ExclusiveVerified listingYuki Tanaka
Soho, London
Shiatsu and Thai bodywork, clothed sessions on the mat
5.0 · 2 reviews
Female TherapistsShiatsu MassageThai Massage+1
from £80Incall
Relaxing Massage
Gentle, flowing strokes to melt tension and quieten the mind
Relaxing massage puts the nervous system first. The pressure is light to medium, the strokes are slow and continuous, and nothing is done abruptly; the aim is to move you from an alert state into a genuinely rested one, which for many people is the hardest thing to do on their own.
Technically it draws on Swedish massage but drops the vigorous movements. Therapists often use warmed oil, a heated couch, dimmed light and quiet, and pay particular attention to the scalp, face, hands and feet, where the calming effect is strongest. It is the treatment for people who are overwhelmed, sleeping badly or simply worn down, rather than for a specific muscular problem.
Book 60 minutes at the least; the benefit builds in the second half hour. Ninety minutes is common. It is offered widely as a mobile treatment, since a session at home means you can go straight to bed afterwards.
Also known as: relaxation massage, stress relief massage, calming massage.
Relaxing Massage by city
Therapists and venues offering relaxing massage
ExclusiveVerified listing
PrimeVerified listingTalia Brooks
Kemptown, Brighton
Couples and four hands sessions with a regular partner therapist
Female TherapistsCouples MassageFour Hands Massage+2
from £60IncallMobile
PrimeVerified listingNadia Hussain
Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pregnancy massage and reflexology in a calm home treatment room
Female TherapistsPregnancy MassageReflexology+2
from £40Incall
PrimeVerified listingElena Rossi
Kensington, London
Pregnancy and postnatal massage, aromatherapy blends made per session
Female TherapistsPregnancy MassageAromatherapy Massage+2
from £75IncallMobile
Verified listingCarys Evans
Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
Mobile hot stone and relaxing massage to Cardiff Bay hotels
Female TherapistsHot Stone MassageRelaxing Massage+2
from £65Mobile
Verified listingLena Fischer
Kelham Island, Sheffield
Reflexology and Indian head massage, evenings and Saturdays
Female TherapistsReflexologyIndian Head Massage+1
from £25IncallMobile
Verified listingBea Thompson
Lace Market, Nottingham
Swedish and aromatherapy massage, mobile to Derby and Leicester
Female TherapistsSwedish MassageAromatherapy Massage+2
from £28IncallMobile
Verified listingKaia Ferguson
West End, Glasgow
Thai massage and assisted stretching, afternoons and evenings
Female TherapistsThai MassageRelaxing Massage+1
from £45Incall
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between relaxing and Swedish massage?
They overlap heavily. A relaxing massage is a Swedish-style treatment with the pressure kept lighter, the pace slower and the emphasis on calming rather than on working the muscles. If you want both, ask for a Swedish massage with a relaxing focus.
Will I fall asleep?
Quite possibly, and that is fine. Therapists are used to it and will wake you gently at the end.
How much is a relaxing massage?
Much the same as Swedish: £40 to £70 an hour outside London, £60 to £100 in the capital, with a supplement for mobile visits.
Read more
- How to Choose the Right Type of Massage
Twelve common complaints and the treatment that fits each one, so you book the right session first time.
- What to Expect at Your First Professional Massage
How a first appointment actually runs, from the form at the start to the glass of water at the end.