Time for a Massage?

Time for a Massage?

Take a break this holiday. Relax your body and mind with a well-deserved massage.
If you have been putting it off for sometime, wouldn’t this holiday be the best time to pamper yourself with massage? You are spoilt for choice as there are almost 150 different types of massages to choose from out there. So which one? We have made it easier by listing some popular types of Asian massages to help you take a pick if you’re new to it.

Why massage?

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians have been practicing it for centuries. The Chinese have records dating back 3,000 years documenting its use. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, even have written papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Modern medicine has already made it part of the many physical rehabilitation programmes. What makes massage so appealing? If you ask the millions who swore by it, it is simply because of this: massage helps to relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness if left untreated.

Popular Types of Asian Massages

Wonderful massage techniques have been developed in India and the Far East over centuries. Asian massage is still very popular both for relaxation and as therapy around the globe.

Thai Massage

Originating in India, Thai massage combines guided stretching and meridian pressure techniques with Pranayama breathing. It was brought to Thailand in Buddha’s time about 2500 years ago. Pranayama breathing technique is meant for cleansing the body and strengthening the nervous system. Pranayama breathing also helps in boosting the immune system, focusing, concentration, and more efficient oxidation of the blood. Massage area is on a mat or firm mattress on the floor while a masseuse works on the limbs and joints. The therapist literally uses his or her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions during Thai massage.

The recipient is made to practice yoga-like positions during the course of the massage. At the end most recipients find Thai massage very relaxing and refreshing. Thai massage does not use oil; its philosophy is almost yogic, believing that the body retains air along special pathways that need to be eased in order for flexibility and general wellbeing to improve.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda stems from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge or science) – a 5,000-year-old Eastern Indian medicinal philosophy that literally translates as “science of life.” In Ayurveda, health is a state of balance between body, mind and consciousness. Ayurvedic doctors diagnose illnesses and imbalances through darsana (observing the way a person moves, walks and behaves); sparsana (touching) and prasna (asking questions). The goal is detoxification and restoration of one’s overall balance. Treatment includes a prescribed diet, yoga, meditation, and massage to prepare the body for elimination of waste.

Ayurveda is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an effective health science. Ayurvedic Massage also uses yogic theory, although, unlike Thai Massage, it does use oils – Ayurvedic oils. Ayurvedic oils are organic substances that have been used – predominantly in India – for centuries in order to treat various bodily ailments. The massage is based around a series of hand strokes, each designed to ease muscle fibers while the ayurvedic oils eradicate toxins.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu hails from the Japanese words shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure. It is another type of Asian massage developed in the Far East, known to most as originating in Japan. It uses thumb pressure, palms, and fingers, and works along the energy meridians in the body with the same meridians as acupressure. Health benefits of Shiatsu massage include rebalancing of bone system, improvement in circulatory function, enhanced balance of the nervous system and greater flexibility of skin and muscle.

The roots of this technique are in Japanese philosophy, however usually the Chinese practiced it. This method focuses on the “hara” which is the energy centre of the body. It is tried to treat the entire body using this technique. Pressure application, joint rotations and stretches are the usual practices in Shiatsu massage. Shiatsu’s goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body. Shiatsu treatment is holistic, addressing the whole body rather than focusing on the one area where symptoms are most obvious.

Chinese Tui Na Massage

Tui na is actually a form of Chinese manipulative therapy developed more than 5,000 years ago. This Asian massage is often used in combination with acupuncture, Chinese herbalism and other health therapies. The essence of this massage lies in applying pressure to the body at certain key points. It employs a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with the therapist’s palms, fingertips, knuckles or certain implements that are said to remove blockages along the meridians of the body.

The result is stimulating the flow of qi or chi (natural respiration of the body) and blood to promote healing. Tui na massage is used as treatment for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as certain non-musculoskeletal conditions.

Javanese Massage

Javanese massage of Indonesia is another significant type of Asian massage. It uses all parts of the therapist’s hand, (knuckles, palms and fingers) to knead and massage the muscles. Here aromatherapy will come in effect with massage oils used in abundance to relax, rejuvenate and pamper your senses as well as your body. Javanese massage relieves tension, alleviates back pain and aids in the healing of fractures. It is the most robust (and even painful) type of Asian massage but very beneficial for your health.

We have only listed the most popular Asian massages here. You will soon notice that there are many variations within the top Asian massages. When sampling them, you’ll soon handpick one that best suits your needs.