If you’ve never been to a day spa or massage therapist before, you may think a massage is a massage. Is a massage. But there are a variety of massage techniques, and most licensed massage therapists can administer several different types of massage. You can choose the type of massage that you feel will benefit you the most, or your massage therapist may make a recommendation as to the type of massage you might enjoy and get the most help from.

If you want a soothing, relaxing massage, you’re probably looking for Swedish massage. This technique uses long, stroking movements to relax and soothe muscles. This is the most relaxing form of massage; if you’re looking for relaxation, rather than therapeutic massage, you’re probably a good candidate for Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic massage that uses strong kneading movements to loosen up muscles. This is not a relaxing massage, per se—it is mildly uncomfortable, and you will be sore after the massage. But deep tissue massage will loosen up the “knots” in your muscles and relieve soreness and stiffness. If you’re sore and stiff, from sitting or from athletic activities, you’ll feel better once a deep tissue massage has loosened up your sore spots.

CranioSacral therapy focuses on the soft tissue of your head and around your spine, and can relieve headaches, including migraines and sinus headaches by releasing the pressure in these areas.

Which massage technique should you choose? If you’re experiencing sinus or migraine headaches, CranioSacral massage can help relieve your pain and get you back on your feet quickly.

If you are having muscle pain and stiffness, either from activity or the lack of it, whether you are an athlete or sit at your desk all day, deep tissue massage is the choice for you, to help loosen up all those muscles and relax your body.

If you’re interested in relaxing and having a pleasant, soothing massage, Swedish massage is for you. You can stretch out, let go and enjoy a very relaxing massage.

If you’re not sure which technique to choose, ask your massage therapist for a recommendation based on how you’ve been feeling and what you’d like to experience in the massage. You may find that your massage therapist can and will use different techniques on different parts of your body. For instance, if you’re having headaches and stiff muscles, your massage therapist will customize your massage to fit those needs.

If you’re like most people, your vacation is packed with activity—go see this, then go do this, then go back over here and see this and then go over there and do that. “Type A” vacationing is the kind of vacation where you get home and need to go back to work to rest. It’s funny, when you’re talking about it, but not so much when you’re doing it.

If you’re typically a Type A vacationer, stop and ask yourself what you really want out of your vacation. Don’t you want to go home feeling better than when you left, enjoy your time away and relax? That’s what a vacation is typically for, but so many of us don’t do that with our vacations. We don’t allow ourselves to relax and have a nice time.

Why not make a break from the usual stress-inducing vacation and take the time to relax and rejuvenate? Why not allow yourself to really let go and enjoy your vacation, for a change? Sure, you may enjoy the running and doing, but why not allow yourself to really take a vacation, at least for part of a day?

The perfect way to enjoy your vacation more and come home rested and relaxed is to book an appointment in a day spa on your vacation. Even if your destination city is not known for its spas, there are no doubt some day spas and massage therapy clinics. You will probably find one near your hotel, and your hotel may even have an arrangement to get you a discounted rate at the spa.

If you’re thinking, “But what would I do at a day spa?” you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy the skin treatments, facials and massage at a day spa. You will leave rejuvenated and refreshed. Some day spas also offer hair and makeup services, so you may leave looking and feeling great.

If the goal of your vacation is to get away from your everyday life, relax and rejuvenate for a while, then going to a day spa on vacation makes perfect sense. Why not take the time to really let go, pamper yourself and get really, deeply relaxed? That’s the point of a vacation, isn’t it? Take the time, spend a little extra money, and really do something special for yourself on your vacation this year. Visit a day spa as an interruption to your Type A vacation, and you’ll feel much better when you get home.

The next time you’re trying to find a gift for the guys in your life, take a more creative approach. Men are well known for being hard to buy for. If they want something, they buy it, and if they don’t have it, they probably don’t want it.

This time, why not take a different tack? Instead of trying to find something he knows he wants, why not go for something he’d never think to get himself? In fact, why not go for something he would absolutely think he doesn’t want, but will love once he tries it?

The guy who has everything will never think of going to a day spa. In fact, when you give him a day spa gift certificate he will almost certainly wrinkle up his nose and maybe hold it with two fingers. But once he goes, he’ll love it.

Most guys don’t think they want or will enjoy a facial. That’s the main thing they’ll think of when you give them a day spa gift, and they’ll picture women having their faces “done.” But once they stretch out on a massage table, warm and cozy under soft blankets, and have their faces cleaned, scrubbed and massaged, they’ll be spoiled.

By the time they get to the massage, the guys in your life will be so relaxed and into the day spa experience that they will not want to leave. They may think, at first, that a day spa is for wimps or sissies. By the time the massage is over, they’ll think something different.

The thing about a day spa gift certificate, aside from the fact that it’s unexpected, is that once he tries it, he’s going to want to go back, because the relaxation experience is so enjoyable at a day spa. In fact, most day spas will especially pamper and spoil their male clients, because they don’t get that many guys coming through the doors.

When you gift a guy with a day spa visit, make sure he follows through and goes; some guys will shrug it off. Go ahead and make the appointment, and even go with him if he wants you to. The first time at a day spa can be a little intimidating for Mr. Tough Guy. But, once Mr. Tough Guy gets a taste of the pampering and relaxation at the day spa, he’ll be Mr. Softie.

If you’re considering visiting a day spa, or have already made an appointment, adding a body wrap to your day can cleanse your body and make your enjoyment and relaxation even deeper and more lasting.

So what’s a body wrap? As the name implies, it’s a full body wrap, using hot or cold sheets to apply moisturizing, cleansing and rejuvenating treatments. These treatments can include mud poultices, herbs, aloe gel, seaweed, or many other substances that can cleanse and relax your body.

Your body wrap will involve being wrapped in sheets or placed in a steaming tent, and simply relaxing and allowing the treatments to soak in for 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll lie back on a massage table and simply relax.

Most day spas play soothing, soft music during body wraps, and the room will be warm and dark. You may find yourself drifting off to sleep, and that’s absolutely fine. It’s a sign that you’re relaxing, and that is what the body wrap is all about.

If you have a “cleansing” body wrap, it will pull toxins out of your body, and help restore your body to its natural state. A moisturizing body wrap will moisturize your skin and leave you feeling soft and smooth all over.

After your wrap, you’ll take a shower to remove the moisturizers and cleansers from your skin. You’ll feel very refreshed and cleansed after your body wrap and shower, and also very relaxed and calm.

If you have a massage scheduled for after your body wrap, you’ll be ready to completely relax into the massage therapist’s movements. If your body wrap is your last scheduled treatment for the day, you’ll be ready to go home and relax after your wrap, and just let go of your worries and stresses.

If you’re new to body wraps, you may be a little nervous about being naked. You’re never completely uncovered in front of the therapist. And day spas couldn’t stay in business if their staff were anything less than thorough professionals, so you can relax on that score.

If you’ve never had a body wrap, check with your day spa to see what kinds of body wrap treatments they offer. You’ll be amazed how much this simple treatment helps you relax. It’s the ultimate in day spa pampering. Why not set up your appointment for a therapeutic body wrap today?

When you’re planning your beauty routine and appointments before your wedding, don’t forget to plan a visit to the day spa for some pampering and relaxation. Not only will your day spa help you look beautiful for the wedding, but it will also help you relax and let go of some of the wedding planning stress.

Most day spas offer a huge range of services, including facials and body treatments, massage, hair removal, cosmetic application and manicures.

Many day spas have packages just for brides. If the spa you’re considering does not have a bridal package, consider creating your own package using the following treatments as ideas.

European facials, which combine skin analysis, cleansing and exfoliation with steam and massage, are popular with brides. Specialized facials are also popular, including deep pore cleansing, alpha hydroxy, and oxygen facials.

You can choose a full-body massage, or go with an aromatherapy massage, scalp massage or reflexology, which is basically acupressure on the feet and very relaxing.
Hair removal is available at most spas, and includes eyebrows, face, hairline, fingers, toes, arms, underarms, bikini line, arms and legs. You can also get a spray-on tan, manicure and pedicure before your big day.

In short, you can get your entire body cleansed, groomed and relaxed before your wedding and honeymoon, and leave the spa feeling like a whole new person.

When you’re planning your pre-wedding day spa visit, try to schedule it so that your manicure and facial will be fresh for your wedding; also make sure you schedule your visit so that you have time to relax and enjoy your pampering, and some time to relax after your massage. You’ll be tired and relaxed after the massage, so make sure you have a chance to enjoy this warm, comfy feeling.

You may want to take all of your attendants for these services. Rather than taking your attendants out to lunch and buying them small gifts, why not take everyone to a spa? Most day spas will offer a complete package for you and your attendants, and give you the special treatment you deserve.

Whether you go as a group with your attendants, or on your own for a special gift to yourself before you get married, take the time and make the room in your busy schedule for a relaxing, pampering visit to the spa, and really let go and enjoy it. You’re very busy, and now is the best time to get some special care.