Photography by Sang An
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Ahhhh...More Ways to Ease Pain
July & August 2004
A handy guide to additional massage therapies and their claimed benefits
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When trying out a new kind of massage, rule number one is to be sure
it's licensed. To check, call 888-843-2682 or go to the American Massage Therapy Association's
website.
1. Swedish
Long, gliding strokes on oiled extremities and spirited back kneading are
hallmarks of Swedish, the original Western massage. Developed in the early
1800s and still the spa standard. Used for: Relaxation, boosting
circulation, and instilling well-being.
2. Sports massage
Extra-vigorous Swedish-like strokes are applied for brief periods to specific
muscle groups most susceptible to sports injuries. Used for: Pregame
warm-up, improving performance, and speeding muscle recovery.
3. Shiatsu
Japanese-style massage in which precise finger pressure is used to target nodes
where chi (energy) flows closest to the surface. Used for: Just about
everything, if you believe the claims, since illness is thought to result from
chi disturbances.
4. Neuromuscular
Finger pressure is applied to "trigger points." Similar to shiatsu in
feel, but more focused on relieving pain. Used for: Breaking cycles of
muscle spasm.
5. Reflexology
Shiatsu-like finger pressure is applied to "reflex areas" on the
hands and feet, which are believed to correspond to all the glands and organs
in the body. Used for: Relieving tension. Reflexology also makes a
number of other health claims (such as improving circulation).
6. Chair massage
A brief (15 to 30 minutes) workplace backrub, usually accomplished in one of
those special massage chairs that grant easy access to back and neck muscles.
Bonus: You don't have to take your clothes off. Used for: General
stress relief and well-being. Claims are also made for increasing alertness and
productivity.
7. Facial Rejuvenation
Uses gentle, reflexology-type massage on the face to relax facial muscles and
freshen up your appearance. Used for: Practitioners claim the treatment
temporarily erases wrinkles caused by tension.
8. Tuina
Trendy, chiropracticlike, full-body manipulation based on the Eastern
"meridian" philosophy. Popular in Chinese hospitals and American nail
parlors; sometimes called Table Thai. Used for: Stress relief.
9. Esoteric
This New Age therapy is barely a massage, since hands never touch the body.
Used for: Balancing "energy fields," according to
believers.
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