We call body massage that operation performed on our body consisting of pressing, rubbing or tapping rhythmically and with more or less intensity the body as a whole or its regions separately, mainly the muscle masses (although not necessarily) for relaxing, therapeutic, sports, aesthetic and/or wellness purposes.

Regardless of their purpose and according to the way they are performed, body massages can be classified as manual or mechanical massages

Body massages, also called comprehensive body massages when applied over the whole body, there are for all tastes and ailments (or almost).

In fact, there are so many types of massages that we at Sparelajarse have decided to put together this guide to body massages. We hope it will help you decide which massage you like or suits you best, which one you want to try when you go to the spa, the thalasso or your thermal and beauty center, or what possibilities there are to relax quickly with massages at home

Get comfortable because this goes on for a long time, there is a whole world of massages to take care of your body, beautify its parts and fight stress!

 

 

What types of body massages are there?

Before we go into explaining each body massage in depth let's make a clarification.

What is a manual massage, what is a mechanical massage and how do they differ?

Very easy: Manual massage is that massage performed with the hands or, sometimes, with other parts of the body, while mechanical massage is that which requires machines for its execution.

In both of them, products such as oils, essences, creams, etc. can be used. Without changing its manual or mechanical nature.

But beware that sometimes manual massages are helped by certain tools to be performed apart from the oils, essences, etc. that you want to use, more or less simple elements that are never machines.

This is the case of massages with pindas, candles, volcanic stones, etc. where the masseur uses pindas, candles, volcanic stones, etc. to deepen its massaging action and thus achieve certain desired effects.

 

Relaxing massages

A relaxing massage is any massage whose objective is to relax your body and, many times, your mind (although not necessarily).

As we will see in this article, there are countless techniques and elements to perform relaxing massages successfully.

You will find relaxing massages in all kinds of health and beauty centers, in thermal centers, and, increasingly, in hotels and rural lodgings.

 

Therapeutic massages

A therapeutic massage is a massage that seeks to cure or alleviate the symptoms of a disease or illness.

Many times they are performed by a physiotherapist or a duly accredited professional, by a person who knows what they are doing to help another person who presents a health problem they want to solve.

It is common to find therapeutic massages in spas, thermal centers and gyms.

 

Sports massages

A sports massage is a massage designed to meet a need derived from a physical sporting action​​​​​​.

There are sports massages specifically for cyclists, for swimmers, for runners, etc.

And each one is designed to relieve the tension accumulated in the parts of the body that suffer most from the physical activity of these athletes.

Sports massages for cyclists, for swimmers, for runners, etc..

You can find sports massages in gyms, thermal centers and, increasingly, in health and beauty establishments.

 

Beauty massages

A beauty massage is a massage designed and performed to make the body more beautiful​​​​​​.

Beauty massages usually cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, lighten, smooth, etc.

Our skin in greater or lesser depth and, often, at the same time as beautifying tend to relax.

You will find them in beauty salons, but also in many spas, spas, hammams, and thalassotherapy centers.

 

Holistic massages

A holistic massage is a body massage designed to relax the body and mind

The holistic body massage conceives the person as a whole, hence all its efforts are to provide complete wellness to that person attending to your physical plane but also to your mental and/or spiritual plane.

Holistic massages are found in many yoga centers, spiritual retreats, and, increasingly, in thermal centers with a holistic approach.

 

Physiotherapeutic massages

Physiotherapy is the "treatment of injuries, especially traumatic ones, by physical means such as heat, cold or ultrasound, by exercises, massages, and mechanical means."

Physiotherapeutic massages are lymphatic drainage, decontracting massage, circulatory massage, Cyriax massage, etc.

As you can see, physiotherapy can take the form of massage, yes, but it is a discipline in itself that includes much more than that.

We include it in this classification of massages to clarify concepts but, to learn more, read the section on physiotherapy.

 

Is a massage with hands or with tools better?

And it basically depends on the objective you pursue with that massage. In principle there are no better and worse ones, the best body massage is the one that you like and that suits you, the one that most benefit your health, your beauty, and your well-being. No more, no less.

So that you know where to start when choosing a massage and so that you can experiment at home if you feel like it, we have prepared the list of manual massages that follows.

We hope you find it very useful and, above all, that you enjoy it. Literally.

 

Manual Massage

Manual body massages done with the hands are those massages that are performed directly on the body with the hands or, sometimes, with some other part of the body (as, for example, occurs in the Thai massage that we are about to see).

Massage with the hand's Massage with the hands is a manual massage.

These massages can be performed personally (you can do a manual massage on, for example, your legs) or they can be performed by a professional (as is the case of the massage you receive in a thermal center).

In one way or another, the massage should always have positive consequences the health of the person who receives it in the short, medium and long term.

Like any other massage, manual body massages can have different objectives.

There are therapeutic, sports, aesthetic, relaxing manual massages, etc.

And they can be done separately, individually (the typical massage session because your back hurts from spending so much time sitting at your desk), or be integrated into a thermal circuit or wellness program (the massage included in that romantic spa weekend for two that someone gave you as a gift).

Anyway, to choose the best manual body massage for you keep in mind what you want to achieve. You won't choose the same massage if you want to heal yourself as if you want to relax.

 

Massage with coconut oil

Body massages with oils are usually relaxing massages in which a specific oil is used that provides certain extra benefits to your body.

Massages with coconut oil, both facial and body, feet, and hands, are perfect for anyone looking to relax quickly and feel better instantly (because you will feel more relaxed and look more beautiful).

These massages are very popular in beach areas with an abundance of coconuts (e.g. Thailand, Cambodia, etc.) and are great for refreshing and deeply moisturizing the skin

Thanks to their after-sun effect, they are great allies in summer, when our skin enjoys and suffers equally the effect of solar radiation.

 

Massage with Aloe Vera

Body massages with aloe vera are usually massages relaxing, although they often have cleansing and beautifying effects, depending on how this aloe vera is applied on the skin.

Thus, you can receive from exfoliating or soothing massages to beautifying massages, without ruling out that you can have a sports or therapeutic massage with a product containing aloe vera.

In one way or another and regardless of the purpose of the massage (health, beauty, etc.), aloe will help your skin to be more moisturized and soft, something that always comes in handy and your skin will be grateful for.

 

Massage with tiger balm

Manual body massages with tiger balm are characterized by the use of an Oriental cream made from vegetable products (tiger balm or tiger balm) and used for millennia by traditional Chinese medicine.

The Tiger Balm Massage is a Tigre Balm Massage that has been used by traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

It can be used for relaxing massages, although it is more commonly used in therapeutic and sports massages as it tends to relieve muscle and headaches.

It can also be used against bumps, cough, mosquito bites, or other insect bites, and some people use it for the treatment of rheumatism and even scars.

The most commonly used tiger balms are white and red and differ mainly in that white tiger balm refreshes and red tiger balm produces a warming effect.

Regardless of color, both carry to a greater or lesser extent menthol (responsible for that deep and characteristic odor), camphor and mint, cajeput, clove, and cinnamon oils from China, among other ingredients.

This balm rarely or never contains ingredients of animal origin, so it can be used by vegans without fear.

 

 

Anticellulite massage

Anticellulite messages aim to reduce cellulite, that is, the subcutaneous accumulation of fat in certain parts of the body (usually legs, buttocks, and belly) that causes the skin to lose smoothness and gain deformity producing the dreaded "orange peel". That is the horror.

There are many types of anti-cellulite massage more or less complex and can be easily performed at home (the simplest) or in a specialized center (the most complex).

In fact, they can be manual, manual with the help of a tool, or mechanical and with a massager and, as mentioned above, we would include them in the physiotherapy section.

As there is so much we can say about anti-cellulite treatments (with or without massage), we have decided to dedicate its own space within Sparelajarse.

 

Exfoliating massage

The aim of a good exfoliating body massage is to deep cleanse the skin, often from head to toe.

For this purpose, instead of oils or essences, an exfoliating product will be applied to the skin of our body, which can be of one type or another, and, depending on that, the effect will be more or less deep.

If before the exfoliating massage, you undergo a session of skin cleansing and then you apply a moisturizing product, both the exfoliation and the product that you apply afterward will be much more effective.

Although they are written with the needs of the face in mind, many of the premises stated therein can be extended to the rest of the body.

 

Lomi lomi (Hawaiian) massage

Lomi lomi massage is a relaxing massage that draws from the Hawaiian massage tradition.

This Polynesian technique is based on practices and concepts used by the kumus (masters) of Ohau, Maui and Kawai for hundreds of years and applies them to our Western world with the aim of giving peace to body and spirit.

Thus, the lomo lomo is a holistic massage as well.

The lomi lomi massage is one of the most fashionable massages in health and beauty centers, but also in spas and, above all, spas. It is usually performed on a stretcher and uses oils and essences with tropical ingredients, scents, and textures for its execution.

Result? A more relaxed body but also more beautiful thanks to the moisturizing effect that the products used during its execution tend to cause.

 

Thai massage

Go ahead and say that Thai body massage is one of my favorites.

As its name suggests, it is original oriental technique from Thailand whose objective is to relax the body in its entirety and relieve the tensions of everyday life, from head to toe.

To perform it, the masseuse will make you put on a kind of pijamas (from what you wear, you will only have your underwear under your pajamas, which will not be removed at any time).

The professional will then lay you down on a mat on the floor and, on the fabric of the pajamas, the professional will proceed to exert pressures, forces, and massages on your body.

For this he will use hands, elbows, feet, whatever it takes! But at no time will apply any product on your skin.

During the Thai massage, he will attend to each of the parts of your body, moving from one to another to finish with a back stretch.

But, very important: Thai massage shouldn't hurt.

It may sting a little, it may bother you a tad here or there, but if something really hurts, if you see that the masseuse is exerting too much pressure, etc. Tell them (if they don't ask you first).

If you come out of this massage more bruised than relieved, something has or has not been done right.

 

Californian massage

Californian massage is a type of holistic massage, that is, designed to relax the body and mind

With this objective, the masseuse tends to perform long movements, twists and stretches over your entire body, often aided by creams, oils or essences that facilitate and soften such movements.

"What differentiates the Californian massage from other massages is the approach" because during such a massage "the therapist harmonizes his energy with that of the patient by merging and creating a vibrational field that will allow" -the person receiving the massage- "to let go and release stress and accumulated tensions" working "not only on a physical level but also on an emotional level, also on an emotional level, healing and releasing the most sensitive parts of the body," says the portal Health Therapy.

Whether you are more or less spiritual, you should always come out of a Californian massage more relaxed.

 

Couples massage

Couple massage is the massage that is done at the same time to you and another person

Although it is called "couple massage" the only thing that is done as a couple is to be in the same room while you are being massaged.

Otherwise, the couple massage can be any massage (relaxing, beauty, etc.) that you do at the same time as another person who can be your partner, your friend, or your mother... Whoever you want!

Couple massage almost never has to do with sensual, erotic, and tantric massages. When in doubt, we recommend you always ask.

 

Sensual or erotic massage

The sensual or erotic massage is that massage whose objective is to make enjoy and/or give pleasure to another person

Normally it is not performed in a beauty salon, but in privacy (at home with a sexual partner of your choice, for example) and in its development are usually used essences, oils, creams, etc. that stimulate the senses and whet the sexual appetite.

The sensual and/or erotic massage is used since the dawn of time and the only rule for its execution is to enjoy, enjoy and, if you use any product (type gel effect heat, essential oils, etc.) that this is suitable for the body part on or inside which you want to apply it.

Not everything fits for everything!

If you use products that are not intended for what you are going to do, you could get an unpleasant surprise in the form of allergy, infection or skin rash. You have been warned.

Tantric massage

Tantric massage is a very complex type of massage that draws from even more complex Far Eastern spiritual currents and that can be used for different purposes.

In general, it is very connected with the spiritual, intimate and/or sensual world of each person.

There are those who use it as a form of meditation, there are those who use it to learn how to give and get more and better sexual pleasure, etc.

To learn how to give and get more and better sexual pleasure, etc.

But as we say, tantric massage is something very complex that is part of tantra or trantism, a current of thoughts and techniques related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

If you dare to get started in tantric massage (which can be quite an experience), get well informed before you do or pay anything.

Find a teacher that you trust, talk to other people who have already gone through their classes and / or courses, and make sure you are not putting yourself in the hands of any braggarts or sexual predators.

 

Massage with wraps

When massages meet wraps, a whole new world of sensations and effects for the body opens up.

As a general rule, when massage is added to or combined with a wrap, many more results are obtained: those derived from the massage (relaxation, relief, etc.) and those derived from the wrap (cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, etc.)

There is so much to tell about coverage that it requires its own section that we have entitled wraps.

Check it out to find out everything there is to know about body wraps, their effects, and their benefits on your body. There are so many possibilities!

What's more, there are a lot of possibilities!

 

Massage detox

A detox massage is a name given to those massages that promise to cleanse your body in some way.

And that's as far as we can go because under this nomenclature they can sell you anything

Our recommendation is that if you want to have a detox massage, you should find out exactly what it consists of, who is going to perform it, for what purpose, and what products it requires.

If you are promised a miracle flee quickly like a steed, just as you would flee from miracle diets and slimming products that ensure immediate and lasting results without sacrifices or consequences.

 

Massage with tools and/or devices

The category of manual massages also includes massages done with the hands but which use some type of element or tool in their performance.

In addition to that, they may involve essences, oils, creams, ointments, etc.

And be relaxing, therapeutic, sports, beautiful, or holistic. The only difference with purely manual massages is that these include an artificial element that serves as an extension and gives support to the hands with the aim of deepening the effects of these on the body.

The best manual massages with tools and/or devices are:

 

Bambuterapy

The bamboo cane massage is a massage technique widely used in Japan, China, South Korea, and other Asian countries that is very natural, pleasant, and efficient.

They can be performed as relaxing massage or as therapeutic or sports massage, as there are studies that show that well performed they relieve muscle pain and improve ailments such as hypertension and arterial stiffness, stress, and nerves, among other things.

At the Quirós School of Massage they are clear: "The massage with bamboo canes or bamboo therapy has had (...) a tremendous reception (...) due to the bamboo reeds and the bamboo massage.) due to the aesthetic benefits and the anti-cellulite capacity of the application of different maneuvers with reeds, being as effective as natural and not very aggressive, introduced with force in all kinds of massage charts of holistic centers, besides being striking for original and pleasant to receive".

If you get a chance, try it, you'll love it!

 

Massage with crystals, quartz or jade

Massages based on quartz crystals or jade stone are at the same time relaxing, therapeutic, and beautiful. Three in one!

In general, they have drained, firming, and blood circulation-enhancing effects.

If performed correctly they give very good results leading to eliminating impurities, increasing flexibility, and relaxing the skin of your body.

To increase their benefits and results you can combine them with other health and beauty products (such as creams and oils, for example).

Some crystal massages claim to be able to balance energies, open the chakras, clean the aura, etc. So much we do not know if they do, but certainly the skin you leave it wonderful.

While it's wonderful to receive a crystal massage from a professional (what a treat!), this is one of the easiest, safest, and cheapest body massages to experiment with at home.

Our advice is to get a tiny jade or quartz roller (face rollers will do) and try massaging different parts of your body to see how it feels.

 

Massage with hot stones

Massages with hot stones, volcanic or not, or geothermal massages are holistic type massages, designed to relax and relieve the tensions between body and mind.

They are widely used in thermal and beauty centers to de-stress and generate wellness, as well as in the treatment of minor muscular ailments and pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic ailments.

The technique is simple: the masseur heats special stones (usually in a specially designed device) and proceeds to perform a manual massage with the help of these stones. No more, no less.

Is it better if the hot stones are of volcanic origin? It depends on how superstitious you are.

Tradition says that volcanoes are unforgiving, that if you steal a stone from them their curse will haunt you until you return it (hence many people who go on vacation to volcanic places and take a souvenir with them end up returning it via postcard).

Believe it or not, what you do have to be careful with is the heating of stones themselves to avoid burns and redness. If you are encouraged to try this practice at home, do it with care, head, and the right stones.

 

Massage with pindas

We call pindas those cloth bags filled with grains, vegetables, flowers, salts, and aromatic and medicinal herbs used by traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and other Eastern currents to give massages and relieve ailments.

Pindas can be hot or cold, but both have a relaxing effect on the body.

In fact, one of the benefits attributed to pindas massage is that it helps you sleep better.

Also, they are often recommended for pains associated with rheumatism and fibromyalgia, and to people who need to de-stress.

Depending on how and with what they are used, the pindas can also cause a moisturizing effect and detoxify the skin.

It is very difficult if not impossible to give yourself a full body massage with pindas, but it is possible to partially massage yourself(on legs, arms, etc.)

If you feel like practicing on yourself, your family or friends, get yourself a set of pindas, train yourself and give it. You will certainly not be short of volunteers!

 

Massage with candles

Candle massages are massages made from the by-product of letting a candle melt

Important: not just any candle.

For massage, you must use specific candles which, when melted, result in a soft and warm liquid that is used to perform the massage, generally relaxing and beautiful.

Candle massages are very relaxing and, at the same time, very moisturizing since they are usually made with highly nourishing vegetable products (candles are usually made with soy wax, vegetable oils, essential oils, fruits, etc.)

That's why from candle massages you come out looking like new, inside and out, with smoother, more beautiful, and luminous skin. Long live candle massages!

 

Massage with cups or suction cups

The cupping massage, also called cupping, is a more therapeutic massage technique that should be applied by a duly accredited professional.

What it does is to perform a massage/therapy based on suction cups that are applied directly on the skin to produce on it a vacuum effect that, applied in one way or another, serves to treat muscle problems, cleanse the blood or lymph and treat ailments such as migraine, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anemia, anxiety and depression.

As we say, massages with cups, cupping or cupping can be done in different ways depending on the ailment or problem to be solved.

We can use the cupping cups in a fixed way, we can apply and remove the cupping cup, or we can practice cupping bleeding or wet cupping

Depending on your goal to achieve, you will have to perform or ask to perform the massage in one way or another.