fiji massage© Pixabay
fiji massage

Why Fijian Massages Are the Best Way to Relax in Fiji

© Pixabay

What is a Fijian Massage (And Why You Need to Try It?)

Most of our jobs from the modern world put immense strain on our body, from the office worker sitting at a computer for eight hours a day to the construction worker putting their body through its paces day after day. For anyone who frequents spas, the go-to solution for this would be a deep-tissue massage, which isn’t the most “relaxing” type of massage on the menu. However, in the land of Fiji, an island nation renowned for their natural ability to just simply be “relaxed”, they have a deep-tissue massage technique that not only wipes away muscle pains (usually after just one session) but is completely and utterly relaxing. Nowadays, you see Fijian massages on spa menus across the globe, but nothing feels quite like a Fijian massage on the islands of Fiji. With that in mind, here’s why you need to try a Fijian massage in Fiji!

If you’re looking for more ways to relax in Fiji, take a look at Best Yoga Experiences in Fiji and Where to Find Hot Pools in Fiji.

5 Reasons to Try a Fijian Massage at Least Once

  • It’s a technique that uses the masseuse’s feet – much more effective than using hands and elbows
  • Some treatments use natural Fijian massage oils, while others don’t require you to take off your clothes at all – you decide!
  • Massage oils are sourced from Fiji using only natural ingredients and truly tropical aromas
  • Fijian massages are a natural pain-relief and relaxation technique that has been used for centuries, even after the introduction of Western medicine into Fiji
  • You can experience a Fijian massage in one of the many stunning venues across Fiji.

Start planning your massage experience with Where to Experience a Real Fijian Massage in Fiji.

© Max Pixel

The Technique Has Been Used for Centuries

Isolated on remote Pacific Islands for centuries, the Fijians have relied on the land and created their own techniques to sustain the health and wellbeing of their people. After a hard day working, whether it’s weaving, fishing or even the straining work of climbing a tree to collect coconuts, even Fijians, a seeming relaxed group of people, have needed to find ways to release tensions in the body and revive their muscles. For centuries, islanders have been going to their village’s masseuse to help ease the pain of the body’s day-to-day struggles.

The result? A technique using the feet to get a full deep-tissue massage that not only relieves pain but is utterly relaxing. The technique that the Fijians use for massages may differ slightly from village to village but is now collectively known around the world as the Fijian massage. Experiencing one is a must-do when visiting Fiji!

Why Fijian Massages Are the Best Way to Relax in Fiji© Pexels

Foot Massages are More Effective than Using Hands or Elbows

The Fijian foot massage is a type of deep-tissue massage that works much more effectively than a deep-tissue massage done with the hands or elbows. Skilful masseuses use different parts of the foot to apply different pressures, releasing tension and increasing circulation, mobility and flexibility.

How Does a Fijian Foot Massage Work?

Foot massage techniques differ depending on the masseuse’s preference or what traditions have been passed down in their village. The first thing to note is that Fijian massages do not involve walking on the back. Masseuses will either have one foot on the ground and massage with the other foot, sit in a chair in order to use both feet, or hold onto an overhead bar or rope in order to apply just the right amount of pressure.

Experiencing a foot massage can be extremely effective due to the different pressures applied with different areas of the foot. The base of the heel and sole of the foot provide a gentle pressure, while the toes give concentrated strokes. The sides of the feet, as well as the metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint between the toes and foot), can go deeper into the muscles.

Finally, the feet have many nerve endings, similar to the hands, so a skilful masseuse will be able to feel for the sore areas with their feet.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Fijian massages offer fast relief from pain
  • You often only need one session to feel pain relief
  • Fijian massages are made to make you feel relaxed during and after the session
  • You don’t need to take your clothes off for most foot massages
  • Oils are not essential
  • Many Fijian massages use a combination of hands and feet so you can experience the best of both worlds if you want to.
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They Use Locally Sourced Natural Ingredients

As we’ve discussed, it’s not essential for massage oils to be used during a Fijian massage. In fact, you don’t technically need to take your clothes off at all! Nevertheless, many enjoy the aroma of oils and relaxation that comes with a traditional massage with oils and lotions, so it’s easy to find Fijian massages where a combination of traditional foot techniques are used, as well as hand techniques using therapeutic massage oils.

What makes the massage oils in Fiji so special? They use locally sourced natural ingredients, such as nut and coconut oil and flower extracts. Using Fijian massage oils gives the added benefit of hydrating and nourishing the skin while directing anti-oxidants, vitamins and Omega in areas of the skin where it needs it the most. On top of all of this, the aromas of the oils help put you in a deep state of relaxation.

Fijian massage products are used in spas and massage parlours all over the world. Any regular spa-goer will recognise brands like Pure Fiji.

© Pixabay

Enjoy a Unique and Relaxing Environment

While the Fijian massage is a technique being used more and more in spas all around the world, nothing quite beats experiencing a Fijian massage on the islands of Fiji.

The warm tropical weather, the typical Fijian masseuse who naturally gives off an aurora of relaxation, and the sights and sounds of the Fijian islands complete the whole Fijian massage experience. Fijian spas and spa resorts often have specially positioned massage areas for ultimate relaxation, whether it’s on the waterfront under the shade of a palm tree to a private room tastefully decorated with traditional Fijian artefacts.

Check out our 10 Best Spa Resorts in Fiji, as well as the 10 Best Spas in Fiji to see the best locations for experiencing a Fijian massage.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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