Tips on How to Know Which Massage Is Suitable for You - Award Winning Spa in Singapore - Healing Touch Spa

Massage has long been used in different cultures around the world as a form of complementary and alternative therapy. Because of its long history, massage has evolved into different types that target various specific health and wellness concerns.

Given the different types of massage currently available, how would you know which one is the best for you? Let this simple guide help you in deciding which massage technique to have on your next visit to the spa.

  • Identify your specific need.
    • Pain relief
    • Massage is good way to relieve pain from the different parts of the body. If you want to experience relief of body pain, headaches, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, leg cramps, or stiff neck, these massage types will be suitable for you:

      Moxa Signature Massage with heated Bian stone – this type of massage relieves stiff neck, shoulder ache, lower back pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle ache.

      Bojin Orthopaedic Massage – this massage type works on the meridian channels and acupressure points of the body to relieve headache, stiff neck, lower back pain, stiff shoulder, sciatica, tennis elbow, and numbed hand.

      Deep Tissue Massage – this massage technique is best in addressing chronic pain, such as upper back pain, stiff neck, tightness of the leg muscles, sore shoulders, low back pain, tennis elbow, and spasms.

      Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage – done with light massage movements, this massage type is ideal in reducing pain in patients with chronic illnesses.

    • Ease muscle tension or trigger points
    • Massage is known to relieve muscle tension and address trigger points. If you are experiencing muscle discomfort after working for long hours or due to intense exercise, you may benefit from the following massage types:

      Deep Tissue Massage ¬– aside from addressing muscle pain, the Deep Tissue Massage targets areas that are prone to tension, such as the back, leg muscle groups, and shoulders.

      4P Tension Relief Massage – this massage type is a fusion massage technique that concentrates on giving the right pressure on muscle groups to relieve muscle tension, stress, and fatigue.

      Thai Fusion Massage – this is a famous massage technique that releases tension and stress by targeting acupressure points in the muscles and joints.

      Acupressure Massage – the Acupressure Massage is also a famous massage technique that effectively addresses muscle tension, stress, and fatigue. Massage therapists use the finger-thumb-palm pressure massage method to relax your muscles and joints.

    • Enhance immune function
    • One of the health benefits of massage that is gaining attention from medical experts is its positive effect in the immune system. According to research studies, massage sessions promote the increase of white blood cells in the circulatory system. White blood cells protect the body from infections and disease.

      Massage was also found to cause a decrease in the number of circulating cytokines. Cytokines are chemical substances that are increased in number when there is an infection or chronic disease.

      The following are great examples of massage types that boost the immunity to help you fight off diseases:

      Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage ¬– this massage technique is recommended by doctors to help in improving the overall health of patients. The Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage drains wastes, excess fluid and improves blood circulation. This massage also flushes bacteria out of your body to prevent infections.

      Moxa Signature Massage with heated Bian stone – the heated Bian stone used in this special massage technique have immunity-boosting effect and antimicrobial properties. This massage also improves blood circulation, which allows the delivery of nutrients to all parts of the body to maintain overall health.

    • Clear your mind and destress
    • Massage is a well-loved therapy across generations and cultures because of its holistic effects. It not only improves your physical health but it also promotes healing of the mind. Almost all types of massage have a relaxing effect on the mind because of the effect of the hand movements on the pressure points in the body. Among the many types of massage, the highly recommended massage types to help you clear your mind and destress are the Thai Fusion Massage, Acupressure Massage, and the Moxa Signature Massage.

  • Know the contraindications of the massage techniques.
  • Massage has multiple health and well-being benefits but certain health issues may hinder some people from enjoying these perks. Each massage type has specific contraindications. While we cannot list here all the contraindications, we included a short list of the most common contraindications to massage.

    • Open wounds or cuts
    • Skin infections
    • Sunburn
    • Bruising
    • Fracture
    • Recent major surgery in the past year or recent minor surgery in the past 6 months
    • Heavy menstrual flow
    • Uncontrolled hypertension
    • Uncontrolled diabetes
    • Pregnancy

    Massage types that use heat therapy, such as the Moxa Signature Massage with heated Bian stone, are not suitable for people who are sensitive or insensitive to heat.
    People with health conditions such as spinal cord compression, slipped disc, unstable spinal segments, neuritis, and heart conditions should consult the therapist first before scheduling a massage session.

  • Check if your schedule fits with the number of massage sessions.
  • Some massage techniques might require continuous sessions for you to fully benefit from their health effects. Check the recommended number massage sessions with you therapist and see if it fits with your own schedule.