What Are the Different Types of Massages?

Imagine it: you’ve been waiting months for a little ‘me time’ and want to book yourself in for a massage. Suddenly, you’re faced with a long list of treatments and you’re not entirely sure which is the right one for you – and nobody wants to be disappointed after paying for massage. 

That’s why this guide will detail what each treatment means, and who is best suited for each.  

1. Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a great option for newbies. It’s a gentle, full body treatment that aims to reduce tension in the muscles. 

The masseuse will work to release muscle knots so that you can fully relax. Full body treatments often require you to remove all clothing (except underwear) and lay under a light sheet on the massage table. When working on different areas, the massage therapist will remove the sheet to uncover specific areas. 

Swedish massage combines long, flowing strokes, deep circular motions, kneading and tapping. The treatment will last anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes. You can book in for a Swedish massage at heavenandearthmassage.co.uk.

2. Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is a popular choice if you’re struggling with particular muscle pain or simply want to relax. In this treatment, the therapist will use heated stones rather than their own hands. The stones are placed or moved along different areas of the body to ease tension, stress and improve blood flow. 

The massage therapist may even use techniques from the Swedish massage while also using stones. Sometimes, cold stones are used as well. 

Again, for hot stone massage, you’ll be required to remove clothing and will be covered with a sheet. This treatment usually lasts around 90 minutes. 

3. Aromatherapy massage

If you’re looking to incorporate massage into your self-care treatments for mental wellbeing, aromatherapy massage could certainly be a good option. This massage has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve depression, pain and boost your overall mood. 

Aromatherapy massage combines soft and gentle movements with essential oils. If you already know which oils you’d like to use, the therapist will usually accommodate. Alternatively, they can choose an oil to suit you. 

The idea is that you inhale the essential oils using a diffuser while being given a full body massage. The oils may also be applied to the skin to be absorbed. 

Most aromatherapy massages are around 60-90 minutes and mainly focus on the back, shoulders and head. So that the oils can absorb fully into the skin, you will be asked to remove clothing before the treatment begins.  

4. Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage helps to relieve stress and tension. The Japanese massage promotes both emotional and physical balance and is popular for those looking to relieve muscle tension, pain or even headaches. 

Therapists will focus on the areas of the body that need attention. If you’re not sure which areas are impacting you, they may also work on the whole body. You can be fully clothed for the treatment and can expect the therapist to use pulsing and rhythmic pressure with their hands, palms and thumbs. 

There are plenty of other treatments available. However, these are common treatments offered by spas that you can choose from. 

5. Korean massage

Korean massage is a deep-tissue massage that combines aspects of Swedish, Shiatsu, and Thai massage. A typical Korean massage will include working your stomach and breasts. The “ajumas” (the Korean word for “grandmother”) who do these massages use many different Japanese massage techniques including fingertip, thumb and elbow pressure along with shiatsu and reflexology movements to release muscle tension, relax the nervous system, and create positive energy flow throughout the body.

These techniques have been used in Korea for thousands of years—initially developed by Buddhist monks from China. They were used in conjunction with Korean medicine to heal or treat illness and maintain good health.

Korean massage 남양주출장마사지 differs from Western massage because Koreans believe the mind and body are interconnected. As you step inside—you’ll notice an Asian atmosphere and a variety of full-body work including special perspiration room visits, deep massage, full-body exfoliation, meditation and traditional glass cupping or hot stone massage. Many spas offer facial treatments as well.