What makes an amazing relaxation massage?!

Want an amazing massage?! Here’s some tips for what to look for…

So… I’ve been a massage therapist for about 4 years now. I have been using the raindrop techniques for about 8 years and formally trained 3 years ago. Then I completed my remedial training at the start of 2022. Why am I telling you this? Well over this time I’ve given 300+massages and been the recipient of probably about 50+ massages. It’s a fair few. This gives me a pretty good idea of what makes an amazing massage and what sets apart good from great! 

I’ve also had a few that I haven’t liked (not many of these to be honest). 

In sharing this information my aim is to help you have the best experience when you come to choose:

• a massage therapist 
• select a space to be massaged in
• Know what to expect in your massage. 
• And prepare for your massage. 

What is a relaxation massage?

When it comes to relaxation massage the goal of the session is to create calm: mind, body and spirit. The massage itself will usually be a whole-body massage and will have a gentle flow to it. The strokes are long, smooth and gliding. The pressure is extremely relaxing but won’t cause any pain. Relaxation massage does not aim to work on set areas where you have chronic pain like remedial, or to get in very deep like deep tissue. It’s more about releasing stress and tension and allowing the body to relax.

Raindrop is a form of relaxation massage. It is light and therapeutic. It uses essential oils. In my experience many clients fall asleep. Release is an added benefit.  

What makes an amazing relaxation massage? 

An amazing relaxation massage is about a number of things, not just the massage itself. However, the flow of the massage is super important as the aim is to leave the client feeling calm and grounded. The flow will be created by the following: 

• The strokes the therapist uses – long, gliding effleurage and petrissage, where the therapist remains in contact with the client throughout. 
• Allowing the massage to ‘flow’ in a steady, calm way from one area of the body to another
• Essential oils play a great part in the massage as they are calming and grounding. They relax stress and raise vibration. 

Relaxation massage is not remedial and it’s not deep tissue. If you are after a massage where the therapist gets into your muscles with elbows or forearms, then this is not the one you are looking for. Relaxation should leave you feeling calm after and during the massage. Make sure you are clear on what you would like to achieve from the massage before you arrive.

What makes an amazing massage therapist? 

When I had my first massage about 8 years ago, I fell in love. I loved the feel of my back and feet being worked on (this is what raindrop is focused on). I loved the connection I had with the therapist, and I loved the oils being used. Overall, it was a positive experience. 

The best one I had I remember distinctly. The therapist was amazing! I couldn’t pick one thing that set it apart. There were many little aspects of what she did. Her energy. The way she talked to me. The beauty of her strokes. It all added up to the most amazing experience of which I have never, ever forgotten. It was one of my first and made me want to come back over and over. 

A great massage therapist does this. The flow and the passion for their ‘craft’ flows out of them. They connect to you on a deeper level. They ask you about your comfort. Overall, they are still and present in themselves. This stillness is a gift. The mind is present in the room, not focused on the external. It is not always easy for a therapist to do this; it takes practise and is a skill. For the receiver this is a gift, because the energy flow is light and therapeutic. 

The therapist will be personable, relatable, easy to talk to and will not be frustrated or upset when a client asks them a question, or to do something differently. These are overall qualities that you would hope most therapists would value. This along with the massage itself are the most important parts of the experience. 

Preparing for your relaxation massage

For it to be an amazing massage the client needs to check their own energy when they enter the space also. If you turn up moody, not wanting to be there, or frustrated or angry, it is highly likely that your massage will not be amazing. Recognising that you need to leave all frustrations, anger, stress at the door is a given. You put in what you get out. 

In order to have a great massage I recommend: 

• Keep hydrated before and afterward. Water helps with body detoxification.
• Wear comfy clothes that you can take off and that are loose and light. 
• Arrive on time. Rushing makes you stressed. 
• Avoid caffeine, fatty food and spicey foods. There is nothing worse than having a belly ache or needing to duck to the toilet during a massage. 

What makes an amazing massage space? 

When it comes to relaxation massage the space you use matters. Amazing spaces begin with great ambience. 

• The mood should be calm, still and yet inviting. 
• The lighting should be low – lights in the face is off-putting.
• The bedding will be clean and set up for the client when they enter the room.
• Music will be low, calming, grounding and still. Any music played needs to enable the client to relax and let go. 
• There will be minimal distractions in the room. It will enable to client to release their stresses.

The space used will be created with calm, peace and tranquility in mind. 

Good, or amazing massage?

Are you after a good or an amazing massage? I like to receive amazing massages, so I am super prepared when I go for a massage. 

• I know the massage therapist.
• I am comfortable with the space I am in.
• I am well prepared and have checked my energy.
• I know what to expect as part of the relaxation massage. 

The above is important as it puts you in the right headspace to receive a massage that is tailored specifically for you. And that’s what we want. No one wants a massage by a robot that is boring, with no passion or flow. 

Relaxation massage will be the most amazing experience when the above is in balance. You will feel ready to receive what your body needs, your nervous system will become calm and grounded and you will leave feeling in alignment and supported mind, body and spirit. 

For more information on massage therapy click HERE. I recommend Raindrop as the ultimate relaxation massage. It is light, therapeutic and calming. It gets to where it is needed and balances the body’s energy at the same time. 

Happy Massaging!