General massage or Swedish massage or classical massage is one of the most common types of massages and its goal is to improve the musculosceletal system. General massage first and foremost activates the blood and lymph circulation, stimulates metabolism, reduces muscle tension, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. In the long term, the elasticity of tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue is improved, as well as intestinal peristalsis. Massage also has a relaxing effect in case of mental and physical overloads and it has a direct and indirect effect on the organism through nerve receptors in the skin which are tied to the central nervous system.

General massage is performed on a specialized massage table, and oil is usually used. Based on the client’s wishes or needs the whole body is massaged, or it is focused on a particular problematic part of the body (e.g. back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, etc).

Contraindications:

• inflammatory diseases (e.g. fever – massage exacerbates fever);
• any tumors or doubts of one;
• severe traumas (broken bones, concussions, lacerations);
• acute heart failure, acute renal failure, acute liver failure;
• thyroid gland related diseases;
• open and purulent wounds, venous inflammations, bleeding;
• danger of thrombosis or embolisms;
• some skin conditions;
• threat of miscarriage;
• intoxication, affective mental conditions (neurasthenia, severe stress)

Segment massage is a therapeutic massage with the goal of balancing the function of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. It is a softer or less painful way of affecting tense muscles and adjusting the organism’s function.

Lymphatic massage is a mild massage aimed at the stimulation of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage helps to reduce swelling, expel waste from the organism and increases immunity.

Sports massage is a part of the training system, and its goal is to perfect the physical state of the athlete. Sports massage is effective for both in preparation for competitions as well as combating fatigue. Sports massage is comprised of a complex of special holds which increase sporting abilities, prepare the athlete for active muscle work and accelerate recovery processes.

Aroma therapy is a therapeutic massage performed with ethereal oils, which balances the function of different organs and supports the physical and psychological self-healing of the body. Works well for alleviating stress, mental and physical overload. The ethereal oils are chosen based on the client’s condition to best support healing.

Aroma massage:

• stimulates the organism’s ability to heal itself
• removes dead cells from the skin
• alleviates muscle tension
• strong effect on the psyche
• calming effect in case of anxiety and high heart rate
• removes waste from the organism
• natural antidepressant
• has a pain alleviating effect
• enhances mood
• quickens metabolism
• improves blood and lymphatic circulation

Aroma massage indications:

• stress
• reduction of skin elasticity 
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• cellulite
• pulmonary illnesses
• musculoskeletal system functional problems
• gynecological problems
• blood flow problems
• sleep disorders

Counterindications:

• citrus oils are not to be used before tanning
• pregnancy
• post-operation or post-trauma states (at least 3 months should have passed, depending on the trauma)
• serious thyroid illnesses
• serious psychic diseases
• intoxication
• allergies
• cancer
• hemophilia
• infections
• heart disease
• 2 days after vaccinations
• asthma attacks
• antibiotics, antidepressants
• painful menstruation
• inflammation, fever, broken bones, swelling

Thai massage improves the elasticity of muscles, movement of joints and relieves mental tension. Strong pressure and stretches are used to free blocked energies and balance the cooperation of the soul, body, thoughts and feelings. This massage is considered in the western culture to be the “lazy man’s yoga” because the techniques are combined with breathing rhythms and it is important to perform them finding a stress-free effort state.

Best known physiological effects of Thai massage:

• preserving and correcting posture; improving body sensation
• activating blood and lymphatic circulation
• reducing and preventing muscle tension, improving and maintaining  joint movement
• stimulating the work of internal organs
• restoring and maintaining efficiency, reducing and preventing stress, restoring and maintaining peace of mind.

A session typically lasts 1 or 1.5 hours and you should wear training clothes and socks which are body friendly and do not restrict movement.

Thai reflexology foot massage is a therapy based on the stimulation of certain points on the foot in order to improve the well-being of the whole body. An hour-long session starts with a soaking of the feet in warm water. This is followed by a spot massage with a special teak wood peg. The therapy focuses on reflexological points on the toes and under the foot, which are connected to the whole body. Thai foot massage is based on the presumption that these points located on the feet can be stimulated to positively affect organs, lymphs, and the nervous system all over the body. For example, massaging these points helps to alleviate headaches, fever, and intestinal problems as well as improve blood circulation and help relax and sleep.

In addition to the point massage, shin and knee massage with oil or cream is performed. Before and after the therapy, the therapist also uses stretching techniques.

Effects: massage improves the blood supply in the legs and the general work of the lymphatic system, strengthens immunity and improves the movement and flexibility of the legs reduces stress and helps to relax.

Not recommended for people with varicose veins or pregnant women.

Shiatsu is a healing and prophylactic form of therapy, similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles, the masseuse uses fingers and palms. Shiatsu is one of the better known Japanese therapies is actually derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Shiatsu has been described as “the art of the attentive touch” which helps bring harmony between the body and the mind. The therapy takes place on a mat in a meditative relaxing atmosphere.

Shiatsu therapy stimulates the body’s self-healing ability, which improves the organism’s vitality. If the flow of Ki or Qi (life energy) through the meridians is smooth, the person is healthy. During the course of therapy, moving through the body’s bioactive points, blocked energies in the meridians’ channels are released and the ailments subside.

Shiatsu therapy helps treat many health problems such as stress, fatigue, insomnia, metabolic disorders, back, neck and headaches, muscle tensions, joint problems and many others. Consistent shiatsu therapy not only reduces the symptoms of these problems, but also has a prophylactic effect on the health. Accoring to western medicine, shiatsu calms the autonomous nervous system, which reduces stress and increases stress tolerance. Blood and lymphatic circulation is also improved, as well as muscle tonicity and internal organ functions, and the immune system is strengthened.

A session typically lasts 1 or 1.5 hours and you should wear training clothes and socks which are body friendly and do not restrict movement.