Ever uttered the words, “I really need a massage”? Well the truth is, you may very well need one right now. Hovering over your laptop, scanning instagram on your commute on the train, devouring the latest Scandi Noir novel on your kindle, means you are carrying a multitude of stresses in your shoulders, upper back and lower back too. “I see so many people coming in with tension in their upper back, namely from long haul flights, driving for long distances and spending lengthy amounts of time sitting at a desk.” Says Lowenna Humphries, Spa Manager at the Baglioni Hotel in London. The muscles are so rigid from sitting in bad, uncomfortable positions that it’s no wonder your entire body needs some ironing out. It’s not just uncomfortable seats that can benefit from the restorative effects of massage: headaches, posture, even digestion all see serious improvement from a regular massage. It’s just a matter of knowing what you need to get the most out of that precious spa time…
By Emma Strenner
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1 Know your Swedish from your Thai
Getting the best out of your treatments means you need to know what you’re getting. The initial options in a spa menu can be daunting, from thai, deep tissue to Swedish massage, do you really know what you’re opting for?
So here is the low down:
Swedish Massage: probably the most popular massage, using long smooth strokes, kneading the muscles in circular movements to soothe knots and tensions, often using a lotion to aid relaxation.
Hot Stone Massage: Uses smooth, heated stones, placed on trigger points on the body to loosen the muscles, the therapist often applies pressure using the stones to iron out knots. This can also be great for digestive issues.
Deep Tissue Massage: Just as the name implies, a deeper massage targets the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissue, and is a favorite for those who have tensions from physical activities.
Thai Massage: applying pressure to certain points in the body, the therapist can release tension, and also physically stretches and moves your body to energize and increase flexibility. A great option post travel to lengthen and stretch out the body.
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2 Understand aromatherapy oils
Don’t underestimate the real benefit of using oils as part of your treatment. Yes, the overall experience is made more luxurious and stimulating but, it’s the healing qualities of the oil blends that can enhance the treatment hugely. “We use a lavender and wheatgerm oil in our treatments which makes for a more relaxing massage – this blend combined with the slower, longer movements helps to stretch the muscles in a more restorative way” says Humphries.
The cumulative effects of the right oils will boost your overall health too. Clary Sage for example, is quite often used to address pain, and rosemary can help to clear the head of lingering headaches. “We will concentrate on the scalp area for those who want to address migraines and headaches, particularly around the temple and face area. You really see it if someone is suffering from stress, their head and scalp area will feel very tense, so a massage using a shampooing movement, like a hair dresser can really help to loosen that tightness.” Says Humphries. “Regular massage in particular can help with posture issues too, the long smoothing action can lengthen and stretch out the neck and back, releasing that clenched feeling that contributes to slouching” she adds.
Exercise addicts should opt for a deep tissues massage to release any cumulative tension from repeated strains on muscles whether they’re long distance runners or yogis.
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3 Talk to your massage therapist
Speak up and definitely don't suffer in silence. Giving your therapist a clear and polite brief at the beginning of your treatment can make all the difference between a disappointing massage and walking out feeling like you're floating on a cloud. While you’ll be invited to fill out a consultation form at the start, regarding pressure and any areas of tension, you may need to elaborate a little more. “We love as much information as possible from the client, whether they have ticklish feet, any particularly sensitive areas in their body or whether they want a different pressure to be applied to different parts of the body,” says Lowenna.
It’s also worth remembering that ultimately no single massage will be the same so you can endeavor to make it as bespoke as possible. If you hate the relaxing sounds of the sea, tell them what music you would prefer, if you’re unhappy with the lighting, tell them. The massage beds are often heated, so make sure you’re happy with the temperature. Getting all the conditions just right will give you the most healing, therapeutic and relaxing massage possible.
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