A Gift of Massage is the Best Gift Ever!

Mother’s Day is almost here. Many of us are still searching for the sweetest way to show appreciation for the fantastic women–mom, grandma, aunt, or other mother figures. Fret not, dear readers, why not consider a gift of massage? When my daughter was younger, she created a DIY Spa Ynez in the comforts of our home and offered a Mother’s Day Special Massage. This much kneaded experience continued for a few years, and I still cherish it. These days, I get a massage gift certificate. So, this post will break down the different massage options and their benefits, and GFL will give suggestions of massage places to try.

Types and Benefits of Massage

Massage has been practiced for centuries and has evolved into various techniques and styles. Scientific studies have supported massage therapy to relieve pain, improve circulation, improve mental health, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve sleep. The most popular types include Swedish, deep tissue, sports, hot stone, Thai, and aromatherapy massage. Additionally, there are special techniques such as lymphatic massage, tuina, shiatsu, and foot reflexology. Let’s take a closer look at each of these distinctive massage techniques.

Swedish Massage

This technique uses long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the topmost layer of muscles. Swedish massage’s main benefit is relaxation, reduced muscle tension, and improved circulation.

Deep Tissue

The name suggests that this is a more intense form of massage that works the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The strokes are slower and more forceful to target deep into the muscle fiber layers and connective tissue. Deep Tissue Massage may treat chronic pain and help those with sports injuries.

Sports Massage

This massage is for athletes to prepare for and recover from sports activities. Expect circular movements at the beginning, followed by kneading, squeezing, and stretching the muscles to reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries. It also involves light rhythmic tapping of the muscular areas to increase blood circulation and stimulate nerve endings. Sports massage can help athletes improve their endurance and flexibility.

Hot Stone Massage

Heated stones are placed on specific body areas to relax the muscles and improve circulation. Hot stone massage can be therapeutic to alleviate back pain, anxiety, and insomnia, to name a few.

Thai Massage

This technique originated in Thailand, combining acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. While lying on a mat on the floor, fully clothed in loose garments, the therapist will use stretching, compression, and pressure point techniques to improve circulation and flexibility. Thai Massage benefits those suffering from back pain, headaches, and stress.

Aromatherapy Massage

Essential oils are added to the massage oil or lotion to enhance the massage experience. The essential oils promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. Sometimes, aromatherapy massage can benefit those suffering from osteoarthritis or pain and anxiety. Read this Healthline article on essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Tuina

This is a traditional Chinese massage that has been used for centuries. Tuina translates to “push and grasp,” which are two techniques used during the massage, in combination with rolling, kneading, and pressing acupressure points and meridians of the body to improve the flow qi in the body and restore balance. It is often combined with acupuncture. The massage is performed with the client fully clothed, and no oils or lotions are used. Tuina effectively treats musculoskeletal (back, neck, and joints) and nerve pain, reduce stress, and deepens sleep. 

Shiatsu

This Japanese form of massage uses the pressure of fingers, palms, elbows, and knees to apply pressure to the body’s energy pathways or meridians. The therapist also uses stretching to help release tension. Shiatsu is often used to calm the body and the senses, relieve pain, improve circulation, boost the immune system, and improve sleep quality.

Lymphatic Massage

This is also known as lymphatic drainage massage. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting lymph, which contains white blood cells throughout the body. The lymph system helps eliminate toxins, wastes, and unwanted fluids. The gentle technique involves light rhythmic strokes beneath the skin’s surface. The massage focuses on the lymph areas at the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin. Besides removing toxin and other waste materials in the body, lymph massage help in reducing swelling and inflammation. It is also used to relieve the lymph swelling following breast cancer surgery.

Foot Massage

This therapeutic practice has been around for thousands of years to promote relaxation and relieve pain and tension in the feet and lower legs. The therapist performs arch rubs, toe bends, foot spread, heel squeezes, and fist and thumb work to massage the bottom of the foot and press and release pressure points. The benefits of foot massage include improved circulation, reduced swelling in the legs and feet, and activates the nervous system to release the feel-good hormone endorphin.

GFL Recommendations

Why not give a gift of massage for Mother’s Day? Of course, the type of massage to select depends on individual needs and preferences. Therefore, reading reviews before choosing a massage therapy place is essential. However, GFL has done the leg work on several chain massage therapy establishments within the U.S. for your consideration.

• Massage Envy is located in 49 states and has over 1,100 locations. They offer Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and prenatal massage services.
• Elements Massage offers Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and prenatal massage in over 250 locations within 36 states.
• Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has 400 locations in 31 states and offers Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage.
• The Woodhouse Day Spas has 70 locations spanning 21 states. If you live in N.J., visit the Redbank, Summit, or Montclair locations for Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage services.
• Soothe is an online app booking service that offers on-demand, in-home massages for fast convenience. Soothe offers flexible time slots from 8 a.m. until midnight, 7 days a week, including holidays. And you only need about 1 hour’s notice to book a masseuse. Soothe is available in 66 cities across the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia. The types of massages include Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal massage, and more. The therapist brings the spa to you, including music, for a complete experience. 
• Erika Taveras is the owner of Pain in the Neck. She is an expert at many types of massages. Erika is in NYC and will come to your home. She gives Swedish, deep tissue, sports, foot massage, and more. I highly recommend her.
• Soho Sanctuary is in SoHo, NYC, and it’s a spa for women only. The menu of services include Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone, foot reflexology, and more. 
• Find Thai massage on Booksy.com. This app lets you view all the local massage places that offer Thai massage, complete with customer reviews. 
• Find a Lymphatic massage near you on Booksy.com. This app allows you to view where to find highest rated shops that offer this technique in 13 states. 

Takeaway

A gift of massage is the perfect way to show appreciation. With a wide variety of types available, you can select the perfect option to help her unwind and de-stress. Alternatively, you can purchase multiple sessions and try different techniques to find the best one for her. Take the time to research the various forms of massage, and the perfect gift is just a gift certificate away. A gift of massage is a touching way to say you care. Happy Mother’s Day!