What is it about a relaxing massage that is able to get us to release all the tensions and feel a deep peace, which helps us to rest and fill us with energy?

Of all the therapies that are applied today, it can be said that those that involve physical contact, those that require hands to be carried out, are the oldest. The ones that have accompanied us for the longest time and, possibly, some of the most effective... when it comes to relaxation.

Touch is one of the most important senses for human beings, and skin-to-skin contact has amazing properties when it comes to generating a state of calm. Have you ever tried touching or caressing a person who is restless while sleeping? If you have, you've probably noticed how, more often than not, that simple gesture is able to change the rhythm of their breathing and instantly calm them down.

That's one of the reasons why soothing massage is so successful and why we almost literally fall apart when we think of one.

But it's not the only one... in this guide, we're going to tell you everything you need to know about relaxing massage, so you can take advantage of all that this technique, as old as man, has for you and you can even surprise that special someone with a massage to relieve the tensions of the day.

Why do massages relax?

The sense of touch allows us to establish a closer bond than other senses in which the skin is not directly involved.

But, in addition, the use of hands to massage is relaxing in itself, due to the physical and neurological effects it has on our body.

And the fact is that our skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as blood vessels, are full of receptors that stimulate the central nervous system and whose stimulation is capable of causing important changes in the functioning of the organism.

For example, manipulating the skin causes the vessels to dilate and, consequently, the body temperature to increase and the fibers to relax and stretch.

It also decreases levels of the hormone cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) and increases serotonin (a hormone that produces tranquility and a sense of well-being) and melatonin (which directly influences sleep).

Consequently, the electrical impulses that have been generated in the receptors travel to the brain, and the brain responds by releasing endorphins, the substances responsible for the feeling of pleasure that we experience when we receive a good massage.

 

What is a relaxing massage

Did you know that there are more than 80 types of massages?

Yes, you read that right.

The benefits that massage brings to our lives, both physical and psychological, are so many that almost any method is welcome when it comes to undergoing a good massage.

But not all types of massage are the same. They don't all have the same objective, nor are they applied in the same way, nor do they achieve the same effects.

But not all types of massage are the same.

Relaxing massages have a very specific purpose: they are intended to relieve tension and achieve a state of well-being, calm and tranquility. Or what is the same: to increase the production of endorphins and evoke a pleasant and restful feeling.

Relaxing massages, according to Saludterapia.com, manage to reduce the presence of cortisol in the body by up to 50% and the use of painkillers for back pain by up to 36%. These data give an idea of the power that relaxing massages have when it comes to taking care of ourselves and feeling good.

The aim is to achieve a state of relaxation through gentle contact with the skin. Although pressure can be exerted, in relaxing massages it is not exerted as much, or in the same way, as can be done in other types of massages, such as sports.

This eliminates the feeling of discomfort that can produce the most abrupt passes, to get us out of the stress of everyday life.

To achieve a deeper state of relaxation, the relaxing massage prepares the environment in a special way, using not only the sense of touch, but also integrating the role of smell, hearing, and even sight.

So, it is very common that if you go to a spa to get a relaxing massage, you will find a room with dim and warm light, quiet ambient music or sounds from nature, such as the murmur of water, and the environment has been perfumed with essences that accompany the process.

What is the difference between a relaxing massage and other types of massages, such as the decontracting massage.

Overall, and simplifying, we could talk about two main types of massages, if we classify them according to their primary objective:

The relaxing massages, are designed to calm, induce rest, and achieve physical and, above all, psychological relaxation and therapeutic massages, among which decontracting massages stand out.

These last ones have the objective of dissolving the contractures that can occur in the muscles after an effort, as a result of bad postures or even accumulated tension and stress.

While relaxing massages are applied gently, in an environment that inspires tranquility, trying to focus the patient's attention on breathing and relying on the senses to achieve a deeper effect, decontracting massages use stronger and more abrupt techniques.

In this type of massage it is normal to feel some slight discomfort during the procedure, in order to return the muscles to a natural state, without physical tension, undoing "knots" and restoring their motor function, increasing flexibility, and treating the problems of pain, dizziness or stiffness that often accompany muscle contractures.

 

What are the benefits of relaxing massage

You might think, then, that, if we compare the advantages of receiving a relaxing massage with those of doing it with a decontracting one, it is worth the latter, since it is well worth spending a little discomfort for, later, to be able to feel healthier.

However, this does not make less important the advantages that a good relaxing massage can bring to your health. This type of massage is aimed not only at improving your physical condition, but, above all, at increasing your psychological and emotional well-being.

As you know, a relaxing massage releases the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for bringing tranquility and serenity and keeping in balance our mood, so it allows improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as reduce stress.

And once this effect occurs, there is a chain that includes improved sleep, decreased insomnia, lower cortisol levels and, consequently, also decreases fatigue and anxiety.

Therefore, we feel more energy, more vitality, and with more confidence in ourselves after receiving a good relaxing massage.

At a physical level, the relaxing massage prevents the formation of contractures, which are much more frequent when we remain in a state of continuous stress and tension.

It also has an analgesic effect that helps relieve pain, especially back pain, and headaches.

Relaxing massage is very useful for improving the function of the immune system, thus reducing the incidence of infections and, by stimulating the respiratory system (during the massage the inspirations become longer and deeper), it can alleviate the symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

It also helps to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure. This causes a greater supply of oxygen in the body and promotes the proper functioning of organs such as the kidneys and liver so that toxins are better eliminated and the effect is noticeable even in the appearance of our skin.

And speaking of skin, stress reduction can be very beneficial when treating dermatological infections, such as eczema or psoriasis.

The activation of circulation also contributes to relieving the symptoms of the menstrual syndrome. The soothing massage helps to reduce tissue inflammation and consequently relieves pain.

And if all this seems little to you, in addition, the pleasure produced by relaxing massages connects us with enjoyment and stimulates sexual appetite.

 

What types of relaxing massages you can find

If we take into account that, according to the FisioOnline portal, a relaxing massage is defined as a technique composed of different manual and rhythmic methods with the purpose of relaxing, it is not strange that we find a great variety of relaxing massages that use different methods to achieve their objective.

Hawaiian massage, Balinese, geothermal or stone massage are just some of the types of relaxing massage you can enjoy.

There are many more, but let's get to know some of them now:

 

Hawaiian massage

Hawaiian relaxing massage, or Lomi Lomi, is a technique of energizing massage that is based on the principle of the Huna philosophy that every living being sought love and harmony and puts it into practice with soft passes and touches, through which this energy of love is transmitted

 

Balinese massage

This relaxing massage, which comes from the Hindu Ayurvedic medicine, deals with the whole organism, in a holistic, integral way.

They say that Balinese massage is like a wave. That it wraps the body like a wave, a caress from head to toe in which the masseur creates a haven of pampering and well-being, despite the fact that it is one of the most forcefully applied relaxing massages.

 

Relaxing massage with aromatherapy

The sense of smell is a very powerful resource when it comes to balancing and relaxing the nervous system.

Aromatherapy aromatherapy takes advantage of these capabilities and helps to enhance the effects of relaxing massages, inducing a state of complete well-being when the properties of essential oils are combined with manual massage techniques.

Thus, we can enhance beneficial effects for the respiratory system (for example, using mixtures of essential oils with mint or eucalyptus), and relaxing effects, if we use lavender...

Due to the variety of effects that we can achieve in the application of relaxing massages thanks to essential oils, the therapist will prepare the session previously to evaluate your emotional state and customize the treatment to the maximum.

 

Wood therapy

Behind this name hides a relaxing massage technique that uses wooden utensils to reinforce its effectiveness

No, it is not about taking the ladles and rolling pin from the kitchen, but specific instruments, made of wood, which have specific functions and objectives:

• The smooth rolling pin activates the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
• The concave roller also promotes relaxation and helps balance energy.
• The cob, so called because of the notches that resemble an ear of corn, is used at the end of the session to tone the body (it also helps to work on fatty areas).
• The shaping board and the Swedish cup are used to eliminate toxins and localized fat.

This type of relaxing massage, has been practiced for millennia and is the massage of fashion for its ability to tone, help combat fluid retention and reduce localized fat.

 

Massage with hot candles

Can you imagine what beeswax combined with natural essentials and oils of almond, shea, coconut, and argan can do for your skin?

The candle massage is one of the most moisturizing that exists, besides having the privilege, also of being one of the most original treatments you can receive.

Its peculiarity lies precisely in the fact that it is applied using the hot and scented wax of a candle. However, at a constant temperature of about 40ºC, to avoid burns.

It is a delicate massage that, together with the environment prepared for rest and relaxation, stimulates the senses and is especially suitable to combat fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and stress, releasing tension with amazing ease, while it is very nourishing for the skin.

 

Four-hand massage

If there's anything more appetizing than a relaxing massage, it's a relaxing four-handed massage.

This is a technique in which two therapists act on the body at the same time, symmetrically, that is, coordinating their movements to one side and the other to go in rhythm, or asymmetrically, each of them devoting themselves to a specific area of the body.

The feeling of harmony and well-being is unsurpassed, so it is especially suitable to relieve anxiety problems, insomnia or stress.

Who can receive a relaxing massage?

In principle, the benefits of relaxing massages are so many, that it could be said that it is a type of massage suitable for anyone who wants to receive it.

The gentle and careful techniques mean that the contraindications of relaxing massages are much less than those of any other spa treatment.

However, there are some people for whom massages may pose some complications:

• If you have undergone spinal surgery.
• If you suffer from vascular diseases, such as thrombophlebitis
• If you have open wounds, fractures, fissures, burns...

 

As always, before undergoing any technique, including relaxing massages, we recommend that you consult with your doctor if any of these circumstances apply, as he/she is the person who best knows your medical history and the treatments that could affect your particular case.

 

Are relaxing massages recommended during pregnancy?

Relaxing massages can be a great relief during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, when we feel heavier and more uncomfortable.

Although the truth is that a good foot and leg massage is appreciated at any time of pregnancy, the weight of the belly in the last months and the curvature that is adopting the back in the course of pregnancy cause us, in many cases, tiredness, aches, and pains that can make us bitter the last months before meeting our baby.

 

A relaxing massage can be very useful to relieve them, as long as some precautions are followed, both for the woman to feel comfortable and for the baby not to suffer from the technique.

 

Depending on the center where you book your massage, it can be performed on a stretcher, lying on your back or side, or also using an ergonomic chair that will allow the masseuse to treat the back and spine area.

 

 

Are relaxing massages recommended for children?

One of the users who most appreciate relaxing massages are, precisely, children.

 

The relaxing massage routine has many benefits for the little ones, since, in addition to promoting interaction and strengthening the bond between the child and the person acting as a masseur, it helps them relax and fall asleep, reduces crying episodes, increases appetite and their are even studies that suggest that it could be beneficial for the growth of premature babies.

What is clear is that the caresses and passes, with delicacy and affection, feel good to everyone, and children were not going to be less.

 

 

 

How to apply relaxing massages

If you want to surprise someone special, showing them your affection with a relaxing massage administered with your own hands is a safe bet.

 

To do this, it is important to create a appropriate environment: with appropriate music, avoiding as much as possible direct lighting and drafts and conditioning the area that you will turn into your "massage cabin" with a sheet or towel to lie on and cover the areas you are not massaging.

 

In addition, you can use a diffuser with essential oils to add to the experience the sense of smell.

 

Make sure your hands are clean, soft and warm before you put them on the skin if you want to treat that special someone to a truly relaxing massage and get ready to enjoy and be enjoyed.

 

It is ideal that you use a massage oil. One of the most recommended is sweet almond oil, to which you can add a drop of an essential oil with sedative and relaxing properties, such as lavender, vetiver, chamomile, patchouli, basil, geranium, sage...

Please note that the movements and pressure should be gentle and controlled. If, at any time during the massage, pain occurs, it is better to stop, otherwise, the relaxing effect will be lost and the tension in the person receiving it will increase.

 

Relax and use slow and continuous movements, adopting a rhythm that is not too fast, to prevent the person receiving the massage from becoming tense.

 

Remember that the entire massage should be done using the whole hand to avoid fatigue, with almost no pressure, just dragging the hand, always trying not to interrupt the physical contact for a long time so as not to lose the relaxing effect.

In your massage you can use 4 or 5 types of manipulations:

• Emptying: make movements from the center to the ends and from bottom to top for about 3 minutes along the back.
• Oscillations: then continue, in the back area, with movements from the center outward for another 2 to 3 minutes or so.
• Slides: At this point, accompany the center outward movements with a little pressure (remember, you must control it because it is about relaxing, not hurting), while trying to synchronize your movements with your breathing.
• Use your thumbs to make a light pressure down the center of the spine for no more than 3 minutes, and gradually decrease as you finish the massage.

And to finish, let your "patient" enjoy a few minutes of relaxation, in silence, covered with a towel or a comfortable blanket.

With a little practice you are sure to earn a well-deserved reputation among your loved ones, although if you allow us a tip, the best massage plan is to give it to both of you.

 

All you have to do is choose the establishment you like best from our search engine, make the reservation... and enjoy a relaxing massage that will take you to the very glory.