Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and more. Learn more about the common types of massage and their benefits.

What is massage therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support overall wellness.

Types of massage therapy

There’s a wide variety of different types of massage therapy, massages come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the offerings you might find on a massage therapy menu.

Swedish massage

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life, this massage may be able to bring relief. A Swedish massage is the classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body massage that uses a soft, gentle touch. It’s a great choice for men and women that are brand new to massages. It can help calm your nervous system. Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which can directly impact your muscles. One of the best massages for both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Deep tissue massage

Repeated activity can make your muscles get tight, you’ll see this a lot with athletes and any person that is active. However, you can get tight muscles from less active activities, this can include driving, sitting, or working on the computer. Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness, which then can provide pain relief. This massage is a good fit for people with general muscle tightness and chronic muscle pain.

Sports massage

While sports massages and deep tissue massages are similar in many ways, they also differ. A sports massage will often focus on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity. Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person. A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle tightness and address sports injuries.

Prenatal massage

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to a woman’s body, the added weight alone can cause foot pain, leg pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and pains of growing a baby. Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the feet and legs. And when mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits.

Trigger point massage

Trigger points, or knots in your neck and back, are caused by tiny muscle spasms or tight spots in the tissue. In a trigger-point massage, the therapist uses direct pressure to target those spots and improve blood flow to the areas so they can release. This type of massage can be helpful for people with chronic pain.

Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic fluid has a number of important functions, two important ones include maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic massage uses a soft touch that’ll help your lymphatic fluid move through the body easier. Lymphatic massage is a great option for people with inflammation and arthritis. It can also be beneficial to people who have had mastectomies, which usually involves the removal of lymph nodes.

Myofascial release

The fascia refers to a web of connective tissue under the skin, it supports the muscles and allows a person to move freely. With a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia, this is done to work out tightness and tension. This specific massage type is considered to be a form of deep stretching and is often used together with other therapeutic massage techniques. Myofascial release are good for reducing tightness in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. If a person is experiencing muscle tightness and pain, insomnia, soreness, or stress, you may want to consider trying a hot stone massage. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.

Health benefits of massage

As we learn more about massage therapy and continue to run studies, we’re learning that massage has many benefits. Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but it has been noted to help people that suffer from conditions that include cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, inflammation, and fibromyalgia. Before you get your massage, be sure you talk to your massage therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. You should also consult with your doctor to ensure a massage will be safe for you.

Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety

That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety and stress.

Reduce pain, muscle tension and tightness

Many studies have been published that show massage may help reduce pain that includes acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee pain. While those results will favor that the relief is short-term, other cases receiving multiple 60-minute massage sessions a few times a week showed longer-term relief.

Improves sleep

Massage has the ability to decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body, it can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, these are known neurotransmitters that can stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.

Improved blood circulation

Does massage help improve your blood circulation? A 2020 study found that a five minute manual leg massage could significantly increase circulation not only in the affected limb, but in the surrounding areas as well. A 2010 study came to a similar conclusion. Researchers measured the mean skin temperature of 17 healthy volunteers who underwent a 20 minute neck and shoulder massage session. In most cases, the increase in blood flow in the treated and adjacent areas has persisted long after the treatment was finished. 

Improves immune function

Is it possible to boost your immune system with massage? This study suggested that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, this specific type of blood cells is what attacks bad viruses in your body so you can heal and get better.

Improve energy

Studies have proven that massage therapy is good for you – we do know that it can reduce our fatigue. While massage does not directly increase energy, it helps reduce fatigue and may decrease symptoms that take our energy away, this can result in you feeling better. Studies have taught us that massage therapy can increase circulation, reduce pain and stress, improve our sleep quality and help with our immunity – all of these make us feel better, more energized and less fatigued.

Constipation relief

For anyone that has been dealing with constipation after surgery, this study showed that an abdominal massage may help you with bowel movements. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States. Approximately 16 out of every 100 American adults experience symptoms caused by constipation.

Regular massages can relieve constipation by helping you release gas and waste products. They may also help treat any underlying or accompanying conditions. For example, regular massage can reduce stress and in turn reduce pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Reduce fibromyalgia symptoms

When it comes to improving mood, sleep, and memory, these studies have shown that using massage regularly for over 5 weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, this is a chronic illness that causes muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. This study saw similar results – it shown massage therapy can be effective in easing pain for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Relieving cancer pain

For men and women that are taking cancer treatments, the physical, mental, and emotional toll is unprecedented. No words can describe what they’re feeling. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life.

There’s been a fair amount of studies that have been performed to see if massage can help reduce cancer pain. While some of these studies have suggested that massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain – others have shown a positive impact.

Who should try massage therapy?

A lot of you reading this article can benefit from massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain, ease stress, and much more. If you do have a medical issue, please make sure you check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist.

For any of you that are pregnant, prenatal massages are safe. In fact, they can be healthy for you and the baby. We still recommend consulting with your treating doctor to ensure massage will be safe for you prior to booking a prenatal massage.

If you do have any questions about massage therapy that weren’t answered here, please be sure to check out our Help Center.

Not sure what type of massage is right for you? No worries, you don’t need find the perfect massage prior to booking an appointment. Many massage therapists specialize in using multiple massage techniques to address your unique concerns. This is why it’s important to tell your massage therapist exactly how you feel, that way they can treat your specific conditions and you can experience a great beneficial massage therapy session.

The different types of massage aren’t exclusive from one another. A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.

Try a massage with Soothe

Did you know that the Soothe Network of massage therapists are professionally licensed? It’s true, all Soothe massage therapists are required to have a license prior to joining. This ensures you’re going to get a certified therapists for your massage therapy.

And since you can book your massage right at home, you’re just a few clicks away from a professional massage at home! Here’s the link to book your massage.

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When it comes to the most popular massage types in the world, deep tissue massage is one that ranks among the top. In this article, you’ll learn what a deep tissue massage is, and how the techniques used by massage therapists can benefit you. 

What Is A Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s commonly used to treat musculoskeletal problems, this could include both strains and injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This can help break up scar tissue that forms from injuries and reduce tension in muscles and tissues.

It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What Does A Deep Tissue Massage Feel Like?

For any of you who are experiencing pain, soreness, or tight muscles, a deep tissue massage can feel great as it can provide relief from what you’re feeling.

It’s important to know that it isn’t unusual to feel a degree of discomfort during the massage itself. The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions, and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely apply a lot of pressure. However, you should let them know if this becomes too uncomfortable. Expect to be asked to breathe deeply when the person treating you is working on especially tense or deep areas of your muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage Benefits And Studies

Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques focusing on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help you unwind mentally, too.

A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce discomfort in people with chronic lower back pain. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).

People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:

• sports injuries
• fibromyalgia
• plantar fasciitis
• high blood pressure
• sciatica
• tennis elbow

A deep tissue massage may improve circulation, reduce minor aches and pain, increase range of motion, and ease inflammation. One study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that deep tissue massage helped to lower blood pressure after just one massage session.

One of the most common deep tissue massage therapy benefits is pain reduction. According to a 2014 study in PLOS One, individuals with this condition sometimes experience “beneficial immediate effects” regarding their levels of pain, oftentimes within just five weeks of massage therapy.

This specific massage can also help with injuries, including damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Scar tissue forms when an area of the body is injured and then heals. While you can have scars on the outside, you can also have them deep inside your body. Deep tissue massage can target this type of scarring and make it easier to move, promoting a greater range of motion.

Just a few years ago, there was a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This study looked at 27 men who had been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, or AS.

The Spondylitis Association of America explains that AS is a condition characterized by inflammation in the spine, which can eventually lead to a new bone formation in which certain sections of the spine “fuse in a fixed, immobile position.”

For those group members who underwent deep tissue massage, they ended up showing a significantly greater reduction in the severity of their AS when compared to those receiving traditional massage. They also showed a greater reduction in pain.

Studies have also shown that deep tissue massage can be effective for old injuries and rehabilitation. If you’re experincing soreness, aches, and pains, you may want to speak with a massage therapist about working deep tissue massage into your next visit. You can book a deep tissue massage here.

What Happens During Deep Tissue Massage Treatment?

As with most massage therapy sessions, the massage therapist will want to know more about your problem areas and the problems you’re experiencing. Make sure you are open and honest with them. Let them know everything that you feel and what type of result you’re looking to obtain. This will ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Once you’re ready to get your massage, you’ll be asked to lie on your back or stomach under a sheet. Your level of undress is based on your comfort, but the area being worked on must be exposed for the best possible results.

The massage therapist will warm up your muscles using a lighter touch to start. Your deep tissue sessions will be gentle to begin with. It can cover a broad area in the beginning, and then focus on the specific muscles or regions that need work. Everyone has different pain tolerance levels, so it’s possible that deep tissue massage may cause discomfort or even be a little painful. Make sure you talk to your massage therapist about the pressure being applied. If your massage gets painful, let your therapist know.

If the massage techniques are too gentle, it’s possible that the work being done will not be effective at breaking up muscle knots. On the other hand, too much pressure or extreme discomfort takes away from the benefits the massage provides. Again, this is why you want to be open and vocal with your therapist and let them know exactly how you’re feeling.

Feeling some pain or soreness a few days after your deep tissue massage is normal. Don’t be alarmed by that. Deep muscle stripping and myofascial release (MFR) may create some bruising or leave you feeling sore, but joint stretches performed during a deep tissue session should not cause pain in the days afterward.

Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage

Two of the most popular massage types are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, which are often compared to one another. While many professionals say there’s overlap between Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, the biggest difference is the depth of pressure being used. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose what type of massage is right for you. You can also chat with your massage therapist to help you decide.

Swedish massage

• Appropriate for someone experiencing stress and anxiety
• Great for someone wanting to relax and unwind
• Good for someone brand new to professional massage
• Good choice for someone who has a low tolerance

Deep tissue massage

• Appropriate for someone experiencing pain
• Good for those who experience prolonged muscle stiffness
• Anyone seeking pain relief
• Good for someone trying to recover from a past injury

Does Soothe offer deep tissue massage?

Absolutely! Deep tissue massage therapy is one of our most popular offerings. You can easily book a deep tissue massage with Soothe. Book a Soothe massage now to try it out!

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Many of you have seen the images – you know, the ones where someone is relaxing with stones on their back. Nearly every massage/spa company uses them for marketing and advertising. They’re very effective, they do make you want to get one, right? But is it an actual massage? Can a hot stone massage help you? What are hot stones?

In this article, you’re going to learn what hot stones are, how they’re used in massage, and how they can benefit you if you’re thinking about booking a massage. By the end, we hope you have all the knowledge you need to decide whether a hot stone massage is right for you or not. Let’s get started.

What Is A Hot Stone Massage?

A hot stone massage is a unique type of massage session or enhancement. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles, improve circulation, and help damaged soft tissues in your body. This type of massage involves the use and placement of basalt River rock on different points of the body. The rocks are heated before use and the massage therapist can use them on troubled areas during your massage.

What Does A Hot Stone Massage Feel Like?

During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.

According to research, hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees, although you’ll find some massage therapists prefer to use slightly lower or higher temperatures.

During the massage, the stones may be placed:

• along your spine
• on your back
• on your neck
• on your chest
• on your stomach
• on your face
• on your palms
• on your feet and toes

Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:

• long strokes
• circular movements
• vibration
• tapping
• kneading

Why Do They Use Hot Stones?

Basalt river rocks are the most commonly used stones during this type of massage because they are smooth from the river’s current and they hold heat well. They are typically made of volcanic rock, enabling them to heat quickly and retain that heat for an extended period. Before treatment, the rocks are heated in a professional heater to 110°F to 145°F.

They’re used in massage because they hold heat, which allows the massage therapist to apply heat for a prolonged period on a specific area of your body.

How Does Hot Stone Massage Differ From Regular Massage?

The main difference between a hot stone massage and a regular massage is that the focal point of a hot stone massage is using stones to apply heat during the massage therapy session to promote relaxation. The heat from the stones can also help improve blood flow and relax muscle tension.

Regular massages do not use stones to massage the body, they focus on pressure points and muscles. In a regular massage, the massage therapist uses pressure from their hands to massage different areas of the body.

What Does This Massage Therapy Treat?

Everyone knows that massage is an effective, natural cure for stress but this particular type of massage can also help treat and resolve other problematic conditions. It can relieve stress and anxiety, help manage depression, and relieve tension and pain from sore muscles. Studies have also shown that it may help relieve chronic illnesses or chronic pain.

While the hot stones are not a complete massage therapy solution, using them with regular massage can have lasting benefits. The heat from the stones can relax areas of the body; when combined with the Swedish massage, it can help you reach a deeper state of relaxation. The heat within the rocks relaxes the muscles, making them more pliable.

What Happens During Hot Stone Treatment?

Hot stone massage can be used with a wide range of different massage techniques. The exact ones that are used are going to depend on your unique scenario. During this massage, your massage therapist will prepare the hot stones for treatment and will typically place them strategically down the center of the back along the spine (or in a select area you request.) The hot stones can also be placed on the stomach, feet, chest, face, toes, and palms of your hands if needed.

The placement of the stones can help relieve pain in some of the problem areas you have. Before you start your massage therapy session, your massage therapist will discuss your concerns and determine the best location for the stones based on your needs and their evaluation of your physical condition.

Make sure you clearly explain everything you’re feeling and what goals you’re trying to achieve with the session.

What Massage Types Use Hot Stones?

Swedish massage is one of the most common massage types used with hot stones. Swedish massage techniques are meant to relax you so that hot stones can be used. However, with Soothe, hot stones are an enhancement you can get with your massage, so they can be used to enhance a handful of our massage services.

Does Soothe Offer Hot Stone Massage Treatments?

Yes! Soothe offers hot stone massage as an enhancement to most modalities. You can easily add hot stones to your massage during booking, after selecting your date, time, duration, and therapist preferences. Check availability for this massage enhancement with a massage therapist near you. 

The post Hot Stone Massage: What Is It, Benefits, And Everything You Should Know appeared first on Soothe.

Pregnancy is one of the greatest experiences a woman can have, but it’s not without challenges. Your body goes through a number of different changes, physically, mentally, and emotionally. During your pregnancy, you’re going to experience a lot of different things – some will be AMAZING! However, for your body, some will be difficult. Pregnancy can leave you feeling exhausted and defeated at times. If a prenatal massage can help relieve some of the things you’re going to feel, or are experiencing now, It may be well worth it to give it a try.

To help you better understand this massage, let’s start with the basics.

What is Prenatal Massage?

A prenatal massage is a thorough body massage given by a professional massage therapist, similar to a Swedish massage (like what you’d expect at a spa), with the exception of a couple of body placement changes that can guarantee the safety and convenience of both mother and the baby. In short, it focuses on helping you relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation, improves mobility, and make you feel better overall.

A pregnant mother’s center of gravity is altered, this puts a lot of strain on her back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Ligaments are also softened during pregnancy, which makes your pelvic joints less stable. It also pulls your pelvis forward because of all the extra weight you’re carrying.

Prenatal Massage Techniques

There are a few different massage techniques used during prenatal massage therapy. More than 80 types of massage are taught in roughly 1,300 massage therapy programs in the United States. The three most common prenatal massage therapy techniques include;

• Deep-tissue massage uses firm strokes pressing deep into muscles
• Swedish massage uses soft, long strokes to muscles and attention to joint mobility
• Shiatsu uses pressure and tapping on acupressure points to stimulate the body’s natural energy (called qi)

What happens during a Prenatal Massage?

If you’ve never had a prenatal massage, you may be wondering exactly what happens during the massage. Here’s what you’d expect from getting a prenatal massage treatment.

First, your Soothe massage therapist will help you get comfortable and ensure you’re stable in a proper position. The first part of this service will focus on asking you about your pregnancy to date, history, discomfort, aches, pains, or any restrictions you may have from your doctor. During prenatal massage therapy, communication is very important. Make sure you’re honest and let the therapist know everything you’re feeling. This will ensure the best possible experience and outcome.

Prenatal massage mirrors an adapted type of Swedish massage. Certain areas of the body are off-limits since certain pressure points may cause contractions. The legs are a frequent concern area for pregnant women. This is because pressure can dislodge blood clots that have formed from the pools of blood that may settle in the extremities. Your massage therapist may gently massage your legs or abdomen to help with relaxation and stress reduction.

Clients are asked to disrobe but remain completely covered by a sheet, except the body area being worked on. You’re free to disrobe to a level that you’re comfortable with. The room may be dimly lit and silent, and some massage therapists may play soft music to encourage relaxation. Be sure to ask your prenatal massage therapist about your options for creating the perfect environment for your massage.

Origins of the Prenatal Massage

Many scholars believe that the origin of prenatal massage goes back to the invention of massage itself. Ancient texts attributed to Ayurvedic medicine (developed in India as one of the world’s first medical systems) describe gentle massages for pregnant women as early as 3000 years ago.

Modern versions can include several different techniques, but Swedish massage might be the most relied upon because of its wide range of applications (it can be used on any part of the body) and benefits (muscular, circulatory, psychological, and more).

Another interesting fact: Swedish massage is often used as a foundation massage for other types of Western massage, including prenatal massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, and full body massage.

Health Benefits

Studies suggest prenatal massage can be beneficial in many different areas. For one, massage during pregnancy can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression while also reducing swelling, muscle aches, and joint pain. Those who receive prenatal massage may also get better sleep since massage can help relieve stress, pain, and leg cramps. Prenatal massage has also been linked to improved labor outcomes and healthier newborns. This sample of results, though relatively small, demonstrates that prenatal massage has the potential to be useful during pregnancy in many cases.

The most common alternative therapies recommended during pregnancy were massage therapy (61%), acupuncture (45%), relaxation (43%), yoga (41%), and chiropractic therapies (37%).

Some benefits of prenatal massage make it ideal for treating specific conditions likely to be experienced during pregnancy. Many individuals develop swollen leg muscles and persistent pain in late pregnancy as the shifting of the uterus places increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. Prenatal massage can help alleviate this problem by releasing tension from adjacent muscle groups and redirecting pressure away from the nerve.

Personal Benefits

While prenatal massage therapy has many physical benefits, it can also improve your mental well-being. Stress can be harmful to you and your baby. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can help you relax and relieve stress. Less stress for you, less stress for the baby.

Pregnancy can make some areas of the body swollen, causing discomfort, pain, aches, and reduced movement. Fortunately, prenatal massage can help with this. If you’re feeling miserable due to your pregnancy, take the time to book a prenatal massage treatment below.

How to Book a Prenatal Massage Near You

If you’re interested in booking a Prenatal massage, Soothe makes it easy to find a certified massage therapist in your area. Visit our booking page, and we’ll bring the massage to you. Currently, massage therapists on the Soothe network can provide prenatal massage only for those in their second and third trimester.

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Taking time to pamper yourself at home is an easy way to get a spa experience for a fraction of the price. Whether it’s a DIY mani/pedi day with friends or a professional at-home massage, you can choose exactly how you want to treat yourself. Plus, it means you don’t have to leave your house, fight traffic, or deal with parking!

Since the goal of this is to be as relaxed as possible, we put together a complete guide on how to have the best spa day at home. Follow this checklist, and you’ll be on your way to bliss in no time.

7 Steps to Create the Perfect Home Spa Day

1. Create a plan

If you want to have the most relaxing home spa day possible, you’ll need to do a bit of groundwork first. This will allow you to dive into your spa experience without having to make any decisions at the moment or being caught without the right tools.

First, pick your time frame. Is this going to be an all-day venture or just a few hours? When are you going to start, and when will you be ready to enter the world again? Try to avoid scheduling your relaxing day at the same time the loud garbage truck comes barreling down your street, or when you’re expecting a package. Otherwise, there really is no “best” time to have your spa day, other than the time when you’ll be able to fully unwind.

After you have your time frame, you can set your intention. What are your goals? What do you want to focus on? How do you want to feel at the end of it?

If you have all day, you’re only limited by your imagination. Go for the full beautifying experience, complete with a hair mask, manicure, jade rolling, and a mobile spa massage for a Swedish session and a facial. But if you only have a few hours, it’s best to focus on just one or two things so you don’t feel rushed.

2. Choose your location

If you plan on doing a manicure, you’ll need a comfortable place to set up and plenty of light. If you want to soak in some bath salts with a face mask on, well…a bath would be pretty handy.

Once you decide what you want to do, then you can choose where you want to do it. Consider dedicating a room or two for your makeshift spa. Try to choose a location that’s quiet and comfortable, in addition to providing all the resources you need.

3. Gather your tools

You’ve made your plan, and now it’s time to procure your supplies! Based on your intention, you’ll know what you’ll need to have on hand. Here are some items that can help you melt into full relaxation mode:

• Foot massager
• Mani/pedi tools
• Face masks and eye patches
• Body scrub
• Bath salts
• Dry brush
• gua Sha or jade roller
• Hair treatments
• Comfy clothes

If you’re not into a DIY adventure, consider bringing in a professional. Soothe makes it easy to book a professional masseuse for an at-home spa massage or facial. This brings the best of both worlds together, by letting you experience a spa-quality massage within the comfort of your own home. And going this route doesn’t add any preparation details to your plate. With their mobile spa massage, Soothe brings all the equipment to you, and they can tailor the service to exactly what you need. Who knew an at-home spa massage was this easy, now anybody can have a spa day right in the comfort of their home, hotel, or a venue of their choice.

4. Set the scene

Transforming a room into a serene setting is easier than it may seem. Start by focusing on two senses: smell and sound. Set out some candles or an essential oil diffuser. Opt for calming, stress-reducing scents, like lavender, jasmine, peppermint, or ylang-ylang. If you haven’t used these scents before, it may be worth testing them out before your big day. Playing soft music is another way to create a calming atmosphere, especially if you know there will be noises in the area beyond your control. Luckily, there are tons of spa day playlists online that you can choose from. Cue one up, and the scene is set.

5. Get snacks and refreshments

Whether this is an all-day experience or just a few hours, you’ll want to have some refreshments on hand. Spas are known for their water for a reason!

Put together a pitcher of cold water so you can stay hydrated throughout your spa day. Consider refreshing additions like lemons, limes, cucumbers, rosemary, or basil. Herbal teas are a great option, as well, and can help to promote even more relaxation.

If you think you might get snacky, pick a few healthy bites to munch on during the day. Think small, simple, and healthy: a veggie salad, pre-made smoothies, cucumbers or carrots with hummus, small wraps or sandwiches, or cheese and crackers.

6. Eliminate potential distractions

Before your spa day, try to eliminate anything that will pull you out of a blissful state. Alert your family and friends about your plan, and politely ask them not to disturb you when you’re getting into your zen. If you have any two or four-legged friends in your care, you could also kindly ask your friends or family members to watch over them during your spa time.

7. Begin your spa day!

Now that you’ve done all the planning and prep, it’s time to enjoy your perfectly curated home spa day! Sit back, relax, and let yourself be transported into tranquility. Remember that this is all about you feeling your best. You deserve to be pampered.

There you have it, 7 easy-to-follow tips to have an at-home spa day.

Soothe makes it easier than ever to bring the spa experience to your home. You can book a massage in over 70+ different cities throughout the world, planning it weeks in advance or reserving a same-day session. Download the Soothe App to get started!

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