An Introduction to Massages for Beginners

Do you ever feel like you need to just relax and unwind? You need a massage. It’s what the doctor ordered. Massages are amongst our most popular treatments at 212 Salon and Day Spa. A massage is a perfect way to relax your muscles and steal some time away for self-care.

Whether you’re a newcomer to spa treatments or enjoy regular appointments, a massage will recharge your mind and body. They act as a natural remedy to treat common ailments and can reduce stress and anxiety. Massages are not only a form of self-care, but a necessary treatment for athletes and those dealing with chronic illnesses.

This guide is an introduction to massages and covers everything you need to know about the most popular massages. Whether it’s a Swedish or deep tissue massage, these treatments have something to offer everyone.

How Often Should You Have a Massage?

As massages are non-invasive, you could book yourself in for a regular massage as often as every 2-3 weeks. Certain clients, including pregnant women and athletes, can benefit most from these regular massages. We recommend monthly massages for those using the treatment to help with anxiety and stress.

If you’re using massages to cope with chronic pain or injuries, your therapist will be able to recommend a course of treatments to help your condition. You can help to get the most out of your massage treatments by incorporating regular stretching at home between treatments.

Massages at 212 Salon and Day Spa

At 212 Salon and Day Spa, we offer a full range of massages that cater to all your needs. What makes our massages unique is our additional add-on options that allow you to customize your treatment. Our add-on massage services include:

  • Aromatherapy oils to take your self-care to the next level and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Foot massage to soothe tired muscles and add a skip to your step.
  • Scalp massage to reduce muscle tension, promote hair growth, and reduce headaches and migraines.

Swedish Massage

Massages are a popular natural remedy for muscle and chronic pain. A Swedish massage is one of the most popular as it helps to release muscle tension and is commonly known as a ‘full body’ massage.

It’s a gentle massage and ideal for beginners and those who want to focus on relaxation. During a Swedish massage, your therapist will focus on your neck, shoulders, and lower back to release any tension.

Your therapist will use several techniques during a Swedish massage, including long strokes, kneading, deep circular, and passive joint movements. These massage techniques are designed to help you relax and increase your blood flow and lymph drainage. They can also help to stimulate nerve ends while allowing you to focus on any specific problem areas.

Our Swedish massages are available in 30-, 60-, and 90-minute treatments.

Deep Tissue Massage

You can take your treatment one step further by choosing a deep tissue massage. This massage is similar to a Swedish massage but goes deeper. With slow strokes that focus on the connective tissue.

It’s an ideal choice for those recovering from injuries. Most athletes and runners use deep tissue massages as part of their regular routine to prevent injuries and help with recovery.

Deep tissue massages are ideal for those who suffer from chronic pain, including lower back pain and fibromyalgia. During this massage, your therapist will target the dense connective tissue (known as fascia), tendons, and muscles. The therapist will use the same movements as a Swedish massage but will apply more pressure, which can be painful depending on your pain levels.

After a deep tissue massage, you can expect to feel soreness in your muscles in the days following. Using ice, heat, and regular stretching can help your body recover after a deep tissue massage.

Our deep tissue massages are available in 60- and 90-minute treatments.

Hot Stone Massage

Another popular treatment at 212 Salon and Day Spa is our hot stone massage. This relaxing massage uses flat and heated stones to release muscle tension and damaged soft tissue. These smooth stones are made using basalt that helps to retain heat.

During a hot stone massage, the stones are strategically placed across your spine, stomach, face, palms, chest, feet, and toes. While the stone can be laid flat, your therapist can also use it to aid with the traditional techniques used in a Swedish massage.

Another known as a ‘hot stone massage’, cold stones can also be used to help soothe the skin and engorged blood vessels. A hot stone massage can help relieve stress and anxiety while promoting sleep. It’s an ideal treatment for those suffering from autoimmune diseases and cancer symptoms as it can reduce pain and offer a greater motion range.

Our hot stone massages are available in 60- and 90-minute treatments.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a massage that focuses on applying pressure to the ears, hands, and feet due to their connection with the overall body system. A therapist who performs reflexology is known as a ‘reflexologist’.  It’s based on the ancient Chinese theory of vital energy that believes such energy flows through our bodies.

When we’re stressed, this energy becomes blocked and the imbalance can lead to illness. This Chinese medicine connects different body parts with pressure points that are connected to the body’s energy flows.

Reflexology can help to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. It can also improve your overall well-being and boost your mood. Anecdotal evidence suggests that reflexology can improve digestion, ease arthritis pain, and boost your immune system. Reflexology is a safe and non-invasive treatment that is an ideal choice for beginners.

Our reflexology treatments are available in 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions.

Book Your Massage at 212 Today

Relax and rejuvenate by visiting the team at 212 Salon and Day Spa for a soothing massage. Our team will help you find the perfect massage that combines self-care with the best nourishing skin treatments. Book your massage today by using our online portal here.