Full-body massage: what is it like and what to expect?
A full-body massage works on several areas of the body in the same session, instead of concentrating on just one. At Luxmed, Toque Corpo Inteiro combines relaxation and relief of tension in every area. Before starting, the massage therapist asks what you are looking for and what pressure you prefer, and the massage takes place with the body covered, uncovering only the area being worked on. You can ask for more or less pressure at any time.
What is the difference between Toque Corpo Inteiro, Completo and Aromá?
Toque Corpo Inteiro is a whole-body massage that combines relaxation and relief of tension. Toque Completo is the longest ritual in the range, from the scalp to the feet, and can be given to someone else. Toque Aromá is a relaxing massage with aromatic oils, in which the scent is part of the experience. If you hesitate, the team helps you choose when you book, according to what you are looking for.
How long does a full-body massage last?
It depends on the massage chosen, which is why the clinic gives the duration when you book, before you decide. Toque Completo is the longest ritual in the range. In practical terms, ask about the duration when you book and set aside some time before and after, to arrive unhurried and to leave slowly, because a break is only a break if you are not watching the clock. If the idea is to give the massage as a gift, the same question applies: the duration and price are made clear before you decide, with no commitment.
It is my first massage: what should I expect and what should I tell the therapist?
You can expect a conversation before starting, pressure adjusted to you and the freedom to ask for changes. Say if it is your first time, if you have allergies to oils or scents, if you are pregnant or might be, if you have recent injuries or surgery, sensitive areas to avoid, and whether you prefer silence or conversation. For a first time, light to moderate pressure is usually a good starting point, and it can change during the session.
Do you have to be naked during a massage?
No, you do not have to. The usual practice is to keep the body covered with towels or sheets and uncover only the area being worked on. What you wear underneath is your choice, and you should feel free to say what you do not want uncovered, without needing to explain. Ask when you book how the massage goes at the clinic, and tell the therapist if anything bothers you at any time, whether it is the position, the temperature or the pressure. Respecting that limit is part of her job.
What should I bring and how do I prepare for the massage?
Come in comfortable clothes, arrive a few minutes early, unhurried, and put your phone on silent. Avoid a heavy meal shortly before and bring water to drink afterwards. When booking, tell the team if you have any health condition, a recent injury, allergies to oils or scents, or if you are pregnant or might be. If you can, avoid arriving in a rush, so you can enjoy the moment. The clinic explains the rest when you book, including the duration and anything useful to know about the room and how the massage goes.
Does aromatherapy in massage have proven benefits?
Some studies link the scent of lavender to less anxiety, but the average quality is low and it is hard to separate the effect of the scent from the effect of expectation, and the composition of oils varies. What can be said with caution is that a pleasant aroma can make the experience more comfortable. It is not a treatment for anxiety and does not replace medical or psychological assessment, and results vary from person to person.
Can I be allergic to the oils or scents in the massage?
You can. Essential oils are a known cause of contact allergy, dermatitis is the most widely described adverse effect, and «natural» products can also sensitise. If you have ever had skin irritation from perfumes, creams or oils, or if you have eczema or sensitive skin, tell us when you book, so the team can choose what is suitable. If redness, itching or discomfort appears during or after the massage, tell the team and see your doctor.
Can I have a massage with scents if I am pregnant?
Speak first to your doctor or obstetrician, and always tell the team that you are pregnant, or might be. A review of trials concluded that relaxation massage in uncomplicated pregnancies has benefits and mild side effects, but calls for precautions. As for scents, extra care is advisable, because not all aromatic oils are suitable in pregnancy. The team assesses what is appropriate before starting.
When should I see a doctor first before having a massage?
Before booking, speak to a doctor if you have a fever or an infection, a wound or inflamed skin, a recent injury or surgery, a suspected thrombosis, uncontrolled blood pressure, or if you are being treated with anticoagulants or have osteoporosis. A leg swollen on one side only, with pain, warmth and redness, calls for urgent assessment. Sudden severe pain, loss of strength, shortness of breath or chest pain are emergencies (SNS 24: 808 24 24 24).
How often should I have a break massage?
There is no right number of sessions. It is a wellbeing treatment, and how often depends on what you are looking for, your time and your budget. Some people have a massage now and then, as a break, and others prefer a regular rhythm. Studies on the effects of massage have limitations and most use self-reported wellbeing measures, so we do not promise cumulative effects. The team will talk it through with you when you book.
Can I give a massage to someone, and how do I choose?
Yes. Toque Completo, the longest ritual in the range, can be given to someone else, and the clinic will arrange how with you. To choose, think about how the person likes to rest: with scents or without, in silence or chatting. If they have allergies, are pregnant or have a health condition, it is best to say so when arranging it. For someone who has never had a massage, light to moderate pressure is usually a good first choice.
Do I need a consultation before a relaxation massage in Algés?
No. Relaxation massages, such as Toque Corpo Inteiro, Completo and Aromá, are booked directly, without a prior consultation, and are performed by massage therapists at Clínica Luxmed, in Algés (Oeiras). The exception is drainage massages, such as Toque Pernas Leves and Toque Corpo Leve, which are only performed with a medical referral, after an assessment consultation with Dr Michelle Campagnoli. When booking, say whether you have any health condition or allergy.
A spa day at home or a massage at a clinic?
At home you control the setting, and a break taken with care is always welcome. At a clinic you gain two things that are hard to find at home: nobody asking anything of you, and a professional who adjusts the pressure to your body and asks about allergies, injuries and pregnancy before starting. If what you are looking for is a break in which you have nothing to decide, a massage at the clinic is usually more complete. If you just want to relax, an evening at home will do too.
