The thing with me and massages is that I’m scared the whole time that the end of this pleasure is near. I often can’t enjoy it a 100% due to the mentioned fear. But this one was cool. When I thought 'That’s it', it kept on going. 'It', meaning the Swedish massage I experienced the other day at the Equinox spa at the Cape Royale Hotel in Greenpoint, Cape Town. Massages are for relaxation and well-being, a pure luxury for me.

The Swedish massage (also known as 'classic massage') is not only known as the most popular and more effective massage, but is Equinox Spa’s signature massage: healing and relaxing while easing muscle tension. It was created by Swedish physiologist Henri Peter Ling in 1812. Benefits of the Swedish massage are the improving of circulation, releasing tension, and relaxation.

My massage therapist Josie puts structured and unstructured pressure on my body, moves her firm hands on me with tension with long, smooth strokes on the back, neck, and shoulders as well as legs and arms. She doesn’t use lotion or oil but a candle. This is new to me. Basically, there is a lit candle close to the massage table, the hot wax is poured on my body and leaves a nice smell and feeling way after the massage. Josie gently kneads the wax into my body.

The soy part of this special candle has moisturising and therapeutic benefits to the skin and the pure essential oils have detoxifying or rejuvenating benefits (Geranium & Grapefruit for rejuvenating or Ginger & Lime for detoxifying). The warmth of the melted soy gives me a super relaxing, nurturing feeling. If the candle-idea is too strange for you, a massage with Theravine oils, choosing between slimming, detoxing or relaxing oils with the aroma of lemongrass, fennel, patchouli, sage, basil, juniper berry or rosemary extracts is just as good.

The Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, relieving stress and anxiety, plus, it also helps you to become more conscious of your body as a whole. The best way to de-stress. A great way to treat yourself.

by Antonia Heil

Equinox Spa
Cape Royale | 47 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 430 0512

Prices: 60min - R400, 90min - R580

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