Because of the different influences in massage therapy, there are numerous variations in techniques, but all these various techniques, still provide the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have very different origins and styles, but they still contribute a lot to attain a healthy and relaxed body.

With so many various forms of massage therapy programs available today, it has made it difficult for individuals to select which one is for them.

The Swedish Massage, which is also known as the classic or traditional massage is the most common massage therapy method and is ordinarily preferred by the majority of individuals. It is characterized by long and flowing strokes which relax muscles, improve joint flexibility and help in better circulation.

The first stroke is known as effleurage, involves long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine, or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. It is also done on the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. The therapist uses their whole hand or a thumb pad. This technique is done for familiarisation of the person’s body

Next is petrissage, this consists of the gentle lifting of muscles, then rolling and squeezing them, while applying a gentle pressure. This assists to enhance deeper circulation, it also increases circulation which in turn eliminates toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

Friction, the third technique and the most forceful one is characterized by deep circular movements using fingertips applied near bony areas and joints and it relaxes the muscle fiber which enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

After friction, another technique called tapotement is done. Tapotement is a series of quick forceful movements made by striking or tapping the muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a closed fist, fingertips and the edge of the hand. It releases tension and relieves muscle cramps.

Lastly, the therapist uses vibration or shaking that entails the pressing of hands on the back or limbs and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. It improves circulation and muscle contraction and is advantageous to individuals with low-back pain.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated from India and its purpose is to create harmony and balance within the person and it aids in the removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body. It was not practiced publicly until Indian practitioners decided to roam around and give muscle, joint and back massages

Ayurvedic massage is based on a specific system that includes the knowledge of Ayurvedic and Greek systems of medicine which is focused on Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. Muslim massage techniques were also adapted in this system.

Ayurvedic massage techniques uses specific oils that suit your dosha and depends on your being. Another one is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage, Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot massage which is a deep massage where the therapist uses his feet.

Now you have sufficient knowledge on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, it is up to you to choose between the two which best suits your style of relaxation. Remember both massages have special qualities and techniques, the selecting part can be a little difficult though, so if you are still undecided why not try both?

Would you like to learn more about Massage Therapy Benefits or Swedish Massage Therapy. Then visit this popular website, that provides more free information to help you relax and de-stress with its Massage Therapy Tips.

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When such a high percentage of the people are overweight it seems fitting that there is significant number of the population who are extremely image conscious. Perhaps this is in part to those health magazine covers with men and women who have desirable, health and fit looking bodies. This of course has had a knock on effect with more fitness clubs and health spas being built.

Increasingly we are being targeted at home as well with fitness and health product advertising and sponsorship found on TV. But exercise is not the only way to build that body beautiful because it also entails a certain responsibility about the foods we choose to eat as being healthy and fit requires one to follow a regular diet fitness regime.

What makes this confusing for the amateur is that one side says that you are better of eating foods high in fat when you exercise and the others state you need to eat foods that are a good source of carbohydrates. What doesn’t help the average person is what diet-fitness regime to follow as both seem to make sense; there is the one that says eat foods with high carbohydrate levels and the other which says you need to eat foods with a high fat content which appears to contradict everything we are told about dieting.

The first thing you need to know would be the fundamental differences between these two diet approaches because as the name implies, high-carb diets concentrates on taking in carbohydrate-rich foods while high fat diets endorses fat-rich foods. The high-carb enthusiasts say that we need these sorts of foods because the glucose (or energy) is stored in the muscles and liver in the form of glycogen which is great for short burst of energy or any type of anaerobic exercise.

The other camp believe that because fat is a higher source of calories an it metabolizes in a fraction of the time it takes carbohydrates, then these are the foodstuffs we should consume before exercise. So according to the experts, it doesn’t matter which you choose, as long as you don’t follow both at the same time, unless weight gain is what you want.

The purpose of diet fitness is to change your diet and lose excess body weight in the form of fat, by regular physical activity. To achieve this, research has shown that you need to think about how you are currently living your life which includes the type of food you like to eat and if there are any medical considerations.

It is not as if you can get away from it as the advertising for diet and fitness equipment is also on the television as well. Although it still means that that essential nutrients and proteins for example that keep the body and mind healthy should be part of that diet; amounts of which are broadly publicized by health organizations.

Those followers of eating foods with high carbohydrate content believe these are best owing to the amount of energy that can be stored in the muscles ready for instant release.

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