Different Massages & Their Benefits

Who doesn't like having their muscles kneaded, prodded and beaten into total relaxation? Massages are a universal practice, every culture boasting their own home-bred technique, and more still are emerging from the new-age health circles.

There are dozens of different types of massages, each one catering to a taste or need. Here are but a handful of them, each of which may appeal to one of three types of man: The lightweight fella, the tough guy, and the mellow, New Age, scented candle, neo-hippie. Pick your poison.

soft massages

Californian
Long, smooth strokes with essential oils cover the entire body. There's little pressure in Californian; it's more like an extended, professional caressing session.
Benefits: Full body relaxation and a state of mental bliss. Like its namesake state, this massage is all about chilling out.
Why you need it: If you live under constant mental stress, Californian massage is the perfect way to clear your mind, recharge your batteries and make you forget your worries for a bit.

Esalen
Esalen targets muscles and the circulatory system with long, gentle, unpredictable strokes and mild stretching. It increases body awareness and induces a meditative state in the recipient.
Benefits: In addition to promoting relaxation of the muscles and nervous systems, Esalen can stimulate lymph and blood vessels to excrete body toxins and stretch connective tissue.
Why you need it: If you live fast and pay minimal heed to your body's well being, this is just what you need to rejuvenate your mortal coil.

Reflexology
Reflex points in the feet and hands branch out to every part of the body, and are accordingly stimulated through targeted pressure. This practice increases circulation and promotes specific bodily and muscular functions.
Benefits: The touted boons of reflexology include physical and emotional improvements, such as increased confidence, motivation and concentration.
Why you need it: If you believe that fiddling with your hands and feet can treat your disorders and boost your self-esteem, by all means go for it. There's actually plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this belief.

Thai
Also known as "yoga for the lazy," Thai massage is more like a passive stretching session, wherein the practitioner moves, loosens and stretches joints, starting at the feet and moving up.
Benefits: Thai massage therapists claim that it harmonizes the body to loosen blocks and restores balance to "energy lines."
Why you need it: It improves flexibility, and stimulates overall health and well-being. Good for people who spend most of their time on a chair.

Watsu
In water shiatsu, the massage recipient is floated in warm water and gently stretched and given acupressure at specific points. The reduced gravity environment gives the masseuse more freedom to move the body.
Benefits: In the water, you become aware of the dynamics between floating and breathing. Controlled respiration allows you to relax more.
Why you need it: If you like the sensation of being pampered while floating, Watsu is the best choice for you.