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A Bit About Massage Therapy

A Bit About Massage Therapy

August 28 2018

Massage therapy has a long history in cultures around the world. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. Here at Skin Essentials Luxury Med Spa and Salon, we offer a full range of massage options to suit your needs, ranging from 25 to 115 minute sessions. If you’re new to this type of treatment, we understand the options can seem a bit overwhelming. We will highlight the differences here to help you choose the best option for you.

Swedish. As the best-known massage therapy, this is what most people visualize when they think about massage. The main goal of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of the blood flow towards the heart. Beyond relaxation, though, this type of massage is also beneficial for increasing oxygen levels in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, and improving circulation and flexibility.

Deep Tissue. Similar to Swedish massage, this treatment option includes deeper pressure and is an excellent option for releasing chronic muscle tension. This massage technique focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia and the benefits include the reduction of stress hormones, decreased blood pressure, and an increase in the feel-good hormone serotonin.

Thai Massage. Long considered a medical treatment in Thailand, during this massage the therapist puts you through a series of stretches that cover the entire body. (That’s why it’s often called lazy man’s yoga.) This massage also includes deep-pressure point work to stimulate the sen, or the body’s energy pathways.

Cupping Massage. Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that’s based on the belief that certain health problems can be caused by stagnant blood and a poor energy flow through your body. To fix or prevent those health issues, cupping practitioners apply cups—typically glass or silicone—to your skin to create a pressure that sucks your skin inward. The pressure that the cups create draws blood to the affected area, increasing your blood flow. The increased blood flow can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Reflexology. Reflexology is a therapy based on the principle that there are small and specific areas in the hands and feet that correspond to specific muscle groups or organs of the body. Through the application of pressure on these particular areas of the hands or feet, reflexology can promote benefits such as relaxation of tension, improvement of circulation, and support of normalized function in the targeted corresponding area. This technique is also an excellent choice for stress relief and relaxation.

In addition to the above-mentioned services, we also offer prenatal massages and add-ons that include stone and aromatherapy. Make an appointment with one of our specialists today at Skin Essentials Luxury Med Spa and Salon, and allow us to help you relax and improve your overall health. We are located at 11464 Space Center Blvd, Houston, or give us a call on 281-344-2521 to schedule your appointment today. You can also download our free app from iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon and schedule at your convenience.

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