Spa Guide: Massages

Spa enthusiasts enjoy a variety of massage services at day spas, hotels and resorts, destination, and medical spas whether at a luxury or affordable level. Swedish massage is the most requested type of massage. Other popular massages include aromatherapy massage, deep tissue massage, prenatal, Thai, Blackberry Hand, lymphatic drainage, hot stone and Lomi Lomi. To learn more about various massage techniques and their benefits, visit the links below.

Visit Susie's Blog, President of SpaFinder, to learn more about massage and other spa industry trends. Subscribe to Luxury SpaFinder Magazine to learn more about spas around the world and the spa lifestyle. Many day spas accept SpaFinder Gift Certificates, which is a wonderful holiday gift or gift any time of the year.

Where You Can Get a Massage

Massage services are available at day spas, hotel/resort spas, destination spas, luxury & connoisseur spas and many medical spas.

Spa Massage Etiquette

Learn all about proper spa massage etiquette in Spa 101. From advance booking to clothing requirements to punctuality, read this before your next massage or spa service.

How Long Does a Massage Take?

Most massages are approximately 50 minutes or an hour, although massages can also be booked for 90 minutes or longer.

How Much Does A Massage Cost?

On average, massages cost $50-$150 for a 50 or 60 minute massage depending on the spa location, the type of massage and the duration of the massage. Massages at day spas are generally less expensive than massages at resort or hotel spas which often can provide additional amenities such as saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools. The longer the massage, the more expensive the massage will be.

Swedish massage

Developed in the nineteenth century at the University of Stockholm, Swedish massage is the most popular massage technique. Incorporating various types of strokes (from gliding strokes to kneading movements) and massage oil, this technique was designed to both stimulate and soothe the muscles and nervous system. It is believed that Swedish massage promotes general well-being through interaction with the skin, which is the body's largest organ.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Swedish massage".

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a technique designed to penetrate deep into the body's musculature to unlock deep areas of tension. Trained therapists use skillful hand movements and pressure to bring about healing results. As always, clients work with therapists to determine the proper level of intensity. Therapists advise clients to drink plenty of water after this treatment to aid in the elimination of internal toxins released by muscles affected by the massage.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Deep Tissue Massage".

Thai Massage

Traditional Medical Massage of Thailand, better known as Thai Massage, originated more than two millennia ago in India and spread to Southeast Asia. Once there, it became one of the staples of traditional Thai medicine. Thai massage sessions are designed to be relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Therapists incorporate passive stretching and acupressure principles to re-balance the body's energy system. Thai massage requires that the recipient be fully clothed.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Thai Massage".

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a healing treatment that involves the application of water-heated basalt stones to key points on the body. Stones are heated to allow for greater relaxation of stress-tightened muscles that can then be manipulated more effectively by a trained massage therapist. Among the many ailments and symptoms that can be ameliorated by hot stone massage are arthritis, insomnia, and depression.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Hot Stone Massage".

Acupressure Massage

A form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine through the application of pressure on specific points of the body.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Acupressure Massage".

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is the use of scented essential oils for therapeutic effect. Essential oils are distilled aromatic essences derived from plants, bark, and seeds. Different oils are used for different purposes, e.g., lavender to induce relaxation. Therapists can also combine oils based on a client's request. Aromatherapy treatments are designed to stimulate the senses and to sharpen mental response. Proponents of aromatherapy claim that it can affect the central nervous system, inducing relaxation and generally improving body processes.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Aromatherapy Massage".

BlackBerry Hand Massage

Staying connected can be hard on the hands. Over time, manipulating the tiny buttons of your BlackBerry or other type of PDA (personal digital assistant) can cause pinched muscles and inflamed joints. A hand massage developed especially for BlackBerry users.

Search for participating day spas in your area that offer "Blackberry Hand Massage".

Cranio Sacral Massage

Cranio-sacral therapy is a fairly new form of touch therapy, having been developed by an osteopath in the 1980s. This technique is designed to improve the functioning of the central nervous system through the application of very light pressure. Practitioners use this light touch therapy to evaluate the health of each client's cranio-sacral system (the membranes and fluid surrounding the nervous system) and work with clients to help the body rid itself of "areas of inertia" or restriction.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Cranio Sacral Massage".

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a massage technique designed to soothe clients with soft-tissue ailments. Through a combination of stretching and massage, therapists work to relieve tension in the fibrous bands of tissue surrounding muscles, called "fascia." Clients have used myofascial release to address health complaints such as TMJ, chronic back pain, headaches, strains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Myofascial Release".

Lymph Drainage Massage

This technique is designed to aid the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body's protective system of vessels and nodes. When the lymphatic system is congested for any reason, the body ceases to function at its best. Lymphatic drainage massage is formulated for both sick and well clients and involves a gentle, relaxing massage action. Therapists focus on provoking contractions of the lymph vessels, which are said to propel vital fluids through congested areas.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Lymph Drainage Massage".

Prenatal/Postnatal Massage

Perhaps no one needs and deserves a massage more than an expectant mother. When choosing a therapist for this technique, clients should ensure that their practitioner has had extensive experience practicing massage on pregnant women. No two women's pregnancy pains are identical, so experienced prenatal massage therapists cater to the specific needs of each client. Many therapists have special chairs or tables specifically designed for pregnant clients.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Prenatal/Postnatal Massage".

Reflexology

This technique uses "zone therapy," a touch-based modality based on the idea that reflex areas on the hands and feet are linked to the health and function of various organs in the body. Reflexology practitioners aim to remove all blockages to the body's energy flow. Pressure on specific areas of the feet is said to restore balance and health to the corresponding organs. Reflexologists believe that cures for ailments such as acne, gingivitis, and even diabetes can be achieved through manipulation of the nerve endings in the foot.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Reflexology".

Reiki

Reiki takes its name from the combination of two Japanese ideograms: Rei (meaning spiritual consciousness) and Ki (meaning life-force). Practitioners take a highly spiritual approach to well-being, emphasizing the flow of unseen life-force through the body. Reiki practitioners claim to be able to channel unseen energy into a client's body by touching or bringing their hands close to the client. Recipients of the energy are then said to be better able to heal themselves. Would-be Reiki therapists and teachers must complete a three-part course, at the conclusion of which they are given the title of "Reiki Master."

Search for participating day spas that offer "Reiki".

Rolfing Massage

Soft-tissue manipulation used to structurally realign the body and enhance overall vitality.

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Shiatsu

Similar to acupressure, this technique takes its name from the Japanese word for "finger pressure." Shiatsu therapists use their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to the body's main energy channels, or meridians. These channels are determined during an assessment that precedes treatment. By clearing internal energy blockages, therapists have helped spa guests achieve lower blood pressure, increased flexibility, and reduced stress levels, among other health benefits.

Search for participating day spas that offer "Shiatsu".