There are a number of different types of massages, but some are more popular than others. Here are the 5 most popular types of Massage.

Swedish Massage

It is the most common massage and it is also referred to as, massage therapy or classical massage. Its name may have you believe that it may have originated from Sweden, but not at all, many textbooks however, credit a Swedish gymnast, Per Henrik Ling with coming up with the movements involved in this massage but historians have since challenged this. They say a Dutch practitioner Johann George applied the French names to the movements involved in this massage.

A Swedish massage involves long smooth strokes, circular movements and kneading on the top layers of the muscles done with massage oil. It is a very relaxing massage, good for easing stress. Some of the benefits of this massage are:

• Relives stress
• Eases muscle tension
• It can help treat insomnia
• Improves blood flow

Heated Stone Massage

The use of hot stones for medical therapy dates back thousands of years in China. The Chinese are known to have used heated stones placed onto the body in order treat internal organs. Today hot stone massage therapy is a beauty treatment. It is almost like a Swedish massage only that the therapist uses heated stones to massage the body while others a placed on the back, along the spinal cord, on the arms and legs as well. The warmth from the stones is relaxing and comforting. The benefits include:

• Eases muscle tension
• Helps you relax
• Improves blood flow
• Balances energy centers in the body

Deep Tissue Massage

This targets deeper tissue of the muscles as well as connective tissue, it involves slower movements as well as friction and pressure over the muscles.This kind of massage is usually applied to treat muscle aches, strains, problems with posture or any kind of muscle injury. It can leave you feeling sore for some time, but the results, in the long run, are great.This massage is believed to have originated in Egypt and physicians adopted it later to treat muscle injuries and is now very common for sportsmen. The benefits include:

• Treatment for muscle pains
• Helps treat injured muscles
• It can be used to treat chronic muscle pulls
• Can be used to bring down swelling from injury

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a combination of rhythmic massage movements, with stretching and contortion. Some people describe it as being like yoga where you do not do too much work. The therapist stretches and folds your body into different positions to balance your body energy. Thai Massage originated from Thailand, created by a doctor named Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, who was an ayuverdic doctor. He is believed to have learned his trade in India where he was born. The benefits of Thai massage include:

• It is energizing
• Relieves stress
• Makes one more flexible
• It can treat certain illnesses

Reflexology

This also known as foot massage.It involves applying pressure to some points on the feet which are connected by nerves to certain body organs.This massage is sometimes used as a form of treatment and other times just for relaxation mainly for those who spend a lot of time walking or wearing uncomfortable shoes. This massage originated in China where reflexology was used to treat various diseases. Some of the benefits include:

• It is very relaxing
• Softens tissue in the feet
• It can help treat body organs
• Increases sensitivity of the skin

There are several other types of massage but many of them are similar to these mentioned above.