The Gift of Massage
11/08/2013 12:27PM ● By Christina Freeman
Photos.com
By Susan Cunningham
Steamboat Springs, CO - Massage has been shown to reduce
blood pressure, decrease anxiety and depression, relieve pain, aid in healing, control migraines and
more, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.
With various types of massage, the
only stressful part is choosing one. Different styles involve different
pressures, movements and techniques. To decide, consider your goals, look for a
massage therapist that’s certified, and be sure he or she knows if you have any
health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Then show up and
relax.
With more than a dozen varieties of
massage techniques available in Steamboat, it’s easy to make the gift of
massage personal. Here’s a key to deciphering some of the most popular styles
of massage.
Swedish
Massage
One of the most
popular massages in America, the Swedish is calming and relaxing. It features
long, gliding strokes, kneading and tapping, with firm but gentle
pressure.
Benefits: increase circulation, relieve muscle aches and tension, increase
flexibility, lower stress
Deep
Tissue Massage
Also popular, deep tissue massage is
more intense than the Swedish and sometimes uncomfortable, but ideal for
targeting knots or stiff and painful areas. Slow strokes and intense pressure
reach layers of muscles, tendons and other tissues deep under the skin. Pamela
Peretz, CEO of Pamper Group, Inc., which has three massage locations in
Steamboat, says that deep tissue massage is great for skiers and snowboarders.
“Deep tissue massage is one that really benefits them,” Peretz says. “(It)
helps get rid of the achiness and soreness, and helps them get back on the
mountain.”
Benefits: relieve pain, improve mobility, ease chronic tension
Sports
Massage
Use this before,
during and after athletic events to alleviate stress and tension resulting from
physical activity.
Benefits: increase flexibility, injury prevention and healing, improve
circulation, relieve pain
Thai
Massage
The client lies on a padded floor
and is moved into various stretches and positions to compress muscles, stretch
the body and apply pressure to key points. Thai is recommended for skiers and
other active individuals.
Benefits: relieve tension, improve flexibility, energize
Hot
Stone Massage
Hot stones are placed on key areas
of the body, including the back, palms and between toes, to transmit heat deep
into the body. The stones may be used with oil for massaging. Benefits: relax muscles, improve circulation
and calm the nervous system
Ashiatsu
Massage
The massage therapist uses his or
her bare feet to apply intense pressure to the body, massaging deep tissue. This
is the deepest deep tissue massage. For less intensity, request one foot
instead of two.
Benefits: relieve pain, improve posture and balance, relaxation.
Reflexology
Feet (and sometimes hands and ears)
are massaged at pressure points, which some believe correspond with other areas
of the body.
Benefits: relieve pain, restore balance
Water
Shiatsu (WATSU) and Aquatic Bodywork
The client floats with support in
warm mineral water while his body is moved, massaged, compressed and stretched.
The water helps support, stretch and stimulate the body. Benefits: increase circulation, clear energy
blockages, relaxation
Reiki
Adjustments to the body’s energy
field is worked with light touch or by placing hands hear or above the body.
Craniosacral
Gentle movements of the bones of the
head, spine and sacram to help the craniosacral fluid move more easily.
Chair
Massage
A quick massage that focuses on
neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.
Prenatal
Massage
Done in a side-lying position, with
pillows and bolsters to eliminate any strain.
Benefits include relaxation, improved circulation and mobility, relief from
pain.
Cupping
With slow gliding motions, cups are
moved along the body to create suction to loosen stiff tissues and improve
circulation.
Couple’s
Massage
A couple is massaged at the same
time, side by side, by two massage therapists.
Myofascial
Release
Gentle pressure is applied to
restricted areas of connective tissue to release and restore the fascia.
Other massage options in Steamboat include: aromatherapy massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Abhyanga massage, aroma flower elixir massage.