Around the World in 8 Massages
It's not just at Secret Salons that massages are loved; in fact massage treatments are the most popular unisex beauty treatments in the UK. The breadth and range of massages you can get are simply astounding - Deep Tissue Massage, Back Massage, Head Massages are just three that spring to mind. The ones that always jump out at you (other than the snake massage of course) are the country-specific ones, it seems that every nation of the world has perfected their own massage treatment that is their own. We couldn't quite squeeze together 80, but here's some of our favourites!
Swedish Massage
Probably the one we all immediately think of when we hear the word "massage", Swedish massages are a popular and very common treatment across the UK. Using simple smooth strokes, kneading or circular rhythms the therapist massages the superficial layers of your skin the alleviate stress, knots and pain.
Indian Head Massage
Not the most relaxing looking treatment, the Indian Head Massage focusses on the head, neck and shoulders to relieve accumulated stress in those areas, kneading and stroking target areas of the head and face to relax the body. A great one for headaches, insomnia and fatigue - hopefully you won't need it for all three...
Chinese Massage
Generally more of a medicinal treatment for customers, there are actually two types of Chinese Massage - Tuina and Zhi Ya. The more common in the UK is the Tuina (or Tui Na depending on who you ask), which relieves stress, cures blockages and apparently is used to cure diseases too, those the science of that one we're more doubtful of!
Thai Massage
A deeper massage than most. Thai Massages use no oil and actually work through stretching the body in set positions. You'll be assisted into set Yoga stances and the massage therapist will apply firm rhythmic pressure, as well as potentially walking on your back, pulling figures. We promise it's far, FAR more luxurious than that sounds!
Russian Massage
To quote Wikipedia:" Russian Massage has three phases. The first phase is gentle, slow and mild. The second phase is hard, deep and fast. The third phase is similar to the first phase which is slow and gentle." Sounds pretty inspecific doesn't it? Well to further this generic definition, Russian Massages involve a combination of a sports massage and a therapeutic massage - great for those who suffer from sports injuries!
Japanese Massage
Anma is the best-known Japanese massage, using no oils and a deep tissue method. Not only does it improve muscle condition, it also increases circulation of Qi, or Universal Life Energy - and not many massages can say that for themselves, can they?
Lomi Lomi Massage
This is the traditional Hawaiian massage. Lomi Lomi masseurs are known to use all body parts, as well as sticks and stones, to perform the massage - how resourceful! It is sometimes suggested that those getting the Lomi Lomi massage also practice forms of meditation to aid well being and health, alongside the massage. Wouldn't it be nice if a holiday to Hawaii was also a necessity.
Bowen Massage
Originating in Australia, the Bowen massage is used to treat a number of ailments ranging from sports injuries to pregnancy complications to hayfever. Who needs the NHS when you have Bowen therapy?