Whether you're a spa enthusiast or a wellness novice, massages are generally associated with a complete sense of wellbeing – both physical and mental. But what is the right massage for you? We asked Mélanie Debecker, Head of Spa in Brussels, for some useful tips to help guide your decision depending on what your body needs.
Before you start
Mélanie’s first rule is prevention. She clearly recommends regular massages to keep the muscles supple and prevent tension from arising in your body in the first place. This is because once an issue becomes noticeable, it takes more effort to get rid of it and the treatment can also be linked to pain. All this can easily be avoided through preventive care.
According to Mélanie, it is also important to be well advised - call on the spa experts to find the right wellness experience for you. The question "what is the purpose of the massage?" plays a central role here. Do you opt for it because you have specific aches? In this case, it is possible to achieve good results with deep manipulations - the massage is effective, but has less of a relaxing effect. Alternatively, if the aim is to relax, the massage can focus on gentle manipulations that are not as deep.
No matter how obvious the issue and whether it is linked to relieving pain or reducing stress, it is essential to take the time to go through a consult beforehand to ensure that the massage is perfectly suited to your particular needs. The experts are there to introduce you to the different types of massage and their benefits - you should take advantage of them. After all, the choice of massage has a decisive influence on the result and on your overall experience.
The right massage for every need
Here are the perfect treatments you should try depending on what your body is telling you.
I want a boost of energy
Mélanie's recommendation: I would choose a massage with quick movements, as this helps reinvigorate tired minds. For example, a sports massage accompanied by a lemon or mint scent.
I want to pamper myself after a long day
Mélanie's recommendation: The Clarins Rebalancing Massage with Essential Oils, a soothing aromatherapy treatment that eases muscle tension, relaxes the body and restores your energy. The therapist can either uses the Tonic Oil to stimulate the body and mind or Relax Oil to invoke a feeling of absolute calm.
I feel tense
Mélanie's recommendation: In this case, the classic sports massage is of course perfectly suitable. It relieves tension and muscle pain and restores strength and energy. The hot stone massage is also great in this case - the warmth of the stones is incredibly beneficial.
I have tired legs
Mélanie's recommendation: here too, a sports massage can work wonders. Lymphatic drainage is also excellent for swelling. This gentle massage promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid in the body, which removes toxins from the body tissue.
I have post-workout aches and pains
Mélanie's recommendation: here, the choice of massage is not the priority, but the fact that the massage should be performed immediately after finishing the physical activity.
I want to escape the cold
Mélanie's recommendation: the hot stone massage is also ideal for winter wellness. The hot stones are placed on the body in a targeted manner and the massage relaxes and softens the muscles. It is an excellent treatment for the cold season.