Life can be stressful and we are all constantly trying to juggle multiple things throughout our day-to-day routines. That's why carving time out to take care of ourselves is very important and getting a massage is a great way to decompress and relax.

Is it pampering time or do you need to treat those persistent aches and pains? Discover massage therapists in Malta and Gozo on Yellow.

What Are the Health Benefits of Massages?

There are various documented benefits associated with massage therapy but the main ones include:

Promote relaxation - Quiet time, some relaxing music and a gentle massage can do wonders for the reduction of stress, anxiety and tension.

Reduce pain - Targeted massages soften the muscle tissue and are therefore ideal to alleviate sore muscles, back pain and shoulder tension.

Alleviate headaches - Research has demonstrated that regular massages help to reduce the intensity of headaches, particularly for those who suffer from chronic headaches.

Improve energy levels - Massages help to relieve pain and tension and as a result will leave you refreshed and revived.

Boost the immune system -  Studies suggest that massages can help to strengthen the immune system which can be beneficial for those who are prone to seasonal illnesses, for instance.

Massage Services Available in Malta

There is a widespread availability of massage service providers distributed across the Maltese Islands, although on-site massage treatments are also available for added convenience.

Spas are typically equipped to provide the principal forms of massage while specialised massage therapists are able to address very specific concerns that the client would like to address. Prior to treating a client for the first time, the therapist will probably ask general questions about his/her general health and conditions that may be affected by the treatment.

Prices will vary according to the type and the duration of the treatment required but price lists are typically available and can be consulted beforehand.

Different Types of Massages Available

Various massage techniques have been developed by different cultures over the millennia with evidence suggesting that it was a highly developed practice in ancient civilisations including Egypt, China, India, Japan, Korea, Greece and Rome. Some of these techniques are still in use nowadays while modern research has also led to the creation of new practices.

There are different kinds of massages that one can get, however, the principal techniques include:

Aromatherapy - This type of massage features a massage oil with essential oils with different beneficial properties that can reduce different conditions that the client may be experiencing (for instance lack of sleep, digestion issues, boost the immune system or eliminate headaches).

Kinesiology - Kinesiology is the study of body movement and a massage therapist with this type of knowledge can provide a targeted massage to help relieve pain in a particular muscle or muscle group.

Couple massage - This is a relaxing massage experience where two therapists concurrently provide a massage to two individuals (usually a couple). 

Massage for the elderly - This is a specialised massage area that addresses the specific needs of the elderly, including but not limited to, circulation, reduction of arthritis pain, joint mobility and overall comfort. 

Trigger point therapy - Trigger point therapy focuses specifically on the trigger points in muscles and helps to relieve any pain that accumulates in these areas.

Relaxation massage - This is a gentle massage that promotes relaxation and aims to increase the overall well-being of the individual.

Chinese massage - Steeped in tradition and ancient wisdom, Chinese massage uses the principle of energy points to guide blood and energy through the body and restore its well-being.

Moxibustion therapy - This is also a form of traditional Chinese therapy that uses burning rolled-up mugwort (a type of aromatic plant) to create a sensation of heat on particular points of the body so as to alleviate pain.

Japanese massage - Japanese massage techniques have also been evolving for thousands of years and use kneading, pulling and pressure to balance the body and spirit.

Shiatsu massage - This is a popular form of Japanese massage that specifically uses the fingers, thumbs and palms of the hands to apply pressure on points of concern and correct imbalances.

Reiki - This discipline also emerged in Japan and is known as energy healing therapy since it focuses on the transfer of energy from the practitioner's hands to the individual. The positive energy flows stimulate energy flows wherever they appear blocked.

Reflexology - This type of massage revolves around the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands that are linked to different organs or body parts.

Cupping therapy - This ancient form of alternative medicine uses wet or dry cups made from different materials (such as glass, bamboo or silicone) to create a suction effect that helps to improve aches, pains and stiffness, amongst others.

Deep tissue massage - As the term suggests, this form of massage therapy applies firm pressure to the deeper layers of the muscles with the aim of reducing various forms of discomfort.

Hopi ear candling - This procedure focuses on the use of ear candles (made from natural ingredients such as chamomile, honey and sage) to improve the well-being of the ear, throat and sinus areas.

Myofascial release - This type of massage therapy focuses on the pain that originates in the myofascial tissues to relieve stiffness and pain. 

Ayurvedic massage - This form of massage therapy forms an integral part of the Ayurvedic healing system that originated in India thousands of years ago and is based on the belief that wellbeing is dependant on the balance of mind, body and spirit. An Ayurvedic massage uses these principles to focus on energy fields to balance the body. 

Indian head massage - This traditional Indian massage focuses on the acupressure points that are found in the head, neck and shoulder areas that helps reduce headaches, stimulates hair growth and promote overall well-being.

Full body massage - This encompassing massage typically covers the arms, legs, feet, back, neck and shoulders with the aim of boosting circulation, reduce stiffness and stress levels.

Sports massage - This type of massage is specifically designed to benefit individuals that are engaged in regular physical activity and helps to reduce the strain associated with sports. It is also beneficial in the recovery from sports-related injuries.

Hot stone massage - This form of massage includes heated stones that are placed on strategic points of the body. This helps to relieve muscular tension, promote relaxation and enhance sleep.

LaStone Therapy - This registered therapy also uses stones but typically alternates between hot and cold stones to promote detoxification and circulation.

Swedish massage - This well-known massage type utilises firm strokes in the direction of the heart which helps to eliminate toxins, increase oxygen levels in the blood and reduce tension.

Lomi Lomi massage - This traditional form of massage originated in Hawaii and neighbouring islands to improve physical ailments together with spiritual and emotional benefits.

Pain relief - This form of therapy utilises various massage techniques to reduce or eliminate pain.

Pregnancy massage - Prenatal massages can be very beneficial to mums-to-be since they help to reduce the discomfort that is normally experienced during pregnancy such as back pain, swollen ankles and muscle tension.

Lymphatic massage - This type of massage uses light strokes to stimulate the lymph flow in the body and as a result remove more toxins and boost the body's immune system.

As it can be seen, regular massages contribute significantly towards a healthier lifestyle especially if they are accompanied by other small adjustments that can make a big difference to your overall health.