Reading through a salon’s treatment list can be a bit like studying a restaurant menu. It’s so mouthwatering, you want to order it all. Now. (Starters to arrive with mains, please). If you’re pondering over what to book to make your back muscles happy, allow us to pit two much-loved massage heavyweights against each other.
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1 You want serious relaxation
Verdict: hot stone massage
If you’re a hot stone virgin, you’ll have to trust us on this one. Someone placing warmed pebbles on your body may sound counterintuitive to relaxation, but it’s actually the perfect stress antidote. The heat stimulates blood flow through the body, which helps you to unwind.
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2 You need a break from work
Verdict: Swedish massage
Under the touch of your therapist’s hands, the damage done by those long hours at your desk (whoever coined the term '9 – 5' was a lucky woman) will melt away. Even better, evidence also links massage to a boost in creativity and productivity. Just tell your boss you’ll bill them later.
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3 You don’t want to be touched as much
Verdict: hot stone massage
If you feel a bit weird about a stranger rubbing their hands all over your body – for an hour – look to the hot stone massage. The main tools used in this type of therapy are – drum roll – hot stones. They do the job just as well as hands, but are particularly good if getting tactile makes you uncomfortable. We're only British, after all.
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4 It’s your first time
Verdict: Swedish massage
Can we just say, if you've never had a massage before, you're in for a treat. Even more reason for your first time to be special, and you can't really go wrong with Swedish massage. It’s the most common form of touch therapy in the West and there are no gimmicks – it's just you, the therapist's hands and a bottle of oil. It uses five basic strokes and is centered on Western philosophies of well-being. Whale music totally optional.
FAQs
Which massage should you choose for deep relaxation?
A hot stone massage is ideal if you want serious relaxation. The warmth of the stones helps stimulate blood flow and allows your muscles to unwind, providing a deeply calming experience.
What is the best massage if you sit at a desk all day?
A Swedish massage is recommended if you need a break from desk work. The hands-on technique helps ease tension from long hours at your desk and may support better creativity and productivity.
Which massage is better if you prefer less physical contact?
A hot stone massage is better if you feel uncomfortable with a lot of touch. Most of the therapeutic work is done using heated stones, so there’s less hand-to-skin contact compared to traditional techniques.
Is Swedish massage suitable if it’s your first time having a massage?
Yes, Swedish massage is a great choice for first-timers. It is the most common form of massage in the West, uses basic hand strokes and oil, and is designed to be comfortable and straightforward for newcomers.