Massage, Yoga Classes and Counselling
Relaxation Massage
A relaxation massage is a gentle, soothing, and flowing type of full-body massage therapy primarily aimed at stress reduction and promoting general well-being, rather than treating chronic pain or specific injuries.
Key Characteristics
Pressure: The pressure is typically light to moderate. It is meant to be comfortable and soothing, not painful or intense. The focus is on unwinding the nervous system, not physically manipulating deep muscle knots.
​
Techniques: Therapists use long, smooth, and rhythmic strokes, including:
-
Effleurage: Long, gliding strokes, often along the length of the muscles.
-
Petrissage: Gentle kneading, rolling, and squeezing of the soft tissues.
-
Friction and Tapping: Light, rhythmic movements to stimulate the skin and circulation.
​​
Goal: The main objective is to calm the mind, relieve emotional tension, and trigger the body's relaxation response (the parasympathetic nervous system).
Benefits of a Relaxation Massage
While the primary goal is relaxation, this style of massage offers several physical and mental benefits:
-
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: It lowers levels of stress hormones (like cortisol) and promotes the release of feel-good hormones (like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine).
-
Improves Blood Circulation: The gentle movements help enhance blood flow, which aids in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and helps remove waste products.
-
Relieves Minor Muscle Tension: It eases generalized muscle stiffness and fatigue, which are often caused by stress or poor posture.
-
Promotes Better Sleep: By calming the nervous system, it helps induce a deeper sense of tranquility, which can improve sleep quality and ease insomnia.
-
General Well-being: It offers a feeling of calm, rejuvenation, and enhanced connection between the mind and body.
What to Expect in a Relaxation Massage Treatment
1. Arrival and Consultation
-
Paperwork: You will be asked to fill out a brief form regarding your health history, current stress levels, and any areas you would like the therapist to focus on (or avoid).
-
Brief Chat: The therapist will ask you about your goals for the session (e.g., "I just want to relax," or "I'd like a little extra time on my shoulders"). This ensures the pressure level is to your liking and confirms they should stick to relaxation techniques.
2. Preparation and Privacy
-
Setting the Scene: The room is usually warm, dimly lit, and includes soothing elements like gentle music, and sometimes aromatherapy or essential oils.
-
Undressing: The therapist will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level. You will then lie down on the massage table, typically under a sheet or a large towel.
-
Draping: The therapist is trained in professional draping. This means only the area being worked on is uncovered, ensuring your privacy and comfort throughout the massage.
3. The Massage Session
-
Lying Prone (Face Down): The session often begins with you face down. The therapist will usually start on the back and legs, working with the characteristic long, flowing strokes (effleurage) that define relaxation massage.
-
Pressure Check: The therapist will usually check in early to confirm the pressure is comfortable: "Is this pressure ok?" Since this is a relaxation massage, you should feel comfortable and not experience pain.
-
Turning Over: Mid-way through the session, the therapist will hold up the towel for privacy, allowing you to turn over so you are lying on your back (supine).
-
Lying Supine (Face Up): The therapist will work on your arms, hands, upper chest (avoiding sensitive areas), neck, and face/scalp if you wish.
4. Conclusion and Post-Massage
-
Wrapping Up: The session concludes with a few finishing strokes or gentle shaking of the limbs. The therapist will briefly step out, allowing you time to slowly sit up and get dressed.
-
Post-Massage Advice: The therapist may offer a glass of water and remind you to drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours to help flush out any metabolic waste released during the massage.
-
Taking Your Time: You should take a moment after the massage to enjoy the relaxed feeling before rushing back into your day.
The most important rule is communication. If the room is too cold, the music is too loud, or the pressure is too deep, you should feel free to let your therapist know!
What is the difference between Relaxation and Remedial Massage?
The difference between a Relaxation Massage and a Remedial Massage comes down to their primary objective, techniques, and intensity.
Think of Relaxation as being for stress relief and general well-being, while Remedial is for treatment of a specific issue.
How much does a Relaxation Massage cost?
A 60 minute Relaxation Massage costs $120. A 90 minute Relaxation Massage costs $180 at Studio 5 Mona Vale.
For your convenience, we accept credit and debit cards in the studio, using our Eftpos Terminal.