The "classic" and Asian forms of massage

In Europe, when we talk about a “classic” massage we mean Swedish massage, which was developed in Stockholm around 1800. Classic massage involves directly massaging the skin and muscles in the affected area. Five different hand movements are used – stroking the skin, kneading, rubbing, tapping and vibrating.

The basic idea behind this approach is that pain is often caused by tense and tight muscles that affect blood circulation and irritate the nerves. The aim of classic massage is to relax the muscles and improve circulation in order to relieve the pain.

In this approach, ligaments, tendons and muscles are massaged, while at the same time they are also stretched and moved. The aim is to improve mobility and relieve pain. It is not unlike manual therapy or physiotherapy.

This therapy focuses on moving the joints in the body and the spine as well as massaging the muscles. Like manipulation, mobilization aims to improve mobility, and includes elements of both massage and physiotherapy. It is also used to relax your muscles and improve posture and positioning.

Connective tissue connects the different structures of the body – such as organs, muscles and nerves – with each other. The aim of massaging connective tissue is to treat illnesses by relieving tension and positively influencing organs elsewhere in the body.

Here it is mainly the deeper layers of muscle that are massaged. Strong pressure is applied to muscles and tendons using the fingers to try to relieve tension in the body. The more pressure that is applied, the more painful it can be.

In trigger point therapy, pressure is specifically applied to certain “pain-triggering” points (trigger points). These points are oversensitive, tense muscle fibers which the treatment aims to relax.

The “periosteum” is the “bone covering” – a thin layer of tissue that covers all bones. It contains a lot of nerves and blood vessels. The periosteum is massaged with the aim of relieving certain forms of pain.

In acupressure, the therapist applies gentle to moderate pressure to certain points of the body using rotating movements with their fingertips. Acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is based on the idea that there are energy pathways (meridians) in the body through which life energy (chi) flows. Massaging certain points along these pathways is believed to affect people’s life energy.

Acupuncture massage is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in its approach. It involves stimulating points on the meridians using metal instruments. Although the name “ acupuncture massage” may suggest otherwise, no needles are used in this approach.

In this treatment, gentle pressure is applied to the soles of the feet and the toes. The underlying idea is that certain points on the foot are connected to certain organs in the body via “reflex pathways” (not to be confused with nerve pathways). Massaging these points is believed to have a healing effect.

This kind of massage involves creating a vacuum using a pump that is attached to a glass cup. The cup is placed on the skin, and the vacuum pulls the skin into the cup and massages it. If larger areas of the body have to be massaged, the suction cup is moved.

Thai massage involves stretching and pulling the limbs. The massage therapist applies strong, rhythmical pressure to the body with their hands, elbows, knees or feet. According to traditional beliefs, “energy lines” run through the body, connecting the various organs and parts of the body, and these can be manipulated in order to treat illnesses. The modern-day medical explanation is that Thai massage has an effect on muscles, bones and blood circulation.

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of trigger point massage therapy (see above).

Ayurveda is a traditional form of Indian medicine. Ayurvedic massage involves gently massaging the body using rhythmical stroking movements and herbal oils. According to the principles of Ayurveda, this has a cleansing and relaxing effect.