Most relaxing? Most pleasurable?

[Melanie M]

After gaining the awareness in the "takes the edge off" thread that I don't relax very well, I proceed to google relaxation and smack myself when the top results were all about massage. Duh.

So I had my esalen massage yesterday, with a half hour of foot reflexology. Yum.

Now I'm curious... what do you find the most *relaxing* modality to be? What kind of massage relaxes you deepest?

And, what modality do you find to be the most *pleasurable*? Just pure sensory enjoyment.

I'm wondering if these tend to be different answers or the same for people.

 

[Sinwa]

No surprise from me -- Esalen-inspired Swedish for both!

 

[Aijaz]

Now I'm curious... what do you find the most *relaxing* modality to be? What kind of massage relaxes you deepest?

CranioSacral. Well in school this was the most relaxing modality we learned. But I've yet to find someone around here who has been adequately trained to go for a session.

And, what modality do you find to be the most *pleasurable*? Just pure sensory enjoyment.

Thai. But again, my experience with it comes from the training I attended, and around here I haven't gone for a professional session. (I think there might be some folks an hour away though, so I could travel for it).

 

[Wiings]

Reflexology can put me in into daydream mode. Acupuncture does similar.

Massage makes me feel better so I can relax in general, but I don't really feel relaxed during. Although, most of the time me and my therapist are chatting. If I just zone out during a massage it can be very relaxing.

I don't think I have had anything that I would label pleasureable. Guess I better get out and start trying some new things!

 

[Angel of Texas]

For me, I'm not so sure it's the modality itself but the therapist. I trade with a few other therapists, all of whom do similar work. With two of them, I'm usually able to somewhat relax. With the other one, however, my relaxation is complete. I float out of her office. I haven't been able to pinpoint why she's so much different, she just is.

That said, I've had a few Thai sessions that I loved. And a few weeks ago I had a Lomi for the first time. I enjoyed it but I spent too much time focusing on what the therapist was doing to really relax and enjoy!

 

[Kelley E]

Most Relaxing:

1. Lymph Drainage Therapy (Bruno Chikly method), especially if the face sequence is included. Most people fall asleep during the face work.

2. Reflexology -- but only if the pressure is light/moderate. During school, most of the class fell asleep during practice trades, which didn't happen at all during massage trades.

2. Hot Stone Massage when it's cold outside. Melts me onto the table!

Most Enjoyable:

I enjoy many types of bodywork. Those three I just mentioned are pleasurable as well as relaxing, but I also love Thai Massage, Ashiatsu, and Deep Tissue Massage. Basically, I love any massage by someone who excels at the form of bodywork they practice. Like others have mentioned, the practitioner is as important as the modality.

 

[Veronika [:]

To me, the ultimate in relaxation would be hot stone massage (regardless of how hot it is outside....please...this is Florida....it's hot 9 months out of the year LOL ) but I've never tried Lomi-lomi. I have a feeling that if I did, I would enjoy that just as much, if not more.

Angie

 

[Sinfuel]

Hot Stone Massage when it's cold outside. Melts me onto the table!

I love hot stone any time of the year! Definitely my favorite!

 

[smackxgarden]

oh, you have all reminded me how much I love hot stone massage and it has been WAY TOO LONG!! I get regular massage, but no one close by does LaStone (I'm pretty picky, being that is one of my specialties!)
I had almost forgotten how wonderfully relaxing hot stone massage is. I am calling TOMORROW to book a session for me!!

Pure sensory enjoyment: I would have to say Ashiatsu. it also relaxes me, but in a very grounding sort of way. mainly it's just so yummy.

LomiLomi is also on my list of things to try.

 

[Pompal 09.]

For me I am such a Reiki nut,and it just sends me into such a deep relaxation-I just melt into the table! As far as pleasure goes,Swedish does the trick. Hot stone massage is so yummy too

Johnny

 

[Casm]

Most relaxing: I once asked my MT to integrate rocking and Reiki in a session for me. It just seemed like that's what I needed at the time. Best massage I've ever had. Then today I was given a prenatal massage that almost knocked me out. I'm not pregnant, we were just practicing on each other at school. Lots of effleurage which is not usually my up of tea, but today it sure was niiice.

Most pleasurable: Integrated Swedish (swedish with a little of this and a little of that thrown in).

 

[Mike G]

Most relaxing: Lymph drainage therapy, reflexology

Most enjoyable: Lomi Lomi

 

[lilbigd2010]

well,

My last massage
was the most relaxing,
my next
the most pleasurable