What Is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is one of the hot “new” massages offered by most spas, but it was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Thai massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. Some spas, like The Mandarin Oriental, Miami,, provide you with an outfit to wear. Others may ask you to wear something loose and comfortable, like sweat pants. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

Thai massage is done with all your clothes on, so some people recommend it if you feel uncomfortable with nudity during a Swedish massage . But my personal opinion it is not the best choice for first-time spa-goers. The therapist literally uses her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions, so in some ways it feels more even intimate than a Swedish massage, where you lay on a massage table and are covered with sheets.

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. It should not be confused with sensual massage.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a style of bodywork developed in Japan. Its goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body.

Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture, but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Its name comes from two Japanese words -- "shi" or finger and "atsu" or pressure.

What Happens During a Shiatsu Massage?

For shiatsu, you wear loose clothing. It is usually performed on a mat on the floor. The practitioner will use their fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body's energy pathways, known as meridiens. They often use other techniques such as rocking, stretches and joint rotations.

Shiatsu treatment is holistic, addressing the whole body rather than focusing on the one area where symptoms are most obvious.

A shiatsu session usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is designed to help atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training.

But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.

What Happens During Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.

* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.

* restorative sports massage -- given during training to allow the athelete to train harder and with less injury.

* rehabilitative sports massage -- aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

When Should I Get A Sports Massage At The Spa?

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem -- a tender knee from running, for instance. It is also be a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.

The therapist generally focuses in on the problem area -- a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, for instance -- rather than giving you a thorough full body massage.

Sometimes men who are new to the spa are more comfortable getting a sports massage because it sounds more masculine. That's fine, even if they don't have an injury.

No matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should check in with you about what your needs and expectations are for the massage.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage promotes relaxation, soothes nerves and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

What Happens During Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage differs from traditional massage in a few different ways. First, the massage therapist will take extra care to make sure your body gets the cushioning and support it needs.

When you’re lying on your back, there will be pillows underneath your knees and shoulders. If you’re far along in your pregnancy, you might be positioned in a semi-reclining position, where you’re looking at the wall instead of the ceiling.

Pregnancy massage also uses special bolsters with a deep cutout in the center so you can lie face-down comfortably. You can also have your back massaged during pregnancy by lying on your side, with pillows under your head and between your legs.

A pregnancy massage should be very soothing and relaxing in style. Deep tissue work and abdominal kneading should be avoided.

Pregnant women should also avoid Jacuzzis, hot springs, mineral springs.

The Health Benefits of Massage

Are you feeling guilty about getting a massage? Does it seem too self-indulgent? Actually, massage has many important health benefits.

Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine.

The Health Benefits of Massage

* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.

* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.

* Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Contraindications For Massage

* You shouldn't get massage if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions.

* If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you because of an existing medical condition, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.

Planning A Romantic Spa Getaway

A friend of mine planned a romantic spa getaway with her husband but wound up disappointed. Once they checked into the spa, they never saw each other again until it was time to pay the bill!

If you want to make sure you really get the romantic spa experience you're looking for at a resort spa or destination spa , ask these questions BEFORE you make your reservations.

* Do you offer couples massage?

Romantic spas (even day spas ) have special treatment rooms big enough for two people to get a massage at the same time. This service is often a good way to introduce men to massage .

* Do you have a couples suite? What amenities does it have?

The most romantic spas have lavishly equipped couples suites where you get your treatments together and lounge in private for a while afterwards. These suites are packed with amenities like fireplaces, pedicure chairs, steam showers and lounging beds. They can be indoor, outdoor or even have both indoor and outdoor rooms. A good example is the VIP Suite at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York. In smaller spas or day spas the couples suite might just be a large treatment room.

* Can we get massage in our room?

Some spas, like The Watermark in San Antonio, Texas and The Cliff House in Ogunquit, Maine, have oversized rooms or spa suites big enough to bring two massage tables in for couples massage in your room. It’s the ultimate in romantic privacy.

* Does your spa have a co-ed waiting area?

Romantic spas have a co-ed lounge where you can meet in your robes before and after your spa treatments . This is especially romantic if they have a cozy fireplace or Jacuzzi, like the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. If the waiting areas are completely separate, you might not see your beloved after you say goodbye at the front desk.

* Do you have any romantic spa packages or services aimed at couples?

Some spas, like The Spa at Harbour Inn in St. Michaels, Maryland have special services aimed at couples. You Order a “Bath Before Bed” – a rose petal bubble bath with candles and a bottle of Champagne -- and enjoy the view by night.

If you’re not sure where you want to go, surprise your loved one with a spa gift certificate.

More Tips For Enjoying a Romantic Spa Stay

If it's your first time at the spa , read up on spa etiquette , spa treatments , different types of spas and saving on your spa vacation.

Spa Travel Tips

A spa vacation is a significant investment. What can you do to make the most of your spa vacation? Here are some spa travel tips that will help you have a spa vacation that meets all your expectations.

* There are several different types of spas . Make sure you understand the differences between a destination spa , which offers an all-inclusive "immersion" experience, and a resort spa, which allows you to sample as much or as little of the spa experience as you want.

* Find out exactly what the property means by “spa.” You may be thinking a multi-million dollar facility, and they’re thinking a Jacuzzi and one treatment room. Look for photos on their website. Find a description of the facilities, including the number of treatment rooms.

* Book your spa treatments when you make your reservations. Don’t wait until you get there! If you wait, you may not get the times or treatments you want…and on weekends you might have a hard time getting in at all.

* If the spa has lots of classes and programs, check their schedule when you’re making your spa treatment appointments. If there is a lecture or class you really want to attend, make sure there are no scheduling conflicts.

* If you want to get the rest and renewal benefits of a spa vacation, try to stay at least three nights.

* If you’re going to a destination spa like Canyon Ranch, stay at a less expensive b & b or motel the night before, then head over in the morning to get a full day of activities in . They’ll let you stash your bags and use a locker til check-in time. You can use the same strategy on the way out.

* If it’s a destination spa with lots of programming, remember, you can’t do everything. Don’t try. Pick a focus based on what you need – pampering and pleasure; health and wellness; spiritual journey, or fitness – and let that guide your choice of activities.

* Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment so you don't have to rush. Take advantage of the lavish facilities that most destination spa and resort spas have, including saunas, steam baths, and hot and cold plunge pools.

* If you are pregnant or have any other medical condition, let the spa know so they can suggest proper treatments. Pregnant guests should avoid any treatments that involve heat or otherwise raise body temperature.

* Consider taking a fitness class or getting a good workout prior to having a treatment.

* Leave your cell phone and pager behind when you go to the actual spa. A ringing cell phone in the spa is rude to others and defeats the purpose for you. Try to give yourself a break from the outside world.