If you visit an Asian spa in NYC, they’ll begin your session by asking what type of massage you prefer to receive. Asian massage parlors are a little different from the average massage parlor because they tend to offer a wide array of techniques you can choose from. The right massage can soothe away tensions and help with muscle recovery, so athletes especially must be attentive to the type of massage choices they have.
Before you make your choice, it’s important to understand what you’re getting and how it will affect your body. Here are some tips designed to help you make the best choice for you.
A Difference in Philosophy
Deep tissue massages are meant to work the muscles and skin, and they are designed to realign muscle tissues. Deep tissue is best for those who suffer from chronic pain, but some people may find a deep tissue massage to be somewhat painful. Therapists use massage oil to help assist in the breakdown of “adhesions” in the muscles. This can cause stiffness and some discomfort, but is generally a pleasurable feeling.
An Asian massage comes from a slightly different perspective. When you order an Asian massage in Manhattan, your therapist is going to work on invisible lines of energy that flow through your body. The fundamental philosophy is one of restoration, meant to restore the flow of energy and remove elements that might block that flow. There isn’t really a scientific equivalent, although the concept is not unlike our actual nervous system.
Technique
An Asian Spa in NYC will offer both, and an Asian massage may incorporate aspects of Swedish or deep tissue massages during that process.
Eastern disciplines tend to focus on different massage strokes based around the contours of the body. Swedish massage tends to incorporate all parts of the hand, and even elbow or forearm for pressure. Expect to feel some immediate discomfort, but that should vanish quickly as the soothing effect takes hold. Your therapist may periodically ask you to breathe during the massage. Take a deep breath and relax, this is common to try and work the muscles in a tense area.
Both techniques are soothing depending on your body’s ailments, so don’t be afraid to try a new massage. Asian massages are excellent for releasing stress and tension, leaving you feeling loose and relaxed.