There are many things South Korea is known for. K-Pop, amazing food, beautiful natural wonders, stunning architecture. But most people don’t know that South Korea is one of the massage capitals of the world.
Wherever you are in South Korea you are sure to find a plethora of amazing massage parlors offering a myriad of treatments designed to revitalize and reinvigorate your body and mind. But, with so many different massages to choose from, how can you tell which ones are best suited for your needs?
This guide will help you answer that. We will be focusing on some of the most popular massage styles and showing you what they can offer. So that when you next go to the massage parlor you can focus on relaxing.
Swedish Massage
Perhaps the most famous massage style on the planet. It is often called the basic massage. But that doesn’t make it any less effective at what it does. A Swedish massage has three primary goals. To relax you, to relieve stress, and to relieve pain.
A Swedish massage is characterized by long, strong strokes across your back and limbs. The masseuse will also spend time kneading and tapping your muscles. Applying light or heavy pressure, at your discretion, to key areas to relieve muscle tension. Depending on what you have asked for, the masseuse will likely also move your limbs and stretch out your fingers and toes. All of this is to improve your circulation and stretch the muscles.
A Swedish massage is a fantastic option since it can deal with a wide range of issues. If you just want to relax, or if your body is stiff from a long session at the gym. The massage is typically done with various oils and accompanied by relaxing music and smells to create a truly serene environment.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is not one designed for relaxation in the short term. A sports massage, when done right, will hurt a bit. But this is by design. This is the massage option you go for if you are someone who works out a lot or does a lot of manual labor at work.
A sports massage is designed to facilitate muscle regeneration and reduce pain and tension brought on by exercise. It features more targeted pressure on key muscle groups. Kneading and muscle tapping are also features. But not to the same degree as a Swedish massage. The health benefits of a sports massage are numerous. Improved blood flow, better quality sleep, increased muscle growth, reduced muscle tension, increased flexibility.
Fish Pedicure
This is an extremely popular massage here in South Korea. Especially in Gangnam, where they have all but perfected the art. A fish massage, or fish pedicure, involves you soaking your feet in water while a swarm of fish nibbles at them. The fish eat dead and cellulose skin off your feet. Leaving them revitalized and softer than ever before.
A Gangnam fish massage parlor will often offer you a range of drinks and even snacks while the feet do their magic. Or they might offer you a back massage or manicure alongside. A fish pedicure might seem like it is only for relaxation purposes. But this massage is extremely good for your feet. Especially if you’re someone who spends most of their time walking around for work.
Hot Stone Massage
This is an ideal massage for anyone who suffers from regular back pain. It is also one of the most relaxing and decadent massages out there. As the name suggests, it involves having smooth hot stones placed on your back. These aren’t just regular stones either. The masseuse will either use smooth river stones or lava shells. Both these options retain heat extremely well and their smooth texture makes them ideal for skin contact.
The stones will be heated up using a special heater, to ensure the entire stone is the same temperature. They will adjust the temperature based on your needs and desires. The stones are placed on key points on the body. Pressure points or key energy points. They are sometimes left stationary and sometimes moved around the body in delicate, massaging motions.
This isn’t all though. The masseuse will incorporate elements of a Swedish massage as well. Kneading and tapping on different muscles while the stones do their work. This helps elevate the experience. Studies have shown that a hot stone massage, when done properly, can significantly reduce muscle tension in the back.
