In order to reduce the stress level, people decide to rely on a massage, but just as often, they’re not always totally satisfied with it. It can depend on various factors, that might be external (circumstances, environment, phase of one’s life, bad day, you name it!), but it can also depend on a bad choice.

In 2021, to ensure that such a virtuous practice such as massages, with millenary historical roots, spread geographically on every corner of the earth, can give the maximum benefit.

The most important thing, however, is that it must be clear that a therapeutic or a sports one have very different characteristics and objectives, and that they are not the same as the so-called classic massages (eg Swedish, Relax).

A good massage brings relaxation and refreshment

For this reason it is extremely important to know how to carefully choose the right one, based on one’s own feelings and personal needs. In order not to make mistakes and to choose correctly in the wide panorama offered by the world of massages, it is essential to be well prepared.

Here are some tips for making the right choice.

Identify the purpose of the massage

Listening to yourself and taking a moment to understand exactly what you are looking for in a massage is essential before relying on one a specialist rather than another. The right question to ask is “What am I looking for?”: relaxation, refreshment, physical well-being, peace, self-healing, pain relief… or just a cuddle? The answer to this question may already lead you to choose one type of massage rather than another. The key is always the same: knowing how to listen to yourself.

Find out which massages exist and are available around you

Today there is a wide variety of massages to choose among, and knowing at least the main types are available and can help you be more prepared to make the right choice. For example, if what you are looking for is physical pain relief, probably the best choice will be a relaxing or therapeutic, or a sports one if you practice a lot of physical activity.

If you are looking for a feeling of deep relaxation, you will opt for an anti-stress massage, perhaps associated with aromatherapy and immersed in a relaxing environment such as a spa or wellness center. Ayurvedic or shirodara, a traditional that consists of dropping therapeutic oil onto the so-called “third eye” to let negative thoughts slip away are perfect for this purpose.

spa massage

If you are looking for a deep multisensory experience, which combines the effects of aromatherapy, chromotherapy and music therapy with the beneficial effects of a decontracting and engaging massage, you can turn to the candle massage, which is performed by melting a candle on the body.

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of the main types of massage that are trending this year: anti-stress massage, shirodara, ayurveda, Californian, decontracting, Thai, sports, Hawaiian, lymphatic drainage, hot stone massage … And who more has more put!

Understanding what your preferences and needs are

Again, listening and getting to know oneself are the key words. Once you have decided on the type of them and understood what the ultimate goal of the treatment you are looking for is, you must in fact consider your preferences on the actual performance of the massage. Where is the perfect location? At home? At a wellness center? A spa? What about the perfect time? A brief pause between work? During a weekend of peace and silence? Obviously, the environment also has a crucial importance on the enjoyment of this special moment, so it will be important to weigh the pros and cons of the various locations where the massages are available.

Inquire about the therapist or the massage center

It’s 2021! The world offers an infinite range of connections, everything is available to everyone at any time of day (and night) .. why not spend a few minutes of your time doing a brief background check on the massage center or therapist that you have selected?

It is absolutely advisable to first carry out a little online research to see if the first impression is the right one. Then it’s always good to contact the therapist on the phone to talk with them in person: this will certainly help to make an impression, dispel any doubts and establish a first relationship with the person who will later take care of your body.

Finally, it is always necessary to get well-informed on how the massage will be performed to avoid unpleasant surprises, on any contraindications and – above all – the costs. Never trust prices that are too low is great advice, bearing in mind that good things for body and mind have a certain value and do not come for free.

The right thing to do is to try and try again

Once you have selected the right therapist, the right place, time and type of massage for yourself, you just have to try: one’s personal experience is the best yardstick that exists, and there is no other person in the world who can know one’s own. feelings better than oneself.