Different Types of Massage
posted August 01, 2025What are the different types of massage therapy?
From deeply restorative to purely relaxing, massage therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s what makes it so powerful. There are dozens of modalities (aka specialized massage techniques) designed to support specific wellness goals, health concerns, or personal preferences. While not every modality is right for every body, you’re bound to find the one that feels like it was made just for you.
Natural Body focuses on what we believe to be the most widley effective massage types, each massage type offered at our 7 Atlanta locations is noted below.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular massage styles you might explore:
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is actually known as the “traditional” massage. If you’ve gotten a massage before, chances are high you experienced something similar. This classic full-body massage type uses long strokes, kneading, and friction to ease muscle tension, boost circulation, and encourage total relaxation. Swedish massage is offered at all 7 Natural Body locations in 45-90 minute treatments.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets stubborn muscle tension and adhesions located in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Therapists use slow, deliberate strokes with firm pressure — often using elbows, forearms, or knuckles — to break up tight knots. This technique is especially helpful for chronic pain, injury recovery, postural issues, and limited mobility. It’s normal to feel “good soreness” afterward as the body heals and releases long-held tension. Deep tissue massage isn’t about relaxing pressure — it’s about therapeutic results. Deep Tissue massage is offered at all 7 Natural Body locations in 45-90 minute treatments.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones placed on key areas of the body to gently warm muscles and promote deep relaxation. The therapist may also glide the stones along tense areas to help melt away tightness with minimal pressure. The heat increases circulation, relieves stiffness, and helps the body naturally release stress. Many people find the warmth calming, grounding, and especially soothing during colder months. It’s a great option if you want to relax deeply while still receiving therapeutic benefits. Hot Stone massage is offered at all 7 Natural Body locations as a 90 minute treatment.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is a gentle, specially designed massage tailored to the needs and comfort of expecting mothers. Using safe positioning and pillows for support, the therapist works to relieve pregnancy-related aches like lower back pain, hip pressure, swelling, and sciatic nerve discomfort. This nurturing bodywork also encourages healthy circulation, reduces stress hormones, and promotes better sleep. Sessions are customized based on trimester and individual comfort. It’s a safe, soothing way to support the body’s changes during pregnancy — ideally performed by a therapist certified in prenatal massage. Pregnancy massage is offered at all 7 Natural Body locations in 45-90 minute treatments.
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology massage focuses on applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and sometimes ears believed to correspond with organs and systems throughout the body. By stimulating these reflex zones, reflexologists aim to support overall wellness, improve circulation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. The technique uses finger and thumb “walking” motions on hands and feet. It’s a great option to add to a full-body massage. Reflexology sessions are deeply relaxing and often complement holistic health practices.
Reflexology massage is offered as a massage add on at all 7 Natural Body locations:
- Express Hand Reflexology: Targeted hand massage that stimulates reflex points to relieve tension and restore balance. Great for computer users and creatives.
- Express Peppermint Foot Reflexology: A focused foot treatment using peppermint-infused pressure point techniques to revive tired feet and improve circulation.
Myofascial Massage
Myofascial massage targets the body’s connective tissue — called fascia — which can become tight or stuck due to injury, stress, or poor posture. Rather than using oils and gliding movements, therapists apply slow, sustained pressure and stretching to specific areas of restriction. This helps release tension, improve range of motion, and reduce pain caused by “stuck” fascia. Sessions may feel like a deep stretching sensation rather than traditional kneading. Myofascial massage is especially beneficial for chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. If you’re interested in myofacial massage, call our customer service team and ask to be paired with a deep tissue massage therapist who specializes in this modality.
Reiki
Reiki is a gentle, energy-based practice that promotes relaxation and emotional balance rather than muscle manipulation. During a session, the practitioner lightly places their hands on or just above various areas of the body to encourage the flow of energy. Clients often describe sensations of warmth, tingling, or calm as stress melts away. Unlike traditional massage, there’s no kneading, pressure, or tissue work involved. Reiki is ideal for those seeking a soothing, non-invasive experience to support overall well-being.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing practice that uses finger, thumb, and palm pressure along energy pathways called meridians. The therapist may also incorporate gentle stretches, joint rotations, and rhythmic compression to release tension and rebalance energy flow. Unlike oil-based massage, shiatsu is typically performed through clothing on a low mat or table. It aims to harmonize the body’s physical, emotional, and energetic systems. Shiatsu is both grounding and invigorating — ideal for those who enjoy firm, focused pressure without oils.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is specifically designed to help athletes and active individuals perform at their best and recover more efficiently. It combines techniques like deep tissue work, stretching, compression, and trigger point therapy to target overused or strained muscles. Sessions can be customized for before an event (to warm up), after activity (to flush out lactic acid), or during training (to prevent injury). This therapeutic approach helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance overall athletic performance. It’s ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle — not just professional athletes. If you’re interested in sports massage, call our customer service team and ask to be paired with a deep tissue massage therapist who specializes in this modality.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage blends the soothing power of touch with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. During the session, the therapist selects or customizes aromatic oils — like calming lavender or invigorating citrus — based on your needs or preferences. These oils are lightly massaged into the skin using relaxing Swedish-style techniques to promote deeper relaxation or uplift your mood. The combined effects of scent and massage help reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and enhance emotional well-being. It’s an ideal treatment if you enjoy a sensory, holistic approach to relaxation.
Every massage treatment at Natural Body includes our signature little luxuries like a warm neck pillow, soothing aromatherapy, and hot steam towels on your neck and feet. If you’re looking to up your massage game, add any of these deluxe aromatherapy upgrades to your next massage:
- Hot Herbal Steam Towel Treatment: Warm, aromatic towels infused with herbs are applied to the neck and shoulders to soften tension and soothe the senses.
- Lavender Scalp Treatment: A deeply relaxing head massage paired with calming lavender oil to relieve stress and tension.
- Warm Sugar Back and Shoulder Scrub: Buff away dry skin and release tension with a warm, aromatic sugar scrub followed by a focused massage.
- Warm Sugar Foot and Calf Scrub: Exfoliating sugar scrub with warm towels and massage to smooth skin and soothe tired legs and feet.
Craniosacral Therapy Massage
Craniosacral massage is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on the central nervous system. Practitioners use light touch to release tension in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The technique aims to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, enhancing overall body function. It’s often used to relieve stress, migraines, chronic pain, and emotional imbalances. Sessions are typically deeply relaxing and suitable for all ages. If you’re interested in Cranisacral massage, call our customer service team and ask to be paired with a massage therapist who specializes in this modality.
Other Types of Massage
From lymphatic drainage to trigger point to Thai massage, there are endless techniques to explore — each with its own benefits. The key? Choosing the massage modality that supports where you are right now.
Book a Massage in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna, or Snellville
To discover which massage type is best for you, give us a call and speak with our customer service team who will be able to pair you with not on the best type of massage, but also the best therapist at one of our 7 greater-Atlanta locations.
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