It is important to be aware of the existing massage types irrespective of whether you have ever experienced massage or just going to experience for the first time in your life. There are some massage types when the client remains dressed while some presuppose full or partial absence of the clothes. Some massage types are performed with deep strokes while some do not apply pressure at all. Moreover, it is also possible to single out several massage therapy strokes types. It can be explained by the fact that often practitioners use different strokes in their practice. The strokes can vary in the terms and intensity. For example, one of the massage therapy strokes types is compression. The compression is represented by a quick pumping action which is aimed at getting deep into muscles. It makes the muscles relax, become more pliable and spreads the tissue. Traditionally the technique is performed with the full hand contact. Another of massage therapy strokes types is represented by such a technique as gliding. As a rule the gliding stroke is used during the massage session while applying the lubricant to the skin. It helps the practitioner relax and then stretch the muscles of the client. Kneading strokes are the technique used for another of massage therapy strokes types. They are used for some certain areas to release the tension of the muscles and to improve the circulation. The practitioner grasps some area of the body with both hands and starts the kneading movement similar to those of dough kneading. Jostling or vibrating helps the practitioner get deeper into the muscle. Draining strokes are light or medium strokes which stretch and relax the muscles and improve the circulation. The therapist can use either the heel of the hand for larger areas or the thumbs for smaller ones. The action is performed when one hand follows the other. The therapist applies constant and firm pressure slowly traveling upward along the muscles. Pulling stroke is used to stretch and pull the muscles of the legs and torso. Alternating the hands in the pulling movement, the practitioner moves his hands up along the body of the client. Wringing is a stroke which is very similar to pulling. The difference is that pulling is performed in the upward movement and the wringing is exercised across the limb or the body. Friction strokes are rather deep and are used around the joints in order to release the adhesions to muscles. The stroke is traditionally applied to dense areas by sinking thumbs into the muscle. The practitioner can also use the body weight to rock the body gently back, forth and in circular motions. Percussive strokes are represented by rhythmic cupping, hacking and striking with relaxed wrists and hands. They release the muscle tension, improve the circulation and stimulate muscles. Traditionally such types of strokes are used for back (but not for spine), shoulders, buttocks, legs and arms. Traditionally practitioners are able to define the type of strokes necessary for a particular clie