By Dani Knod
Vacationing is a time to pamper yourself beyond your wildest dreams, and one popular avenue to accomplish this is through the art of massage. Much of the world cherishes and celebrates its therapeutic benefits; however, if massage is not common to your life, the wide variety of options available can be a bit overwhelming. Seeing as selecting the right type of massage as well as the right therapist can make the difference between an exceptional experience and a mediocre one, Sac-Be has created a simple guide to a few popular massage techniques available here on the Riviera Maya as well as a few pointers to choosing your therapist.
One of the world’s most sought after techniques, Swedish Massage, consists of a collection of fluid strokes designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Often referred to as “Traditional” or “Classic” massage, Swedish Massage is one of the most basic techniques taught to professional massage therapists. Its focus is general relaxation, stimulation of circulation, enhancing muscle tone, and reducing muscle tightness.
Many well-trained Swedish Massage therapists also offer Deep Tissue Massage. This body work targets chronic pain caused by tension in the deepest layers of muscles in your body. For example, with five layers of muscles in your back, it takes something “extra” to reach the deepest muscle group. Many of the same strokes found in Swedish massage are performed in Deep Tissue massage, with the addition of slower strokes, harder force, direct pressure, as well as friction movements that go across the grain of the muscles. Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs or occasionally even elbows to apply the needed pressure, and with this comes the extreme need for a reputable, knowledgeable therapist to avoid injury. The technique is generally uncomfortable on the “sore spots” but can have excellent results.
Quite the rage during the last 5-10 years at Spas and Therapeutic Centers across the globe, Hot Stone Massage is available along the Riviera Maya for those seeking something a little different. Dating back at least 5000 years to India and most certainly even the Mayan culture, this age old therapy involves placing water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage.
Most of the techniques described above involve approximately one-hour long sessions. Since it can sometimes be difficult to squeeze this into a vacation agenda, many area spas offer Chair Massage, which can be purchased in 10 or 15-minute increments. Done in a special chair, the client remains fully clothed and sits facing toward the cushions, thus exposing the scalp, shoulders, neck, arms, back, and hips. Involving a series of acupressure (compression), squeezing, kneading, friction, and percussion, Chair Massage has become a popular way to introduce the general public to the benefits of professional massage.
Choosing your therapist:
Sac-Be sought guidance in the answer to this question. A certified Massage Therapist since 1984 and a Registered Nurse since 1986, Maria Löfkvist moved to the Riviera Maya 13 years ago from her native land of Sweden. She now runs her own school of Massage Therapy in Tulum, and is in the process of setting up an agency that can refer people to certified, reputable Massage Therapists in the Riviera Maya (she invites you to call her cellular phone for references: 044-984-120-7500). Her cumulative 21 years of experience in giving and teaching therapeutic massage have given Maria a list of criteria that every massage therapist should possess.
Number one on her list is commanding knowledge in the fields of Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Assessment & Treatment Techniques and Massage Theory. These are required fields in any Massage School and answers to questions in these fields can be good signals for determining if the therapist has indeed been professionally trained.
A therapist should ask you about your body, about your pain, or about what areas you would like to focus upon during the session. Many therapists will examine your stance and your posture before you ever lie on the table, Maria explained. This alone will give them clues to your areas of chronic pain. She encourages you to not hesitate to shop around. Ask the hotel staff (ensure that they has actually received a massage from the person), ask locals, and – most importantly - ask yourself if you get a good “feeling” from the therapists.
Finally, Maria advises you to be an active participant in the session. Ask questions about things you don’t understand, make your wishes known, and let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable at any time. Above all, relax and enjoy your massage.
Interested in becoming a massage Therapist? Maria’s fall classes begin in August and spaces are limited. Contact Maria for more information at: www.escuelademasaje@yahoo.com.mx or call (984) 871-2377.
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