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After a long hard day there can be few pleasures as soothing as a professional massage. Most of us picture a massage as simply lying on a table and having someone pummel our aching muscles into submission. Maybe that’s okay for a boxer in training but there’s much more to massage than that and the range of massage treatments available is huge. Let’s take a look at five popular massage styles that you must try.

Tantric Massage in London

Tantric massage is offered in many specialised massage parlours in England’s capital city. This style of massage is based on the Hindu principle of Tantra which has as its core goal the heightening of awareness through physical touch. One of the main benefits of a Tantric massage is the physical and mental well-being that can last long after the massage session.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of massage which is derived from Chinese holistic medicine. The massage consists of the therapist using finger pressure for a few seconds on selected acupuncture points. This has the effect of stimulating the flow of energy through the body so reducing stress and muscle strain.

Although the pressure is firmly applied it is not painful and the end result can be a pleasurable feeling of invigoration and relaxation.

Thai Massage

Thai massage has an illustrious past; it is thought to have been originated by the personal physician of Buddha more than 2,000 years ago. An alternative name for this massage is Thai yoga massage as the therapist manipulates the subject’s limbs into positions that are similar to yoga stretches.

You can expect to feel benefits akin to that from a mild yoga session: increased flexibility, a reduction in stress and a better range of motion.

Hot Stone Massage

For a really relaxing massage try a hot stone massage. In this massage style warm stones are placed on sensitive areas of the body such as pressure points. Depending on the subject’s precise needs the stones can be left in place to provide deep relaxation or can be used in place of the hands as massage tools. The heat from the stones quickly eases the tensions in the muscles and this enhances the benefits gained from this type of massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Everyone has a particular part of their body that seems to ache every now and then. This might be a result of an old sports injury or from a form of repetitive strain injury. A deep tissue massage is designed to get right to these problem areas and release the tension that is causing the pain. As well as using the hands, the masseuse will make use of elbows and knees to apply even more pressure when needed.

It’s common to feel some slight muscle ache for a few days after this type of massage but this is a small price to pay for the longer term benefits it offers.

Hopefully this brief description of some of the many styles of massage that are available will encourage you to try one of them for yourself. You might find it is just what your body has been crying out for.