After a long day of work, or perhaps an exhausting day of chores and errands, sometimes all you really want is a relaxing full body massage. Body massages have the ability to release all the tied up tension in your body and stress in your mind, which is why many people find a sense of peace and calmness during this treatment.
Common types of full-body massages and their benefits
Swedish massage therapy
This is one of the most popular massage techniques, which is sometimes referred to as ‘a classic massage’. What sets Swedish massages apart from regular full-body massages is the long strokes used with light-to-firm pressure. Since a Swedish massage is known to be more gentle, this method is most suitable for those who want to have a relaxing experience with lighter pressure, as opposed to other full-body massages that require more pressure to really target the deep tissues in the body.
With the use of gentle kneading motions and deep circular movements, a typical Swedish massage is meant to stimulate your nerve endings and increase overall blood flow, leaving you relaxed and restored after the session.
Aromatherapy massage
While still focusing on relaxing your physical body, aromatherapy massages are known to be a more holistic treatment that has an emotional healing component to it. This treatment involves the use of various aromatic essential oils that will be diluted and applied to the skin, which stimulates your sense of smell. Not only will you be able to inhale the soothing aroma from the oils, but it will also be absorbed by your skin.
Aromatherapy massages can help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression; relieve pain and muscle tension, and boost your mood as well. If you are sensitive to smell or essential oils, it is best to steer clear from aromatherapy and opt for a different massage technique instead.
Thai massage therapy
A Thai massage is an ancient healing technique that is a lot more unique than most massage therapies. Instead of lying flat on the bed and allowing your masseuse to massage your body, clients require more active participation during the process. To begin with, you will be asked to lay on the floor and the massage therapist will help work you through the different stretches and positions. They may use their hands, knees, feet, and legs to manipulate your body into different positions in order to get a full-body stretch.
Not only will this technique relieve pain and stress, but this can also improve your flexibility, energy levels and circulation from all the stretching you’ll be doing. For those seeking a more active form of massage, a Thai massage would be best for you.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massages are commonly known to treat sports-related injuries and strains but can be enjoyed by anyone as well. During a deep tissue massage, sustained pressure is applied to your body using slow, deep strokes that will target the connective tissues and deep layers of your muscles. That’s why this technique is a great option for those suffering from persistent muscle problems like soreness, imbalance and tight muscles.
If you’re most sensitive to pressure, you may opt for a Swedish massage as an alternative.
Hot stone massage
Just like its name suggests, a hot stone massage involves the use of smooth, heated stones that will be placed on different parts of your body. They can be positioned along your spine, your stomach, face, chest, palms, and even your toes and feet. As the heated stones rest on your body, massage therapists will simultaneously apply basic massage techniques ranging from long strokes, kneading motions, and circular movements.
In terms of its therapeutic effect, it is more similar to a Swedish massage than a Thai one due to its relaxing properties. When coupled with a massage, the heated stones help to expand the blood vessels, which promotes better blood circulation throughout your body.
Shiatsu massage
Derived from Japanese origins, a shiatsu massage is a type of massage therapy that relies on the use of finger pressure to target various pressure points in your body. Compared to other massage techniques, this treatment normally uses rhythmic pressure or pulsing motions to promote energy flow as well as relieve any muscle tension in the specific pressure points.
By combining acupressure and stretching techniques, a shiatsu massage can help treat a multitude of physical conditions like sprains and strains, migraines and headaches, chronic pain and digestive issues, and can also treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well.
Things to remember during the procedure
Being bare is entirely normal
One of the things that are consistent throughout any type of massage is the need to get bare naked. If you are going for a massage for the first time, know that this is completely normal during the process as this allows massage therapists to massage parts of your body more effectively. But fret not — clients are usually with sheets or towels, and even draping on some occasions.
Avoid eating before a massage appointment
Most spas will remind you not to eat a full or heavy meal before your appointment as massages are known to stimulate digestion in the body. This may make you feel uncomfortably full and can cause you more discomfort than relaxation throughout your massage. Opt for a light meal instead or have a full meal a few hours prior to your session.
Don’t be afraid to communicate
If you begin to feel uncomfortable or experience discomfort in any areas of your body during a massage, don’t be afraid to communicate with your massage therapist. You can also ask your therapist to increase or decrease the pressure, depending on your preference.
Are there any risks when it comes to massage therapy?
Generally, there are typically little to no risks involved in any form of massage therapy. However, not everyone may be suitable for a full body massage including elderly persons or patients suffering from existing injuries or may be at risk of one. Make sure to consult with your doctor or massage therapist beforehand to ensure that you are indeed suitable for a massage, and to also be advised on which method is most suitable for you.
Body Massage | Han Dynasty Spa |
| Speciality | Han Dynasty has established itself as the Oriental retreat for the mind, body, and spirit, which sounds perfect for all the times you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their exquisite Fengshui-inspired environment, soft padded beds, private shower cubicles, and Relaxation Lounge with its free wifi and entertainment system have made them a hit with our readers, who voted them as the Best Massage With Best Ambience in DVSHA 2019! |
| Website | |
| Address | Thomson, Alexandra & Balestier |
| Telephone | Varies depending on the outlet |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 12am daily (Balestier & Thomson Outlet) / 10am to 10:30pm daily (Alexandra Village) |
Body Massage | Healing Touch |
| Speciality | For over a decade, The Healing Touch Spa has been operating on the island. It has won multiple awards due to its therapeutic massages, which many have praised for their efficacy. Most massages are influenced by Asian massage traditions at this establishment. They also provide slimming services that have proper detoxification and facial treatment for healthier skin. |
| Website | |
| Address | Various locations nationwide including Orchid Country Club, Tanglin Shopping Centre, Hotel Rendezvous & City Gate @ Beach Road |
| Telephone | 6715 1515 |
| Operating Hours | 11am to 10:30pm daily |
Body Massage | Le Spa |
| Speciality | Decked in an elegant Shanghai-Chinese style of decor, it is easy to feel like imperial royalty when you come to Le Spa for a much-needed massage. There are four types of body massages to choose from (Urban Fusion, Modern Balinese, Classic Swedish Retreats, and Imperial Indulgence), each of them employing unique massage techniques catering to different preferences and needs. |
| Website | https://lespa.com.sg/ |
| Address | Locations in River Valley, Upper Bukit Timah & Telok Ayer |
| Telephone | Varies depending on the outlet |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 10:30pm daily |
Body Massage | Aramsa – The Garden Spa |
| Speciality | Holistically immersed within the lush greenery of a national park, Aramsa Spa has 17 uniquely designed treatment rooms, each presenting an eclectic mix of contemporary design and seamless spaces in harmony with the garden ambience that brings the outside in. All their spa treatment rooms include individual garden courtyards and outdoor showers or baths. Guests are encouraged to experience being one with Nature in the complete privacy of their garden space with spa packages that allow them to use the outdoor showers and baths. |
| Website | http://aramsaspas.com/ |
| Address | 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2 |
| Telephone | 6456 6556 |
| Operating Hours | 10am tp 9pm daily |
Body Massage | g.spa |
| Speciality | At g.spa, they believe in the integration of traditional Chinese philosophies of health and well-being into today’s modern lifestyle to achieve mind-body balance. On top of your body massage, you’ll have access to the hot and cold pool and steam rooms at no additional cost, so soak your feet in the pool before heading for your massage. The jacuzzi is in a circular room, surrounded by walls with intricate swirls and engravings fit for royalty. Choose from a selection of massages to find one that suits your needs. All their massages come with different intensity levels to fit into your lifestyle choice. Our services comprise facial spa, foot reflexology, body scrub treatments and corporate packages as well. |
| Website | |
| Address | 102 Guillemard Road, #02-02 |
| Telephone | 6280 8988 |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily |
Body Massage | Yunomori Onsen |
| Speciality | The spa therapies at Yunomori Onsen offer the perfect balance of relaxation and invigoration, allowing you to retain the calm of the Onsen, whilst also giving you the energy you need to return back to daily life. Each of their treatments has been expertly developed and are skillfully applied to suit individual customer needs. The variety of pressures and massage techniques are tailored to you and your body, and relieve tension, improve circulation, and restore vitality. Choose from their signature treatments such as their Thai massage or aroma oil massage, or try their herbal compress. |
| Website | https://www.yunomorionsen.com/singapore/ |
| Address | 1 Stadium Place #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall |
| Telephone | 6386 4126 / 6385 7985 |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 2am daily |
Body Massage | So SPA |
| Speciality | For exquisite facilities and divine treatments, the beautiful Sentosa haven of So SPA is hard to beat. The outdoor spa garden features a stunning swimming pool, a float pool with cascading waterfall, a mud pool and, for the ultimate zen experience, a calming meditative labyrinth. There is even a private ladies-only area so us girls can still enjoy all of these facilities by ourselves. We also love the sound of the unique spa menu. |
| Website | https://www.sofitel-singapore-sentosa.com/spa-fitness/so-spa/ |
| Address | 2 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa |
| Telephone | 6708 8358 |
| Operating Hours | 11am to 8pm daily (last treatment at 7pm) |
Body Massage | The Thai Spa |
| Speciality | As the name indicates, you can experience a healing traditional Thai body massage at this spa. These rituals will help you gain peace of mind as well as allowing you to release all the tensions and relax your body. Aside from various types of massages, The Thai Spa also offers treatments for skincare, body, and facial care. This makes it a one-stop spa for most customers, who say their services are extremely professional. |
| Website | https://www.thethaispa.com.sg/mobile/ |
| Address | #3-324, North Wing, Suntec City Mall |
| Telephone | 6252 4400 |
| Operating Hours | 11am to 9:30pm daily |
Body Massage | Nimble/Knead |
| Speciality | Nimble/Knead promises to ship you to wherever your mind takes you. They actually mean that quite literally, because this cosy spa uses shipping containers as its spa rooms. Aside from the unique interior, Nimble/Knead also offers the opportunity to soak in a jacuzzi spa and sip on ginger tea in the back garden after the massage – which sounds like a perfect way to while away a Saturday afternoon, if you ask us. |
| Website | |
| Address | 66 Eng Watt Street #01-28 Tiong Bahru Estate |
| Telephone | 6438 3933 |
| Operating Hours | 11am to 10pm daily (last appointment at 9:15pm) |
Body Massage | Willow Stream Spa |
| Speciality | One of the more serious spa spaces in a hotel here, the Willow Stream Spa is an amenity-rich sanctuary located in the centre of town. A total of 35 treatment rooms deliver treatments grounded in Eastern and Western spa philosophies, alongside an array of fitness facilities, sauna and steam rooms, swimming pools and even tennis courts – all are spread over three levels and 50,000 square feet of floor space. |
| Website | https://www.fairmont-singapore.com/wellness-spa/willow-stream-spa/ |
| Address | Level 6, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road |
| Telephone | 6431 5600 |
| Operating Hours | 7am to 9pm daily |
Body Massage | Elements Wellness |
| Speciality | According to Elements Wellness, they have done more than a million massages since a decade ago, and their famous clientele includes an Olympic swimmer who needed to relieve muscle tension and heal injuries before his gold medal race. You can count on their professional masseurs to work magic on even the stiffest of muscles, no matter which of the 18 different massages you choose from. |
| Website | https://elements.com.sg/ |
| Address | 176 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Centrepoint |
| Telephone | 6737 8488 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 11am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday: 10:30am to 8pm |
Body Massage | ESPA |
| Speciality | ESPA is home to Singapore’s first authentic Turkish hammam, a crystal steam room, onsen-style pools and saunas – complete with killer views. This luxury destination spa is a veritable oasis in the midst of Sentosa’s hustle and bustle. It features top-notch facilities, verdant green spaces and, of course, amazing spa treatments that take relaxing to a whole new level. |
| Website | https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/espa/overview |
| Address | Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway |
| Telephone | 6577 8880 |
| Operating Hours | 9am – 10pm (Wed-Sun) |
Body Massage | Ikeda Spa Prestige |
| Speciality | There’s a beautiful onsen tucked away in Singapore surrounded by lush greenery and rocks – and it’s housed in Ikeda Spa. Here you can choose to relax in a public bath or opt for single baths. Alternatively, couples can book a romantic couple suite to enjoy the experience in private. We suggest taking a dip in the Hinokinuro Sento, an onsen-style dip pool that promises to melt away stress, anxiety, aches and pain, as well as promote detoxification. |
| Website | https://www.ikedaspa.com/ |
| Address | 787 Bukit Timah Road |
| Telephone | 6469 8080 |
| Operating Hours | 1.30pm to 10.30pm daily |
Body Massage | Auriga |
| Speciality | For those who arrive on Sentosa Island and want to slow right down, there is Auriga. As the first spa in Singapore to receive a five-star status from Forbes Travel Guide and for 10 consecutive years, Auriga spa celebrates nourishing the body and mind naturally and holistically. Discover spa retreats and signature treatments that incorporate traditional techniques and organic, natural ingredients that will envelop the senses. |
| Website | https://www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-singapore/wellness |
| Address | Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island |
| Telephone | 6377 8888 |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 9pm daily |
Body Massage | St. Gregory Spa |
| Speciality | Revamped in 2013, this spa at PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s new annexe features a rooftop pool, a jacuzzi, a bar serving healthy cocktails and spa cuisine, as well as a gym and fitness room that you can enjoy. With a total of seven treatment rooms (including one for couples) available to book, St Gregory at PARKROYAL on Beach Road specialises in skin treatments using clinically trialled skincare products by British brand Elemis and has in-house Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians and masseurs to diagnose and alleviate most common bodily complaints. |
| Website | https://www.panpacific.com/en/about/st-gregory-spa.html |
| Address | Pan Pacific & PARKROYAL |
| Telephone | 6826 8140 (Pan Pacific) / 6809 8870 (PARKROYAL) |
| Operating Hours | Varies depending on the outlet |
Body Massage | Damai Spa |
| Speciality | Creating a modern spa experience inspired by the Singapore lifestyle, Damai brings together the cultural healing philosophies, techniques, and traditions of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cultures. Indulge in complete serenity as you enjoy Damai and Kerstin Florian signature treatments in any of our 11 spacious treatment rooms. |
| Website | https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/spas/Damai-Spa/home.html |
| Address | 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore |
| Telephone | 6416 7156 |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 10pm daily |
Body Massage | La Source Spa & Salon |
| Speciality | Formerly known as LS Philosophy, La Source Spa is a private sanctuary for urbanites on a temporary escape from the city. Experiences are tailored to guests, with treatments ranging from age-defying facials to restorative, deep-tissue massages. Their aim at La Source Spa is not only to offer you a tranquil retreat to relax and unwind but also to provide a more holistic experience aimed at restoring the inner balance of your mind, body, and soul. |
| Website | https://lasource.com.sg/ |
| Address | The Shopping Gallery @ Hilton #02-17/18 |
| Telephone | 6732 1318 |
| Operating Hours | 10am to 8pm daily |
Body Massage | Theresa Body Skin Wellness |
| Speciality | Theresa Body Skin Wellness is a household name that many would be familiar with due to the good reputation they have built for themselves over more than three decades of operation. When you are feeling stressed from work and need a break on the weekends, the Aromatherapy Relaxation Body Massage will do just the trick. This treatment uses naturally extracted aromatic essences to relieve body stiffness and improve poor blood circulation – both are ailments common in office workers because they are often confined to their workspaces for long hours |
| Website | https://theresa.com.sg/ |
| Address | Various outlets nationwide including Tampines Mall, Hougang Central & Jurong East |
| Telephone | 6386 2322 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 10am to 9pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 7pm |
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FAQs
What are the Types of Body Massage?
– Aromatherapy massage
– Thai massage therapy
– Deep tissue massage
– Hot stone massage
– Shiatsu massage
