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Step 1
Have a Swedish massage if you've never had a massage before. This most common type is most often just called massage therapy. Swedish massage uses lotion or oil to massage the upper layers of muscle in long smooth strokes. kneading, and circular movements. It is gentle and relaxing.
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Step 2
Relax with aromatherapy massage, which uses scented essential oils. The masseur may select oils to help your body relax, re-energize, reduce stress or restore balance, or he may have you smell the oils to choose what you like. Lavender is a common essential oil for massage.
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Step 3
Choose hot stone massage for an alternate sensory experience. The masseuse may hold hot stones and use them to massage the body gently. Or she may place heated, smooth stones at certain points on the body to loosen tight muscles. This type is good if you prefer a lighter massage to ease your muscle tension.
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Step 4
Opt for deep-tissue massage when you need a stronger, more intense treatment. This type of massage works on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue and uses slow strokes and friction across the muscles. Deep-tissue massage is good for long-term problems involving tight or painful muscles, including injury recovery.
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Step 5
Consider Shiatsu, a type of Japanese massage that puts finger pressure on acupuncture meridians using a rhythmic sequence. Shiatsu massage is relaxing; yet it involves firm pressure.
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Step 6
Try sports massage if you're an athlete or otherwise physically active. This type of massage isn't for relaxing but for preventing and treating injuries and improving physical performance.
