Do you also get confused when reading a Spa menu and see all these different kind of massages: Swedish, Deep tissue, Thai, Reflexology or Hot Stone massages? My god… you want a massage, but which one to choose??? In fact it is really important that you are well informed about the different types of massages before booking one! Each massage has its own characteristics and focus areas. To avoid a massage to be disappointing or even painful, it is vital to know the differences, only then you can make the right choice and make sure the massage will be effective and meets your expectations.

So many different types of massages, what are the differences and how to choose the one which suits you best? This is a short introduction to the most common types of massages.

Swedish Massage. Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.  The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body.

Deep Tissue Massage. Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber’s of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage.

Thai Massage. This is a type of massage style that involves passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing. This form of bodywork is usually performed on a futon mat or on the floor, and you wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage.

Reflexology Massage. This is an ancient massage technique based on the principles that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that correspond to every part, organ and gland in the body. During a reflexology appointment, the therapist will ask you questions to determine your present condition. She or he will then apply pressure to the hands and feet according to a reflexology foot map. Different spots will, theoretically, have an effect on different internal organs. You are said to benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension and the body’s ability to heal itself

Hot Stone Massage. This is a type of massage involves the application of water-heated volcanic lava stones of varying sizes to key points on the body. Using aromatic oils to stimulate the senses it gives you a deep massage creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. People experience this type of massage as extremely relaxing.

Before choosing a massage make sure you are well informed about the technique used, the duration and the areas worked on. Also, do not hesitate to communicate with your therapist during the massage. If you think the pressure is too hard or too soft, tell the therapist, then she or he can adapt the pressure. Keeping all this in mind will help you to select a massage and make sure your massage will be effective and meets your expectations!