In a relaxation massage, there is less emphasis on working out chronic underlying muscle tension—the adhesions or "knots" and muscle restrictions in the muscle tissue—because the goal of this type of massage is to let you drift away and feel good. In a relaxation massage, the therapist won't push your limits in order to get the muscle to release, and you might even fall asleep.

Due to the low pressure and relative universality of its calming effects, getting a relaxation massage is great for first-timers or those who want to get a special treat once a year. However, it can also have a number of health benefits, including eventually relieving knots over the course of many gentle treatments.

Health Benefits and Mood Improvements 

Along with relieving stress, there are substantial health benefits to a relaxation massage including that it increases blood circulation, improves digestion, and helps you sleep better by relieving small aches and pains in the body.

Gentle massage stimulates sensory nerve endings in the skin, which transmit messages through the nervous system and cause the brain to release a special chemical that acts as a natural painkiller. These endorphins can help create a sense of well-being, and being touched by another human can have positive effects on cognition, empathy, and mood.