Byron Bay on the North Coast of New South Wales is known around the world for its seamless blend of beach and hinterland. A 2-hour drive from Brisbane and a near 10-hour drive from Sydney, the Byron Shire attracts more than two million visitors a year.
People are drawn to Byron’s laid back vibe, stunning beaches, scenic rainforests, endless shopping, divine restaurants and thriving nightlife. The relaxing atmosphere also adds to the best massage you’ll potentially ever have.
There are an endless number of Byron Bay day spas with luxurious spa menus and endless types of massages. Team up for a couples massage or go solo; either way, it’ll leave you feeling like you’re on cloud nine.
5 Best Types of Massages in Byron Bay
1. Remedial massage.
Remedial massage can combine a number of techniques, including:
- Soft-tissue massage
- Deep-tissue massage.
- Cupping.
- Dry needling.
- Myotherapy.
- Trigger point therapy.
- Myofascial release.
Healthdirect says,
“Remedial Massage is used to located and repair damaged areas of the body and speed up the body’s own healing process. The pressure applied in this healing treatment can either be strong and deep or gentle and shallow, depending on the problem.”
They also report the alleged benefits of remedial massage include:
- Stimulating blood supply.
- Making joints more mobile.
- Repairing damaged tissue.
- Balancing the length, tone and tension of muscles and tendons.
- Restoring the correct position of the bones.
- Increasing blood flow.
- Helping with the healing of injuries.
So, if you’ve been for a hike in Byron Bay, book in a remedial massage for the evening or next day to soothe those aching muscles!
2. Hot stone massage.
A hot stone massage therapist in Byron Bay will place heated, smooth, flat stones on specific parts of your body, including:
- Along the spine.
- Stomach.
- Chest.
- Face.
- Palms
- Feet.
- Toes.
The therapist may also include other massage techniques such as long strokes, tapping, kneading, circular movements and vibrations.
Healthline suggests the benefits of hot stone massage may include:
- Helping relieve muscle tensions and pain.
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Promoting sleep.
- Relieving symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
- Boosting the immunity.
And more.
This type of massage does come with some risks and it’s recommended you talk to your doctor before booking a treatment if you have:
- A bleeding disorder or take blood thinning medication.
- Burns or open wounds.
- A history of blood clots.
- Had surgery in the last 6 weeks.
- A feature or osteoporosis.
- Thrombocytopenia.
- Diabetes.
Or are pregnant.
Everything aside, almost any Byron Bay Day Spa you visit will have hot stone massages available to help invigorate the mind and body. However, we highly recommend booking ahead as they are popular.
3. Aromatherapy massage.
When you think of a relaxing weekend away, an aromatherapy massage in Byron Bay sounds like just what the doctor ordered. An aromatherapy massage combines the use of essential oils and massage techniques, which Healthline says, “is meant to improve your physical and mental well-being.”
Little research has been done on the effects of aromatherapy massage, however, the NCCIH reports one study using lemon and lavender oils on people with stress found the lemon oil has a positive impact on the recipients’ moods. It was also noted neither scent impacted stress indicators, biochemical markers of immune changers or pain control.
However, if you enjoy the scent of essential oils, have no allergies to them and want a relaxing massage, then the combination may be for you. Some of the most popular essential oils used in this type of massage include:
- Lavender oil.
- Lemon oil.
- Rose oil.
- Tea tree oil.
- Eucalyptus oil.
- Orange oil.
- Geranium oil.
And more.
4. Prenatal massage.
Before booking a maternity or prenatal massage, check it’s okay to do so with your health practitioner. What To Expect says it’s generally safe to have a maternal massage after the first trimester, but to not lie on your pack in the second half of your pregnancy. The weight of the baby and uterus can cause problems and discomfort.
During a pregnancy massage, the Byron Bay massage therapist will ask and assist you to move into positions you may not be used to in the massage. You should always mention to them if you feel uncomfortable at any stage.
Huggies Australia says the benefits of an ante-natal massage may include:
- Reducing stress hormones.
- Reducing anxiety.
- Rejuvenating energy.
- Relieving nausea and heartburn (may increase for some women).
- Helping with everyday aches and pains of pregnancy, like sore neck and back, heaviness in the pelvic bones and leg cramps.
- Relaxing muscles and joints.
And more.
As mentioned you should check with your health practitioner if a pregnancy massage is safe for you. You should also be cautious if you’re feeling sick, lightheaded or discomfort of any sort during the massage.
5. Deep tissue massage.
While a remedial massage focuses on a specific body part, a deep tissue massage tends to be a whole-body experience. A deep tissue massage tends to use firm pressure, so if you’re after a relaxing massage, don’t book one of these with your Byron Bay massage therapist!
Before a deep tissue massage, you’ll have a chat with the therapist about any particular areas concerning you, pressure tolerance and your general health. They’ll normally start with lighter pressure to warm up your muscles before using a stripping technique using the thumbs, knuckles, forearms and elbows along the fibres of your muscles. They’ll then use pressure on areas to help relieve any areas of tissue causing you issues.
Massage & Myotherapy Australia says to make the most of your deep tissue massage, you need to try not to tense up during the massage as it makes it more difficult for the therapist to work accurately.
They say the potential benefits of deep tissue massage include helping with:
- Chronic muscle pain.
- Tennis elbow.
- Lower back back.
- Breaking up scar tissue.
- Limited mobility.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
And more.
A deep tissue massage may not sound like a typical relaxing activity while in Byron Bay, but it may be just what you need if you experience any of the problems above.
Best Place to Get a Massage in Byron Bay
Innermost Harmony Massage
Location: 4/1 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Bangalow Headache Clinic
Location: 72 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical or professional advice. Localsearch is not responsible, nor the author, for any misuse of information.
Visit localsearch.com.au for a full list of massage therapists in Byron Bay.
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