Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know About It
By Sasha A Scott 
[http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sasha_A_Scott]
    
What comes to mind when you hear the word massage? How about massage therapy? What's the difference? Well, let me start by saying that massage therapy has been around for long time; thousands of years to be approximately exact. Now what else is there to know?
Massage came from the Greek word "masso" meaning, "to touch". It aims to improve integrity of muscle tissues, release tension, improve blood and lymph circulation, alleviate pain, improve range-of-motion and so much more. You see, massage has a lot of health benefits.

The person who performs the massage therapy is called a massage therapist and they use several strokes during the entire process; a combination of kneading, gliding and cross-fiber friction. During a massage, you're required to take off all your clothes. But fret not; you will be entirely covered with sheets and only the area that will be worked on will be modestly exposed. Massage therapists make use of oil to lubricate the skin and facilitate ease of strokes.
There are different types of massage therapies and these are the following:
1. Swedish
2. Deep tissue
3. Sports
4. Hot stone
5. Aromatherapy
6. Trigger point therapy
7. Craniosacral therapy
8. Neuromuscular therapy
9. Myofascial release
10. Watsu
11. Rolfing
12. Reflexology
13. Shiatsu
14. Thai massage
15. Ayurvedic
16. Pregnancy
Each of these massage therapy types has different purpose. If you're physically active, you can get a sports massage therapy . Pregnancy massage, from the name itself, is for expectant women. It eases the discomforts that comes with pregnancy and promotes shorter and easier labor. And so on and so forth.
Now if you're wondering how much a massage cost, well, it depends on where you are and how expensive or luxurious the spa is. In short, it varies. It can take from thirty (30) minutes to ninety (90) minutes. Mini massages are usually shorter. But most of the time, massages can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour.
There two ways to get a massage therapy. The first option is going to a spa and the second one is hiring a licensed massage therapist. The latter can go to your house and give you a massage in the safety and comfort of your own home.
Remember however that when you are sick or experiencing some health problems, don't get a massage therapy . For example, if you have rashes, open wounds, chemotherapies and such, give yourself a break and use this time to rest and recover. On the other hand, pregnant women should consult their physicians first before getting a massage therapy.
According to [http://www.tensionrelease.com.au]Massage Melbourne, if you're thinking of getting a massage therapy , do it on a regular basis. As the long-term effects of massage therapy is worth your every penny. However, make sure that you only trust therapists or spas with good reputation and offer excellent services. [http://www.tensionrelease.com.au/therapeutic-massage.htm]Massage StKilda emphasizes that going to a therapist or spas that offer substandard services is not only a waste of your precious time but money as well.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Massage-Therapy:-What-You-Need-to-Know-About-It&id=6784733] Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know About It