Popular Massage Techniques For an Efficient SPA Experience

As an indispensable part of spa menus, massages have a calming and healing effect on the integrity of body, mind and spirit.

And since there are various massage techniques, it sometimes causes indecision as to which one to choose. Finding the best massage techniques and distinguishing the differences between them is of utmost importance for you to have an efficient spa experience. So, what are the most popular massage techniques that you should know? 

HOT STONE MASSAGE

Hot stone massage technique is applied with the help of volcanic basalt stones heated up to around 60 C°. It is preferred for heating and thus relaxing tense muscles. The stones are positioned in accordance with the need of the client on different points of the body such as spine, chest area, palms or the face. This massage technique is based on energy flow and thermoreceptor theory; long strokes include various relaxing movements such as kneading, rolling or hitting. 

In this massage therapy sometimes, cold stones are included to calm down clogged blood vessels. Hot stone massage appeals to massage lovers by its positive effects especially on the limbic system and by its relaxing features. When combined with spa ambiance hot stone massage can ease your physical and spiritual syndromes and make you feel renewed. If you suffer high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, varicose veins, we recommend you consult with your doctor before getting this massage. 

LYMPATHIC DRAINAGE

Lymphatic drainage is realized through the right amount of pressure and brushing techniques to facilitate lymph fluids' circulation in the body. Repetition of these massage movements helps warming up of the lymphs and speeding blood circulation. Thanks to this technique, swelling reduces benefits, the duration of bruises, eliminates swelling and throws metabolic waste out of the body. Lymphatic drainage is frequently preferred by those who want to lose weight, especially thanks to its metabolism accelerating effect. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on acute thrombosis and infection situations with its circular application. 

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

This type of massage gets its name from aromatherapeutic oils used during the massage is known as ‘Swedish massage therapy’. With this massage you can stimulate a part of your brain called lymphatic system and promote beneficial changes in your mind and body. During the aromatherapy massage session, with essential oils are absorbed to the area massaged with soft and gentle pressure applications and are diffused by a diffuser. This way you can both inhale the essential oil in order to achieve an even more holistic wellbeing and you can absorb its effects through your skin.

Aromatherapy massage helps improve your mood, reestablishing your body’s balance and reduces stress and anxiety. In addition, it has soothing effects on some digestive irregularities, depression and pain. You can choose this kind of massage therapy if you would like to feel the calming, soothing and healing freshness of aromas in your body and in your soul. In order to avoid any kind of reverse reaction, we recommend you to make sure that you do not have any allergies to the essential oils used. 

THAI MASSAGE

Thai massage is a massage technique found in India around 7000 years ago that is based on the unique compound of Yoga, Chinese medicine, Budism and Ayurveda. In this massage technique, the therapist guides you through some yoga-like movements on a yoga mat or a shakedown to cleanse your body and remove all negative energy. 

This technique provides a rhythmic touch to key points of the body to increase physical and spiritual development. In addition, by improving both your blood and lymph circulation by allowing metabolic waste to be expelled from the body faster it can increase your energy through increased flexibility of tendons, muscles and ligaments. Alongside it helps ease your headaches by applying pressure to specific energy channels.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE 

Pregnancy massage, a.k.a. prenatal massage, can be specialized in accordance with the needs of the mother. A lot of women, especially in the later terms of the pregnancy suffer from back and neck pain and swollen feet. This massage, which is applied during the second or third quarter of the pregnancy in order to stop these pains, aims to rest the mother-to-be mentally and physically. Pregnancy massage, which also has benefits such as reducing the formation of varicose veins and regulating blood pressure, should be performed by a massage therapist who received special training and is certified in prenatal massage. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that the therapist is an expert in this field before getting this massage.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Swedish massage is among the most recommended wellbeing techniques for those who are new to spa and holistic health applications. In this massage the therapist uses techniques such as circular pressure, firm kneading, vibration, rubbing and lightly tapping with fingers in order to relax the whole body. 

Massage helps increase the oxygen level in blood, regulating circulation, improving your sleep quality and enhancing your flexibility. It goes far beyond relaxation with its benefits for your mental and physical recovery. You can have this massage anytime you want to treat yourself with a small reward in the busyness of life.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture, bases itself on the Qi energy that, according to Chinese theory, flows through our body. The channels where this energy flows through are called meridians. Life energy or Qi can be increased or reduced according to need by intense and reachable acupuncture points. The final aim of this massage is to make Qi flow compatible. During this massage single use little needles are pricked to acupuncture points. This method helps reduce muscle tightness and stress. At the same time, it protects the energy balance of the body and soothes chronic pain. This way, thanks to acupuncture you can increase your wellbeing and protect your wellbeing for longer periods. 

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage that targets specific problems in the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues. This technique is recommended where classic massage techniques are not sufficient. In this technique therapists apply rhythmic movements to forearms, knuckles and thumbs to release tension that settles in the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues. With this technique, you can ease your chronic muscle pain and relieve stress and anxiety caused by tension in the muscles. In addition, you can benefit from the regenerative effect of this massage to relieve pain caused by posture disorders.

HYDROMASSAGE

Hydromassage, which is now applied around the World due to its various benefits and whose popularity is increasing day by day, is applied with warm water of approximately 35°C. It aims to achieve a great relaxation and the feeling of slow breathing.  This technique includes wave, spiral and circular movements and is applied to release your buried emotions and heal trauma. It helps you to balance yourself mentally, physically and emotionally in the light of the calming sensation warm water creates on your body. In addition to that thanks to its therapeutic benefits it helps resolving problems such as sleep deprivation, migrantes and back pain. 

TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE

Trigger point massage focuses on determining trigger points that cause pain when squeezed and relaxing them. Trigger points, which give this massage its name, refer to areas that in most cases develop as a result of trauma to the muscle fibers. This massage technique helps ease the tension of headaches that are caused by tense upper back and neck muscles. This massage is usually recommended to athletes and people who work by muscle strength. Treatment aims to release the tension in these trigger points through acupuncture and myofascial relaxation. At this point, the therapist applies a certain pressure around the muscle knots, causing these knots to open. When you are physically tired, you can have this massage to rest your body and expand the doors to your soul.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is among the common massage therapies that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and well-being. In this technique, it is believed that some points in certain parts of the body correspond to different parts of the body. The reflexology technique is claimed to have the holistic benefit of helping to naturally restore body balance.

In this technique, therapists provide a relaxing effect by stimulating certain parts of the body with gentle pressure techniques. They use maps of these points on the feet, hands, and ears to determine where to apply pressure prior to the massage. With this massage, it is aimed to get rid of accumulated toxins and to get more oxygen to the organs. Thus, healthier functioning of the nervous system and reduction of migraine and spinal pain are ensured. In short, reflexology is one of the most effective massage techniques we can discover to reduce the stress caused by the heavy responsibilities and intensity of modern life.

SHIATSU MASSAGE

Shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique, is an alternative technique that applies manual pressure to specific points on the body to relieve tension and pain. Meaning 'finger massage', this massage combines knowledge of Western anatomy and the physiological and philosophical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine. It focuses on improving energy flow and restoring body balance.

In this massage technique, pressure is applied to the fingers, elbows and knees for about two to eight seconds to intensify the life energy expressed as “Ki” or “Qi” in our body. The application is carried out on a floor mat or a low massage bed and is done in comfortable clothes as oil is not used. This massage technique also plays a helpful role in regulating the lymphatic and hormonal systems, relieving stress symptoms and pain. You can benefit from this massage to experience these valuable effects and discover the close relationship between energy meridians and the body.

Knowing your body and what your body needs are important in terms of choosing massage therapy. In this article, we compiled some of most popular massage techniques. To find out what your body needs and to discover new things about spas, keep following Spatopia!