Types of Massage and Their Benefits: Which One Suits You?

What does massage do, and which type suits you? From relaxing massages to deep tissue, Thai to reflexology: massage types and tips for choosing.

What Does Massage Do?

Massage is a form of care that helps muscles relax, eases everyday stress and leaves the body feeling more comfortable. Its effects vary from person to person and it is not a substitute for medical treatment; if you have a specific health condition, check with your doctor before your session.

Depending on the type and your needs, the general benefits of massage include:

• A sense of muscle relaxation
• Relief from the physical tiredness of a busy routine
• Support in calming down during stressful periods
• Easier, more comfortable movement
• A regular habit of setting time aside for yourself

Which of these matters most to you also decides which type of massage suits you.

Types of Massage and What They Are Like

Rather than memorising massage names, it is easier to choose by what you want from the session. Below, the massages offered at Aqua Plus are grouped by need; each one has its own page with the details.

For relaxation

Classic Swedish Massage is the best-known type: long, flowing strokes for general relaxation, and a good place to start if it is your first massage. Aromatherapy Massage pairs the same relaxation with the scent of essential oils. Harmony Massage brings techniques from several massage traditions together in one session.

For muscle tension and specific areas

Deep Tissue Massage works slowly and firmly on chronic tension in the deeper muscle layers. Medical Massage is a focused session for chronic muscle tension in one area, starting with a short assessment. If you only want a short break for your back, neck or legs, the 30-minute Spot Massage fits. Hot Stone Massage uses the heat of volcanic basalt stones to help the muscles release deeply.

For people who train

Sports Massage is an intensive massage for active bodies, adjusted to your training schedule. Telling your therapist about your sport, how often you train and any sensitive areas before the session makes it more effective.

Oil-free and traditional techniques

Traditional Thai Massage is oil-free and done fully clothed, built on passive stretches. If you would like those stretches combined with an aromatherapy oil massage, choose Thai Aroma Massage. Shiatsu Massage, from Japan, is also oil-free and applied with finger pressure along the meridian lines. Traditional Balinese Massage, from Indonesia, combines palm, thumb and elbow pressure, while Balinese Mandara Massage is the four-handed version of the same tradition, with two therapists working at the same time.

Head, feet and special care

Shiroabhyanga Massage is an Ayurvedic oil treatment for the head, neck and shoulders. Foot Reflexology Massage applies thumb pressure to points on the feet, following a reflexology map. Anti-Cellulite Massage is a firming manual technique for the legs, hips, abdomen and arms, best thought of as part of a regular care routine.

If you would like to pair massage with a hammam, the Traditional Turkish Hammam, with the marble göbek taşı, kese exfoliation and foam, is a good complement.

Which Massage Suits You?

A few questions make the choice easier:

• What is your goal? General relaxation, muscle tension, recovery after sport or care for one area.
• How much pressure do you like? Light, medium or firm. You can also tell your therapist during the session.
• Oil or no oil? Thai and Shiatsu massage are oil-free.
• Is it your first massage? Starting with a relaxing option such as Classic Swedish or Aromatherapy is more comfortable.
• Anything we should know? Share any sensitivities and your health history before the session.

If you are torn between Classic Swedish and Deep Tissue, our article on the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massage compares the two in detail.

Before and After Your Massage

Avoiding a heavy meal just before the session, drinking water afterwards and leaving a little time to rest make the experience more comfortable. For more tips, read our article on what to pay attention to before and after a massage.

Massage at Aqua Plus

Every massage in this article is available at each Aqua Plus Spa & Wellness branch. Choose the one nearest to you on our branches page and book through online reservation; if you are not sure which massage suits you, the branch team will help you choose.

For health-related questions, please consult a professional.