Asian massage therapy is a technique rooted in Asian traditional healing practices and targets particular muscles to promote relaxation, healing, and balance. Understanding the muscle groups targeted by an Asian massage helps you know what to expect. Here are various muscle groups that Asian massage therapy targets:
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Muscles
Asian massage therapy targets the upper body that holds stress. Asian massaging techniques release tightened muscles and restore the range of motion in the back, shoulder, and neck muscles. Back muscles have the trapezius muscles extending from the neck to the upper back and the shoulders, which are common tension areas.
The muscles running along the sides of the back often experience tension resulting from poor posture. Shoulder muscles like the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles gain tension and stress that may lead to pain and injury. Sternocleidomastoid and suboccipital muscles on the neck experience tension due to activities like watching screens for long periods. You can experience a massage on the upper body when lying down or seated. Massage therapists use hands, elbows, and forearms to pressure and manipulate targeted areas. This approach reduces stiffness, pain, and discomfort in the upper body.
Arms and Hand Muscles
The Asian massaging technique can help relieve pain and stiffness in the arms and hands. Massage therapists apply pressure to your fingers and stretch your arms to release tension and enhance the range of motion of the muscles. Reflexology, one of the massage techniques, targets particular points in the hands to influence certain body systems and organs.
Leg Muscles
Massage therapy techniques target leg muscles including the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Massage therapists apply stretching, acupressure, and compression to improve circulation and relaxation in the lower body muscles. Hamstrings along the back of the thighs, quadriceps in the front thigh, and calf muscles are prone to stress and stiffness. The massage technique helps lower swelling and increase joint mobility in the feet and legs by targeting stress-prone areas. Treating the lower body regularly may help lead to better posture and balance, and alleviates chronic hip and back pain.
Chest and Abdomen Muscles
Asian massage techniques target chest and abdominal muscles that help in digestion and respiration. A sedentary lifestyle and poor posture restrict and increase the stress experienced in these muscles. Massage therapists apply techniques like kneading and muscle compression to enhance relaxation in the chest and abdominal muscles. Applying this massage technique to these areas may help bolster breathing and digestion and lower overall stress.
Scalp and Facial Muscles
A massage may help relax scalp muscles and reduce stress in the scalp and face. A facial massage promotes a relaxed feel and improves blood circulation. The force used in most Asian massage techniques when massaging the facial muscles can help improve blood circulation.
Whole-body Massage
Some massage techniques adopt a holistic approach focusing on the whole body. These techniques address energy flow through particular points in the body. Tuina is a form of massage that uses rolling, one-finger techniques. Rolling helps with sprains and strains throughout the body, and the one-finger technique works to stimulate acupressure points in different parts of the body and enable energy flow.
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Book an Asian Massage Session Today
Asian massage therapy can help improve physical and emotional well-being. The techniques used to target particular muscle groups and sensations help relieve body pain, discomfort, and stiffness. Techniques like applying minimal pressure on acupressure points focus on particular areas that stimulate the whole body. Massage therapy is useful for the harmony of the body and mind, overall body health, good posture, and body balance. Find a reliable Asian massage center today to enjoy the benefits.