Life happens to you. It’s a simple statement, but it resonates deeply when you're experiencing a lot of stress. However, you have more control over reducing stress than you might think. Some people attempt to alleviate stress through alcohol, smoking, or using antidepressants. But there’s also a more positive way to manage your stress: an anti-stress massage! The massages described in this blog will help you reduce stress. Even if you’re a massage therapist, it’s worth reading to better advise clients who experience high levels of stress.
How Does a Massage Help with Stress?
An anti-stress massage helps stabilize your dopamine levels. Dopamine, often called the "feel-good hormone," plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system. Everything you eat, drink, or find pleasurable triggers dopamine production, making you feel happy. When you're stressed, your dopamine balance is disrupted, and it needs to be stabilized for you to feel better. The kneading of muscles and applying pressure during a massage stimulates dopamine production, helping your body cope better with stress.
Additionally, a massage helps you fully relax. When you’re stressed, your muscles tense up, creating a constant feeling of muscle tension throughout your body. This tension makes it harder for your body to handle stress. No medication or artificial stimulant will help you relax as effectively as a natural massage. A good portable massage table is crucial in this process. The combination of the right equipment, therapeutic skills, and calming music can help the body achieve complete relaxation.
Which Massage is Best for Stress?
Many massage practices offer a variety of massages, but which one is most effective for stress? As mentioned earlier, massage helps the body relax. Generally, people experience the most tension in the back, shoulders, and neck. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose a massage that focuses primarily on these areas. Below, we briefly describe the most popular types of massages for stress relief.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage, also known as a classic massage, is one of the most commonly used forms of massage. It aims to warm the muscle tissue and release tension and pain. The massage is primarily given with the hands and sometimes with the forearms. This type of massage is very relaxing and is by far the best option if you’ve never had a massage before.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage involves placing heated stones on the body. By using warm stones placed on key pressure points, this massage promotes deep muscle relaxation. The heat helps the muscles to relax, allowing the masseur to access deeper muscle layers, resulting in profound relaxation. Hot stone massages are also ideal for longer sessions, ranging from 80 to 110 minutes.
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massages are very popular in India and are considered one of the best massages for stress. Ayurveda is a health system that focuses on the energy present in the body, mind, and universe. This anti-stress massage is characterized by the use of herbs and natural oils. It’s a full-body massage that also includes the head and face.
Thai Massage
The Thai massage combines the principles of various Asian therapies, such as acupressure and Ayurveda, supported by yoga. The recipient's body is placed in various yoga positions during the massage. It is performed using thumbs, knees, elbows, and sometimes the masseur's entire body weight. Loose clothing is typically worn during the massage. Besides relieving chronic fatigue and physical discomfort, Thai massage also fights stress and reduces depressive feelings.
Acupressure Massage
The acupressure massage is based on traditional Chinese medicine and involves applying pressure to meridian points. By stimulating these points, acupressure enhances the body’s self-healing capabilities, removes blockages, and improves energy levels.
Lomi Lomi Massage
Lomi Lomi is a massage technique that originates from the traditions of the Hawaiian islands. It reflects the movements and rhythms of nature. During this anti-stress massage, flowing and rhythmic motions are performed using hands and forearms, often with massage oil. An experienced Lomi Lomi practitioner carries out the massage like a dance, with the primary goal being to remove energy blockages and enhance overall vitality and health.
Choosing the right massage with the right therapist
Most massage therapists are trained in giving Swedish massages. Some have undergone extensive training in other forms, while others specialize in a specific technique. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you're matched with the right therapist, rather than simply scheduling the earliest available appointment.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the amount of pressure a therapist typically applies. This pressure isn’t determined by the therapist’s build, but rather by how they use their body weight during the massage. A petite female therapist, for instance, may be better at delivering a deep tissue massage than a male therapist in certain cases. Thus, the therapist's gender doesn’t determine their ability to perform a particular massage type.
Are you a massage therapist looking for the right equipment? Or are you seeking a portable massage table for personal use? Read our comprehensive guide to buying the perfect massage table!
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