Day Spa FYI - Your Source For Healthy Living

Spa Search - Find the best spas near you

Massages and massage therapy – Swedish, sports, Thai, pregnancy, shiatsu, scalp, and more

Massages

Most day spas offer a wide variety of massages. Massages may be placed into two different categories – those meant to relax, and those intended for pain management. Below is a partial list of the different type of massages spas might offer, though it is important to remember that some of these massages (mainly those meant to manage pain) are referred to as “medical massages” and can only be performed by trained specialists; these massages are usually performed in a clinical or medical environment. There is some overlap in the categories, so it's always important to have a consultation to determine which type of massage is right for you.

Massages Designed for Relaxation

Pregnancy Massage

The benefits of pre-natal massages are well documented, and many women make use of them to help relieve the pains and stresses associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy massages may help reduce cramping, tension, fatigue and stiffness as well as having an overall calming effect on nerves. These massages have also been known to help abate depression or anxiety symptoms caused by the mother's fluctuating hormone levels. As pregnancy massages improve overall blood circulation and oxygen flow, the baby benefits from better nourishment.

Swedish Massage

A variety of techniques are used during this massage, all of which are designed to relax muscles. This is achieved by applying deep pressure and by rubbing the muscles in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The usual sequence of techniques is as follows:

• Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
• Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
• Friction: using the hand, thumbs and fingers to create circular movements
• Vibration: Oscillatory movements that vibrate the body
• Percussion: Staccato tapping
• Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

Swedish Massage stimulates the skin and nervous system while soothing them at the same time. Physical and emotional stresses are greatly reduced.

Scalp Massages

A good scalp massage stimulates blood flow, which in turn helps feed the hair follicles. These relaxing massages can help prevent avoidable hair loss as well as encourage the growth of healthy hair. Scalp massages are very calming, and they help to reduce headaches and migraines.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient holistic therapy that combines yoga and acupressure. A wide variety of stretching movements and pressure points are used to relax and energize the body. A floor mat is used throughout the session and the client dresses in comfortable clothes in order to allow for good range of movement. Thai Massage seeks to provide clients with balance, harmony, flexibility and health.

Polarity Massage

Polarity Massage is actually a combination of therapies and treatments designed to bring about higher energy levels and an improved sense of well-being. It combines massage, yoga, nutritional evaluations and meditation to treat the entire person. This form of massage uses the idea of polarity as a flow of energy and seeks to restore energy flows within the body as well as remove any blockages.

Shiatsu Massage

This interactive massage requires the client to participate with the therapist during treatment. The therapy is based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of energy within the body and on the idea that there are certain pressure points that can be pressed and manipulated to help restore energy flows. For this reason,

Shiatsu is sometimes referred to as “Pressure Point Massage.” Light pressure placed along these points as well as a variety of stretching exercises are used to help release energy flows. Sessions are conducted fully clothed, and clients are taught how to coordinate their breathing with the manipulations for maximum benefit.

Chair Massage

Also known as “Seated Massage,” Chair Massage requires clients to sit facing forward on a special chair so that the scalp, shoulders, neck, arms, back and hips are all exposed. Sessions last from 5-30 minutes and involve placing pressure on various parts of the body. Chair Massage is a very relaxing treatment and is a great introduction to professional massage.

Cranial Sacral Massage

Cranial Sacral Massage strives to restore energy flows and remove blockages throughout the body and is a wonderful treatment for migraines and headaches. It uses light pressure on the bones of the head and neck, and is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children and the elderly. Those experiencing acute pain can also benefit from this gentle massage.

Massages for Pain Management/Medical Massages

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

NMT encompasses a number of therapies, including Trigger Point Therapy,that are performed by a specialist educated in kinesiology and biomechanics. These specialists have trained to understand the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. The specialist will manipulate the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) in order to balance the central nervous system.

Sports Massage/Deep Tissue Massage

A sports massage is beneficial to clients who lead active lifestyles and place stress on their bodies with intense physical activities. This massage pays attention to sports related muscle groups and uses slow, deep movements to work on muscles and joints. The massage warms up the body prior to working out and can help release toxins and relax the muscles after a workout. A good sports massage can reduce scar tissue, decrease recovery time and greatly reduce stress.