Massage is very popular here on the island of Maui because of the many people who come here to visit seeking a relaxing vacation. If you have ever had a massage in an area that is known for this type of tourism, then you know that they can tend to be pretty pricey. Also, if you have ever paid a lot of money for a massage that is not very enjoyable, you probably also know that is not a mistake that you want to make more than once. Many people like to splurge when they are on vacation, but no one wants to splurge on something that they do not enjoy. Because of this, you should do a few things first to ensure that you get the best massage experience possible.
There are many options when it comes to where you can get a massage on Maui. You can go to your hotel spa if you do not want to travel far, or even have a mobile massage therapist come to you where you are staying. While these options are convenient, they also tend to be a little pricier than going to an offsite spa.
There are also different types of massages that provide a different experience both while you are getting the massage, and after. For instance, a lighter pressure massage is a relaxing experience but does not provide some of the same benefits for your muscles as a deeper massage.
The most popular massage therapy techniques on Maui include Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Sports Massage (also called deep tissue massage) and Swedish Massage.
- Lomi Lomi massage is a technique that consists of long strokes that the massage therapist does with his or her forearms and elbows, and downward kneading-compression movements. When a massage therapist is doing a Lomi Lomi Massage, it really looks as if they are doing a hula dance, and the the rhythm of the massage is like a wave. Most people really enjoy Lomi Lomi Massage, and while you are in Hawaii is the best time and place to get one.
- Shiatsu Massage is a traditional hands on–Japanese healing art that translates to “finger pressure.” During this type of massage, the therapist applies pressure to specific points on the body that influences the energy flowing in the meridians. This energy is also called ki or chi. You can get a Shiatsu Massage with medium, firm or deeper pressure. A deeper pressure massage helps the body’s structural alignment.
- Sports Massage, also called deep tissue massage, is great for helping athletes and anyone looking to prevent and recover from injuries or from the overuse of their bodies. When it is applied skillfully, a deep tissue massage is the best massage for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the muscular-skeletal system, and it also helps with flexibility.
- Swedish Massage is what typically comes to mind when most people think about massage. It is the best-known type of bodywork performed today, and one of the primary goals of this massage technique is relaxing the entire body. The muscles are rubbed with long gliding strokes in the direction that blood flows when it is returning to the heart. Swedish massage is also has benefits including increasing oxygen in the blood, reducing muscle toxins and improving circulation and flexibility.