Speak Fluent Spa
Lomi-lomi, or shiatsu?
Without question, the most popular service offered at any day spa is massage. To make things simple, browse the list below and pick which one suits you best before you show up for an appointment. Most spas can tailor their services to your needs, but the more you understand what they’re talking about, the more relaxed you’ll be.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
When most people think of professional massage, this is what they are picturing: long, smooth strokes and kneading on the outermost layers of muscle. Usually done with oil or lotion, it’s the most gentle of the massage styles.
SHIATSU MASSAGE
Unlike the flat-palmed Swedish massage, the Japanese-influenced shiatsu massage utilizes the strength of the practitioner’s fingers as they rhythmically locate and apply deep pressure to acupressure hot spots. While the massage is firm, it is generally slow and also relaxing.
THAI MASSAGE
While you will leave a Thai massage feeling as relaxed and loose as any other style, don’t just expect to lie there in peace while you receive the treatment. Traditional Thai massage will have the masseuse bending and stretching your body in a variety of poses. Think of it as yoga without doing any of the work.
REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE
To the untrained eye, reflexology is simply an hour-long foot massage. But to the expert applying the technique, the foot is a map of the entire body, and by using various techniques and pressure points, nonfoot ailments can be relieved. Have a sore neck? The masseuse may spend extra time on your big toe. Aching joints? A hard squeeze on the heel may do the trick. To the uninitiated, it sounds pretty hokey – but this is among the most requested (and most relaxing) treatments available.
SPORTS MASSAGE
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy sports massage. This is a firmer, more aggressive version of Swedish massage that pays specific attention to those muscles most used in athletic activity. This style is also used by those recovering from an injury, or just looking to prevent recurring ones.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
As the name suggests, several smooth, flat stones of varying sizes are heated and then placed over your back, arms, legs, and other regions the masseuse needs to loosen up. The result is a deep heat that turns muscles to jelly. Most massage styles can also add hot stones to the routine by request.
LOMI-LOMI MASSAGE
This deeply spiritual Hawaiian massage style uses elbows, forearms, and firm, two-handed techniques to stretch and massage muscles. Meditation and slow, rhythmic breathing are encouraged during this massage, which was designed to “release the body’s energy” in a manner consistent with ancient Polynesian tradition.
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