The purpose is to stimulate nerves and increase blood flow, which relaxes muscles and relieves stress. Using the hands, therapists apply rhythmic pressure. Massage therapy is a systematized way of rubbing or kneading the body's soft tissue to make it feel better. Over the years and in different cultures, several distinct types of massage have been developed. The most common type in the United States today is Swedish massage.
Effleurage is long, smooth strokes with limited pressure.
Petrissage uses more pressure with strokes that knead and compress. Friction involves deep, circular movements of thumbs or fingertips. Vibration is a rapid shaking movement, and Tapotement consists of tapping muscles with quick hand movements. Oriental Massage is extremely gentle and aimed at restoring balance in the body. Thai Massage is an ancient form of body therapy from Thailand.