Full Body Massage: What to Look For

Full Body Massage: What to Look For

There are many different kinds of massage, a number of which are classifiable as “full body massage.” Let’s talk about what to look for in a full body massage, and what you should expect when you enter that search term.

What is a Full Body Massage?

A full-body massage is, as the name suggests, a massage for the whole body. If you are shopping for a full body massage near you, most therapists will be offering a head-to-feet, or at least neck-to-feet massage service.

As a general rule, most full-body massages start with the back and shoulders and work down. The therapist then goes back up, covering the neck and shoulders – key tension-bearing areas – and, depending on what you request, perhaps the scalp as well.

Do I Need A Full-Body Massage?

With this description in mind, you may be wondering if a full-body massage is really what you need. Do you really need a full-body massage if you are having particular trouble with your neck, shoulders, or other areas of your body?

Even if you are having pain and discomfort in particular areas, it is still a good idea to get a full-body massage. Your therapist can focus on the parts of your body that are most in need of relief, but the advantage of the full-body approach to massage is that it increases the overall feeling of well-being, peace, and calm.

We’ve talked about this before, but when you get a massage for relaxation, your body’s central nervous system actually responds in ways that affect you physically. Your heart rate slows down, your breathing becomes more relaxed and less hurried, and your blood pressure and stress hormones go down.

Full-body massages are even thought to lead to higher levels of a hormone called serotonin, which is how your body gives you positive, happy feelings.

Too Many Options for “Full Body Massage Near Me”?

As with most things online, if you go searching for “full body massage near me” you may end up with far more results than you ever bargained for. Location may be a convenient way to narrow them down: how nearby is “near me,” anyway?

However, if you are looking for the best experience for your needs, a good starting point might be to look for key terms. There are seven popular types of massage, but the most common kind of full-body massage is frequently called Swedish massage.

The Swedish massage is the one everyone thinks of when they hear the word “massage.” It usually starts at the neck and shoulders, goes down to the feet, and then back up to the neck and shoulders and possibly the scalp. If you are looking for “full body massage near me,” this is unquestionably the default option.

The other main kind of massage that is also arguably a “full-body massage” is Ashiatsu, a Japanese massage technique that is performed by the therapist using their bare feet rather than their hands.

Don’t worry, if you get an Ashiatsu massage your therapist won’t literally be walking on you: instead, they will stand over you with their weight supported by bars mounted in the ceiling, and use their feet to deliver firm but gentle pressure, stroking and kneading your muscles.

The key advantage of Ashiatsu is that it delivers a great deal of relaxation in a very short time: a skilled therapist can use their feet to apply compressive pressure, which can release tension and resolve muscle spasms.

There are other types of massage that you may discover if you search for “massage near me,” like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, sports massage, and neuromuscular therapy, but these are generally more specialized. If you are pregnant, you may find a pregnancy massage is exactly what you need – and this usually refers to a Swedish massage, modified to accommodate the needs of an expectant mother.

Add-On Options for a Full-Body Massage

You may also be interested in additional options if you search for “massage near me.” Try looking through the various sites to see if any therapists offer aromatherapy, the use of fragrant oils during a massage. The key benefit of this is that it enhances the experience, and will leave you smelling wonderful.

Hot stones are another option you might want to explore for a full-body massage. The stones are smooth, flat, and heated to the point that they will feel a lot like the sensation of a pleasantly hot shower – don’t worry, they won’t be hot enough to hurt you in any way. The advantage of this add-on is that it helps relieve tension and pain. It is a quite common add-on to ask for with a Swedish massage.

During the Full-Body Massage: What to Expect

Your therapist will welcome you and will most likely ask if you have any preferences. This is a good chance to request special attention for that one spot in your shoulder or back that has been killing you.

Remember above all else that you are not buying a one-size-fits-all service: the whole point of getting a massage is to get one that is perfect for you. Be sure to make any special requests you have up front.

Many people like to get undressed under a drape when they have a massage, but this is entirely optional. Remember, it’s all about what works for you! Your therapist will be happy to accommodate whatever you are comfortable with.

During your session, be sure to give feedback, as this can help your therapist make the session particularly pleasant for you. The whole goal is to help you feel wonderful.

Conclusion

With a little discernment and by asking the right questions, you can sort through the options when you search for “massage near me” and find the therapist and the treatment that works best for you.

Here at About Touch, we use the power of massage to help you experience relaxation and well-being. If our site came up when you searched “massage near me,” we’d love to hear from you.