Gift certificates for massage therapy make terrific stocking stuffers. But deciding which of the many kneading methods will best please your special someone can be tough. Follow our guide.

For the body conscious: Reflexology. Feet and hands are the only body parts touched by a reflexologist, yet the whole body can be influenced by the contact. That makes it a good choice for someone uncomfortable with undressing for full bodywork.

For the tense: Deep-tissue. By working through each layer of muscle, deep-tissue massage releases tension down to the core. Deep-tissue massage can be intense, but devotees swear by the relief it brings.

For the workaholic: Swedish. Soothing strokes and gentle kneading are the basis of Swedish massage, the method most common in the United States. It's ideal for someone who wants a relaxing massage rather than deep-tissue kneading.

For the athlete: Sport massage. This type of bodywork targets specific muscles and combats the lactic acid buildup that leads to soreness.

For the Eastern-obsessed: Shiatsu. In this Japanese mode of massage, rhythmic finger pressure on specific points of the body releases tension and increases the body's essential energy, or qi.

For the indecisive: Integrated bodywork. Most massage therapists can combine techniques from all of these types into a blissful, tension-releasing session.