Which Type of Body Massage is Best?

Overview

The best body massage totally depends on your body type, choice & mood. However, there are specifically 12 various kinds of body massage. Additionally, different body parts have special massage techniques to be applied.

Basically rubbing a body part or whole body with hands is what we call a massage. During a massage, the massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension.

The one who does all the rubbing is a spa massage therapist or masseuse. Now a massage therapist or a masseuse can be a male or a female. He/she is a person trained in giving massages.

In this article, I will share a different type of body massage. Moreover, in the end, I will also comment on which type of body massage is best for you. Before I get into the details let me list all the body massage types.

1. Swedish massage
2. Hot stone massage
3. Aromatherapy massage
4. Deep tissue massage
5. Sports massage
6. Trigger point massage
7. Reflexology
8. Shiatsu massage
9. Thai massage
10. Prenatal massage
11. Couple’s massage
12. Chair massage

So that was your shortlist of massage types. Now let’s dig deep into what are they and which one is best for you.

Types of Body Massage

1. Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a gentle type of full-body massage. It is best if you:

• are new to massage
• have a lot of tension
• are sensitive to touch

For this massage, you need to remove your clothes. Although you may keep your underwear on I recommend not to do so. There will be lots of oil and it will make your underpants dirty. Usually, a Swedish massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

2. Hot stone massage

The hot stone massage is best for muscle pain and tension. It is also good if you simply want to relax. This massage is similar to a Swedish massage. The difference here is there are hot stones used by the massage therapist.

I recommend this massage for those having muscle tension. Additionally, it improves blood flow and relieves pain because of hot stones.

During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also used.

You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.

3. Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massages are best for people who want to boost their mood. It is because it’s related to emotional healing. The massage reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. In addition, it also relieves muscle tension and pain.

Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.

During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin.

Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing other than underwear, which is optional.

An aromatherapy massage is 60–90 minutes.

4. Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.

In a deep tissue massage, the strokes are slow. Fingers are used to give pressure to relieve tension from muscles and tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear. The choice is yours.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

5. Sports massage

Sports massage is best if you have injuries to a muscle from playing a sport. It increases body flexibility and performance. This is the reason why every sports team has its own expert.

A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure or smooth strokes, anything can do.

You don’t have to be fully naked while taking a sports massage. Make sure your clothes are thin and loose if you prefer to wear them during the session. because it helps the therapist to access your muscles.

For females, loose shorts and a tank top are good options to wear during the massage.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

6. Trigger point massage

Trigger point massage focuses on tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points. It’s best for those who have injuries, chronic pain, or specific muscles pain. By focusing on trigger points, the therapist can reduce pain easily.

Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.

This type of massage will usually last for 60–90 minutes.

7. Reflexology

Reflexology is best to relax or restore natural energy levels. It is best for females who aren’t comfortable being touched by others. In reflexology, a therapist applies gentle to firm pressure on feet, hands, and ears. Loose and comfortable clothes are must in such kind of massages.

A reflexology massage lasts for 30–60 minutes.

8. Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage is ideal to feel relax and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It is basically a Japanese type of massage. The shiatsu style of massage:

• promotes emotional and physical calmness
• relieves stress, anxiety, and depression
• helps reduce headache and muscle tension

Shiatsu massage is for the whole body. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. You can be fully clothed during this massage.

Shiatsu massages typically last for 60–90 minutes.

9. Thai massage

A Thai massage is an active form of body massage. Besides relieving pain and stress, it is quite popular across the globe. An expert thai therapist can help increase your:

• Body flexibility
• Blood circulation
• Natural energy levels

Actually thai massage is similar to Indian yogic stretching. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be stretched and twisted into various positions. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing during the massage.

Thai massage lasts for 60–90 minutes.

10. Prenatal massage

Prenatal massage is a massage done during pregnancy. It helps reduce body aches, stress, and muscle tension during pregnancy. Experts recommend taking prenatal massage from a trained therapist only. It can really be very dangerous putting pressure on the body during pregnancy.

Hence, to avoid the risk of miscarriage during preganancy consult your doctor or a certified massage therapist.

Prenatal massage uses mild pressure like a Swedish massage. The focus areas are lower back, hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed depending on your comfort level.

During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. It is totally advisable to see a doctor before taking a prenatal massage.

The massage will last for 45–60 minutes.

11. Couple’s massage

A couple’s massage is done with your partner in the same room. Your partner doesn’t massage you. He/she takes massage with you. In short, there are 4 people in the massage room including 2 therapists.

It’s a regular massage. Many spas offer hot tubs, saunas, and other facilities to attract couples. You and your partner can each get a different type of massage or both of you can take the same one. Depends on your preference and the offerings at the spa.

Couple massage usually lasts for 60-90 minutes.

12. Chair massage

A chair massage is especially for neck, shoulders, and back. Now if you have never been to a spa before then this massage can be a good start. Chair massage helps relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.

You remain in your clothes during the massage. There’s a special chair designed for this kind of massage. These massages are usually 10–30 minutes.

My Recommendation

As discussed above if you are new you can try the deep tissue or Swedish massage. Both of them are a good one to start with. Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages are expensive than standard massages.

Depending on your requirements, thai, or sports massages can also be a good choice. Besides they may run a bit higher, too. You can check out the spa in surat city or call a massage therapist at home at a more reasonable cost.

Pro Tip on Selecting the Best Massage Type

Massage is the most relaxing way to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find out which is better for you.

Always talk to your massage therapist and speak up if you aren’t comfortable. Because you may end up getting a back pain like me. Talk to your doctor before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.