Inspired by Japanese Onsens, known for their calm & relaxing environments, as well as the benefits of massage therapy. Anjera Onsen Spa provides therapeutic services, with the care of a small business. Angela is Owner & Licensed Massage Therapist. With years of experience and specialties in Man…
FAQs:
What is a Couples Massage?
A couples massage is different from all other types of massages as it involves two individuals and two massage therapists. Just like with any massage, this massage type can have physical, mental, and emotional benefits. A couples massage is a shared experience – a massage that can be shared with a partner, relative, or close friend. The massage therapists will start at the same time and coordinate the treatment for the couple.
A couples massage gives the two of you an opportunity to experience massage together in the same area as one massage therapist works on each person. It’s also an opportunity to turn this into a romantic evening that can leave you starry-eyed, setting the treatment in a special room or suite large enough for two, beachside underneath the stars, or in the couple’s guest room at a hotel or resort.
What is the Point of a Couples Massage?
This type of massage can be done in a variety of ways, but typically it involves both partners being in the same room of a spa. Couples massages offer many benefits for couples. They can help to improve communication and intimacy, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and healing.
How Do Couples Massages Work?
Couples massage involves two partners on side-by-side massage tables, so you can experience the physical and emotional benefits at the same time. The massage therapist will create a relaxing environment, often with candles, essential oils, and possibly ambient music. Different therapists and locations offer different massage services, so ask in advance about the options available. Couples massages usually take place in a private room in a hotel or spa, creating an intimate bonding experience. Some massage services can also be enjoyed at home, or in your hotel room on vacation.
What to Wear to a Couples Massage?
Depending on the type of massage you’re receiving, clothing etiquette may vary. In most cases, arriving in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes is a suitable option. Make sure to remove any jewelry or additional layers prior to your couple’s massage. To avoid any confusion, we suggest speaking with a spa representative prior to your couples massage to determine the best clothing option for you and your partner.
Can You Talk During A Couples Massage?
Of course! You can talk at any point. However, since the experience is meant to be more relaxing than anything, we think you will find it difficult to talk! It is recommended that you enjoy the soothing moments in tandem with your partner and just let yourself calm down and relax. However, if you want to talk, you can do so! But many find the couple's massage experience more relaxing without conversation. It’s a time to be present and enjoy the soothing moments with your partner. Your therapists will follow your lead on this one.
So, while occasional comments wouldn't be out of place, talking too much during the massage can detract from the relaxation. You should, however, talk to your assigned massage therapist when needed. For example, when you need to specify whether you would like more or less pressure to be used.
How Much is a Couples Massage?
A couple’s massage involves the use of different techniques depending on the objective of the massage. Treatments can be aimed at physical relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, or correction of body posture. A couples massage can cost anywhere between $60-$200 depending on the specific location and duration of your massage. Check out this link to learn which cities Soothe offers massages in.
How Much Do You Tip a Massage Therapist?
In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you’re wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you’d want to tip $20. If you’re considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you’d still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated. You’re really paying for your health and wellness, so (tipping) becomes a bigger conversation.
As you’re considering how much to tip massage therapists, it’s also good to keep in mind the vast range of rates that different massage therapists might charge. For instance, a 90-minute massage at a high-end spa might be $300, whereas the same service at a popular massage chain might be $150. In that scenario, the massage therapist at the chain would get $30 less of a tip.
Is There Any Downside to Couples Massage?
For some people, the idea of getting a massage with someone else in the room—even a loved one—leaves them cold. What if they want to talk and you don’t? Or the other way around? Many experienced spa-goers find it distracting to be in the same room at the same time as anyone else during a massage. They prefer to get their massage alone, and then meet up afterward. The potential problems come if you have different expectations and needs during a massage, particularly if one person wants to zone out, and the other likes to talk. It helps if you know how much the other person likes to talk during a massage—a lot, a little, or not at all—and whether it’s a good match for you.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
A massage is a great tool for relieving stress, improving mood, and increasing the overall quality of life and productivity. You’ll often feel better for a full week before you’ll start to notice the need for a return visit unless you are dealing with pain or injury. Your tension headaches will disappear, your energy will increase, and your mental health will improve. Is there such a thing as too many massages when you have benefits like this?
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you’ll be able to determine the best frequency because your body’s response is a large part of this determination.
You should go at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. The longer you wait though, the more often you’ll start the process of loosening up your muscles because they tense up if you don’t go often enough. Try different techniques, such as deep tissue massage and stress massage depending on your needs.
When your body starts to feel stiff and sore, it’s telling you that it’s time for a massage again, but the type of massage you may need could vary depending on your body’s needs.
When Should We Have a Couples Massage?
Whether you’re in the mood to celebrate, reconnect, or just relax, a couples massage is great for any occasion. Treat your partner with a gift card to a specific massage experience for Valentine’s Day, their birthday, or Christmas gift, or just to show your appreciation for them anytime.
On the other hand, you might prefer to enjoy choosing and booking the massage together. Couples massage is also a great way to celebrate an anniversary or engagement or add some luxury to a weekend getaway or longer vacation.
Depending on the hotel or day spa, you can enjoy a couples massage as part of a wider spa experience. Some locations offer a sauna, manicures, pedicures or skincare treatments, or other services like reflexology. Turn your couples massage into a luxury pampering session for the ultimate self-care indulgence.
If budget or time is a concern, fit a couple's massage into a busy schedule by booking a shorter experience. Some massage therapists offer 30-minute or 60-minute massage services, so you could even slot some much-needed relaxation into your lunch break. The rejuvenating effect and bonding experience with your partner will be worth making time for.
What is Massage Therapy?
Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With the goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries, and support wellness.
6 Things to Know About Massage Therapy for Health Purposes
A lot of the scientific research on massage therapy is preliminary or conflicting, but much of the evidence points toward beneficial effects on pain and other symptoms associated with a number of different conditions. Here are six things you should know about massage therapy for health purposes.
1. Evidence suggests that massage therapy may be useful for some pain conditions such as low-back pain and chronic neck pain. However, research on massage for headaches is preliminary and only somewhat promising.
2. Research has suggested that at least for the short-term, massage therapy for cancer patients may reduce pain. Evidence has suggested that massage therapy may also promote relaxation and boost mood in people with cancer.
3. A recent review of the scientific literature concluded that massage therapy may help to reduce depression. However, a 2013 review found there is not enough evidence to determine if massage helps pregnant mothers with depression.
4. A 2010 review concluded that massage therapy may help temporarily reduce pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, but the evidence is not definitive. The authors of the review noted that it is important that the massage therapist not cause pain.
5. Several studies on massage therapy in preterm infants have been conducted to determine if therapeutic massage provides any benefits. A 2010 review of the scientific literature suggested that massaging preterm infants using moderate pressure may improve weight gain. However, a 2013 review determined that there is not enough evidence to know if massage benefits healthy infants who are developing normally.
6. Massage therapy appears to have few risks when performed by a trained practitioner. However, massage therapists should take some precautions for certain health conditions. You should talk with your healthcare providers to determine if massage therapy is safe for you.
Reasons to Choose a Couples Massage
Is a couples massage worth the effort? We like to think so “very much,” but here are a few reasons why you should consider it.
1. The Experience: We only get one life, so live your life and make the most of it. This is a special opportunity for you to leave a lasting impression on your partner or friend. These experiences matter, make the most of it and make it the best experience possible.
2. Unwinding and Relaxation: We all need time to get away from the daily routine of life, here’s a chance for you and your partner to do just that. A massage is a great way to unwind and relax, a chance for you to get pampered. No stress here, take it easy and enjoy it!
3. Something New: If you’ve never had a professional couples massage or any type of massage, it will be a new experience and that’s exciting. You’ll have a chance to get all the benefits of the massage, but you’ll also be making memories in the same process.
4. Great Gift: A couples massage makes for an amazing gift to your partner. Life is busy, you’re busy, and we stay so occupied with everything going on. Think about it, how long has it been since you and your partner took some time for you? If it has been a long time, you should consider giving it a try.
Benefits Of Couples Massage
Do you want to know some of the perks of a couples massage and how they can improve your relationship? Here are some of the important benefits of a massage for couples:
1. Spend Time Together In A Tranquil Environment
Whatever the case might be, a couples massage is a way for you and your partner to spend quality and intimate time together. No distractions whatsoever, just you and your partner enjoying peace and tranquility. There’s no better way to connect intimately with your partner than in a spa room sharing a moment of relaxation, relief, and calm.
2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Getting a massage with your partner can reduce the stress and anxiety you’re feeling. And you may realize that all your partner wants is to share a priceless moment with their loved one.
3. Heal Relationship Issues
The eyes are the window to the soul, right? One place where you can look into those windows and communicate your heart’s desires without distractions is in a room in a spa getting a couples massage. A couples massage lets your eyes and heart do the talking in silence and your relationship issues get resolved.
4. Bonding Hormones
During a couples massage, as your body experiences touch, certain hormones in the body are stimulated. These hormones include dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These hormones are called social hormones because they enhance the feeling of love and affection. During a massage, your body releases these hormones, and you get to feel a deeper emotional connection and affection for your partner.
5. Change Of Pace
A couples massage in the spa gives you a break from the “life in the fast lane” of the outside world. You’ll be amazed at how a 60-90 minute session can feel like a whole day when you’re in the hands of a professional massage therapist. You and your partner can take a break from your normal routine and just have a moment to yourselves.
6. Try Something New Together
If all you’ve ever done is go on dates, dinners, go out to see the movies, or take a walk in the park, you’ve not done it all. Getting a couples massage is another way to try out new things with your partner.
7. Feel Closer To Your Partner
When you get a couples massage with your partner, it connects you both on a higher level of intimacy. You get to feel the pleasure of relaxation and calm together. Massage enhances the feeling of love and intimacy, so you’re bound to feel closer to your partner after a massage. Even after the session, the more you talk about it, the more you will want to experience it again. Because when you do, you will understand how it improves and makes for a healthier relationship.
Different Types of Couples Massage
There are different types of massages you can choose from. Below, we outline the main differences between the massages we offer so you can pick the one that suits you and your massage partner the best!
1. Swedish Couples Massage
A classic Swedish massage is the standard technique in the Western world. This massage refers to a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to help ease shallow tension in the muscles. This type of massage is excellent for general relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and boosting overall circulation throughout the body!
2. Aromatherapy Couples Massage
This type of massage is basically a Swedish massage with aromatherapy elements. Scented plant oils are added to the massage oil to provide a more relaxing experience. Extracted from flowers and other plant parts, these essential oils offer a pleasing scent and are believed to have healing properties. Although different essential oils may be selected to address specific needs, the therapist typically uses pre-blended oils to relax, energize, or uplift, depending on the client’s needs.
3. Deep Tissue Couples Massage
Deep tissue massage is a slower, more specific form of massage focused on muscle knots in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Using deliberate, slow strokes or friction across the grain of the muscle, the therapist can address chronic tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or injuries. This type of massage is best used for acute and chronic muscle tension patterns caused by overuse or prior injury. While the pressure is generally more intense, you can simply let your massage therapist know right away if you would like to reduce pressure to meet your preferences.
4. Hot Stones Couples Massage
Swedish with Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage in which the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as a tool for the treatment. The massage therapist places warm, smooth stones on specific points on the body and also holds the stones while giving the massage. Heat has been shown to relax tight muscles, so using hot stones allows the therapist to relieve areas of muscle tension in tandem with the massage.
What to Expect from a Couples Massage
There are a couple of things you can expect from a couples massage, both before going in and after it’s finished.
When you get to your favorite spa, you can expect to go through a relaxation process before being led into the massage room. Sauna, vapor rooms, jacuzzies, hot and cold showers, drinks, and sometimes snacks are provided to elevate the entire experience and get both of you in the mood.
When entering the private room, it’s normal to expect the massage therapists to provide some robes and disposable clothing and leave you and your massage partner alone for a bit to undress. But don’t be scared! It’s not full nudity - you will probably have to remove your tops and you can immediately crawl onto the massage table. And although the massage therapists will act professionally and always keep your private parts covered for the massage, this partial nudity and the vulnerability it entails is the reason why we recommend always taking a couples massage with someone you are close with.
Once the massage starts, you can expect total and complete relaxation! Lay back, breathe the scented perfumes, enjoy the dim lighting, and let go of everything you have been carrying around. Concentrate on enjoying the moment (we guarantee it won’t be hard to do!).
When the massage is over, the massage therapists will again leave the room to allow you to get dressed. Once outside, it’s customary to allow you more time to relax with your massage partner. Some packages include some time in a relaxing jacuzzi, with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, while others may lead you to a room with cozy chairs, serene music, and relaxing drinks like tea or infused water. While this varies from spa to spa and package to package, there is one thing you can expect from any couples massage.
Couples Massage Etiquette
1. Talking. It is perfectly appropriate to talk to one another during a couples massage. You can even talk to the massage therapists if you prefer. Some people prefer no talking during a massage so they can concentrate on connecting with their body and focus on the work being done. Others prefer light conversation. We suggest talking as a couple before the massage to determine what you prefer so you both know what to expect.
2. Sleeping. It is not uncommon to fall asleep during a massage. Do not be alarmed or annoyed if your partner falls asleep. The massage is working and provides relaxation.
3. Massage Pressure. Let your massage therapist know if you would like more or less pressure. Also, if you have any areas you would like them to concentrate on or be aware of.
4. Intimacy. While couples massage can provide the precursor for an intimate evening, it is not appropriate to engage in intimacy in the massage room during or after the massage. Please be conscientious of the massage therapists’ time and schedule. Many couples will book a couples massage at home so they can be fully relaxed and enjoy their time together in privacy after the massage.
How Do You Prepare for a Couples Massage
The following tips will help you and your partner prepare for your couples massage, maximizing the massage’s relaxation and rejuvenation potential:
- Keep your schedules light and stress-free prior to your appointment
- Take a soothing shower
- No “heavy” food, eat light
- Turn your phone and devices off
- Avoid stressful and/or drama-filled conversations or arguments
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy
Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrates your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.
2. Take A Shower Immediately
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorbed your skin cells within an hour.
3. Taking a Hot Shower
After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.
4. Eating A Large Meal
After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.
5. Drinking Coffee
After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to take a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.
6. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.
7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities
After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. It is best for your body and mind to relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.
8. Stressing Yourself Out
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you to stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!
9. Forget to Stretch
You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.
10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist
If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's essential to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
- What are your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
Sources:
Qi Massage and Natural Healing Spa
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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