12 Massage Styles To Help You Conquer Tension (SLIDESHOW) (POLL)

We all need to be kneaded. And in this time of economic stress, taking the time for self care is of utmost importance. Whether you choose to give your shoulders some shiatsu love or treat your feet to the pressure and release of reflexology, read through our list of hands-on bodywork techniques and figure out which one is for you. Cheaper--and faster--than a vacation, body work can quickly release your tension and leave you calm and refreshed. Indulge your muscles--they will be thankful!

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Swedish Massage

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Vote and Share Choose Your Top 5 Calm and Centered Still Stressed Out Now Make Your Own Top 5 And Share with Your Friends RANK: AVERAGE:  OUT OF 10 During a Swedish massage, the masseuse uses oils and five kinds of strokes--sliding, kneading, tapping, friction, and vibration--to reduce joint stiffness, pain, improve circulation, and relax you deeply.

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Comments

[mykebee]

...nobody touches me, like me!

[pachel]

Are massages a good replacement for sex?

[CR46]

Nothing is a replacement for sex :)

[desertdweller]

What - no "happy endings?"

[ArthurTwoShedsJackson]

What do you think this is, C Street? ;-)

[heatherf]

Now I just need tips on how to get my husband to do these.

[desertdweller]

Buy a set of massage rocks. He will be fascinated by them and will want to try 'em out.

[Perry Clease]

Take a basic massage class together, or hire a certified massage therapist to show you some techniques.

Disclaimer: I have 1100 hours of massage training and am a Holistic Health Practitioner, it was my midlife crisis. I am back into to graphic arts again and these days I only do massage on family and close friends.

[sf girl]

You must be a great friend to have! :)

[Luv2Purple]

I'm waiting right now for my massage therapist to come to the house and work on me for 90 minutes. this is part of my weekly routine...­simply wonderful. Every one of us should practice and exercise our inner peace.

[Luv2Purple]

Tantra massage is wonderful - everyone should indulge in massage as much as possible for relaxation and stress relief.

[JoeScott]

Please remember to say massage therapist. Masseuse (female) and masseur (male) are outdated terms.

[Neco223]

Those are great pictures--kudos to the editor who put them together! I may have tried almost every type of massage mentioned. Lately I have been alternating between Thai massage and shiatsu. I find that getting a massage every month or two really helps me stay balanced and reduces the stress that naturally builds up. Thanks for this cool presentation!

[Malkin71]

I didn't bother to scroll through (I hate slideshows, it's just a lazy way for a website to get more hits off of you) to see if was included..­..

But clearly, the best massage for the release of stress is the happy ending massage.

Orgasms relieve stress more than anything.

Why is it not considered a legitimate part of a massage?

[dinglebe]

Amen!

[zenwhenicanbe2]

Good point. I have a friend who's traveled to Thailand and some other places. They get that part over with fairly early on and then, knowing full well that you are now actually relaxed, proceed to give you a proper massage. It's a tough sell for US culture and a down right impossible sell to your wife! ha! ....but it seemed to make sense.