Massage
New Zealand Massage
For physical aches and pains, strained muscles, relaxation or general wellbeing, enlist the help of a New Zealand massage therapist. Find out about the benefits of therapeutic massage and the many types of massage therapy in New Zealand.
Therapeutic massage in New Zealand is an effective way of treating muscular pain and tension in muscles. New Zealand massage therapy is also an excellent way to relax and unwind, both physically and mentally.
What is therapeutic massage?
NZ therapeutic massage is the practice of applying pressure in a controlled way, either with the hands or with mechanical aids, to the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy can be applied to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels to alleviate health problems and encourage general wellbeing. It can be used as a therapy on its own, or in combination with a medical treatment, such as that of physiotherapy or psychological counseling.
Why use massage therapy?
The benefits of New Zealand massage therapy are many and varied:
- Relief of muscular discomfort or physical pain
- Treatment of physical injury or chronic pain
- Alleviation of psychological stress or anxiety
- Improved circulation of blood through the body and in lymphatic system
- Increased flexibility and movement
How will I be massaged?
If you go to a New Zealand massage therapist, you will be treated lying down on a massage table. Usually, you will be asked to remove all clothing, but there will be be towels available to cover parts of the body that are not being worked on. This will protect your privacy, ensure that you feel comfortable and also help keep you warm.
Chair massage has become commonly used by massage therapists who treat office workers and corporate clients in the workplace. For this kind of massage, you will remain clothed and seated in a specially designed massage chair. Chair massage promotes general relaxation and reduction of tension in the neck, back and shoulders.
Types of massage therapy
There are over 150 types of massage therapy, but some of those most commonly referred to, are:
- Relaxation massage (a smooth style of massage designed to promote overall relaxation, improve circulation and ease muscle tension)
- Remedial / deep tissue massage (uses more pressure than relaxation massage and is designed to treat injured soft tissue, including muscle, tendons and ligaments)
- Sports massage (a massage technique specifically designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery from sports injuries)
- Aromatherapy massage (using the techniques of relaxation massage in conjunction with the therapeutic properties of essential oils to promote general wellbeing and health)
- Deep muscle therapy (applied to all muscles, concentrating on the deeper layers of muscle tissue to improve circulation, promote detoxification and reduce muscle pain)
- Reflexology (pressure is applied to the reflex points of the feet, which provide corresponding benefits to particular parts of the body)
- Shiatsu (a traditional, hands-on Japanese healing therapy used to treat injuries and general poor health)
- Swedish massage (designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, ensuring that the tissue is massaged in the direction of the blood flow returning to the heart)
- Thai massage (a traditional form of massage from Thailand, applying pressure on energy lines and points in the body, and involving a range of stretches to relieve tension, increase flexibility and improve energy flow)
- Reiki (channeling universal energy and applying treatment by resting the hands on the body without any pressure, to promote relaxation and healing)
Which type of massage therapy is right for me?
Choose the form of therapeutic massage which is best suited to your needs. Ask yourself, am I looking for a relaxing escape from a stressful life, or do I need a therapy for a specific physical complaint? Before making an appointment, ask questions and find out a bit more about the massage therapist's background, qualifications, techniques and method of practice. Whatever your choice of massage therapy, be sure to relax once you're on the table, to maximize the physical and psychological benefits of your massage treatment.
Looking for more information? Find a New Zealand massage therapist in the NZS.com directory.
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Lifestyle images from Flickr: Back Massage, Yoga and Wine.
