If you have gone to a spa then you know that there are quite a few different massages which they offer. Some of the common ones being deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, etc. Each one of them serves a different purpose and it can be quite difficult to choose a relaxation massage unless you know what exactly it does. So, here are some of the common ones and the purpose they serve.
Swedish Massage
This is the most common massage you can get at any local spa. The body is first oiled and then long strokes are used to massage the various parts and if there are any specific body areas with muscle pain then short strokes are used in that area. The massage style is founded upon the various muscle movements of the human body and the ways in which they can be relaxed.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is the massage to choose if you are suffering from chronic pain in any part of your body. Deep tissue massages focus on smaller specific areas and apply intense pressure on them to regulate proper blood flow within the tissues. While the pressure applied is much more than a Swedish massage, if you are feeling physical pain during the massage, chances are that your masseur is not doing it right. The goal of any massage is relaxation of the muscle, and therefore it should bring about a sense of tranquillity to the body.
Hot Stone Massage
The process involves placing of heated cobalt stones on various parts of the body such as the abdomen or the spine to relieve pressure from those areas and bring about even blood flow. This is one of the best relaxation massages that spas offer, and it can also help cure diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, etc. It is advisable to check with a physician before getting a hot stone massage.
Aromatherapy
This is essentially a Swedish massage but with the use of aromatic oils extracted from plants. Many of these oils also have healing properties and help with the process of relaxation. Aromatherapy can be a deeply enriching experience and also treat diseases such as insomnia, headaches, PMS, etc.
These are the 4 primary types of massages which every Spa offers. There are also other variants such as Thai massage and Shiatsu massage which are also highly relaxing.