20 Most Common Types of Massage Techniques

Types of Massage Techniques

There are many types of massage that focus on different parts of the body. Massage therapy is the method of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands.

Massage therapy is a treatment program that is growing in demand and popularity that involves hands-on techniques to increase blood circulation, improve sleep, reduce stress, relieve tension, relieve anxiety, promote relaxation throughout the entire body, and many other benefits.

Read on to learn about the different types of massage therapy techniques and which type might be right for you.

1- Ashiatsu

Ashiatsu is an oriental bar therapy that is a deep compression massage using the feet.

2- Ayurveda

Ayurveda Massage applies generous amounts of oil chosen based on your dominant or out-of-balance dosha to bring your body back into balance.

3- Bowen

Bowen Technique is a pain-relief technique developed in Australia.

4- Breema

Breema Bodywork manages rhythmic movement sequences to enhance the flow of life energy.

5- Chair Massage

Chair Massage is convenient, fast, and affordable and typically focuses on tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms.

6- Chi Nei Tsang

Chi Nei Tsang is a type of massage that focuses on removing tension patterns in the abdomen.

7- Cupping

Cupping Massage works negative pressure to provide a type of deep massage.

8- Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue Massage releases deep tension patterns in the body.

9- Esalen

Esalen Massage is a mindful massage developed from the influences of many types of bodywork.

10- Geriatric

Geriatric Massage focuses on the needs of older adults.

11- Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage Therapy combines the healing benefits of massage and heat.

12- Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage is a type of massage that is part of the Ayurveda tradition from India.

13- Jin Shin Do

Jin Shin Do combines the pressure techniques of acupressure with the body armoring theories of Wilhelm Reich.

14- Lomilomi massage

Lomilomi massage is part of the Native Hawaiian healing tradition.

15- Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage is a specialized technique useful for swelling when another massage is not appropriate.

16- Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Pregnancy Massage Therapy is great for the mom-to-be. Reflexology is based on the principle that your hands, feet, and ears have reflex points corresponding to every part, gland, and organ of your body.

17- Scar Tissue Massage

Scar Tissue Massage helps get rid of excess scar tissue and adhesions due to injury, surgery, or repetitive motion.

18- Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that uses pressure on points along the meridians.

19- Swedish Massage Therapy

Swedish Massage Therapy increases the flow of oxygen in the blood, stretches the muscles, keeping them supple and pliable, stimulates the skin, and soothes the nervous system.

20- Sports Massage

Sports Massage Therapy can improve your workout and help prevent and treat injury. Sport Massage techniques include:

  • Yoga-like poses.
  • Pressure along the body’s energy lines.
  • Breathing to open up energy passages and release chronic tension.