Exotic massage is a kind of massage that keeps in minds the practices and rituals of a particular place. Exotic places like Hawaii, China, Japan and other Eastern places are good examples for massage rituals that are still practiced today.

One example of exotic massage is Lomi-lomi massage. It is an old kind of massage with a deep spiritual content that is practiced in Hawaiian spas, health centers and private practices. Years ago this massage was practiced by native healers, servants of the royalty and native family members.

The massage starts with a prayer or pule which is chanted softly or silently. The therapist begins to breathe deeply and encourages the client to do the same with additional breathing patterns that would be taught along the way. Then the massage therapist does fast clapping movements on the patient’s back. While doing this, the massage therapist is required by tradition to wear a green Hawaiian grass skirt and dance the Lomi-lomi dance while performing the massage. There would some variations on the massage, aside from clapping, the massage therapist may use hot stones and add some more massage techniques focusing on forearms and lower body extremities. It is believed that this exotic massage is healing because it can relax the body and mind and help release negative emotions.

Another exotic massage is an ancient Chinese method of touch therapy known as Tui Na massage. This uses massage and acupressure to target body pain areas. This massage includes deep kneading, pushing, grasping, and rolling movements and drumming on various parts of the body. Another traditional Chinese practice is the Chai qiao wherein the therapist walks on the client’s back as the form of massage. Warm stones are also placed in different body parts to completely relax the body.

The Reiki massage which originated from Japan is a gentle and non-invasive form of massage. The client can be fully clothed while the massage is performed. The client lies down and the Reiki therapist gently places a hand on the head and performs different hand movements for a few minutes. This is believed to be the way to channel good energy into the client’s body. From the head down to the feet, the therapist just uses different hand moments, pausing for a few minutes on each body area before proceeding to the next. While performing this massage music is played to help relax the client. The effect of this massage is a more relaxed and calmer body.

Exotic massage calms and relaxes the body. It also focuses on spirituality. It also includes energy and emotional release as those who practice this kind of massage believe that the body needs to be given the amount of care to get rid of negative emotions and negative energy from within.

Jason Ladock

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