Types of massage from all over the world

It is not without reason that massages are one of the most popular wellness offers worldwide, because massages help us to achieve a state of absolute well-being. After a session we feel relaxed and recovered, the body is loosened, internal and external blockages are released and the flow of energy is stimulated. Toxins are transported away and happiness hormones are released. So it cannot be denied that massages are part of our everyday life like the air we breathe!

Many cultures have recognized the benefits of kneading and use it in very different ways. That's why there is such a long list of massage methods. To make your choice a little easier, we will introduce some of them in more detail.

From the far north - The Swedish way of massage

The Swedish fencing master, Pehr Henrik Ling, dedicated himself to the development of a massage method in the 19th century, relatively late compared to other cultures. The focus of this very classic treatment is on the muscles and joints, which are loosened by kneading, rubbing and stroking. As an athlete, Ling knew about the indispensable properties such as relieving tension, strengthening muscles, reducing stress and relieving pain. This probably also prompted him to look into the effects and massages in general. His variant is now one of the most widely practiced massages in Europe and especially in Germany.
A session lasts approximately 1 hour and takes place in both Adam's costume and underwear.

The Japanese Shiatsu massage

Everyone is familiar with Shiatsu massage. Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, the Shiatsu method has its origins in Japan. The ancient massage technique is successfully used there and is also gaining more and more recognition in the Western world. Shiatsu can be translated as follows: “finger pressure”. This means that the fingers and also the palms of the hands apply pressure to specific areas of the body that cause us discomfort. The stimulation of points located on the meridians, the channels that are connected to each other throughout the body, so-called acupressure points, is particularly effective. The aim of Shiatsu massage is to activate and circulate life energy, “Qi”. People who are exhausted, tired, stressed, insecure and tense particularly benefit from this method. Pain relief is also a big benefit, which is why Shiatsu is so popular.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for the one-hour massage.

From the USA - The Californian massage

Developed in the sunny state of California in the 1970s, this form of massage also arrived in Germany in the 90s. Californian massage may not have a long tradition, but it certainly has a long future ahead of it. This is a very gentle treatment. Due to the massage oil used, the hands literally glide over the body, gently caressing it, kneading carefully and providing gentle stretches. As soon as relaxation sets in, the intensity can be increased. This variant aims to surrender, let go and achieve complete relaxation, both physically and mentally. Leave the stress and pressure behind and enjoy the gentle touch. The 60 minutes that such a session usually lasts pass faster than you would like. If you feel uncomfortable without clothes, you can use swimwear or underwear.

The complex Thai massage

Complex because it draws on many different influences and practices. Thai massage is a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic influences as well as Buddhist beliefs and yoga exercises. Initially, you expect a massage to relax tense parts of the body, but not pain. Although it may seem paradoxical, you may feel pain in sensitive points. However, this decreases from session to session and then the actual effect of the Thai method unfolds. Then you feel the stress and pressure disappear, the tension released, the muscles tightening and a physical and mental relief. In Thailand, massage is used to prevent health problems.
A session can last between 1 hour and 90 minutes, during which you should ideally wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

Ayurvedic massage comes from the subcontinent of India

India is the cradle of all massages, as the oldest massage method in the world comes from there. As with the Chinese, the variant is rooted in traditional medicine, Ayurveda. Holisticness is the credo of therapy that has been around for thousands of years, looking at the human being as a whole. Body, mind and soul influence our health and should always be examined and treated together. Maintaining and stabilizing your balance is an essential part of Ayurvedic belief. Massage is a tried and tested method for this. Oil is used for a supporting effect and helps the body to relax, strengthen and “detoxify” – from negative environmental influences and stress. Depending on the treatment needs, the therapy lasts between 15 and 120 minutes. The customer is wearing underwear or is undressed.

Oriental massage is not only popular in the Orient

Oriental massage has become more than established, especially in the Mediterranean region. This form of kneading treatment is offered and carried out in the hammams, the steam baths. It actually consists of two parts, the traditional steam bath and the subsequent full body massage. During the steam bath, the body warms up and relaxes a little. The skin pores open and thus promote the removal of harmful substances. In this state the body is well prepared for the hour-long massage. Argan oil from Morocco is often used for treatment. Thanks to the still open pores, the body can not only release toxins, but also absorb nourishing essences. The full body massage means the gentle treatment of the front and back as well as all areas of the body, from head to feet. The result is a deeply noticeable relaxation and a happy, comfortable feeling. Like the steam bath before, the massage is carried out without clothes or with swimwear.

Balinese massage – relaxing greetings from the island

The elements of the massage form are based on methods from Chinese, Indonesian and Indian healing arts. It will be carried out in two phases. The “awakening phase” follows the manual treatment in the form of stroking, kneading, rubbing and applying pressure using essential oils. To do this, you take a sitting position and are finally stretched by the therapist. The massage ensures relaxation and vitalization in equal measure. The two phases take approx. 60-90 minutes. For the rubbing and stretching exercises, it is advantageous to avoid clothing or just wear underwear.

This is how the Korean massage relaxes you

Are you looking for pure relaxation in a wonderfully gentle way? Then the Korean massage is just right for you! There is no friction, stimulation, pressure or kneading. Rather, the therapist sets the body in a slightly rocking movement. The passive movement of the body is a flowing process. The exercises stretch muscles and gently shake the extremities, causing a slight vibration. No other method has such a relaxing effect. In comfortably fitting clothing you will find complete relaxation within 1 hour.

Have a massage while sitting

The Amma massage comes from Japan and is performed while sitting on an ergonomic chair. The American massage therapist David Palmer ensured that this method, which has proven particularly effective for problems in the shoulders, neck, back and upper extremities, is offered to employees in many large corporations. The benefits of such health-promoting measures have also become public in Germany. No extensive equipment or preparation is required and after just 15 minutes the test subjects feel a huge improvement in their symptoms and energy-inducing effects. Perfect for getting rid of accumulated and stressful stress in everyday work and preventing the resulting illnesses. You can take part in the express session in everyday clothing.

The (foot) reflexology massage

Our feet are home to 4 reflex zones, the treatment of which has an impact on other parts of the body. And who invented it? The Chinese! Depending on the stimulation of a particular reflex zone, you can simultaneously feel a positive reaction in another, connected area or organ of the body. In addition to the feet, you can also find such reflex zones on the face and hands. However, the feet are the most accurate reflection of our health and their treatment is the most promising. The fact that you can achieve such a level of well-being through your feet is fantastic and impressive. Ideally, you should take an hour to thoroughly stimulate all zones. Socks off, relaxation on!

Massage chairs and other forms of massage

Of course, we cannot introduce all types of massage and the Kobido or Cashmere massage might also be of interest, as well as the various sports massages. We chose the variants that are most commonly offered in Germany and are certainly available in your area. Our massage chairs can offer most of the massage types and techniques mentioned here by imitating the required hand movements. They will never be able to completely replace the human hand, but they will achieve almost the same intensity of relaxation for users. They are massage robots that can perfectly reproduce the beneficial techniques and healing arts of a professional massage.

We generally understand a massage to be a superficial treatment of the body, usually as part of a wellness program. From a legal perspective, massage for therapeutic and medical purposes is reserved for trained professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths and recognized professions in this field. For this purpose, a doctor issues a prescription on which the intended treatment goal is noted.

Which form of massage has proven to be the best?

It is not possible to determine the best massage method in general. Due to individuality, demands and expectations are quite different. The massage that best suits your personal preferences is the best for you! Determine your treatment needs and try which massage proves to be most effective.

What is meant by a body-to-body massage?

With body-to-body massage, you get very close to the therapist's body, which requires a certain level of trust. This form of massage also has no sexual motives or background. The therapist uses his body as a massage tool to help you relax. Participants can exchange energies through dance-like movements.

Which massage guarantees me the greatest relaxation?

The most important prerequisite for achieving noticeable relaxation is the ability to commit to the treatment. Not to be distracted by thoughts or hold on to them, but to release them to make room for positive energy. If you have trust in the therapy and the masseur, let yourself go and don't lose faith or conviction in the effect. Recommended methods include Californian, Korean, Balinese, Oriental and Amma massage.