Massage is defined by Merriam Webster as: : manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes.

In the West, basic training for massage therapists is in Swedish massage, which combines a variety of techniques such as effleurage (gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction, and tapotement (light percussion). Other massage modalities, typically learned through continuing education instructors, may encompass some, most, or all of the basic techniques, or draw on other skill sets.

Below are a few of the more common styles of massage therapy and how they work with the body:

shiatsu

Shiatsu originates from Japan and traditional bodywork to reduce pain, prevent injury and promote natural healing, applying good pressure to specific points. Unlike massage, it is not necessary to use oil. Relaxing with shiatsu pressure affects to release hormone to rejuvenate our body physically and maintain good mental health.

Craniosacral therapy

Developed by Dr. John Upledger. It is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases restrictions in soft tissue and tension deep in the body to relieve pain and improve health.

Cupping

Using glass cups to create a vacuum in order to increase warmth and circulation. Cupping can be very effective for relieving pain in Fibromyalgia sufferers.

Deep Tissue Massage

A category of massage therapy set apart from other modalities and used to treat specific skeletal and muscular disorders and complaints. It may employ both a dedicated set of techniques that are intended to achieve a measure of relief and/or a slow, deep penetration of the deeper layers using standard massage strokes.