August 20th, 2012 • Posted by Pure Salon • Permalink
Since ancient times people from all over the world have believed a massage to be a form of natural healing. Today, the art of massage has grown so popular that even a San Diego hair salon may have it in their repertoire of services. But how do you differentiate one kind of massage from another? Here are some of the most common massages:
Swedish massage
Swede Per Henrik Ling invented the Swedish massage in the 1800s. Eager to help the king and his troops after a rather unsuccessful military operation, Ling introduced his massage technique specifically targeting the development of specific physical movements.
The Swedish massage is associated with long strokes in the same direction as blood flow to the heart. It was designed to flush toxins from the muscles and increase oxygen flow in the blood stream. Metabolic wastes such as lactic acid and uric acid can build in your system over time in relation to the amount of exercise you receive and your diet. It is important to flush these wastes from your system as frequently as possible in order to maintain a healthy muscle composition and a low stress level.
Hot and cold stone massage
The art of a stone massage has been around longer than the Swedish massage as evidence links back to ancient India and China. A stone massage is famous for the ability to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Our
San Diego massage therapists use a special kind of stone, called basalt stones, for this massage. Basalt stones are ideal for storing heat and cold for long periods of time. With a hot stone massage, the skin opens up to allow the therapeutic oils to seep into the muscle layers. Some therapists believe that a single stroke with a hot basalt stone is comparable to five strokes using their hands.
A cold stone massage is recommended after procedures such as waxing and dermabrasion. Using the heat exchange principle, a cold stone massage helps to regulate body temperatures after the skin has been exposed to heat. The balance of hot and cold helps the body to relax and promotes healing.
Reflexology
Reflexology also has a great history, but according to
San Diego spa therapists, has only recently become a popular request. Reflexology revolves around the concepts of applying ample pressure to vital points of the body like the feet and hands. Therapists claim that the application of great pressure to certain areas of your body can help alleviate pain all over.
When it comes time to choose the best massage for you, first identify the purpose of the massage. Ask yourself if there are specific areas of your body that are in pain, if your entire body needs to be flushed of toxins, or if you are simply looking to relax. Asking yourself these questions will help you choose the right massage, maximizing the enjoyment and positive results from your experience.
