11 exotic types of massage that are worth going abroad for (12 photos)

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is the treatment of physical and mental illnesses using various essential aromatic oils. This massage technique combines the special power of the massage therapist's hand movements and natural aromas. Each essential oil used in massage has a different effect—some, like lavender, are relaxing, while others, like citrus, are refreshing and energizing.

Aromatherapy massage

According to research, aromatherapy does not have a placebo effect, and in fact has healing properties - the molecules of essential oils are extremely small, so they are able to penetrate the human skin and enter the lungs, and from there into the bloodstream. Thus, the medicinal properties of plants can affect both the human brain and other organs.

Aromatherapy massage is ideal for emotional exhaustion, overwork or stress. It will help you relax, gain strength, and gain energy.

People suffering from anxiety, depression, emotional and mental exhaustion, stress and nervousness are advised to use the following oils:

• bergamot;
• jasmine;
• tangerine;
• Canadian spruce;
• sage;
• sandalwood;
• ylang-ylang;
• orange oil;
• lemon oil.

People with sleep disorders are advised to inhale chamomile, bergamot, jasmine and lavender oils before bed.

Chamomile, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and bergamot oils are recommended for people suffering from outbursts of anger and aggression and wishing to calm down.

Bergamot, orange, chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon and ylang-ylang oils are considered oils of happiness and peace.

A little about massage

Massage is a procedure during which the body is healed due to physical and reflex effects on the body.

At first glance, it may seem that the massage therapist’s movements are very simple and primitive. In fact, the art of massage is not so easy to master.

There are many varieties of this manual procedure. Some countries have their own techniques and methods.

If you really want, you can try each type of massage for yourself. But in order not to harm your body, we recommend that you consult a doctor and be sure to trust your body only to qualified specialists.

Ayurvedic massage

Ayurveda is a renowned philosophy of healing, health and beauty with a history of five thousand years. India is considered the cradle of Ayurveda. This massage treats not only the body, but also the mind, calms passions, and helps maintain a stable emotional state. The rejuvenating, detoxifying, calming effect of Ayurvedic massage is known. This massage awakens vitality.

Ayurvedic massage

Ayurvedic massage differs from classical massage in that it is carried out to maintain not only the body, but also the mind, feelings and a stable emotional state. These massages balance emotions, calm the mind, remove toxins, and rejuvenate cells. Ayurvedic massage is also called rejuvenating, and it is believed that it can even prolong a person’s age. It is because of this special effect that in ancient times these massages were performed only by members of royal families.

Ayurvedic massage is performed using various oils selected depending on the type of person. According to Ayurveda, people have different body types: wind (vata), fire (pita) and earth (kapha).

Human type setting:

• Oils for massage are selected individually depending on the type of person. If a person’s skin is prone to cold, the body loves warmth (wind type people), it is necessary to use warming mustard and sesame oil.
• Fire type people have a lot of warmth. Therefore, cooling sunflower or coconut oil is used.
• People of the earth type have moist skin and generally do not like oil very much. However, corn or the unique sesame oil, which can also be mixed with herbs or aromatic oils, are suitable for some problem areas.

The type of person is determined by communication: by appearance, manner of speech, behavior, hobbies and even sleep habits. Usually special tables with 20-30 questions are used that help determine the type of person.

Massage systems

Depending on the specifics of the massage, there are two main systems:

• European - during this procedure, both the entire body and its individual parts are massaged. Basic (standard) techniques are used. This system includes: classic, therapeutic, sports, hygienic, relaxing and other types of massage.
• Eastern - during such procedures, the massage therapist finds biologically active currents, reflex zones and presses on them. Thai massage can be considered a representative of this system.

Relaxing massage

The very name of this massage shows its effect and purpose. A relaxing massage is suitable for everyone. A deeply relaxing massage soothes the central nervous system, relaxes muscles, reduces irritability and relieves fatigue.

Relaxing massage

A relaxing massage is performed with slow, wide movements that relieve tension and fatigue. Short stretching movements are used to relax tired muscles. This massage can be performed on the whole body or on specific areas.

A relaxing massage is suitable for everyone, but most of all for those who suffer from chronic fatigue, nervousness, and sleep disturbances. The power of a relaxing massage is amazing - it stimulates the brain centers, releases endorphins, strengthens the immune system, and increases resistance to stress. The effect of the massage is enhanced by essential oils with a relaxing effect.

Influence:

• reduction of muscle tension in the body;
• guaranteed better sleep and rest;
• reduction of irritability;
• improved mood.

Advantages:

• calms the central nervous system;
• improves skin function;
• muscles rest better;
• strengthens blood vessels;
• reduces blood pressure;
• improves metabolism;
• improves the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

Classification of massage depending on the area of ​​the body being massaged

The whole body, as well as its individual parts, can be massaged. For example, after a broken arm or leg, a massage of these limbs is required.

Depending on which part of the body is being massaged, this procedure is classified as follows.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is especially useful for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience constant nervous tension, or suffer from spinal injuries.

Deep tissue massage

This is one of the most popular therapeutic massages in Asia, which includes deep tissue massage, joint exercises, strengthening of ligaments and tendons. This therapeutic massage helps relieve muscle tension caused by poor posture, spinal pathology or nervous tension.

The joint system also works well: blood circulation in the joints improves, passive movements and stretching exercises are performed, affecting not only the joints, but also the ligaments, tendons and muscles. After the massage you feel relief and peace, so this massage is not only for the body but also for the bliss of the soul.

Baby massage

In pediatrics, massage is often prescribed for children. It can be both therapeutic and health-improving.

Wellness massage can be done by parents themselves from the first days of the baby’s life, combining it with exercises. Mothers can use the following massage techniques: stroking, light kneading and rubbing. Be sure to use oil. Thanks to this, the hands glide easily over the child’s body and do not cause him discomfort.

Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a doctor and should only be performed by a pediatric massage therapist. This procedure is aimed at treating any diseases, so mothers will not be able to carry out all the necessary manipulations on their own.

Indications for prescribing baby massage are the following diseases:

• Torticollis;
• Cerebral palsy;
• Hip dysplasia;
• Scoliosis;
• Flat feet;
• Rickets;
• Umbilical hernia;
• Spine pathologies;
• Injuries of the musculoskeletal system;
• Various birth injuries, etc.

Young patients need to do such procedures 30-40 minutes after eating. The massage therapist must establish contact with the child. If the baby experiences discomfort, he constantly cries and gets irritated quickly, the session should be stopped.

Hot stone massage

Countertherapy or lithotherapy is treatment with special heated stones for deep thermal saturation of the body. This therapy is one of the methods of ancient Eastern medicine. However, this method is also widely used in the modern world in physiotherapy as the main or auxiliary treatment of various diseases.

Hot stone massage

A special feature of this procedure is the use of thermal energy and pressure on reflex points of the human body. This effect relaxes the muscles, resulting in an analgesic effect. Heating the tissue causes blood vessels to dilate, including the smallest capillaries. This improves blood supply to tissues, normalizes the supply of oxygen to them and removes unnecessary products, which optimizes nutrition and metabolism.

Hot stone massage is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is used to treat radiculitis (osteochondrosis of the spine), myalgia (muscle pain), myositis (inflammation of skeletal muscles), as well as sprains and sprains. This therapy method will help you recover from intense muscle activity.

This treatment is suitable for diseases of the peripheral nervous system (neuritis and neuralgia). It is also prescribed for spinal deformities. Additionally, using hot stones helps provide relief during painful periods, but promotes bleeding.

Hot stone massage is used in the presence of disorders of the central nervous system - insomnia, neurocirculatory dystonia (cardiac neurosis), increased irritability, emotional lability (sharp changes in emotions, mood instability), asthenia (increased fatigue and nervousness).

Stone therapy

Stone therapy
is a massage technique based on the use of cooled and heated stones. The stones act as a reservoir of natural energy, which during the massage is transferred to the patient, relieving stress, eliminating accumulated tension, stretching muscles, and calming the nervous system.

For hot exposure, stones of volcanic origin are used, for cold - marble.

Hot stone massage relaxes, improves metabolic processes, accelerates the functions of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and promotes the natural removal of toxins.

Cold stone massage increases the tone of blood vessels and capillaries, helping to enrich the blood with oxygen.

With alternating exposure to hot and very cold stones, a decrease in the patient’s body weight and volume is noted.

The use of very cool stones does not overcool the body - unexpected exposure to cold for medicinal purposes improves metabolism and stimulates the body's immune abilities, helping to activate the body's internal reserves, which are usually unused.

By the way, cold treatment is widely used in modern cosmetology as part of cryotherapy.

Anticellulite massage

Sometimes a massage is needed not only for tense muscles, but also for the skin. If your skin looks loose, as if separated from the muscles, if you have large wrinkles, and you are increasingly frustrated by imperfect, noticeably enlarged thighs, arms, stomach and buttocks, you may need an anti-cellulite massage. Anti-cellulite massage perfectly tightens the skin and eliminates cellulite.

Anticellulite massage

It is recommended to choose a course of 10-12 massages. The best results are achieved with massage 2-3 times a week.

As we know, cellulite tends to recur after a while, so we will share tips on how to maintain the effect of anti-cellulite massage for as long as possible.

• Massage at home. Massage problem areas regularly. Of course, massage at home will not be as effective as in a salon, but at least you will slow down the formation of cellulite.
• Water mode. To have a beautiful, cellulite-free figure, you need to drink enough water - at least 1.5 liters a day.
• Anti-cellulite cosmetics. Buy special anti-cellulite skin wraps, anti-cellulite gel, or make cosmetic wraps with clay.
• Physical exercise. They help burn unnecessary calories and get rid of cellulite.
• Bath procedures. The sauna helps remove toxic substances from the body and speeds up metabolism.

Exotic types of massage that are worth traveling abroad for

Since ancient times, people have been practicing the art of massage, treating their bodies from illnesses, driving out spirits, attracting good luck and simply bringing pleasure. And today this activity has begun to develop further, having unique approaches and types. Different countries around the world have their own exotic massage that is worth traveling for.

Python massage

The Cebu City Zoo in the Philippines offers python massages. For a fee, the daredevil spends 10-15 minutes on a bamboo mat, in the cold embrace of four huge snakes. To prevent cuddling from going into the stage of eating, the animals are first fed 10 chickens per brother. So the reptiles imposingly and extremely reluctantly make any bodily movements.

Elephant massage

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, there live specially trained elephants; they are trained to easily “press” on lying tourists and tickle them with their trunks.

Massage with knives

Budget entertainment for brave tourists in Taiwan: for a modest fee of $3, you will be “massaged” with large meat knives for 10 minutes.

Slap massage

In Thailand they believe that an accurate, skillfully struck palm strike can rejuvenate the “patient” by almost 20 years. The main thing is to hit correctly.

Facial massage with bird droppings

Japanese beauties believed that if you rub nightingale waste products into your skin with massage movements, it will moisturize it, speed up the regeneration process and make your face brighter.

Tickle massage

Isabel Ayres, who practices a unique massage technique at Madrid's Cosquille Arte Spa, is convinced that tickling is not irritating. Properly dosed tickling has a relaxing effect.

Cactus massage

Lucky guests who vacationed at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, can try an exotic needle-free cactus massage for free. Cactus perfectly moisturizes the skin.

Massage with brooms

For foreigners this is definitely exotic.

Snail massage

Huge African snails are placed on the client’s face and body; they crawl slowly, leaving slippery marks. Snail mucus significantly accelerates skin regeneration.

Hot pancake massage

The body of a relaxed client is massaged with fresh, hot, piping hot pancakes. Massage and aromatherapy - 2 in 1. The author, massage therapist Yvette Chang, is convinced that in this way you can get rid of fatigue, remove toxins and excess fluid from the body.

Fire massage

In China, they believe that wrapping yourself in a burning cloth soaked in a special oil composition protects against colds and flu. It also burns excess weight.

Image source: bigpicture.ru

Lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage massage will help balance fluid metabolism, maintain optimal health and beautiful appearance.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage surpass many other types of massage: it normalizes blood circulation, the lymphatic system, helps remove toxins from the body, significantly reduces swelling, helps regulate volume, improves muscle tone, gives the skin firmness and elasticity, and activates the immune system. It also helps with swelling of the legs, eyes, face, and bloating in the lower abdomen.

Lymphatic drainage massage

For the massage to be effective, you will need a course of 10 procedures 1-2 times a week.

Massage for women

Due to a sedentary lifestyle, many women have problems with their reproductive system due to various types of congestion. Gynecological massage improves blood circulation, eliminates congestion, and in some cases normalizes ovarian function.

This massage is prescribed for women with diseases of the genitourinary system. It is carried out on a gynecological chair or on a couch. In this case, the woman should take a knee-elbow position.

This is an internal procedure that lasts no more than 5 minutes.

Back massage

Back massage helps get rid of pain, tension, muscle fatigue after physical activity and training. Back massage is especially suitable for those who work sedentarily, have a weakened body, are overweight, or have injuries to the back and spine.

Back massage

Therapeutic back massage, in general, is one of the most significant for the human body. The back is rich in blood vessels and nerves. All functions of the human body are regulated by the nervous system. Massage affects the irritability of the nervous system. This means that strong movement awakens a person, and light movement calms him down. This causes reactions in the internal organs.

Back massage has a healing effect for many diseases, soothes and relaxes muscles after sports or injuries caused by increased stress. This is especially true if you start training suddenly or after winter when your muscles are still stiff.

Classification of massage. Its types

As we said earlier, there are many different types and subtypes of massage. We will try to classify the main ones.

So, depending on the effect obtained, massage can be:

• Sports – prepares the body for upcoming stress, relaxes tense muscles, helps restore the body after injuries, etc.
• Healing – promotes rapid recovery of the body after an injury or illness.
• Hygienic – prevents the development of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, strengthens the immune system, improves well-being, etc.

According to the method of influence, massage is divided into:

• General – the whole body is massaged, including the head and limbs;
• Local – massage of a separate area of ​​the body;
• Self-massage - a person performs the procedure on his own;
• Joint – when the body is massaged by 2 massage therapists using 4 hands or two people massage each other.

Depending on what exactly and how to do the massage, it can be:

• Manual, foot, etc. - that is, the massage therapist acts on the patient’s body with part of his body.
• Hardware - massage using special equipment.
• Using tools - using brushes, rollers, spoons or other special devices.

Thai massage

Thai massage has relaxing and healing properties. During the massage, certain points are stimulated, which activate the body's activity. The massage technique is reminiscent of yoga training, but the massage therapist does all the work. Thais are real massage enthusiasts. They work on the palms, feet and body strength. After this massage you will feel lightness and flexibility.

Thai massage

Rules for massage procedures

Different types of massage require different techniques for performing it. We will consider the basic rules for conducting manual procedures according to the European system.

1. You need to start the massage with stroking movements, gradually increasing the pressure on the human body.
2. Large parts of the body, such as the back, are the first to be affected. Only after this can you move on to the arms and legs.
3. The massage therapist's hands should move only in the direction of lymph flow. There should be no chaotic movements.
4. At the stroking stage, you don’t need to use oil or cream, but during kneading you must use any moisturizer; it softens the movement of the massage therapist’s hands.
5. The patient should be on a special couch or other hard horizontal surface.
6. Before starting the massage, the massage therapist's hands must be washed. Long nails are not allowed. They must be cut at the root.
7. The client should not feel discomfort or acute pain during the massage. If this appears, then the master must either reduce the pressure or change the tactics of the procedure.

Face massage

Facial massage is perhaps the most effective tool in the fight against aging - facial wrinkles, age spots, graying. Facial massage also improves tissue blood circulation and lymph circulation. For good results, facial massage should be performed at least 3-5 times a year. The more procedures, the more beautiful your skin will be.

Face massage

Thus, it is optimal to choose a massage based on the most painful health problems that are bothering you at this time. Then the benefits will be obvious - from the need to improve body lines to a better emotional state.

Many types of massage slow down the heart and breathing, relax the body, reduce the production of stress hormones, and the muscles begin to get rid of fatigue and tension. Massage helps fight hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, insomnia, anxiety, constant fatigue, digestive disorders, psychological and other disorders, so a good massage has practically no analogues.

Massage with bamboo sticks

A type of massage that helps in the fight against fat deposits, cellulite, restores tone to the skin and muscles and is a great mood lifter!
The massage technique is based on rubbing and kneading the body using bamboo sticks

, which, thanks to their textured surface, actively affect the skin of the body, effectively stimulate problem areas, destroying fat deposits. After massage sessions with bamboo sticks, the skin of the body becomes toned, elastic, and smooth.

Combination of massage with other physiotherapeutic procedures

Many doctors combine massage as an excellent method of rehabilitation with other physiotherapeutic procedures.

Despite the fact that any prescriptions should be made by medical professionals, we are sure that everyone will be interested in what massage can and cannot be combined with.

Carrying out massage at home

Most wellness treatments can be done at home. Massage is no exception. But before you perform similar procedures on someone or trust your body to an amateur massage therapist, think several times.

A person who does not have a medical education and does not thoroughly know the structure of the human body can cause harm to the body. For example, during any type of back massage, a nerve can be pinched.

Untrained people do not know about contraindications and perform massage, which only aggravates the patient’s condition.

If you feel the potential of a massage therapist, then before providing such services, at least complete the appropriate courses. Never trust your body to amateurs. It is better to pay a professional massage therapist than to then spend several times more money on treating the consequences after such a massage.

Of course, if we are talking about a light wellness massage for a child, or a foot massage, and you are sure that the manipulation is safe, you can try such a procedure.