Massage Guide
Different Types of Massage

This massage guide explains the different types of massage styles offered at South African Health Spas.

Aromatherapy

Working with your sense of smell is very powerful, activating your emotional memory and has therapeutic benefits for the mind and body. Essential oils are extracted from plants and then blended with carrier oils for inhalation or warmed for massage to relieve stress and anxiety.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda meaning the Science of Life, is an ancient medical and lifestyle system which is widely followed in India, there are many facets to it of which massage plays an important role to bring about harmony in the mind, body and emotions. It is rejuvenating and enhances well being. Each person is unique and the treatment is tailored for the individual, natural herbs and foods are used in a holistic and organic way.

There are different types of massage in Ayurveda including:

  • Abhyanga using herbs and warm oils
  • Shirodara herbal oil is poured over the forehead
  • Udvartana an herbal paste is used in massage and exfoliation

Cranial Sacral Massage

This is a gentle massage on the bones of the head and neck to improve energy flow and remove blockages throughout the body and is a super treatment for headaches and migraines suitable for all ages including infants.

Chair Massage

This is a relaxing seated massage and makes a good introduction for those new to massage, sessions can be between 5 30 minutes. Clients sit facing forward on a special chair so that the therapist can work on their whole back, neck, arms, shoulders and scalp.

Indian Head Massage

This is part of the Ayurvedic massage system; it is incredibly relaxing but deep and focuses on the head, neck and shoulders using a number of techniques to work with the Chakras or energy centres in the body to promote healing and balance.

Lymph Drainage Therapy

This is a gentle therapeutic massage using light pressure with long, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the circulation of lymphatic fluid and release toxins from the body.

Medical Massage

Trained technicians manipulate joints and muscles as well as the skeleton to reduce pain and stimulate better health.

Lomi Lomi

This is the Hawaiian method of massage and is also called the loving hands massage the nurturing and flowing strokes are believed to help the body let go of old patterns of behaviour and release cellular memories that are causing tension and strain.

Polarity Massage

Seeks to improve energy flows in the body and remove blockages, it also incorporates a combination of modalities like yoga and meditation to enhance well-being.

Pregnancy Massage

A must for moms-to-be to help alleviate stresses and strains of pregnancy like changing body shape, fatigue and cramps, also known to reduce anxiety and depression. The baby benefits from the overall calming effect, increased oxygen flow and blood circulation.

Scalp Massage

By stimulating the blood flow to the hair follicles, this massage encourages healthier hair, helps to soothe the client and reduce migraines and headaches.

Shiatsu Massage

Clients have the massage fully clothed on a Shiatsu floor mat and interact with the therapist during the course of the treatment. Working with the Chinese theory of energy circulation in the body and related pressure points, the therapist applies light pressure to these points together with certain stretching exercises, and co-ordinates the clients breathing for maximum benefit.

Sports Massage or Deep Tissue Massage

Using slow, deep strokes and pressure on sports related muscle groups to manipulate the muscles and joints and reduce muscular pain, scar tissue and stress on the body.

Swedish Massage

This massage uses a wide variety of strokes, techniques and deep pressure to relax muscles and greatly reduce stress, the skin and nervous system are stimulated and soothed at the same time.

Thai Massage

An ancient method of holistic therapy using yoga and acupressure to bring about flexibility, balance, harmony and good health. The client is fully clothed and a floor mat is used for a wide variety of movement and stretching.

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