the lymphatic fluid to flow more freely. Expect light pressure and longer fluid strokes, with less kneading, pulling and stretching, than in a typical massage.
Comments