Couples massage is a unique experience that offers a blend of relaxation and connection. It's a therapeutic approach where two people receive massage therapy simultaneously in the same room. While often chosen by romantic partners, it can also be a meaningful activity for friends or family members looking to strengthen their bond. In Ames, Iowa, couples can find various options for this rejuvenating experience.
What is Couples Massage?
Typically, a couples massage is a full-body massage that incorporates techniques from Swedish and deep tissue massage. The primary aim is to create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere for both participants. Couples massage can deepen bonds, improve communication, relax and rejuvenate, relieve stress, improve sleep, and reduce tension and anxiety.
The massage usually starts with both partners receiving a full-body massage, during which the massage therapist employs various techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy. Therapists use their hands, fingers, and elbows to apply pressure and may also incorporate hot stones, essential oils, and other tools to enhance the massage's effectiveness.
After the massage, couples can enjoy the lingering relaxation, discuss their experience, and connect on topics of mutual interest, making it an excellent way to reconnect and unwind.
Benefits of Couples Massage
Couples massage offers a variety of benefits that extend beyond mere relaxation:
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- Strengthened Bonding: Sharing a relaxing experience can increase feelings of affection by releasing oxytocin, often known as the “love hormone.”
- Reduced Stress: Like other types of massage, couples massage can lower cortisol levels, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.
- Enhanced Relaxation: Simultaneous massages induce a state of relaxation and tranquility that’s magnified when shared with a loved one.
- Improved Physical Health: Massages can alleviate muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and boost overall well-being.
Massage Techniques Used
Couples massages often incorporate a blend of massage techniques to provide a comprehensive and tailored experience. Some of the common techniques include:
- Swedish Massage: A gentle and relaxing technique that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Deep Tissue Massage: This technique targets deeper layers of muscle tissue to release chronic muscle tension and knots.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Focuses on identifying and releasing specific points of tension in the muscles that can cause pain in other areas of the body.
Massage Envy - Ankeny: A Location Option
Massage Envy - Ankeny is one option for those seeking couples massage and other therapeutic services. They offer customized sessions performed by qualified therapists, along with professional skincare services and therapeutic stretching.
Massage Envy - Ankeny offers a range of services, including massage, body care, facials, and skincare treatments. This includes stretch services, Rapid Tension Relief, Microderm Infusion, Chemical Peel/Exfoliation, Oxygenating Treatment, Nourishing Light Treatment, Dermaplaning, and more.
Membership Benefits
Massage Envy - Ankeny offers a membership program that includes one monthly massage, Total Body Stretch, or facial session. After utilizing a monthly session, members receive a discounted rate on additional sessions. A Massage Envy membership is a one-year contract. Yes! You can visit any Massage Envy franchise location in the country and still receive membership benefits. Depending on the franchise location, pricing may vary.
What to Wear and Expect
When preparing for a couples massage, wear loose-fitting clothing that's comfortable and casual. Depending on the type of massage and your comfort level, you can undress as you see fit.
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All session times include up to 10 minutes of consultation and dressing, which occurs pre and post-service.
Additional Facial Services
Massage Envy - Ankeny provides a variety of facial services, including:
- Custom Facial: A skincare treatment tailored to individual skin needs, using advanced skin analysis for optimal results and setting the foundation for future specialized treatments.
- Classic Corrective Facial: Corrective facials provide targeted treatments for skin concerns, combining cleansing, masks, and massage for radiant results.
- Advanced Corrective Facial: Advanced corrective facials utilize cutting-edge techniques like Hydradermabrasion and Microdermabrasion to deeply exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, ensuring optimal results and an enhanced complexion.
- Custom Blend Facial: Perfect for newcomers, this facial adapts to your skin's unique characteristics. Based on the AH SkinReading on your treatment day, it offers a holistic introduction, showcasing initial results and setting the foundation for future specialized facials.
- Express Custom Blend Facial: All the benefits of the Custom Blend Facial, but condensed for those short on time. Experience a personalized treatment that fits into your busy schedule.
- Triple Corrective Enzyme Facial: Removes aging dead cells, awakens dullness, and targets problem pores with active, proteolytic enzymes.
- Barrier Repair + Relax: Ideal for stressed or delicate skin, this treatment focuses on sensitivity, nourishing the skin's barrier, and incorporating calming acupressure massage for ultimate relaxation.
- Clinical Acne Facial: A deep cleanse for stubborn acne, clogged pores, or blackheads, enriched with a salicylic acid treatment and sulfur power mask to promote clear skin. Versatile for both face and back applications.
- Firm + Lift: Designed to combat the visible signs of aging, this facial employs a gravity-defying clinical power mask coupled with youth-enhancing massage techniques for a lifted appearance.
- Men's Facial: Tailored for the unique needs of men's skin, this treatment offers deep cleansing, exfoliation, and a custom mask, accompanied by a relaxing face and neck massage.
- Oxygen Glow: Breathe new life into dull or tired skin with this rejuvenating treatment featuring hydrogen peroxide, vitamin C, and invigorating massage techniques for a radiant glow.
- Adolescent + Tween Facial: Specially curated for younger skin, this facial addresses common teen skin concerns, offering a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and hydration to balance and refresh.
- Hydradermabrasion Facial: Gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, and radiant skin-all in one treatment.
- Microdermabrasion: This advanced treatment uses a specialized device to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and address issues such as fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. By promoting collagen production, it leaves the skin smoother and more radiant.
Facial Enhancements
Various facial enhancements are also available to target specific skin concerns and amplify results, such as:
- HydroJelly Mask: Customizable jelly mask to hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate your skin.
- Neck & Décolleté: A “jaw to bra” extension of whatever treatment you are receiving + a treatment mask that is customized to your specific skin concerns.
- LED Light Therapy: LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enters the skin’s layers to improve the skin.
- High Frequency: Employing a gentle electrical current, this facial tool tackles multiple skin concerns, from acne management and skin tightening to improving circulation and product absorption.
- Ultra Detox Chemical Peels: Tailored to your unique needs, our chemical peels range from the potent Ultra-Detox Chemical Peel, which tightens and unclogs pores, to the Even Brighter Peel, targeting dark spots and discoloration.
- Lip Treatment: Specially formulated to hydrate and exfoliate, our lip treatment ensures smooth, plump lips.
- Under Eye Treatment: Addressing the delicate area under the eyes, this treatment combats puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
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