Massage therapy dates back thousands of years, appearing in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Ancient or not, we’re definitely partial to a delightful stress-easing massage on a lazy Sunday morning or a mid-week, after-work pick me up. If it isn’t already your New Year’s Resolution to engage more in self-care, it should be, and massage therapy is a perfect way to have some me-time, meditate and let go of stress.

But how many times have you been pondering over a massage menu that can sometimes be like a never-ending list of options that you’re not sure how to pick from? We’ve devised a list of massages, with VeryWell, to match your mood so that you can choose exactly which massage will help you feeling as good as new.

 

Stressed – Deep Tissue Massage

 If you’re feeling under a lot of stress at work or suffer from anxiety, the deep tissue massage is a focused, therapeutic massage that targets muscle knots. With long, slow strokes, the therapist will relieve painful muscles which can be a physiological side-effect from stress and anxiety. This type of massage is also particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain or lingering stress injuries such as tennis elbow.

  

Happy – Thai Massage

 A Thai massage will leave you feeling as relaxed as if you’ve just smashed a great yoga class. Good vibes only, this blend of assisted yoga and pressing massage movements is designed to energize and invigorate and continue your happy mood. It also aligns the body’s energy and is done fully clothed. It can also relieve back pain, treats balance problems and relieves migraines.

 

Sad – Aromatherapy Massage

 An aromatherapy massage is the same as a Swedish massage with scented plant oils (known as essential oils) added to the massage oil. Essential oils are believed to have healing properties of the plants they are taken from. For example. Lavender and rose are relaxing as well as divine-smelling. The soothing effects of aromatherapy are said to relax and relieve symptoms of headaches and back pain that can often come with sadness or grief. Just make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

  

Angry – Reflexology Massage

 An angry mood can often seize up your muscles and cause stress-related pain throughout the body. To promote relaxation, Reflexology is based on “reflex areas” on the hands and feet, whose energy is believed to be connected to organs and other body parts. Applying pressure to these points can stimulate endorphins (happy hormones) to reduce discomfort and stress. It is deeply relaxing and will relieve your symptoms of anger.

 

Worn out – Swedish Massage

 As a standard type of massage, the Swedish massage is based on Western concepts of the anatomy and human physiology. Differing from the energy-centric style of Asian massage, the Swedish massage includes oil and five basic strokes. Long and smooth, kneading and rolling, percussion (tapping), vibration and friction. If you’re recovering from an injury or in general need of revitalisation, this classic massage will relax your entire body.

 

Match your massage to your mood

 

Tired – Shiatsu Massage

 Similar to a Thai massage, the shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork, involving localised pressure with the therapist’s fingers, hands and elbows. Each point is held for between two to eight seconds and draws on techniques of traditional Chinese acupressure to improve energy flow. Wear loose clothing as there is no oil or lotion used and it is usually done on a mat on the floor. It is said to increase energy and relieve stress-related symptoms, sciatica and arthritis.

Our editor recently enjoyed a Shiatsu massage at Charlotte Mensah’s Hair Lounge salon, given by her senior stylist, Narumi Takahara. The salon offers a 20-minute session for just £15. She reported that she had one of the best night’s sleep in years. She said: “I’d never had a Shiatsu head message before. The extremely firm pressure on my head, and pulse points was reassuringly soothing. Narumi’s fingers are magic.”

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3 comments

  1. Good post! I always go for Thai and Swedish Massages whenever I have a time. This is one way of rewarding myself after a busy week at work.

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