For those unfamiliar, the art of massage can be an intimidating thing. Is it soothing or painful? What are its long-term benefits? Will a professional masseuse provide me with a better massage than the foot massager that I bought at Wal-Mart? The answer to all these questions depends on the kind of massage (though going to a spa in Ottawa will always be more beneficial than relying on a store-bought massager).
Swedish massage is by far the most popular kind of massage, and it serves as a basis for all other styles of massage. It uses longer and deeper strokes, and movements such as tapping, vibrating and circular motions to relax specific tissues. By targeting specific tissue sites – the neck, arms, legs and back – it loosens joints and takes the strain out of your muscles. Swedish massage can be enhanced with the addition of smooth, water-heated stone. Known as a hot stone massage, it can help treat anything from fibromyalgia to arthritis to insomnia, while giving the general benefits of increased joint mobility and improved circulation.
Sports massage is a specialized kind of massage, used to target specific trouble areas. It could be your neck, your back, your right calf muscle: whatever it may be, this type of massage focuses on alleviating the pain of the particular. Sports massage does not necessarily even need to treat athletic injury, but can also be used to break down scar tissue, relax tight muscles, or help improve muscle length.
The benefits are not just physical, but also mental. The main reason why people love massages is simple: they’re relaxing. And there’s science to back this up. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly every stress-related symptom can be lessened or eliminated through massage. With every massage session comes a complimentary rush of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine that will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. The troubles and physical distress that was once present will be felt drifting into the background. But this is not just a temporary high: regular massages can lead to long-term stress alleviation.
Stress relief, increased flexibility, improved circulation, reduced chronic pain: the list goes on and on. These are all benefits massage-goers can expect to see both immediately and in the long-term. These perks do not come from just any massage, and using Epsom Salts or a vibrating Shiatsu pillow will not make large qualitative differences to your health. The simple touch of an expert masseuse can bring about some serious mental and physical relaxation. Book your massage today and see what all the fuss is about.
