Which massage suits you? A short guide by complaint

The names on a massage menu look alike at first. In fact each technique works a different tissue, with different pressure, towards a different end. The right choice gives a far better result in the same hour.

Your muscles are tight, but nothing hurts

Swedish massage is the standard answer. Medium pressure, rhythmic, spread across the whole body. It is also the safest choice for newcomers — there is no moment in the session that pushes you.

Balinese massage works well here too. The difference is that it begins at the feet and combines palm pressure with long gliding strokes. If you're after general release, you won't feel a sharp difference between the two.

You have chronic pain in one place

Deep tissue is the right call. Adhesions in muscle and connective tissue are released layer by layer with slow, firm pressure. It can be uncomfortable at moments during the session, and mild muscle fatigue the next day is normal.

If the pain concentrates in the back and lower back, a medical back massage is more targeted; the whole hour goes to that area. It's the session desk workers benefit from most.

Your mind is tired and sleep is uneven

Aromatherapy massage works through the nervous system rather than the muscle. Slow, soft movements and the scent of herbal oils settle the body together. Anti-stress massage serves the same end but concentrates on head, neck and shoulders — the answer to days spent at a screen.

Your feet ache and your legs feel heavy

Medical foot massage works the reflex points, and its effect doesn't stay in the feet. If you've walked all day or work standing, even thirty minutes makes a clear difference.

You train regularly

Sports massage is applied two different ways, before and after training. Beforehand, brisk movements wake the muscles; afterwards, long strokes speed recovery. In the middle of a heavy block, once a week is a sensible frequency.

A special occasion

Hot stone and Mandara massage belong here. Mandara is a four-hand session worked by two therapists in sync; because the mind stops tracking the movement, release arrives much faster. It is the most special programme on the menu.

If you're unsure, simply describe your complaint in the short conversation at the start of the session — the technique can be chosen from there.