Massages for men
Part of the Spabreaks.com Spa Treatment Guides
Spas have historically been associated with being places for women, but that image is not only outdated but fast fading. Aside from the fact that we can all benefit from the health and wellbeing benefits of a spa, there are also specific spa treatments and experiences that have been tailored to men’s health.
Massages are amongst the most popular spa treatments for anyone going to a spa, and massages for men are now more popular than ever. Although there are also a number of other spa treatments for men, including excellent facials, body wraps and scrubs, that are also extremely popular. Whether you’re visiting a spa with a partner, on your own, with friends (yes, we even do spa stag dos), or you are looking to buy a spa gift for someone, there are a wide range of spa and massage experiences available for men.
Types of men’s massage
There are lots of different types of massage suitable for everyone, and each spa will then create its own protocols to enhance and personalise each experience for the individual. However, the broad options include:
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Lymphatic massage
- Sports massage
- Oncology massage
- Hot stone massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Thai massage
- Shiatsu
- Reflexology
- Lava shell massage
What are the benefits of men’s massage?
From clogged pores from sweating it out on your commute, to tense muscles from sitting at your desk, and dry skin thanks to the winter chill, spa treatments have benefits for all of us, irrespective of gender, but there are also those that are specifically designed to benefit men.
It is typically associated with benefits such as:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Helping with sports and soft tissue injuries
- Easing anxiety
- Easing digestive disorders
- Helping to relieve insomnia related to stress
- Easing muscular aches and pains
- Relieving tension and stress
- Aiding relaxation
- Products will also nourish the skin
- Some massages aid detox
The wide variety of massage options available means that it is a treatment that can address lots of different things for the individual. In essence, it works on a physical level, so it’s perfect if you feel stressed, if you workout a lot and have tight muscles, if you’ve been sitting at your desk too much or if you simply want to unwind.
What happens during a men's massage?
As with all things, it depends a little on the type of massage that you’re having, however, typically the process will involve:
- Consultation: You will have a consultation before your treatment begins to discuss any particular concerns, preferences (deep tissue for example) that you have or any allergies.
- Scent test: If there is an aromatherapy component you may do a scent test where you see which essential oil you’re drawn to and this will then inform the products that are used.
- Preparation: The therapist will then leave the room so you can lay on the treatment bed in your underwear or swimwear, covered with a towel.
- Massage: The therapist will then begin the massage, working on different parts of the body.
- Finish: At the end of the treatment, you will usually be given a few moments to come round at your leisure, and usually a glass of water will be provided.
Our recommendations
- Natura Bisse Quiro Golf at Chewton Glen: At this spectacularly beautiful country house hotel and spa – ideal for couples looking to spend quality time together, this is a complete deep body and relaxing facial massage using a unique and effective technique with golf balls. The warmth of the massage will improve flexibility, circulation and muscle tone and provide absolute relaxation from head to toe.
- The Urban Shield Facial from Ytsara at Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa: Step away from a busy working life and the stresses that go with it, this facial will combat the free radicals in air pollution that cause damage to our skin. After a thorough cleanse and exfoliation, a relaxing and toning hands on massage will help to bring fresh blood and nutrients to the skin’s surface. The Urban shield serum is then applied underneath an algae mask to boost the skin's hyaluronic acid levels for optimum hydration with anti-ageing benefits. The protective Skin Drink Fluid Moisturiser is then recommended to use daily to prolong the effects of the facial, shielding from those daily aggressors in the atmosphere.
Average price of a men's massage
As with all treatments, the cost of a massage will vary depending on where you have it, the products that are used and the specific variations that the spa places on the treatment. As an average, you can expect to pay anything from £50 to £150 for a massage in the UK, but some places will it will be more.
Men's massage aftercare
After a massage many people feel quite sleepy, so it’s a good idea to spend time coming round in the relaxation room. Have plenty of water or herbal tea so you don’t dehydrate, and try to use spa facilities before your treatment so you can leave nourishing oils on the skin for the rest of the day. If you can avoid exercise for the rest of the day and generally take it easy, that will also help.
What should I wear to a men's massage
This will depend a little bit on whether it’s a full body massage or focusing on a particular part of the body. If it’s a full body treatment then you might be offered paper underwear or choose to wear swimwear or regular underwear. Therapists will always cover you with a towel and leave areas that are not being worked on covered so you don’t feel exposed.
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