Full body massage

Full-body massages are not a particular kind of a massage but rather an umbrella term for various massages. All these massages have in common that they include all body parts (besides private parts). Next to full-body massages, there are also partial body massages focussing on one specific body area like back, neck, shoulders, feed or face.

Reasons for a full-body massage

There are various reasons to enjoy a full-body massage. Sometimes pain in certain body regions might be the cause or chronic diseases. Of course the desire for relaxation is also a valid reason! Once muscles are loosened people often start also to mentally relax. According to the holistic approach body, mind and soul are connected with each other and therefore also influence one another.

When is it useful to get a full-body massage?

A full-body massage can have positive impacts on (chronic) diseases and even serves as prophylaxis. It can have a positive impact on

• Sleep disturbances
• Pain prevention
• Pain relief
• Stress relief
• Joint diseases
• Respiratory diseases
• Neurological diseases

Sometimes full-body massages are prescribed by a doctor and are covered by insurance. This is usually the case when a patient suffers from physical complaints. Those are for example tensions or impairments of the musculature or skeleton. Thus, there are also diseases where a massage should be avoided. Those are for example thrombosis or infections.

What is needed for a full-body massage?

Depending on the massage, the masseur chooses from a variety of oils. Those are often essential oils, which allow the masseur to give a very smooth massage. Depending on the kind of massage, sometimes it is even made used of balls. Back in the days, doctors solely conducted massages, but these days they are also part of a masseur and physiotherapists’ everyday routine.

What is the process of a full-body massage?

Once again, the procedure depends on the kind of full-body massage. Usually, a conversation should be the starting point of each session where potential problem areas are discussed. Before lying down, usually all clothes are taken off. Private parts are covered with a towel. The room temperature should be adjusted if needed.

A full-body massage usually starts with in the back area. The masseur uses warm oil to give a smooth massage. In the next step, arms and legs are massaged. Depending on the kind of massage also hands and feet are treated.

In the next step, the guest turns around so he/she is lying on the back. The masseur starts with massaging the legs and after the belly region is gently rubbed. The arms are treated with a more intense massage technique. Sometimes also the head and face are gently massaged.

What are the effects of a full-body massage?

Besides loosening tense muscles, full-body massages have relaxing effects on our organism. Positive effects are:

• Support of blood circulation
• Activation of the immune system
• Reduction of stress
• Reduction of blood pressure
• Pain relief
• Improvement of metabolism

Different kinds of full-body massages

Throughout the years, different kinds of full-body massages were introduced for different kinds of reasons. Some of them were invented suiting holistic life approaches while other full-body massages were designed to reduce pain in certain body areas. The most famous full-body massages are:

• Swedish massage
• Shiatsu massage
• Lomilomi massage
• Thai Massage
• Hot stone massage
• Ayurvedic massage
• Hot chocolate massage
• Dorn-Breuss massage