A relaxation massage is a whole-body hands-on treatment that uses pressure, stroking and rubbing of your skin to help you relax.

What is a relaxation massage?

Most massage treatments will relax you, among other things. With a relaxation massage, relaxing you is the only aim. For this reason, it is one of the most complete and indulgent massages you can have.

A relaxation massage is usually a full-body treatment involving soft music, soft lighting and aromatherapy oils. You will have a long, luxurious massage which will use all kinds of techniques including long strokes, gentle kneading and rolling of skin and muscle, and perhaps some rhythmic rocking from side to side. It is a passive treatment. You probably won’t be stretched or manoeuvred into any yoga-like positions, as you are, for example, in Thai massage. You just lie there and take it.

This is the massage to choose if you just want to chill out, and be pampered and spoiled.

What is relaxation massage good for?

The clue to this is in the title.

A good relaxation massage relieves stress and tension in your muscles and will leave you oozing with a sense of wellbeing. It achieves this because of the general benefits of massage: it improves your circulation, so your organs and skin get more oxygen; it moves fluid through your lymphatic system. A relaxation massage encourages your body to digest its food, and get rid of its toxins. It will help you to sleep better. A massage will also help un-knot any muscles, soothe aches and sprains and encourage the skin to heal minor abrasions.

It is a natural instinct to rub or cuddle someone to give them comfort; a relaxation massage takes that instinct and runs with it, or rather ‘meanders’ with it.