The benefits of massage
The next time you spend a string of stressful days at the office, don't reach for a sugary snack to perk you up. Instead, reach for the phone and schedule yourself a professional massage. Once considered a luxury, massages are now seen by many as an important tool in the battle against tension and stress.
The most noticeable benefits of massage are relaxation and stress reduction.

In addition to the pampering effect, more and more people are turning to massage for the health benefits it offers. A lot of people with back problems or athletes with injuries are getting massages. Chiropractors and physical therapists often recommend massage to their patients.

And with good reason, according to new research. Studies have confirmed that massage has many health-boosting effects including reducing heart rate; lowering blood pressure; increasing blood circulation and lymph flow; relaxing muscles; improving range of motion; boosting the immune system; and increasing endorphins. A study has found that massage was an effective treatment for patients will chronic lower back pain.

Besides these physical benefits, massages also offer these mental and emotional benefits:
• Mental. Massage provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress, and enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.
• Emotional. Massage satisfies the human need for a caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being, and reduces anxiety levels.

Types of massage:

Swedish. This style is the most popular -- and what most people picture when they think of massage. It is known for its flowing movements, which usually include stroking, kneading, applying pressure, and stretching. Among the benefits: Increased circulation and tension relief.
Shiatsu. Deeper than a Swedish massage, this Japanese technique focuses on stimulating pressure points along nerve paths to release energy blockages. The result: You feel relaxed, but energized.
Deep tissue. This type of massage is similar to Swedish, but deeper and more intense. The therapist uses deep compressions to ease muscle tightness and discomfort. If you're looking for a light rubdown, this isn't the treatment for you!
Hot stone massage. A newly popular treatment, hot stone massage (sometimes called La Stone Therapy) uses smooth basalt lava rocks to warm the body and, with the addition of massage oil, integrates the stones into traditional massage techniques.
Sports therapy. This site-specific treatment is designed to relieve aches from overworked muscles as well as improve athletic performance. While the whole body can be included in the massage, the therapist focuses on specific areas, depending on the client's needs. For example, when working on a marathon runner, the massage therapist may focus on the legs and/or feet.
Phytotherapy. A specialty at the Spa at Norwich Inn, phytotherapy is a Swedish massage that incorporates essential plant oils that have different effects. Among the options: relaxation (uses a blend of ylang ylang, lavender, and tangerine), energy (combo of peppermint and rosemary), muscle relief (blend of birch, thyme, and juniper).
Thai massage. This treatment, for which the client usually wears loose-fitting clothes and reclines on a futon, has been called the "lazy person's yoga." The therapist presses deeply into the muscles with his thumbs, elbows, or knees, to open up the flow of "chi" or energy. Then he moves the client through a series of yoga positions to gently stretch the body.

What to Know Before You Have a Massage

• Remember that it's your choice whether or not to leave your undergarments on. Therapists can do more work if you disrobe completely (you will be draped with sheets and towels; only the parts being worked on will be uncovered), but it's quite all right to keep your underwear on if that would make you more comfortable.
• Make sure the massage therapist knows of any injuries, surgeries, or illnesses so that he or she can tailor your massage.
• If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before scheduling any spa treatments. Most doctors recommend waiting until the second trimester for a massage.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment. The staff will usually show you around the facilities, plus you'll have time to take a quick shower before your massage begins.

If you have a preference as to a male versus female therapist, make your request known when you book your appointment. Although spas can't always guarantee the gender, most will try hard to accommodate you.

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