A Beginner’s Guide to full-body massage

Relaxation can be about eating what you like, going for a long drive or watching TV. However, actual relaxation consists of relaxing our body and mind. Activities like meditation, yoga and massage make you feel completely relaxed. Visiting a full body massage spa in Tullamarine is one of the best ways to detach ourselves from all worldly pressures and stress. In this blog, we will talk about a full-body massage, what it entails and its benefits. Read on to find out more.

First, let us take a look at what massage is.

What is a massage?

Massage therapy is an alternative therapy that makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. It has been practised around the world for thousands of years. When you get a massage your body relaxes both physically and mentally. Your mind goes into a relaxed state and blood circulation increases. The oils and the techniques used in a massage activate all the glands and the hormones in your body. It also encourages the production of new cells that refreshes the skin.

Now, let us take a look at what a full body massage is.

What is a full-body massage?

A full-body massage can refer to a number of different massages practised widely. The term covers a lot of different techniques that are used in giving a massage.

What to expect?

At first, you will lie down on the massage table. Once you become comfortable, the massage therapist will apply balm or oil to your body. They will focus on various areas of your body like the hands, arms, legs and back. They might also focus on your head and chest. There is no set routine when it comes to a full-body massage. The therapist starts working on your body and changes direction as and when you need it.

You will remain covered with a towel throughout the massage, with the therapist moving it as they work through different areas of your body. They will communicate with you to understand whether the pressure is ok for you. Once the massage ends, you will be left alone to get up and get dressed. You can use the next day to drink a lot of water and to relax. You could also take a warm bath.

What are the areas covered?

A full-body massage generally covers your hands, arms, legs, shoulders, back and head. Some massage therapists also include a chest massage if that’s what you want.

Legs, back and shoulders

At first, you will lie down on the massage table with your face down. Then the therapist will encourage you to take a few deep breaths. Then the therapist will start preparing you for the massage. They will start with your back and warm up the muscles there with the help of long strokes. Then they will move onto your legs.

Head, face, hands and arms

Once done with the legs, back and shoulders, the massage therapist will ask you to turn around and cover you with a towel. Then they will start massaging your neck and shoulders, hands and arms and your legs. They will end the massage with a face or scalp massage, depending on the type of service you have booked.

In certain full-body massages, your stomach or chest is included as a part of the therapy. Massage therapists are fully trained to work on your stomach and chest, so you can ask for it if you need it. They will work on your pectoralis muscles and strengthen them.

Now, let us take a look at the benefits of a full-body massage.

A few benefits of a full-body massage are as follows:

Relaxes the nervous system

Nerves are an important part of your body. Muscle pain is the result of pressure on the nerves. So when the pressure is relieved muscle pain goes away automatically. It also decreases cortisol, the stress hormone and increases hormones like serotonin and dopamine. The last two are known as happy hormones.

Relaxes the musculoskeletal system

In a full body massage spa in Tullamarine, the massage therapist uses various techniques like kneading, stroking, soothing, compressing, pressing and applying pressure. This contracts and releases your muscles. When your muscles contract, lymph fluid and blood come out and when they are relaxed, fresh blood comes in along with immune cells, oxygen and nutrients. Along with all these movements, the therapist also practices stretching that strengthens your muscles and joints.

Improves muscle flexibility

If your muscles are less flexible then they will pain from time to time. This will lead to restricted mobility and stiffness. A full-body massage can help you to increase the flexibility of your muscles. Massage enhances your muscles, makes them flexible, increases oxygen delivery and improves blood circulation.

Boosts immunity

A full-body massage helps with producing immune cells that fight off various types of viruses. It also increases the count of white blood cells (WBC) in your blood and strengthens your immune system. It can also heal bone injuries and heal muscles.

Enhances respiratory system

You might have noticed that when you feel stressed you find it difficult to breathe. The tension in your muscles, neck and shoulder makes breathing difficult. Breathing restrictions can lead to several health problems. At the beginning of the full-body massage, the therapist asks you to take a deep breath. This provides relief from all tension and stress you have been experiencing. Your breathing becomes even as the massage session continues and by the end, you can feel a change in your respiratory system.

Reduces muscle contraction and pain

Muscular pain can be due to several reasons. When you continuously face muscular pain, it brings on other health issues. A full-body massage can help with reducing muscle pain. It works by stopping the “pain spasm pain” cycle. It’s a type of cycle where injury causes muscle contraction. Massage also helps with boosting blood circulation to the targeted area. This helps with delivering more oxygen and removing toxins.

Reduces long-lasting pain

If you have undergone surgery, you know that it causes pain even after a long time. A full-body massage can help with countering the pain of surgery. According to research, a full-body massage can help with reducing pain that you have been experiencing for a long time. It works by enhancing lymph flow and reducing swelling.

Reduces migraines and headaches

Everybody experiences headaches and it’s a universal phenomenon. More than half of all adults experience 1 headache per year. A full-body massage cannot cure headaches, but can most certainly reduce its occurrence and frequency.

The most common types of headaches are caused by muscle tension and a massage can reduce some of the pain associated with it. The therapist uses techniques that target the neck, back and shoulders and this eases spasms and releases tension. The techniques also increase blood circulation in areas that may be lacking in blood. Even a short massage lasting less than half an hour can help reduce headaches and migraines.

Conclusion

So, this was all about a full body massage, what it entails and its benefits. It is important to find an experienced and licensed massage therapist for getting all the above-mentioned benefits.

If you are looking for such a therapist, you can get in touch with Angelique Thai Massage. They have the best massage therapists and they also provide the best Professional Thai Massage in Moonee Ponds.