Abhyanga
What is it?"Oil the body" is the literal translation of this Ayurvedic massage, which comes from India's 5,000-year-old system of medicine. Typically two therapists synch up for the treatment. It is meant to help "mobilize toxins, assist in fluid circulation, and open blocked channels of prana (life force)," says Dr. Saraswati Dwarakanath, a consultant in Ayurvedic and Natural Medicine at COMO Shambhala Retreat in the Turks & Caicos.
Skill factorTraining by Ayurvedic doctors or centers is ideal, since it's a specialized treatment and part of a larger medicinal and philosophical lifestyle, says Holly Hatfield, spa director of the Chopra Center & Spa in New York City. Many spas offer their own interpretation rather than the real deal. Although for some spa-goers, the pleasure of a four-hand massage may trump authenticity.
What does it feel like?You may forget there are two separate people working to balance your energy. The long strokes down your limbs and circular strokes around your joints are incredibly fluid. There is some pressure on the body's Marma (energy) points, where two or more types of tissue meet. But overall the massage is rhythmic, almost repetitive, and flowing by design.
Any surprises?Traditional Ayurvedic centers like Elemental Embrace, outside Toronto, and The Raj, in Iowa, will determine your dosha (constitution) before the treatment with a lengthy consultation, and create massage oils infused with Ayurvedic herbs for you. Spas typically offer a shorter consultation and may use dosha-specific or other Abhyanga oils.
Editor's takeA lot of oil goes into this massage, more than any type I've tried. I can be distracted by this-and by therapists being in or out of synch-during a 60-minute treatment, but I find the massage and its results are best when given as part of an Ayurvedic program or detox regime.
Aromatherapy
What is it?A massage that incorporates the use of essential oils, or extracted plant essences, which have specific properties-for example, rosemary is energizing, chamomile is calming, and orange eases tension. When inhaled and absorbed through the skin, aromatherapy oils can help affect your mood or well-being, and they personalize the objectives of the massage. (That's why the massage can be uplifting or sleep-inducing.)
Skill factorSpa therapists should have serious aromatherapy education and not just work with aromatherapy products, says Ute Leube, founder of Primavera Aromatherapy and Amala spa products. "It's best to ask for a massage therapist with a certificate from an aromatherapy school."
What does it feel like?Aromatherapy relies on the power of the essential oils to woo the mind as well as soothe the body, so your therapist may have you inhale the oils from her hands before the treatment begins, and anoint your back with them during the treatment (this is the basis of Raindrop aromatherapy treatments). Aromatherapy can be paired with any massage but Swedish and Lymphatic Drainage are the most common.
Any surprises?The key to the treatment is choosing the right essential oils for the desired result. Sometimes this means choosing a scent because it "calls to you," which simply means your nose likes it. Spas say this indicates what your body needs.
Editor's takeAromatherapy in my massage is like cream in my coffee. I'm really responsive to the oils, clinical studies proving their effectiveness or no. For me, they make the experience richer and the massage more effective.
Aromatherapy
What is it?A massage that incorporates the use of essential oils, or extracted plant essences, which have specific properties-for example, rosemary is energizing, chamomile is calming, and orange eases tension. When inhaled and absorbed through the skin, aromatherapy oils can help affect your mood or well-being, and they personalize the objectives of the massage. (That's why the massage can be uplifting or sleep-inducing.)
Skill factorSpa therapists should have serious aromatherapy education and not just work with aromatherapy products, says Ute Leube, founder of Primavera Aromatherapy and Amala spa products. "It's best to ask for a massage therapist with a certificate from an aromatherapy school."
What does it feel like?Aromatherapy relies on the power of the essential oils to woo the mind as well as soothe the body, so your therapist may have you inhale the oils from her hands before the treatment begins, and anoint your back with them during the treatment (this is the basis of Raindrop aromatherapy treatments). Aromatherapy can be paired with any massage but Swedish and Lymphatic Drainage are the most common.
Any surprises?The key to the treatment is choosing the right essential oils for the desired result. Sometimes this means choosing a scent because it "calls to you," which simply means your nose likes it. Spas say this indicates what your body needs.
Editor's takeAromatherapy in my massage is like cream in my coffee. I'm really responsive to the oils, clinical studies proving their effectiveness or no. For me, they make the experience richer and the massage more effective.
Balinese
What is it?A traditional Indonesian healing massage, it's considered a substitute for going to a medical doctor, says Ayu (pictured), a Balinese therapist based in New York City. It combines small squeezes of pressure and long kneading strokes, which together are meant to release areas of deeply held tension. "It's a massage where depth, pressure, and ...
Skill factorLike many indigenous therapies, the practice is taught in families. Bali's leading Balinese massage teacher, Ketut Arsana, learned it from his grandfather, as did Ayu, our therapist pictured above. "Institutional training in schools is more a modern phenomena and not widespread," she says. Most spas require or give 20 or 30 hours in training, but the belief is that proficiency in this massage comes from the therapist's ability to connect her spiritual energy with the recipient's, which takes years of experience to hone.
What does it feel like?The pressure and massage objectives are customized for each person, but there are two hallmarks you'll likely encounter. Pijat ("massage" in Indonesian) are long, sedating strokes combined with a repetitive squeezing or gripping motion. Urut ("massage" in Javanese) is deeper, and more fluid and focused, with movements following the path of blood circulation, which can be intense and energizing, says Ayu. In North America, Balinese massage tends to be quite light, with a focus on the flowing strokes.
Any surprises?Oil infused with Balinese flowers such as jasmine or ylang ylang are typically used, and I find they can be over-powering or gorgeously exotic depending on who makes them. Scent-sensitive types should ask for a sniff upfront, and ask for something simpler, if need be.
Editor's takeThe work is a true calling. You can feel it in the heartfelt way many therapists give the treatment and see the magic first hand when they're able to detect old injuries that even your personal trainer hasn't noticed.
Chakra Balancing
What is it?In traditional Indian medicine, chakras are the seven energy centers that align from the top of the head (crown chakra) to the tailbone (root chakra). Each corresponds to that area of the body, as well as personal characteristics, such as security and communication, and a color. When balanced, the chakras spin happily in place. But because they're considered storehouses for emotional experiences, they can become blocked, causing physical tension or pain. "A person gets a massage to work out the kinks in her muscles. Adding chakra balancing can work out the kinks in the energy body as well," says Sarah Herklots, an energy bodywork practitioner in New York City, who's pictured giving the treatment here.
Skill factorA highly developed intuition and a desire to heal others are the skill set of these massage therapists, many of whom have studied energy work, explains Herklots, who learned it this way at the spiritually inclined Heartwood Institute in Northern California. Even Espa, which has spas around the world and a rigorous therapist-training program and exam, can't teach one job requirement-a deep wish to help guests achieve balance, says Ronel Corbin, ESPA's senior vice president, North America.
What does it feel like?The therapist might place her hands over or lightly on your body (you're usually face up) to help release blocks or place balancing crystals in the colors of the chakras on it. Chakra balancing doesn't always include massage, so make sure you read the treatment description carefully.
Any surprises?The treatment starts with a diagnostic step (sometimes using a pendulum) to assess blocks. A therapist once asked to use a necklace of my own, saying it improved the reading. My necklace spun in a wide, open circle when dangled over some of my chakras and it hung perfectly still over others, which indicated to the therapist which chakras were closed and needed attention.
Editor's takeThis is a PhD-level spa service, meaning it's particularly good for those who've had lots of bodywork and want to explore a mind-body-spirit.
Deep Tissue
What is it?A mix of slow, deep strokes and penetrating finger pressure focused on tight, contracted areas. Many therapists also use their fist, the heel of their hand, and even their elbows, all of which is meant to help heal injuries or release adhesions, or knots caused by stress.
Skill factorDeep tissue massage requires a solid understanding of anatomy. But top therapists don't just have technical skill, they're highly sensitive and aware of reactions taking place the body during the work, and know when to back off. "It's all about respecting the body and communicating with it," says Ed Moffett, a fifth-generation body worker, based in Arizona.
What does it feel like?Most people do not fall asleep during deep tissue massage. "It might be almost painful, but it's a good feeling of release, like an ecstatic pain," says Moffett, who also incorporates some yoga in his two-, three-, and even four-hour "bone-cleaning" sessions.
Any surprises?The pressure builds. "Guests often request I start with a pressure of 6 or 7 (out of 10)," says Moffett. "As the session goes on, I'll sometimes increase the pressure 10 to 20 times the pounds per square inch, but the guest will report the pressure still feels the same."
Editor's takeTough guys (and gals) like this massage, because they feel it's "doing something" for them on a deep muscular level. And while they're right (I've forgotten about months of nagging neck pain after a single treatment), I'd bet many pop an ibuprofen and don an icepack afterwards. I know I have.
Hot Stone
What is it?Smooth heated stones-often basalt-are used to relax the muscles in a Swedish-style massage. The therapist will leave some in contact with your body and use others to massage you. Cold stones are sometimes incorporated, especially on the face, where they have a firming effect. It's a feel-good treatment found on most spa menus, although Tonya Bucinell, president of La Stone Therapy, says there's a benefit: "Hot and cold temperatures of the stones are like 'vascular gymnastics' of the circulatory system, which assists the body in self-healing."
Skill factorThere are no requirements for using hot or cold stones in a massage. However, being able to manipulate the stones at the proper temperatures is an essential skill, says Bucinell,whose program offers a basic 30-hour hands-on training up to a master's level. But training can also be done through book or video, so it's worth asking for an experienced therapist, so you don't get burned.
What does it feel like?The heat of the stones has an immediately relaxing effect, and the therapist will glide them along your back and limbs, and set them on muscles and soft tissue or tuck them into your hands. They should never be uncomfortably hot or nudge a shoulder blade or the spine. If they do, speak up.
Any surprises?Some spas will ask you to lie down on the hot stones, which looks potentially uncomfortable, but isn't (as long as they've been carefully arranged to make contact with soft tissue). And some spas see a spiritual side of the stones, placing them outside in the moonlight to recharge them and remove the energy of the previous client for the next one.
Editor's takeThis has become an incredibly popular massage because the stones provide a constant heat source, which amps up muscle relaxation. There's no better treatment after a long winter hike, particularly when the smallest stones are slipped between your toes. Although many treatments aim to become the next hot-stone massage, it's a hard one to top.
Lomi Lomi
What is it?A native Polynesian and Hawaiian healing practice (also called Ka Huna massage in some spas). It's a deeply nurturing style of massage characterized by fast flowing movement and a spiritual bent—therapists focus on giving the treatment with love and intention. Traditional practitioners may offer a prayer beforehand.
Skill factorBeware treatments that are "lomi lomi-inspired." Training takes several years to complete, either with a mentor or though a multi-level training program. Spas with seriously trained therapists will be glad to tell you where their staff learned it.
What does it feel like?There are 100,000 styles, according to author Makana Risser Chai, who's written two books on lomi lomi, so it's hard to know what you'll be getting. In general, strokes are long, flowing, fast, and rhythmic, and therapists use their hands, forearms, and occasionally their fists for off-and-on deep pressure.
Any surprises?Treatments are choreographed and given in time to lomi lomi music (mostly drums). You may be asked to remove all clothing (you'll still be covered with a sarong or sheet) so the therapist can keep the quick tempo and move from your shoulders to your glutes and back up in two seconds flat.
Editor's takeIt's a mind-blowing experience if you get it with a true healer and you can roll with the massage-to-music approach and the spiritual bits. I've left these treatments feeling mentally focused, not frazzled, and energized instead of lethargic.
Lymphatic Drainage
What is it?A light massage that targets the lymphatic system (which moves fluids through the glands and lymph nodes) instead of the muscles. The technique, called Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), is widely used in the medical and spa fields. In spas, the massage includes gentle skin-stretching strokes to rev up the sluggish lymph system. Doing so is considered a staple practice for reducing swelling,relieving fatigue, or helping the body detox (removing waste from our own metabolic processes, not heavy metals or pollutants), which why it's included in spa fasting, cleansing, and smoke-cessation programs.
Skill factorEmil Vodder, a Danish physical therapist, and his wife Estrid, a naturopath, developed the system of MLD in the 1930s, and their method is still taught to spa therapists at Dr.Vodder Schools around the world. Not all therapists practice the Vodder style; some learn lymphatic drainage through a course in massage school, or through training in Ayurveda or naturopathy. (A completely separate160-hour training is required in for medical MLD.)
What does it feel like?Manual lymphatic drainage involves very light strokes. Some of the basic moves are "stationary circles," "pump," and "scoop"-no kneading or deep muscle work. It's essentially a draining process intended to firm and tone skin and to improve health, explains Jillian Wright, the owner of Glow Skin Spa in New York, who sees great improvement of dark under-eye circles with the Vodder method in facials, as well.
Any surprises?MLD can offer some relief for fluid retention brought on by travel, menstruation, or pregnancy. Also, some spas may begin the massage by dry brushing the skin, which is another means of accomplishing lymphatic drainage. Although herbal oils that promote detoxification are sometimes used, oil's not a big part of this massage, since there's not much friction created.
Editor's takeIt's so much better than the name implies. Although the pressure's light, I've encountered several therapists who are lymphatic-drainage fanatics (particularly at The Montage, in Laguna Beach, California) and can provide additional advice for good health. I go for this massage as a jet-lag remedy, as a balancing treatment when I'm kicking carbs (again), or when I'm starting a week at a destination spa to help reset my habits.
Reflexology
What is it?A treatment that focuses on the stimulating points in the feet, which several philosophies in the East and West say correspond to specific organs. And unless reflexology is added onto a facial or body treatment, it's given upright and fully clothed in a comfortable chair.
Skill factorA foot rub is not reflexology. The therapist needs to know the "zone theory," just where the body is mapped on the foot, or complete training in a reflexology program (a minimum of 200 training hours for certification is typical), or in traditional Chinese medicine, which outlines the principles of acupressure and body's energy pathways.
What does it feel like?Kneading the soft fleshy ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, tracing around the heel, and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the many small, intense movements you'll experience. While some spots may feel more sensitive than others, reflexologists will often say that pain indicates blocks in the energy pathways or weak organs and isn't due to the pressure of the touch.
Any surprises?In addition to manipulating the feet, reflexologists sometimes work on hands or ears to trigger relaxation. Some people say they feel hot or cold sensations.
Editor's takeIt's so relaxing that after the first 5 minutes, I typically nod off. But it's not innately so. In Hong Kong, where reflexology centers are everywhere, the locals, typing away on their Blackberries, seem to stop in to get some work done.
Shiatsu
What is it?It means "finger pressure" in Japanese, but that doesn't begin to cover it. Therapists use their thumbs-as well as elbows, knees, and feet-to apply strategic pressure to muscles and connective tissues. Spas recommend it for stubborn knots, sports injuries, and back pain, and say the pressure can help trigger the release of chemicals, like cortisone, that help the body heal itself. Practitioners of Zen or Five Elements Shiatsu use the pressure-point massage for another reason-to balance the body's chi (energy), a practice that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine. In both cases, you typically wear loose-fitting clothing and it's done on a floor mat.
Skill factorMassage therapists may have taken a single course in shiatsu or have completed years of study to become a master. Even so, training varies internationally. London's Zen School of Shiatsu requires a year of dedicated training for a license; the Ohashi Institute in New York requires two; and the esteemed Japan Shiatsu College in Tokyo requires three.
What does it feel like?Expect intense pressure and a fair bit of movement with the therapist to stretch your muscles and alleviate knots and pain. While it's languid enough to ultimately relax your muscles, it's not likely something you'll sleep through. (Though our model, pictured, obviously had no trouble.)
Any surprises?Some therapists will spend a lot of time on your hara (stomach), which is considered the root of imbalance in Five Elements shiatsu.
Editor's takeTraditional shiatsu is a results-oriented treatment, meaning I go in with knots in my neck and shoulders and leave without them. I find that the Five Elements version is less concrete about correcting what ails me, but is ultimately more relaxing.
Swedish
What is it?The classic massage wasn't actually invented in Sweden or by a Swede, but it's become the most common massage practice in the West, and the one that's associated with that quintessential massage blissfulness. That's because of the soothing strokes and gentle kneading, which are meant to relax, not stimulate, the body. And yet studies have shown, it reduces stress, promotes health,and prevents injuries.
Skill factorSwedish massage is considered fundamental learning at most massage programs. Institutes have differing requirements for graduation (Cortiva Institute requires 750 for example whereas Steiner Education requires 815.5 hours), but any licensed therapist should be proficient in this massage.
What does it feel like?It's defined by four or five (somewhat familiar) techniques, which have French names: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic choppings), and friction(rubbing). Some therapists now incorporate advanced techniques that have rehabilitating effects and stretches for improving your range of motion, such as those pictured here. But the ultimate goal is relaxation.
Any surprises?As the default Western massage, Swedish doesn't come with any surprises. Unless you request something different, such as deep work on a tight muscle group that specifically changes the technique, this is simple, soothing touch therapy.
Editor's takeAt most spas, Swedish massage is the most popular treatment, and it's for good reason. It helps jangled nerves and release neck knots without being too demanding of the spa-goer. This is my go-to zone-out massage.
Thai
What is it?In this massage, long considered a medical treatment in Thailand, the therapist puts you through a series of stretches that cover the entire body. (That's why it's often called lazy man's yoga.) You lie on a floor mat or on a table wide enough to accommodate the therapist, and you wear loose-fitting clothing (often supplied by the spa), because there's no way a sheet can stay put during these moves-the therapist might kneel on the back of your legs and pull your arms to arch your back and open your chest, or place her shoulder under your heel to lift your leg and stretch your hamstring. Thai massage also includes deep-pressure point work to stimulate the sen, or the body's energy pathways.
Skill factorThis massage requires extensive training, and the preeminent place for it is Wat Po in Bangkok. The school offers three certification levels, with the third one alone requiring 800 hours. (Graduates are issued a certificate from the Thailand Ministry of Public Health.) There are numerous programs around the world with solid training as well, but many die-hard therapists make the pilgrimage to Thailand to acquire at least some authentic knowledge base.
What does it feel like?At first a little intense (especially if you're used to Swedish massage and don't normally do much stretching) and then relaxing and invigorating. Thai massage reminds you that massage isn't just pressure applied to you by someone else, but a balancing of the body by limbering joints and loosening muscles through movement and strategic pressure.
Any surprises?Unlike Swedish massage, there's a lot of interaction here between you and your therapist. To move you around the mat efficiently, the therapist uses her body to leverage you into the elongating stretches. She'll also use your body as a tool for deepening them, by sitting on your feet and legs, or pushing or pulling you into twists.
Editor's takeThis massage is one of my favorites, probably because I don't always enjoy the kneading action of traditional Western massage. The yoga-like stretches get to my knots just as effectively, and I feel elongated and energized afterward. It makes me feel like I've had some flexibility training and posture correction, which I always need.
Thai Herbal Poultice
What is it?Massage using warmed poultices (they look a bit like old-fashioned ice packs used for headaches) filled with medicinal herbs such as basil, camphor, mint, Kaffir lime, and lemongrass.
Skill factorThe treatment you get at Wat Po in Bangkok, where it's been done for centuries, may differ from spas, which make the simple healing practice more luxurious. Cecily Braden,who trains Western spas in the Eastern practice, says a one-day course is mandatory for licensed massage therapists offering the Ytsara Herbal Poultice treatments, including traditional Thai massage techniques and body mechanics.
What does it feel like?Using firm and steady pressure, the therapist applies the warm poultice down the length of your spine, nudges it into your limbs, and kneads it into the crook of your neck (my favorite). It's not deep pressure, but it's deeply comforting.
Any surprises?The bundle of herbs is the tool, so expect less hands-on massage. But it also provides a secondary benefit: When I did this treatment at the Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland, the scent of sinus-clearing camphor in the steamed poultice pleasantly filled the room and helped my seasonal allergies.
Editor's takeI've heard it said that this is the hot-stone massage of the East, and it's a good comparison except that the herbal poultice requires a therapist to hold it in place against your body. (Stones, which hold heat better, can be left there.) I like combination treatments that use a warm poultice alongside deeper massage work-one works out the knots, while the other soothes the tender area.
