The different types of massage from around the world

It is not without reason that massages are among the most popular wellness offers worldwide, because massages help us to reach a state of absolute well-being. After a session we feel relaxed and refreshed, the body is loosened, internal and external blockages are released and the flow of energy is stimulated. Toxins are removed and happiness hormones are released. So there is no denying that massages belong in our everyday life like the air we breathe!

Many cultures have recognized the benefits of the kneading cure and apply it in very different ways. That is why there is such a long list of massage methods. To make your choice a little easier, we present some of them in a little more detail.

From the far north - The Swedish way of massage

The Swedish fencing champion, Pehr Henrik Ling, devoted himself to the development of a massage method in the 19th century, relatively late compared to other cultures. The focus of this very classical treatment is the muscles and joints, which are loosened by kneading, rubbing and stroking. As an athlete, Ling knew about the indispensable properties such as the release of tension, strengthening of muscles, stress relief and pain relief. This probably also prompted him to study the effects and massages in general. Meanwhile, his variant is one of the most practiced massages in Europe and especially in Germany.
A session lasts about 1 hour and takes place both in the Adam's costume and in underwear.

The Japanese Shiatsu massage

Everyone is familiar with the Shiatsu massage. Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, the Shiatsu method finds its origin in Japan. There, the ancient massage technique is used successfully and is also gaining more and more recognition in the Western world. Shiatsu can be translated as follows: "finger pressure". This means that by means of the fingers, but also the palms of the hands, pressure is applied selectively to areas of the body that cause us discomfort. Particularly effective is the stimulation of points located on the meridians, channels, which are interconnected throughout the body, so-called acupressure points. The aim of Shiatsu massage is to activate and circulate the vital energy, "Qi". People who are fatigued, tired, stressed, anxious and tense especially benefit from this method. Pain relief is also a great benefit, which is why Shiatsu is so popular.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for the one-hour massage.

From the USA - The Californian Massage

Developed in the 1970s in the sunshine state of California, this form of massage arrived here in Germany in the 90s. The Californian massage does not look back on a long tradition, but it certainly has a long future ahead of it. It is a very gentle treatment. Because of the massage oil used, the hands literally glide over the body, caressing it delicately, kneading gently and providing gentle stretches. As soon as relaxation sets in, the intensity can be increased. Surrender, let go, and complete relaxation is what this variation strives for, both physically and mentally. Leave the stress and pressure behind and enjoy the gentle touches. The 60 minutes that such a session usually lasts go by faster than you would like. Those who feel uncomfortable unclothed can resort to bathing suits or underwear.

The complex Thai massage

Complex because it uses many different influences and practices. Thai massage is a mixture of hand movements of traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic influences as well as Buddhist beliefs and yoga exercises. Initially, the expectation of a massage is the loosening of tense areas of the body, not pain. Even if it seems paradoxical, but in sensitive points you may feel pain. However, from session to session this decreases and then the real effect of the Thai method unfolds. Then you feel the stress and pressure falling away, the release of tension, the tightening of muscles and a physical as well as mental relief. In Thailand the massage is used for the prevention of health problems.
A session can last between 1 hour and 90 minutes, during which you wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes at best.

Ayurvedic massage comes from the subcontinent of India

India is the cradle of all massages, because the oldest massage method in the world comes from there. As with the Chinese, the variant is rooted in traditional medicine, Ayurveda. Holism is the credo of the millennia-old therapy, the consideration of the human being as a whole. Body, mind and soul influence our health and should always be examined and treated together. Maintaining and stabilizing their balance are an essential part of Ayurvedic beliefs. Massage is used as a proven means for this purpose. Oil is used for supportive effect and the body is helped to relax, strengthen and "detoxify" - from negative environmental influences and stress. Depending on the treatment needs, the therapy lasts from 15 to 120 minutes. The client wears underwear or is undressed.

Oriental massage is popular not only in the Orient

Especially in the Mediterranean region, the Oriental massage has become more than established. In the hammams, the steam baths, this form of kneading cure is offered and performed. It actually consists of two parts, the traditional steam bath and the subsequent full body massage. During the steam bath, the body warms up and already relaxes a little. The pores of the skin open and thus promote the removal of harmful substances. In this state, the body is well prepared for the one-hour massage. Argan oil, which comes from Morocco, is often used for the treatment. Thanks to the still open pores, the body can not only release toxins, but also absorb nourishing essences. The full body massage means the gentle treatment of the front, back and all areas of the body, from the head to the feet. The result is deeply felt relaxation and a happy, blissful feeling. Like the steam bath before, the massage is performed without washing or with bathing clothes.

Balinese massage - Relaxed greetings from the island

The elements of the massage form are based on methods from Chinese, Indonesian and Indian healing arts. It is performed in two phases. The manual treatment in the form of stroking, kneading, rubbing and pressure release with the use of essential oils, is followed by the "awakening phase". For this, one assumes a sitting position and is finally stretched by the therapist. The massage provides relaxation and vitalization in equal measure. The two phases take about 60-90 minutes. For the rubs and stretching exercises it is advantageous not to wear clothes or only underwear.

How to relax Korean massage

Are you looking for pure relaxation in a wonderfully gentle way? Then the Korean massage is exactly the right one! It does not use friction, stimulation, pressure or kneading. Rather, the therapist sets the body into a gentle rocking motion. The passive movement through the body is a flowing process. The exercises stretch muscles and gently shake the extremities, causing a slight vibration. No other method has such a relaxing effect. Wearing comfortably seated clothes, you will find complete relaxation within 1 hour.

Have a massage sitting

Amma massage originates from Japan and is performed sitting on an ergonomic chair. The American massage therapist David Palmer ensured that this method, which has proven particularly effective for complaints in the shoulders, neck, back and upper extremities, is offered to employees in many large corporations. The benefits of such a health-promoting measure have also been publicized in Germany. It requires no extensive equipment or preparation, and after just 15 minutes the subjects feel an enormous improvement in their complaints as well as energy-boosting effects. Perfect to get rid of pent-up and burdensome stress in everyday working life and to prevent resulting illnesses. They can participate in the express session in everyday clothes.

The (foot) reflexology

Our feet are home to 4 reflex zones, the treatment of which has an effect on other parts of the body. And who invented it? The Chinese! Depending on the stimulation of a particular reflex zone, you can simultaneously feel a positive reaction in another connected area or organ of the body. Besides the feet, you can also find such reflex zones in the face and hands. However, the feet are the most accurate reflection of our health and their treatment the most promising. The fact that you can achieve such a well-being through your feet is already fantastic and impressive. Ideally, one should take an hour to stimulate all zones extensively. Socks off, relaxation on!

Massage chairs and other forms of massage

Of course, we can not present all forms of massage and the cobido or cashmere massage would possibly also be of interest, as well as the various sports massages. Our choice fell on the variants that are most commonly offered in Germany and are certainly available in your area. Our massage chairs can offer most of the massage types and techniques mentioned here by imitating the required hand movements. They will never be able to completely replace the human hand, but will achieve almost the same intensity of relaxation in users. They are massage robots that can perfectly reproduce the beneficial techniques and healing arts of a professional massage.

By a massage we broadly understand the superficial treatment of the body, mostly as part of a wellness program. Legally, massage for therapeutic and medical purposes is reserved for trained professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths and recognized professions in this field. For this purpose, a doctor issues a prescription on which the intended treatment goal is noted.

What form of massage has proven best?

It is not possible to make a blanket statement about the best massage method. Due to individuality, the demands and expectations are quite different. The massage that best serves your personal preferences is the best for you! Eruise your treatment needs and try which massage turns out to be most effective on it.

What is meant by a body-to-body massage?

In body-to-body massage, you get very close to the therapist's body, which requires a certain level of trust. Also, this form of massage has no sexual motives or background. The therapist uses his body as a massage tool to help you relax. With dance-like movements, the participants can exchange energies.

Which massage guarantees me the greatest relaxation?

The most important prerequisite for achieving noticeable relaxation is the ability to engage in the treatment. Not to be distracted by thoughts or to hold on to them, but to release them to make room for positive energy. Have faith in the therapy and the massage therapist, let yourself go and do not lose faith or belief in the effects. Recommended methods are Californian, Korean, Balinese, Oriental and Amma massage.