What is a Relaxation Massage?

Relaxation massage, as its name suggests, is a form of massage therapy that focuses on providing general relaxation, relieving muscle tension and improving blood circulation. Its primary goal is to assist the client in escaping the demands of their mundane tasks and taking quality time to recover from the stresses of everyday life. When you want to receive a relaxation massage, you can expect the treatment to involve:

• Long, smooth, gliding strokes that are both rhythmic and flowing
• Pressure that is deeply relaxing, but not painful
• A treatment designed to relax and soothe you, but not to relieve chronic pain or other underlying conditions
• A therapist who also takes the massage environment into account – looks for soothing music, warm towels, and occasionally uses essential oils to enhance both the environment and the effects of the massage

What Are the Benefits of Relaxation Massage?

Just like other styles of massage, the benefits of a relaxation massage usually last several days after receiving the treatment. It may not be the absolute cure for any health problem, but getting regular massage, specifically relaxation massage, can offer the following benefits:

• Relieves back and neck pain
• Lowers blood pressure – at least for a while
• Improves peripheral circulation
• Improves skin tone and appearance
• Improves gastrointestinal motility, hence improving bowel movement and overall digestion
• Reduces muscle tension such as the relief of muscle tension headaches
• Relieves any stress-related symptoms. This can include providing a boost to the immune system after undergoing regular treatments
• Improves sleep
• Supports healing of minor skin abrasions
• Speeds up recovery of soft tissue injuries
• Improves range of motion
• Promotes relaxation

What Are the Different Types of Relaxation Massage?

In a relaxation massage therapy session, the massage therapist employs gentle to medium manipulation techniques to the superficial layers of the body tissue. Unlike deep tissue or trigger point massage, it doesn’t address the connective tissue of the muscles, though it does a great job at easing tired muscles. The therapist typically works on the client’s back, neck, arms and legs using gentle kneading motion and long strokes.

Like with other services, there is such a thing as an upgraded relaxation massage where the client can indulge in other treatments in addition to the standard massage therapy. Here’s a list of some relaxation massages that you should definitely try.

• Swedish massage immediately comes to mind when you say relaxation massage. It’s a full-body massage that combines gentle kneading, tapping and long strokes directed towards the heart to improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This type of massage is ideal for anyone who’s new to massage or just wants to bring down their stress levels after a long, tiring day.
• Hot stone massage involves the placing of heated stones on specific parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, legs and feet, to warm and loosen up the muscles. Once they’re warm enough, the massage therapist can start applying slow and gentle strokes on the client’s body. They may also rub the heated stones against the back, shoulders and legs to relieve pain, stress as well as toxins stored in the body.
• Aromatherapy massage helps promote positive thoughts and feelings. It’s a type of massage that synchronously benefits the body and the emotions. During an aromatherapy massage treatment, the therapist applies gentle Swedish massage techniques to the soft tissue of the client’s body while the calming scent of essential oils diffuses into the air to intensify their journey to relaxation. The oils can also be applied to the client’s body upon their request.