Getting a massage is a great way to relax your mind, body and soul.  A massage is used for a variety of health-related reasons such as for relaxation, to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries and to improve one’s general wellness.

There are many different types of massages available to suit your needs. From improving circulation to aid detoxification or to simply de-stress, here are some popular massage treatments and suggestions on where to find them in KL.

1. Traditional Malay Massage

At first, this form of massage was catered only for the royal families in Malaysia, for hundreds of years. But now, the traditional Malay massage has made its way into many local spas. For this type of massage, the therapist uses part of their arm (from their elbow to their fingertips) to apply long kneading strokes, focusing on the muscles with pressure applied to various points on the body. This is traditionally carried out without any kind of oil, but many present day spas use aromatic natural oils like ylang-ylang, orange, ginger, coconut and patchouli to facilitate the ease of kneading.

Here are some spas that offer Traditional Malay Massage in KL:

• Tanamera Wellness Spa Centre
• The Sompoton Spa
• The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

2. Swedish Massage

This classic massage is the most common and best-known in the West. Long, rhythmic strokes combined with warm scented oil are used to warm up your muscles, helping to release tension and gradually break up your muscle knots. A Swedish massage can be easy and gentle, or intense but invigorating, depending on the therapist’s style as well as the clients’ request.

Here are some spas that offer Swedish Massage in KL:

• The Bodybar Spa
• Spa Village Kuala Lumpur
• Anggun Spa at Hotel Maya

 3. Hot Stone Massage

For a hot stone massage, smooth, heated river rocks are placed on key points of the body and combined with long, rhythmic strokes of a Swedish massage. A hot stone massage is perfect for those who often feel cold.

Here are some spas that offer Hot Stone Massage in KL:

• Swasana Spa at Impiana Hotel
• Vila Manja
• Ozmosis Health & Day Spa

4. Tui-Na-An-Mo

Photo credit: wistechcolleges / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Tui-Na-An-Mo is one of the oldest forms of therapeutic Chinese massage that emphasizes on acupressure points to relax and bring the body back into balance for healing. Tui-Na-An-Mo is known to be effective in the treatment of muscular-skeletal problems like slip disc, lower back pain and fractures.

Here are some spas that offer Tui-Na-An-Mo in KL:

• Reborn
• KL Vallley
• Avi Spa

 5. Foot Reflexology

Another ancient Chinese therapy; foot reflexology uses the technique of applying pressure to one’s foot, on certain pressure points. This stimulates subtle energies to bring relief directly to the area of the body affected. Known to improve circulation, release tension and promote better ‘chi’ flow, it is a non-invasive and natural therapy for overall health.

Here are some spas that offer Foot Reflexology in KL:

• Asianel Reflexology Spa
• Liang Xin Spa
• Zoukspa

6. Thai Massage

Photo credit: Tara Angkor Hotel / Foter / CC BY

Often described as a ‘Yoga Massage’ due to the bending and stretching movements, Thai massage helps to soothe tensed muscles, improves flexibility and relives aching joints. The therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Acupressure, muscle compression and joint mobilization are also part of this treatment. Thai massage is known to leave one relaxed and energized.

Here are some spas that offer Thai Massage in KL:

• Thai Odyssey
• Royal Thai Herbal Spa & Beauty
• Siam Bodyworks

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