Different Types of Spa Massage in the World

Modern life can be stressful, so what better way to relax than to visit a spa for a massage treatment. Whether you have only a few hours or several days, take some time off work and get a massage to benefit your health.

Types of Spas
There are several different types of spas to best suit your needs. Here are several common types to guide you in your choice.

Day Spas
Sometimes, you need a break from the stress of your day and want to treat yourself to something special. Day spas are perfect for these occasions and offer a variety of massage services to pamper you. If you have the time, massage appointments are usually easier to get during the week and are sometimes offered at lower rates. Another advantage to Day Spas is possibly finding an excellent massage therapist that you can visit regularly. Regular massage treatments can lead to a healthier life.

Medical Spas
Medical spas differ from traditional spas by offering the services of health care professionals to provide more holistic health services. Alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, or integrative medicine doctors, will be available to provide a wellness program to improve your health. Acupuncture facial rejuvenation or other natural cosmetic procedures may be offered in conjunction with a variety of massage treatments.

Spa Resorts
Spa resorts can be an excellent way to spend your vacation. These establishments commonly offer high-end treatments in conjunction with outdoor activities to create a fulfilling and relaxing experience. Embracing several days of treatments can make profound changes in your mind and body, renewing your health. Spa vacations are often all-inclusion, providing fitness activities, healthy dining, and top-quality spa treatments.

Styles of Massages at Spas
While every spa has a unique offering of massage therapy treatments, the following list includes the most common styles of massage available in spas today.

Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish massage is a full body, oil-based massage that is the most common style practiced at spas. Swedish is a relaxing form of treatment that uses flowing strokes to guide over your body and melt away your stress. It can improve circulation of blood and resolve muscle tension.

Couples Massage
Couples Massage treatments allow both you and your significant other can enjoy the bliss of Swedish massage in a spacious room that can accommodate two massage tables. It can be an excellent, quality time experience for that special occasion.

Deep Tissue and Sports Massage
Both Deep Tissue massage and sports massage offer deeper levels of bodywork to provide a more therapeutic massage treatment. Deep compression and cross fiber friction are used to dissolve adhesions within muscles, speed recovery from training, and help heal old injuries. If you have a stiff neck or lower back pain you should consider one of these spa treatments. These treatments are less relaxing than other spa massages, and you may be sore the next day.

Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stone therapy is a relatively new form of spa massage treatment. Smooth volcanic rocks are warmed in hot water to about 120 - 150 degrees. The massage therapist then uses these stones to smooth your muscles in a similar manner to a Swedish massage. The heat helps relax your muscles and release toxins. Hot stones are also place over acupressure points to open your energy pathways, call meridians.

Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that stimulates acupressure points to balance the flow of energy in your body. It is one of the few spa massage styles that are performed fully clothed. Shiatsu is based upon the theories of Oriental Medicine, and is able to relax the body and treat various health problems.

Hand and Foot Reflexology massage
Hand and foot reflexology massage can be a great way to relax and improve your health. The hands and feet are considered reflex zones of the entire body. By applying pressure to specific locations on your hands and feet, the entire body can be treated.