All you need to know about…..The different types of Massage!!

Beautylicious Treatment Room Beautylicious Hot Stones

With around 35 years combined experience at Beautylicious, we like to think we know a bit about a good massage! 

Both Verity and Tiffany have a huge wealth of experience with a variety of massage techniques, which we love to share with our clients. Rachel and Tyla are trained in aromatherapy massage and are currently working towards their additional qualifications for more specialised treatments.

We are often asked about the different types of massage that we offer so we have put together this FAQ style blog to help you work out which option is right for you!

What different massage types can I book at Beautylicious?

  • Aromatherapy Massage
  • Swedish Massage (Deep Tissue)
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Indian Head Massage

Help! Which of these would be best for me?

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage works on the body’s three vital energy flows (cell, muscle and peace of mind). Featuring a unique combination of blended essential oils and plant oils.

This treatment is the most blissful way to gently soothe the body and mind, you will feel revitalised and your energy levels re-balanced. The Skin is left deeply cleansed, perfectly replenished and glowing with youthfulness and vitality.

Swedish Massage (Deep Tissue)

Swedish massage was invented by Peter Henrik Ling in the early 19th century when he developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics”. These became known as “Swedish movements” in Europe and “the Swedish Movement Cure” when they came to the U.S. in 1858. Today such techniques are called Swedish massage, except in Sweden, where they are simply called massage!

Swedish massage is probably the most common and widespread massage technique in the West and the foundations are used as a base for many massage types. Your therapist will use firm pressure to work on the deeper muscles to ease pain and tension in the body.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage has to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing therapeutic massages available, designed to work on muscle tension at the deepest level.

We often get asked if the stones lie on your back like in all the photos! However smooth lava stones are heated to a comfortably warm temperature in a special stone heater before being used to massage the body. The heat is deeply relaxing and helps warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.

The heat of the stones penetrates deep into the muscle tissue allowing the muscles to relax 4-5 times quicker than in a standard body massage, easing muscle tension and revitalising the muscle tissue by increasing blood circulation.

Many recipients of hot stone massage find themselves in a state of deep relaxation. The massage aims to work on many levels stimulating yet calming the body’s systems. 

The benefits of Swedish and Hot Stone Massage are believed to include:

  • Improved circulation
  • Increased lymphatic drainage
  • Improved blood flow to tissues
  • Reduces muscular tension
  • Relieves aches and pains
  • Reduces stress and anxiety insomnia
  • Deep relaxation

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage, also known as ‘Champissage’ has its roots set in the ancient tradition of Ayurvedic medicine originating in India.

It involves massage of the head, neck and face with the purpose of manipulating energy channels called Chakras; the goal is to clear blockages which can be found here such as negative energy and illness.

We use a range of different movements including the application of deep kneading and compression massage over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas.

We also perform stroking and lymphatic drainage motions across the face and neck whilst incorporating pressure points to enable the release of toxins and blocked energy channels.

Benefits of Indian Head massage include:

  • Increased oxygen to the brain which can reduce headaches and improve concentration
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Can help with mental edginess and tiredness
  • Helps to improve the health of the hair and scalp
  • May help to improve eye strain
  • Relief from chronic neck and shoulder pain
  • Maintains good health and well-being
  • Aids with postural problems

Can everyone enjoy a massage treatment?

Contra-indications to massage treatments include:

  • Pregnancy (1st trimester or if you have a history of miscarriage). We also offer Mum2Be Pregnancy Massage treatments
  • If you have experienced loss of sensation or nerve damage
  • Diabetes
  • Any skin conditions that may be aggravated by moisture or heat
  • If you are clinically obese
  • Varicose veins
  • Heart problems
  • If you have very thin skin
  • Cancer patients

Some contra indications can be worked with if you have written permission from your doctor, please call or email the salon if you would like to discuss anything further with one of our therapists

How long are the treatments & how much are they?

We offer a range of massage durations including 30/45/60 and 90 minute sessions. Prices range from £33 – £88.

All massage treatments are carried out in our relaxing treatment rooms by our qualified therapists. We can also accommodate two people together in our double treatment room, which is very popular with couples or for a girls day out!

Some aromatherapy massages also feature in our ‘Pamper Packages’ which are a perfect taster! 

For regular massage treatments, we can add you to our subscription programme, which allows you to pay monthly by direct debit to save, receive regular monthly massages + other fantastic salon benefits!

What should I do after my massage?

  • It’s important to drink lots of water to flush the toxins from your body
  • Rest & Relax
  • Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol for the next 12hrs as they have dehydrating properties
  • Don’t worry if you feel a little tender after your treatment, it will die down after a day or so
  • Book in for your next treatment within a month to maintain the benefits

We hope this has helped answer some questions you may have about massage treatments at Beautylicious! Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any other questions or queries, we would be delighted to hear from you.

 

Latest Posts

Bridal Beauty Blog

Have you recently gotten engaged or are planning your wedding? No idea where to start when it comes to beauty preparations for your big day?

Can you reverse sun damage?

We have all been enjoying this beautiful sunshine now that summer has finally arrived but are you protecting your skin from those harmful UV rays?

Brewery and Distillery Tours

We have looked around and found some of the best tours in the area, so whether you live or you are staying near Bourton on

National Stress Awareness Month

  Stress is something that everyone has experienced at some point in their life and for most people, stressful situations can be part of daily

Nail Biting and How to Stop

Reasons to Stop Nail biting doesn’t usually cause permanent damage. But it definitely has its downsides: If you damage the tissue around your nails, they