Types of Massage

NewShadow

Bit of an odd question, but can anyone tell me what these types of massage are like?

Swedish
Hot stones
Aromatherapy

I'm being put up in a hotel by work, and because of the peak/off peak savings I'll actually be getting there fairly early.

I've never had a massage before, but I've been told the facilities at the hotel are great. Given I'll be there anyway, and it'll be right after pay day, I'm considering splashing out and treating myself.

But... I'm not sure what type of massage to go for.

I don't really like smellies, so I'm assuming I won't like the Aromatherapy, but other than that...

Kim_kim

Go for the Swedish it's the regular type.

Aromatherapy is scented oils - with therapeutic properties.

I've never had the hots stones, but I can't imagine it gives you that pulled about, stress lifted feeling that a good massage does.

I have Swedish.

Nicki

Hot stones is a normal massage but also involved having warmed stones placed on particularly tight parts of the body for a few minutes - like a hot water bottle but smooth - which helps release tension a bit further. It is a nice and relaxing experience.

Swedish is a fairly general term for a massage. It can be gentle or deep tissue at your own preference. If you don't like smells that would be your best bet.

Aromatherapy massages in a spa aren't often tailored so are usually just a Swedish massage with a pre blended aromatherapy oil. If that's not what you like go for one of the other two.

And enjoy!

NewShadow

Thanks for the advice.

I've been looking through the brochure some more, and I'm wondering if it's worth getting two shorter ones - the Swedish, then hot stones - both 25 mins for shoulders and back, rather than the 55 min full body.

I'm not hugely body happy, so I don't know if I like the idea of full body.

Would this be a waste of money (the two treatments are about the same cost as the single treatment)?

prosaver

dont go for the happy ending one though, it cost more

elsien

I don't really see the point of having two back massages.
You're covered up with towels anyway, and they only uncover the bit they're working on for the full body massage so it's nothing to be self conscious about. When having the full massage I always ask them not to do the stomach - don't find it comfortable.

The aromatherapy massage may be gentler and more obviously relaxing although they generally ask how firm a pressure you like. I'm allergic to most perfumes but aromatherapy oils don't make me sneeze. And they should let you have a smell of the suggested oils before they start.
Swedish is firmer and possibly less comfortable when they're doing it, but you certainly notice the difference afterwards.

When I had a hot stone massage, they used the stones to do the massage with. It was ok, but didn't feel the same as when they really get the fingers into the knots.

I'm jealous - I do like a good full body massage. Not been for a while now.

SailorSam

I did a nightschool class years and years ago for massage/aromatherapy. I was really shy back then and i got paired up with this older women..... she was a big lady. And we had to practise on each other.
I remember this one night having to give her a leg massage. She's saying do it properly, press harder and go higher up. And i'm getting redder and redder, i was dead embarrassed

prosaver

SailorSam wrote: »

I did a nightschool class years and years ago for massage/aromatherapy. I was really shy back then and i got paired up with this older women..... she was a big lady. And we had to practise on each other.
I remember this one night having to give her a leg massage. She's saying do it properly, press harder and go higher up. And i'm getting redder and redder, i was dead embarrassed

oh carry on:D

SailorSam

prosaver wrote: »

oh carry on:D

That's exactly what that big woman said.

jenniewb

OP, why not ask the hotel or spa what they describe for each, the way you've listed it I'd describe them as going from strong to mild but that's my understanding and it may be different to what is actually offered.

I wasn't sure from your username but if you are male you might be a bit more conscious of any aromatherapy oils if you are not used to having scented products applied to you, maybe bare that in mind.

Hot stone massage is rarely painful, just warm and the stones can feel a bit too warm if you are not used to the massage, it's not as easy or immediate to reduce the temperature as it is to reduce the tension of a manual massage (though it can be done by not leaving the stones on any heat for as long or cooling them down before applying them to skin).

Swedish massage is normally quite an intense massage (though again; intensity can be reduced if you ask). It's better for things like pulled muscles or general aches and pains where as aromatherapy massage tends to be (in my understanding) more of a general massage not set to iron out anything, just to relax.

donnac2558

Hot Stones is very relaxing. All the tension just drains away.