Introduction

Health and wellness goes well beyond getting plenty of sleep, drinking water, and eating a healthy diet.

There are many additional, holistic therapies which can work to help the body function in a more effective way, whilst also making you feel better as a result.

Massage is one of those therapies, and it is one which has been around for centuries.

A massage is a relaxing experience, a time to totally chill out and allow the practitioner to work out all the knots and tension in your body, and leave you feel liking you’re floating on a fluffy, weightless cloud.

Relaxation aside, massage actually has a whole host of other health benefits too.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether massage can help you, let’s get a little more in-depth and learn more about this ancient therapy.

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What is Massage?

Massage encompasses a range of techniques and pressures which are applied to the body by a qualified practitioner.

When done correctly, massage works to eradicate tension, iron out knots and ‘bunched’ muscles, and also relax the mind.

The manipulation of the body encompasses the connective tissues, muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons, and can be particularly useful in anyone who suffers from aches and pains, or those who have physically demanding jobs.

Benefits of Massage

Now we know what massage is, we need to explore what you can gain by having regular sessions.

Massages are becoming more common as a regular treatment option for certain medical conditions, as well as for those who regularly experience chronic pain, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Of course, there is the luxury side of it, but there is a very real case for massage being a medical treatment too.

The main benefits of massage include:

Studies suggest it can help to relieve stress and improve quality of life
Can help with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
Eases tension in the muscles, and can therefore reduce the chances of tension headaches
Can help with anxiety disorders
Massage can help to relieve the symptoms of common digestive disorders, by relaxing the body and the muscles surrounding the stomach, oesophagus, and intestines
Shown to help with frequency of headaches, especially those who suffer from migraines on a regular basis
Helps improve skin elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite and help prevent stretch marks.
Massage can help improve quality of sleep, and can therefore help anyone who from insomnia
Can help to relieve the pain and swelling associated with a soft tissue strain or other similar injury, including sports injuries. This can help to speed up the healing process
As well as helping with various different types of arthritis-type joint pain, massage has been shown to help in relieving the comfort of temporomandibular joint pain

Of course, there are some warnings and contraindications that we need to mention in relation to massage.

If you have any aches and pains that are persistent, then you should obviously get this checked out with your doctor, before deciding that a massage is all you need.

In addition to this, if you have or suffer from any of the following, massage may not be the right option for you:

If you are taking medications which thin the blood, such as Warfarin, and if you have a bleeding disorder
If you have an open wound or a burn
If you suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If you have a broken bone/fracture
If you have osteoporosis which is quite severe
If you have thrombocytopenia

Types of Massage Therapy

There are many different types of massage within the spectrum, and with each type there are subcategories of pressure, e.g. some may like deep pressure during a massage, whilst others may prefer a lighter touch, for a relaxing feel.

The main types of massage include;

Swedish massage
Deep massage
Sports massage
Trigger point massage
Indian head massage

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most famous, and is quite suitable for most people.

This is a gentle type of massage, and is firstly used for relaxation, and secondly to energise and bring about a sense of wellbeing.

During a Swedish massage, long strokes are used, as well as circular motions, and kneading movements.

Tapping and vibrations are also used to stimulate the blood flow and energise once the massage is over.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep massage is a more vigorous type of massage, and one which uses more pressure and firmer strokes to get to the root of any muscle pain or discomfort.

The strokes in a deep massage are slower and pressure is much harder.

This is to ensure that the deeper layers of the muscle are stimulated and manipulated, as well as the deep connective tissues.

These types of massage are commonly used for those who have experienced an injury to a muscle.

Sport Massage

A sports massage is really what it says on the tin, and it is aimed towards those who regularly play a particular type of sports.

This can be to aid healing of an injury, but regular sports massages have been shown to increase mobility and strengthen the muscles, to prevent injury from occurring in the first place.

The process is very much like a Swedish massage, but focuses mainly on the part of the body that is used the most in that particular sport.

Trigger Point Massage

A trigger point massage is very similar to a sports massage, because it works to release and relax the tight fibres of the muscles which can become injured or strained from regular use or after an injury.

Again, deep pressure and long strokes are used to focus on that particular area.

Indian Head Massage

Finally, we have an Indian head massage.

Many people consider this to be a truly holistic type of therapy because it uses the chakras in the body, in conjunction with massage movements that are mainly focused on the face, head, neck, and shoulder area.

And there you have it, your ultimate guide to massage.

There are many benefits on offer to those who have regular massage therapy, and it may just be the difference between pain and relaxation for you.

Electronic Massagers: The Ultimate Guide

What Is An Electronic Massager?

The term electronic massager covers a broad spectrum of products, across a wide range of prices, each designed with a specific massage goal or massage goals in mind.

Be it therapeutic massage, a massage to promote injury recovery, performance enhancement, or simple relaxation and stress reduction massage, there is a personal electronic massager for you.

By definition, an electronic massager is a device which is operated by a power source such as replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries, an electrical cord, or a combination of all three.

The electric massager does most of the work as opposed to a manual personal massager where the amount of pressure is applied by the person using the massage device.

The purpose of an electronic massager is to simulate the function of a massage therapist by re-creating a deep kneading Shiatsu-type massage, or Swedish-type massage which is most often associated with relaxation by using long surface strokes.

Some professional massage therapists do not believe in the use of these devices to replace the human touch, however, many now incorporate personal electronic massage devices into their practices, to enhance the massage experience for their patients.

Further, many individuals who have become accustomed to using electronic massagers, prefer them over conventional massage, and use their personal massager as their primary means of massage.

Types Of Electronic Massagers

Electronic massagers are capable of delivering a high-quality massage to virtually any region of the body including:

Feet, toes, and ankles
Calves, thighs, hamstrings, and buttocks
Abdomen, lower back and upper back
Neck and shoulders
Head, scalp, and face

Although some electronic massagers are designed for specific parts of the body, many can accommodate numerous areas, and others are marketed to deliver a full body massage.

In addition, electronic massagers use a variety of different massage techniques, each providing unique massage experiences, depending on the area of the body, and specific massage goal.

Again, some devices deliver only one technique, while others incorporate all.

The main massage techniques built into electronic massagers include:

Shiatsu Massage Technique

Shiatsu massage as discussed above originated centuries ago in Japan, and when performed by a massage therapist, uses fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet to release energy in pressure points which affect various parts of the body.

Modern day Shiatsu massage is commonly associated with release of tension, dissolving of knots and crystallization in the muscles, and overall relaxation.

Shiatsu based electronic massagers, use hard balls, referred to as rollers or nodes, which rotate clockwise, counter clockwise, or in both directions to simulate the action of a Shiatsu massage therapist.

Shiatsu is great for the back, neck, shoulders, legs, and feet, but is not recommended for the head and face area.

After a long stressful day at work, or after strenuous physical activity, an electronic Shiatsu massager is the perfect fix to alleviate pain, soreness, or simply relax.

Swedish Massage Technique

Swedish massage is meant to promote relaxation and is based on physiology and anatomy as opposed to energy, in the case of the Shiatsu massage.

The primary technique used in Swedish massage are long smooth strokes which can be soft and gentle, or more vigorous, depending on the goal of the massage.

The Swedish massage function used in electronic massagers, are generally not referred to as Swedish massagers, however, they do a very good job of simulating a Swedish massage and have the same calming effect on the central nervous system and provide a tremendous sense of relaxation.

Typically, they are found in back and leg massagers, and consist of soft or medium rollers which move up and down the full length of the back or leg.

Percussion Massage Technique

Percussion massage, as the name suggests, is a tapping, beating, or hammering action to penetrate deep into the muscles to relieve tension, stress, and knots.

When performed by a massage therapist, the hands are made into a fist, and a pounding motion is used.

Electronic massagers mimic the same action using hard nodes covered by a rubberized material to soften the blow, so to speak.

The intensity level and speed in most devices are adjustable allowing for a lighter, softer massage or a vigorous, aggressive massage.

Percussion electronic massagers are effective anywhere on the body excluding the head and scalp area.

Vibration Massage Technique

Vibration massage when performed by a professional massage therapist, uses a shaking like action in the fingers, palms, and thumbs.

It is generally done in short bursts, with intermittent pauses.

The vibration massage function on most electronic massagers are nodes which deliver a trembling type action, measured by pulses per minute.

Some devices are adjustable while others are not, however, the pulse rates typically range from 1,500 pulses per minute to 5,000 pulses per minute.

Vibration can be used anywhere on the body, however, the intensity level should be scaled down on sensitive regions.

Some of the positive effects of using a vibration massager include soothing nerve damage, breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood flow and circulation, overall relaxation.

Compression Massage Technique

The primary purpose of compression massage therapy is for the treatment of ischemia, which in layman terms means a lack of blood supply.

In fact, this type of massage therapy is often referred to as ‘ischemic compression massage‘.

When performed by a massage therapist, it can be very painful, as the therapist stimulates blood flow by stretching a relaxed muscle until it reaches an 8 or 9 out of 10 pain level.

This is necessary to remove blockages and get the blood flowing to the affected areas.

The compression massage technique is primarily used in electronic foot massagers, and electronic leg massagers.

These devices use adjustable air compression to achieve the same effects with much less pain and discomfort.

Heating Option

Although it is not considered a specific massage technique, a heating option is really a must, to fully heighten the massage experience.

Not only does heat feel good, but it also prepares the muscle tissues, joints, and tendons for the electronic massage procedure by softening, soothing, and relaxing.

Some devices include one heat setting, while most include an adjustable variable setting.

For safety purposes, it is also important to ensure that the electronic massager has an automatic shut off in the event of falling asleep or forgetting to turn off the unit.

Design and Style

Aside from the massage technique, electronic massagers come in a variety of different designs and styles based on the type of massage they are performing.

They include:

Benefits Of An Electric Massager

If you are sitting on the fence as to whether you should invest in a personal electronic massager, the following information should help you make that decision.

Here, we outline some of the general benefits of ownership, as well as the major health benefits.

General Benefits

Cost Effectiveness

Today, the average massage price in the USA is approximately $60 – $100 per hour, and at higher end massage clinics or wellness spas, it is not uncommon to see that price reach $200 – $300 per hour.

Depending on the type of electronic massager you purchase, the unit can pay for itself in as few as 2-3 sessions.

In addition, a personal electronic massager will reduce the number of times you visit a professional massage therapist, and even eliminate the need to go.

Convenience

Some ailments and injuries require very frequent massage therapy treatments.

In some cases, every day. Aside from the cost, it can be extremely time consuming.

A personal electronic massager gives you access 24/7, in the comfort of your own home.

No more booking appointments, driving, and rearranging your schedule to make an appointment.

More Targeted Massage

We know our bodies better than anyone else, and when we have soreness, chronic pain, or any other ailment, we know exactly where it is and what it requires.

Administering a self massage can often be more effective than having a professional perform it. Owning a personal electric massager allows this.

Health Benefits

Massage therapy has become accepted by the medical profession as a viable treatment for many medical conditions.

Research has proven positive effects from massage, and most insurance plans will over a portion of massage therapy treatments, and some will cover the cost of personal massage devices.

Massage therapy has numerous health benefits, most of which can be realized by using a personal electronic massager.

Following is a list of the most common benefits: