Relaxation Massage – Not Just Pampering Yourself
Usually relaxation massages are mentioned in the context of pampering yourself or even spoiling yourself for a change. They are often shown as being self indulgent and wholly for purposes of enjoyment.
However massage is known to have many health benefits – for the body as well as the mind and by promotion relaxation, can help a person life a better quality of life.
Relaxation massages are different from Therapeutic massages in terms of the reason for getting them as well as the setting within which they are performed.
While therapeutic massage could help to ameliorate a number of chronic and acute complaints, relaxation massages are usually performed in a spa or a massage parlor setting where a session of Swedish or other massage could be accompanied by other luxury or cosmetic treatments.
Relaxation massages are usually performed skin on skin, and the person would usually be required to take off most of their clothing and lie down on a massage table.
The kind of pressure used in a relaxation massage would range from light to deep pressure, depending on the person’s requirements or preferences.
The tissues are gently or firmly manipulated to bring about relaxation. Usually relaxation massages are not designed to target the deeper muscles, rather the concentration is on rubbing and kneading the outer layers of the body inducing the back, neck and the limbs.
The aim is to help the person relax and feel rejuvenated, so usually pleasant surroundings are provided for added benefit from the massage sessions.
In addition, many masseuses will offer music to go with the relaxation massage, to further enhance the experience of an expert and experienced massage.
By adding an aromatherapy treatment to a massage the relaxation can be further enhanced.
This is because now, even more of the senses apart from the tactile and perhaps the aural senses, are engaged in the process, making a person relax more actively and enhancing the holistic experience of the massage. This can made for greater relaxation and also help restore one’s balance of energy.
Relaxation massages usually employ a smooth flowing style of movements that help a person relax and also enjoy improved blood circulation lower muscular tension. The muscles, with proper manipulation become more limber, and range of movement can also help to be boosted.
It isn’t just physical relaxation that massage can help to boost; even mentally, one may find stress levels decreasing, and at places that offer couples massage helping people bond and share a relaxing and invigorating experience.
Many relaxation massage sessions could offer options of certain add-ons such as a body scrub, a body wrap or body cocoon, a mineral or salt exfoliating session, or a mud / cream application to the body.
To get the most out of your massage, consider the following:
- Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours preceding your massage session.
- Don’t shave on the day that you have a session scheduled to avoid razor burn, rash and so on.
- Make sure the skin is clean prior to the massage to avoid having sweat and dirt be reabsorbed by the skin along with the massage oil.
- Arrive a little early so you can start to relax and get into the right frame of mind.
- If you have any allergies or conditions speak about them at the outset.
Dana Davis is the massage therapist and sole proprietor of Midnight Sun Massage. The focus of Dana’s practice is to facilitate the body’s natural healing abilities in clients suffering from chronic pain, injuries, illness, and stress.
