SELF
happiness is …
a good massage! which one is right for you?
of years and if you want a massage in today’s world, you can choose from about 80 massage therapy styles— with a variety of pressures, movements, and techniques. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, in 2020 approximately 20 percent of all Americans had some form of massage on a regular basis. More and more people recognize the benefits of massage to help with an array of health conditions and to promote overall wellness. With so much to choose from, here is a bit of clarity: MA S S AGE H A S B E E N PR ACT ICE D FO R T H O U S A N D S
Swedish Massage is the most common and best-known type of massage. It involves long, fluid strokes of muscles and tissues with pressure that varies from light to medium to firm. Add heated stones, and hot stone massage therapy will lead to enhanced relaxation. It is recommended for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other chronic pain.
Deep Tissue Massage is a deeper, more intense massage. This technique uses slow, deep-guided strokes and firm pressure designed to relieve severe tension and reach below the superficial muscles. This type of massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain and soreness in both large and small muscle groups.
Sports Massage can enable you to move your body more freely with more flexibility and in time can improve your posture. As the name suggests, it is popular with athletes, as it enhances performance, assists recovery, and prevents injury.
Oncology Massage uses existing massage therapy techniques and tailors them in order to safely work with the complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist’s skill set are an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body, as well as a keen understanding of the side-effects of cancer treatments.
LKN EXPERT
Trigger Point Massage uses concentrations of finger pressure on each trigger point to prevent cycles of muscle pain and spasms. Trigger points are sore, painful spots that occur in a muscle. Most people refer to trigger points as knots. They are called trigger points because they “trigger” a painful response that often refers pain to different parts of your body.
Prenatal Massage is a nurturing massage that focuses on the special needs of mothersto-be during pregnancy. Positioning, pillows, and cushions are used to enhance support, decrease pressure, and increase relaxation for both body and mind. Relief of stress on feet, ankles, lower back, and neck, as well as reducing swelling, are all benefits of a prenatal massage.
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage provides 84 essential minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more. Heated salt stones generate negative ions shown to help create a sense of peace and a deeper sense of relaxation. It allows minerals to penetrate deep into muscles and joints, and the salt stones moisturize and plump up the outer skin layer. w
Janet M. Hunter is the owner of Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, located at 631 Brawley School Road, Suite 200, in Mooresville. You may contact them at 704.800.5535 or give them a virtual visit today at www.handandstonemooresville.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
w OMAN.COM
L AKENORMAN
WRITER JANET M. HUNTER
