Massages are a popular type of spa treatment that involve engaging muscle tissue to reduce or eliminate tension and stress. There are many different types of massage therapy and each type utilizes different means in order to alleviate tension. In some cases, aromatherapy, acupuncture or other tools may be used instead of, or in addition to, using the hands. There are some massage techniques that incorporate Native American methodology, and various oils and stones to achieve maximum relief.
Hot Stone Treatments
Many spas offer a treatment or massage program incorporating hot stones. This is derived from a traditional Native American healing art and combines the Swedish massage with hot stone therapy. Hot stone treatment uses smooth stones that have been heated in hot water. These stones are placed on various parts of the body to relieve tension and improve circulation. The stones are usually basalt, or Mexican beach pebbles. In Native American culture, hot stones were heated by fire and used for healing. Often, hot stone treatments are combined with heated oils. These oils can be scented or unscented, whichever the massage recipient prefers.
Hakomi Massage
Hakomi is the term for a new type of massage that is derived from the Hopi people. The Hopi practiced the Native American technique of using cold stones to penetrate tissue while tying together the physical and emotional aspects of a person's well-being. Many Native Americans today assert that Hopi and Shawnee techniques are the basis for many current forms of massage therapy, including the hakomi massage.
Essential Oil Massage
Based on the Lakota tribe's method of healing, an oil massage utilizes antibacterial oils that contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory components. This massage involves applying these oils along the spine. In the Lakota tribe, healers use a feather to brush the length of the spine. The essential oil massage imitates this technique by massaging in the oil gently and lightly. This massage is meant to help align the body's systems.
Benefits of Native American Massage Techniques
The techniques used and adopted from Native American culture for a massage are beneficial to the recipients of the massage in many ways. These massage techniques are known to relieve stress and improve the mental state of the recipient. Many of these techniques are meant to be metaphysical, and some are even said to engage the spiritual realm as well. Many use Native American massage techniques to alleviate chronic pain. At the very least, these techniques should leave you relaxed and tension free.
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