Relax, reflect, and immerse in a personalized massage.
Deep-tissue
As its name suggests, deep-tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Because of this, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish.
Benefits: Deep-tissue massage is ideal for releasing chronic tension and may also help improve range of motion.
Try it if: you suffer from chronic aches and pains, or want more pressure than classic Swedish massage offers.
Swedish
This relaxation-focused session is what most people think of first when they think about massage. Therapists use a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to help ease shallow tension in the muscles. Aromatherapy may be added to enhance relaxation.
Benefit: Besides helping to relax the muscles and ease superficial tension, Swedish massage may also help boost circulation throughout the body.
Try it if: you’re new to massage or you’re looking to relieve light-to-moderate tension in your back and shoulders.
Sports
Specifically designed with athletes in mind, sports massage is a variation on Swedish massage that aims to address aches caused by repetitive motion and help active people make a quicker recovery from stress and injury.
Benefits: Quicker workout recovery times, better range of motion, and improved performance are just a few of the benefits reported by those who receive regular sports massages.
Try it if: you play sports or frequently work out and want to keep your body in top condition.
Lomi Lomi
‘Lomi lomi’ translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used as moisturisers in lomi lomi massage, to keep the strokes smooth and to nourish the skin.
Many believe that the healing art of Lomi lomi was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers, while others believe that it is deeply infused with the practice of ‘living aloha’ – a carry-over from ancient Hawaii and the mystical land of Mu. The Hawaiian lomi lomi massage can also be referred to as Kahuna bodywork.
Benefits of Lomi Lomi Massage:
Lomi lomi aims to treat the body and mind as one whole being. It is thought to:
- release tension
- assist blood and lymph flow
- eliminate waste and stimulate toxins
- rejuvenate the body
- instil a sense of peace, harmony and wellbeing.
In Hawaii, lomi lomi is used to treat children with upset stomachs and soothe women in labour. A lomi lomi therapist will not aim to heal themselves, but to be the facilitator for healing – to enable healing to take place.
Foot
Just what it sounds like: a relaxing massage for the feet.
Benefits: Unlike reflexology, which specifically aims to target other areas of the body, a traditional foot massage simply aims to provide relaxation to overworked feet.
Try it if: you have a job that requires you to stay on your feet all day.
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Hot Stone
Rather than relying solely on their hands to work out stubborn knots, the massage therapist places heated basalt stones on the back to help melt tight areas.
Benefits: Besides helping to relieve tense areas, the heat from the stones can help improve blood flow.
Try it if: you suffer from hard-to-loosen trouble spots and like the therapeutic heat.
