Types of Massage

For a brief overview of the variety of types of massage and bodywork that are available to fit all needs, see Western Massage Types and Asian Massage Styles. Or visit the more detailed articles listed below.

Massage and Bodywork Articles

Abdominal Massage has information about the health benefits of abdominal massage and a video of a Swedish-based abdominal massage routine. Here's a self-massage routine to relieve constipation.

Aromatherapy Massage adds the healing effects of essential oils to the healing art of touch.

Breast Self Massage: Why and how to do it.

Bowen Technique is a pain-relief technique developed in Australia.

Chair Massage is convenient, fast, and affordable and typically focuses on tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms.

Deep Tissue Massage releases deep tension patterns in the body.

Energy Healing Techniques are non-massage techniques sometimes used with massage therapy.

Indian Head Massage is a part of the Ayurveda tradition from India.

Infant Massage and Pediatric Massage are great for babies, children, and parents.

Manual lymphatic drainage (also known as lymph drainage massage) is a specialized technique useful for swelling when other massage is not appropriate.

Massage for Injury discusses how massage therapy can help heal soft-tissue injuries.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy tells you about the many benefits of massage for the mom-to-be.

Reflexology is based on the principle that your hands, feet, and ears have reflex points that correspond to every part, gland, and organ of your body.

Reiki is a natural, complementary, healing modality for stress reduction and relaxation that can restore and maintain health by balancing the chakras and auras.

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that uses pressure on points along the meridians.

Swedish Massage Therapy increases the flow of oxygen in the blood so toxins are released from the muscles, stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple and pliable, stimulates the skin, and soothes the nervous system.

Sports Massage Therapy can improve your workout and help prevent and treat injury.

Thai Massage uses yoga-like poses, pressure along the body’s energy lines, and breathing to open up energy passages and release chronic tension.

Trigger Point Massage relieves trigger points that refer pain.

Recommended Book: Bodywork: What Types of Massage to Get - And How to Make the Most of It