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Massage Knowledge from NAIPO

Over 30 guides on massage: process, preparation, effects, and costs. In short: A good massage begins with peace and quiet, usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes, and works best when you come relaxed and without time pressure.

Experience massage directly: the NAIPO Relax Lounge in Hamburg. The technology behind it: massage chair knowledge.

Massage knowledge

  1. 5 min read

    Making your own massage oil: base oils, blends, shelf life

    Short answer: A good massage oil consists of a neutral plant oil such as almond, sunflower or jojoba oil, and nothing else. If you want a scent, add no more than ten drops of an essential...

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  2. 5 min read

    End-of-work ritual: switch off from work in 20 minutes

    Short answer: An end-of-work ritual helps because it shows your mind a clear end to the working day. A sequence of four parts has proven useful: five minutes to close the day and note dow...

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  3. 4 min read

    Massage on prescription: what German health insurance pays

    Short answer: In Germany, statutory health insurance only pays for a massage if a doctor prescribes it as a remedy, for example for problems with the spine. Adults then pay a co-payment o...

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  4. 5 min read

    Partner massage at home: a guide in seven steps

    Short answer: A good partner massage needs no training, just three things: a warm room, oil and slow, even movements. You start on the back with broad stroking, work your way up to the sh...

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  5. 6 min read

    Face massage: a five-step guide for home

    Short answer: A face massage at home takes six to eight minutes and follows a fixed order: forehead, temples, jaw, cheeks and finally the neck. You work with clean hands, a little oil or ...

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  6. 6 min read

    Reducing everyday stress: what the evidence supports

    Short answer: Regular exercise has the strongest evidence, followed by structured mindfulness courses. Slow breathing and good sleep are plausible and free, but less thoroughly studied. P...

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  7. 7 min read

    Manual lymphatic drainage: how a treatment works

    Short answer: During manual lymphatic drainage you lie relaxed on a treatment table while the therapist moves the skin with slow, circular strokes and very light pressure. Treatment almos...

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  8. 6 min read

    Connective tissue massage: how it works and who it suits

    Short answer: Connective tissue massage (Bindegewebsmassage) is a reflex zone therapy. Using the fingertips, the therapist draws short strokes through the skin and the layer beneath it, m...

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  9. 7 min read

    Head massage: device or hands? What the evidence shows

    Short answer: For the scalp, hands are the better tool. They feel where it pulls and adjust pressure and pace as they go. A device is more convenient and always available, but it works th...

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  10. 4 min read

    Classic massage: how a treatment works and the techniques used

    Short answer: A classic massage follows a fixed sequence: a short conversation, comfortable positioning, then stroking to warm up, kneading and friction for the tense areas, sparing use o...

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  11. 7 min read

    How to massage your own neck: a step-by-step guide

    Short answer: A neck self-massage takes five to eight minutes and consists of five techniques: stroking, kneading the top of the shoulder, circling beside the spine, holding the base of t...

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  12. 4 min read

    Acupressure for nausea: the P6 point and what it can do

    Short answer: For nausea, the point people press is almost always P6, also called Neiguan. It sits on the inside of the forearm, three finger widths above the wrist crease, between the tw...

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  13. 4 min read

    Acupressure ring: what it can and cannot do

    Short answer: An acupressure ring is a small spring ring with nubs that you roll up and down a finger. It wakes up your hands, feels tingly and warm, and makes a good break for hands that...

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  14. 4 min read

    Trigger points: what is behind them and how to release them yourself

    Short answer: A trigger point is a palpably hardened, tender spot in a muscle whose pain is often felt somewhere else. You can treat such points yourself with steady pressure from your fi...

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  15. 4 min read

    Fascia: what it is and what massage does

    Short answer: Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps and connects muscles, organs and bones. Massage, a foam roller or a massage gun can ease muscle soreness after exercise a little a...

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  16. 4 min read

    Neck pain: what really helps? Exercises, massage, doctor

    Short answer: For most neck pain, what helps is movement, targeted strengthening of the neck, shoulders and upper back, and short breaks from the screen. Warmth and massage often ease the...

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  17. 3 min read

    Full-body massage in a massage chair: what is possible

    Short answer: A good massage chair reaches the neck, shoulders, the whole back, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet and, depending on the model, the arms and hands. That is more area than most...

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  18. 7 min read

    Shiatsu massage: side effects and when it is risky

    Tiredness or a dull ache after Shiatsu is usually normal and gone within a day or two. Which reactions are not a good sign, and which conditions mean you should talk to a doctor first.

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  19. 10 min read

    Sciatica: symptoms, causes and what really helps

    Sciatic pain runs from the back into the leg and brings everyday life to a halt. What is behind it, what helps in the acute phase, where massage makes sense, and the warning signs that ca...

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  20. 11 min read

    Acupressure: the most important points and their effects

    Acupressure needs no needles, no studio and no equipment. Just a thumb and two minutes. The best-known points, the technique and an honest assessment.

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  21. 9 min read

    Foot massage: effects, process and how-to

    The sole of the foot has more nerve endings per area than almost any other part of the body. What a foot massage does, how to do it yourself and when it is off limits.

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  22. 7 min read

    Swedish massage: the five basic techniques

    Swedish massage is the basic form from which almost all Western massage styles developed. Five techniques, a clear sequence, and the best starting point for beginners.

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  23. 8 min read

    Ayurvedic massage: the process, the oils and Abhyanga

    Warm oil, long flowing strokes, often with two therapists: Ayurvedic massage follows its own set of rules. What makes Abhyanga and what to know before your first session.

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  24. 7 min read

    Chinese massage: what Tuina really is

    Tuina is not a spa massage. It is one of the five pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine. What happens during a session and how it differs from Shiatsu and Thai massage.

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  25. 8 min read

    Hot stone massage: process, effects and costs

    Hot basalt stones on your back, warm oil, deep warmth instead of firm pressure. What actually happens during a hot stone massage, and who it is not for.

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  26. 6 min read

    Hydrojet massage: water massage without getting wet

    You lie fully clothed on a couch while water jets shoot against a film beneath you. What hydrojet massage can do, what it costs and where its limits are.

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  27. 7 min read

    Massage with a pacemaker: what is allowed

    The massage itself is not the problem. The electric field of some devices and pressure over the pacemaker unit are. This overview separates the two clearly.

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  28. 8 min read

    Pain after a massage: normal or not?

    One to two days of muscle soreness after an intense massage is normal. Stabbing, radiating or longer-lasting pain is not. This overview tells the two apart.

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  29. 3 min read

    Massage Before Bedtime: What It Does For You

    There is evidence that evening massage improves sleep quality. In a controlled study of sixty adults with heart failure, measured sleep quality significantly increased after daily foot ma...

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  30. 3 min read

    Massage after surgery: when can I resume?

    There is no fixed waiting period for everyone, as it depends on the procedure, wound healing, and pre-existing conditions. As a general guide: the operated area remains untreated as long ...

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  31. 3 min read

    Does Massage Help With Muscle Soreness? The Research

    Yes, and with unusually clear study results. An evaluation of 99 studies on regeneration methods after exercise concluded that massage was the most effective of all tested methods against...

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  32. 2 min read

    Is massage permitted with varicose veins?

    Massaging directly over a varicose vein is not recommended. Gentle treatment around the varicose vein and on other parts of the leg is usually unproblematic, provided there is no acute in...

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  33. 2 min read

    What does a massage cost? Prices by type and duration

    In Germany, an hour-long massage usually costs between 60 and 110 Euros. There are outliers at both ends, and three things explain almost every difference: duration, type, and location. H...

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  34. 3 min read

    Massage types at a glance: what they are and what they're good for

    Massage types differ in three things: what is used, whether you are clothed, and what the goal is. Everything else is a variation. Here are the common types with techniques, clothing, dur...

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  35. 3 min read

    Full Body Massage: Process, Duration, Costs, and Effects

    A full-body massage treats all major body regions in one session: back, neck and shoulders, arms, legs and feet, usually also glutes and abdomen. Typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes, in Ge...

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  36. 1 min read

    What is the NAIPO Relax Lounge in Hamburg?

    The NAIPO Relax Lounge is the innovative showroom and experience concept within our flagship store in Hamburg's HafenCity. It offers our visitors a specialized testing environment to exte...

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  37. 5 min read

    How does a full body massage work?

    Imagine stepping into a serene room, scented with lavender, soft music playing in the background, and knowing that the next 60 minutes are just for you and your relaxation. Sounds heaven...

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  38. 5 min read

    How does a couples massage work?

    Have you ever considered enjoying a couple's massage with your partner? It's a wonderful way not only to relax but also to strengthen your bond and spend quality time together. A couple's...

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  39. 4 min read

    What is a PLOY massage?

    Have you ever heard of PLOY Massage and wondered what exactly it is? In the world of wellness and relaxation, new terms and methods are constantly emerging. Some are just trends that qui...

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  40. 5 min read

    What should you keep in mind when going for a massage?

    Massages are a wonderful way to relax the body, relieve stress, and promote overall health. But before you lie down on the massage table, there are a few important things to consider to ...

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  41. 4 min read

    What do you do during a massage?

    A massage is not only a beneficial break for body and mind, but also a time-honored technique that has been developed over millennia in various cultures. But what exactly happens during a...

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  42. 16 min read

    What is a French massage?

    Have you ever wondered what exactly a French massage is? Imagine lying in a luxurious spa, surrounded by soft music and soothing scents, while an experienced masseur or masseuse releases...

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  43. 8 min read

    How much does a full body massage cost?

    Have you ever felt the need to escape the stresses of everyday life and do something good for your body? A full-body massage might be exactly what you need. But before you lie down on th...

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  44. 14 min read

    Which massage involves massaging everything?

    Have you ever wondered which type of massage pampers your entire body from head to toe? If so, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll take a closer look at different mass...

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  45. 4 min read

    What should you do before a massage?

    You've finally booked a massage appointment and are looking forward to a relaxing break. But have you ever wondered how to best prepare for this wellness treatment? What should you do be...

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  46. 9 min read

    How should I behave during a massage?

    A massage can be truly beneficial for body and soul. But for many people, especially if it's their first massage, the question arises: How should I behave? What should one consider to ma...

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  47. 21 min read

    Should you shower before a massage?

    Imagine this: you enter a cozy spa, the scent of essential oils fills the air, and relaxing music plays in the background. But before you lie down on the massage table, a question arises...

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  48. 16 min read

    How much should you tip for a massage?

    Have you ever wondered how much you should tip for a massage? It’s one of those questions that often goes unanswered and leaves many people in an awkward position. In this article, we’ll ...

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  49. 5 min read

    How long after a massage should you wait to shower or bathe?

    In short: after a massage with oil, it is best to wait 30 to 60 minutes before showering, and then take a lukewarm shower. Before a hot bath or the sauna, wait one to two hours. After a m...

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  50. 10 min read

    What do I have to take off for a massage?

    You’ve finally booked an appointment for a massage and are looking forward to a relaxing break from everyday life. But one question remains: what should you take off for the massage? Don’...

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  51. 11 min read

    Does a full body massage include the breast massage?

    Imagine you’re lying in a warm, dimly lit room. Soft music is playing in the background and the scent of essential oils fills the air. You’re relaxing as an experienced masseur begins to ...

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  52. 7 min read

    What is not massaged during a full body massage?

    Have you ever wondered exactly which parts of the body are massaged during a full-body massage – and, perhaps more importantly, which aren’t? Most of us think of a full-body massage as...

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  53. 4 min read

    What is a normal massage?

    A normal massage, often referred to as a wellness or relaxation massage, is a form of therapy that contributes to relaxation and promotes well-being through manual techniques. Various te...

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  54. 7 min read

    How often should you go for a massage?

    Massages have been a popular way to relax the body and mind, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being for centuries. But how often should you get a massage for the best results? T...

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  55. 5 min read

    What happens during a full-body massage? The techniques

    During a full-body massage, the therapist uses five basic techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Each body region receives its own combination of these t...

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  56. 5 min read

    Which massage is best for back pain? [Guide 2024]

    Back pain, a ubiquitous ailment that knows no age limits, requires carefully selected massage treatments to alleviate and enhance well-being. Here, we examine various massage techniques ...

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  57. 6 min read

    How often should I have a massage if I have severe tension?

    Tension is a widespread problem that affects many people. The right frequency of massages can be crucial for effective relief. But how often should you get a massage to relieve severe ...

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  58. 7 min read

    How much does a back massage cost on average?

    Did you know that the world of back massages is full of surprising possibilities? In this article, we delve deep into the subject and reveal just how much a back massage really costs in G...

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  59. 1 min read

    Which massage is best for beginners?

    Massage is a great way to support yourself and your body. Although there are many different types of massages, it is best for beginners to start with basic techniques such as a Swedish or...

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  60. 1 min read

    Can massages trigger migraines?

    It's no secret that stress and tension can trigger the onset of a migraine attack. Massage, one of the most popular wellness therapies, is widely known as a relaxing activity. But can the...

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  61. 1 min read

    Can massages induce labor?

    Many pregnant women wonder if massage can induce labor. They are afraid that premature or unexpected labor could harm their baby. The good news is that research consistently shows no evid...

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  62. 1 min read

    How does a typical massage work?

    Massage is a great way to relax and get back in balance. But how does a massage actually work? In this blog post, we show you the typical process of a massage. After you have registered f...

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  63. 2 min read

    Can massage oil go bad?

    In short: yes, massage oil can go off. The first sign is the smell: if it smells rancid, you should throw it away. A thick consistency, an expired use-by date, and storage in a warm place...

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  64. 1 min read

    Can massages really relieve tension?

    Tension is often perceived as an everyday problem that is difficult to solve. Yet massages are a proven method to release tension and relax our bodies. Although each person may react diff...

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  65. 2 min read

    What do you wear during a massage?

    There's nothing more soothing than a massage. Whether you need it for relaxation, pain relief, or stress management – massages have many positive qualities. But what do you really wear du...

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  66. 1 min read

    How long does a good massage last?

    Massage is a therapeutic treatment in which muscles, connective tissue, and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated through touch and pressure to relieve pain and improve circulat...

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  67. 2 min read

    Massage in Uhlenhorst, Hamburg [Guide]

    The beautiful Hanseatic city of Hamburg offers many ways to treat yourself to a relaxing massage. In the Uhlenhorst district, several venues offer different kinds of massage to calm and r...

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  68. 2 min read

    What happens during a Lomi Lomi massage?

    A Lomi Lomi massage is a Hawaiian massage that uses long, flowing strokes to relax the entire body. During a Lomi Lomi massage, the therapist uses their hands, forearms, and elbows t...

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  69. 6 min read

    What is a deep tissue massage?

    A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue in the body. It is often used to relieve pain and tension in the muscles and tis...

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  70. 5 min read

    Shiatsu Massage: Procedure, Effects, and What Makes It Unique

    Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. It is performed clothed, without oil, using sustained pressure from thumbs, palms, and elbows. A session typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes and usual...

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Theme world

Process and Preparation

What happens during a typical massage?What should you do beforehand?Shower beforehand?What should I take off?How should I behave?How much to tip?What should I consider?

Theme world

Full body massage

The Big Full Body Massage GuideHow does it work?What happens during it?What isn't massaged?How much does it cost?Which massage massages everything?

Theme world

Effect and frequency

Do massages really relieve tension? Which massage is best for the back? How often should you have a massage? How often if you have severe tension? How long does a good massage last? Which massage is best for beginners? Can massages trigger migraines?