Classic massage, also known as Swedish massage, is the most common type of massage. The classical massage is used especially by physiotherapists to treat hardening and tension of the muscles and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In classical massage, a distinction is made between five different grips.
5 different massage grips
- Effleurage (stroking): this particularly pleasant and relaxing handle is used mainly at the beginning of a massage – to distribute the oil – as well as at the end for recovery. Over the body part to be treated is thereby slowly and with light pressure stroked.
- Petrissage (kneading): kneading is used mainly to relieve existing tension. This involves taking the skin and muscles between the fingers or hands and kneading. Alternatively, tensions can also be released by the so-called kneading: Here, the effect is produced by pressing the muscles on the underlying bones.
- Friction (friction): through small, circular movements directly on the muscle, tension and hardening can be released particularly well.
- Tapotement (tapping): tapping is done either with the fingers, the flat hand or the edge of the hand. Through the short, rapid movements, especially the blood flow to the muscles is promoted.
- Vibration (tremor): vibration involves placing the fingertips or the flat of the hand on the area to be treated and then vibrating it. The muscles are loosened by the vibration. In this way, the massage can also reach deeper layers of tissue.
Sports massage
Sports massage is an addition to the classic massage. This form of massage specifically addresses the needs of the athlete and his problem areas. A sports massage is usually performed more vigorously than a classic massage, as it can be assumed that an athlete is particularly robust. Due to the stronger massaging, the skin is particularly well supplied with blood. In professional sports, massages are often performed after hard exertions to accelerate regeneration. But they can also be used during training to increase the effectiveness of the workout. In addition, they can also be used to prepare for a competition: This is because massage loosens and passively warms the muscles.
Thai massage
Unlike the classic massage, in Thai massage the masseur usually works not only with the hands, but also with the feet, knees and elbows. Primarily, the various energy lines that run through our body are worked on. By applying pressure to certain energy points, blockages are to be released and the flow of energy improved. Thai massage has both a direct and an indirect effect: this is because pressure on the energy points is intended to alleviate not only discomfort at the point itself, but also other physical problems. These include, for example, headaches, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea, as well as ringing in the ears. In Thai massage, however, not only are the central energy points worked on, but the patient’s body is also passively moved: it is stretched and elongated to relax the muscles and improve mobility. The exercises are similar to those used in yoga.
Hot stone massage
In hot stone massage, rounded, heated stones are placed on the part of the body to be treated. Because the heat from the stones can penetrate deep into the muscles, the hot stones can also relieve particularly stubborn tension. In order to provide the body with different stimuli, cold stones are also applied during some hot stone massages. The stones are distributed on the energy centers of the body, these are located mainly on the back, abdomen or forehead. Up to 40 stones can be placed on the body per massage. Particularly small stones can also be placed between the fingers or toes.
Foot reflexology
Foot reflexology is one of the massages with indirect effect and is an alternative method of treatment. The basic assumption in reflexology is that certain reflex zones reflect the muscles and organs of our body. By massaging the reflex zones, the complaints on the organs should be able to be alleviated.Reflexology is the best known form of reflexology. However, there are also reflex zones on the hands, ears, nose and head. In reflexology, pressure is applied to specific areas of the foot. Via reflex arcs, a soothing effect is then supposed to occur at the respective part of the body. For example, the inside of the foot is said to be directly connected to the spine and the toes of the foot represent the nose, ears and eyes.
Shiatsu massage
Behind a shiatsu massage hides a pressure massage: because the term ‘shiatsu’ comes from Japanese and means ‘finger pressure’. Shiatsu massages are closely related to acupressure: During a shiatsu massage, sustained pressure is applied to specific points. These are located on energy pathways that are believed in traditional Chinese medicine to distribute vital energy throughout the body. The pressure is intended to release blockages and allow the energy in the body to flow again without obstruction. A shiatsu massage is said to be particularly useful for ailments of the knees or shoulders, as well as the hips and back – but of course also for relaxation. By the way, unlike most other types of massage, shiatsu massage is done without the use of oil.
Lomi Lomi massage (Lomi Lomi Nui).
Originating in Hawaii, Lomi Lomi massage – also known as Hawaiian temple massage – is mostly done using hands, elbows and forearms. ‘Lomi’ in the local language means to knead or press. Traditionally, a Hawaiian prayer is spoken or chanted before and after the massage is finished. Similar to Thai or Shiatsu massage, Lomi Lomi massage is based on the assumption that tension inhibits the flow of energy in the body. These tensions are to be released by the massage. A Lomi Lomi massage can be done very gently, but can also be done more strongly to release tensions in the depths of the muscles. Once the tensions are released, energy can flow freely through the body again. Through the free flow of energy, it is said that the mental space is also expanded and one is able to separate oneself from negative habits. Thus, the goal of a Lomi Lomi massage is not only to relax the body, but also to cleanse the soul.
