When planning Valentine’s Day, most people have trouble thinking beyond the basic fancy dinner date. But did you know Valentine’s Day can celebrate everyone you love? That’s right, this day is not just for couples! However, Valentine’s Day 2025 may look a little different with the long weekend ahead. Whether you’re looking to avoid large crowds, are spending the day far from your loved ones, or just want to try something different, we’ve got you covered. Here are our tips and tricks to successfully plan the best Valentine’s Day dates and celebrations in 2025.

Virtual Valentine’s Day planning ideas

Going digital for dating is nothing new, especially since 2020. There are plenty of reasons to go virtual for Valentine’s Day. Online options are great for long-distance relationships and celebrating with friends and family that live far away. Plus, with winter weather and flu circulating, digital date nights offer a safe way to share the love. Check out our virtual Valentine’s Day ideas and planning tips!

• For the LDR: Don’t let long distances get you down. Yes, you can still have a romantic night together. Try this spin on dinner and a movie! First, order food delivery from your favorite restaurants. Then, you can set up a video call and eat together. Make sure you both treat it as a true date night: dress up a little and set the table nicely. After dinner, you can both stream a movie together! Many popular streaming services like Netflix offer a shared streaming experience so nobody misses a moment.
• Celebrate with friends: Get together with your favorite couples and host a virtual couple’s game night. Online sites make it easy to host and play a variety of different games no matter where you and your friends are located. And you can all feel the love without even leaving your respective living rooms.
• With the girls: Book a Galentine’s day event with Soothe to relax at the start of the event. Send all your Galentines a virtual wine tasting kit. Sample different varietals with the help of a virtual wine expert. Then, score extra points with a DIY snack and charcuterie board contest.
• For the family: Now you don’t even need to travel to experience some of the most amazing places on earth! Many popular museums around the world, national parks, and even Disney World offer virtual tours and videos suitable for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for all ages.
• Do good in the name of love: Want something a little different? Many non-profit organizations have ways to volunteer and give back virtually! Take time this Valentine’s Day to do some good, and get a little gratitude boost, too.

At-home Valentine’s Day planning guide

If you’re in charge of planning Valentine’s Day, don’t stress! We have all the tips and date night ideas for couples to make planning easier than ever. Many couples are choosing to keep Valentine’s Day 2025 low-key this year. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic! Try one of these at-home Valentine’s Day ideas for couples.

Cook up something delicious, together

Skip the crowded restaurants and long wait times this year. Instead, book an online cooking class or baking workshop! This activity is a fun way to spend time together, learn something new, and makes for a more memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. Not into cooking? Order in and try a cocktail mixology class or wine tasting instead!

Planning tips

• Make sure you shop for all your ingredients ahead of time, and have the necessary equipment.
• Also, play to your strengths! If you’re an avid cook, you can go for something a little more ambitious. But if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, we don’t recommend attempting a souffle or bringing out the blowtorch!
• Ambiance is everything. Break out the tablecloth and the fancy cutlery. Set the mood with candles and music that matches the cuisine you’re cooking up.

Plan an epic game night

Get your competitive side ready! It’s time to plan a Valentine’s Day game night. An alternative to classic date night ideas, game nights are easy to plan and surprisingly fun! Got kids at home? They can easily join in the fun, too. Plus, you don’t even need electricity to make this date night epic. Dig out your old board games, borrow from friends, or buy a new game to try.

Planning tips

• Have at least 3 different games to play. To choose the best games, they should be easy to learn (if you don’t already know how to play), and work with two players. Games that take a long time, like Monopoly, may not be the best option if you’re looking to get to all of your games in one night.
• Keep score! Make it a friendly competition to see who can win the most rounds. Go the extra mile and make funny or romantic prizes for the winner of each round.
• Don’t forget the snacks! No game night is complete without your favorite nostalgic snacks close at hand.

Bring the spa to you

Nothing says romance like a day spent in the pure bliss of a spa! But expensive treatments, dealing with traffic, and one of the busiest spa days of the year can easily fizzle any romance. This Valentine’s Day, why not bring the spa to you! With on-demand couples massages and facial treatments, Soothe helps you create an amazing spa-quality experience for you and your S.O. without even leaving the house.

Planning tips

• Schedule in advance. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times for Soothe, so booking early helps ensure you get matched with an available massage therapist or provider. We recommend booking at least a week in advance!
• Create a relaxing space in your home. Before the date, clear any clutter, and make your home feel clean and fresh. This will help you maintain ultimate relaxation.
• Remove distractions during your treatments. For the best results and most romance, put away the phones and laptops, and focus on each other!
• Go the extra mile with fluffy robes, aromatherapy candles, and infused water or tea. Soothe Providers bring everything needed to create an amazing experience during your treatment, but don’t forget about the before and after!

Common Valentine’s Day planning mistakes to avoid

A lot can go wrong when planning Valentine’s Day. And the last thing you want is to have all your romantic gestures fall flat! To help make Valentine’s Day planning go smoother, follow our advice above, and don’t make these common Valentine’s Day mistakes. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’re sure to have an epic date night!

• Waiting until the last minute. February 14 is a popular day for many people to go out to restaurants and do fun activities. But that means that reservations fill up fast! Avoid this common mistake by planning ahead, and making any reservations well in advance.
• Planning without considering your date. You should always plan Valentine’s Day with the other person in mind. If your date doesn’t drink, maybe a bar isn’t the best spot to meet up. Similarly, if you know your S.O. isn’t into rom-coms, a different movie genre is a must. Not sure what they like? Now’s a good time to ask – before you plan a date they’ll hate.
• Going over budget. It’s easy to drop big money on Valentine’s Day gifts. But sometimes, quality over quantity actually makes for a more meaningful date! You don’t need to spend a ton to have an amazing day with your loved ones.
• Trying to cram too much into one day. The last thing you want is to be stressed about making your next reservation! Over-planning is a classic Valentine’s Day mistake to avoid. At best, we recommend having 2-3 things planned for the day. You can always have a backup just in case something goes amiss, but the goal is to relax – not stress! With the long weekend in 2025, you can plan on
• Showing up empty-handed. You don’t need to make a big show of gifting, but you also can’t show up with nothing for your S.O.! The go-to gifts are usually flowers and chocolate. But if you want to really surprise them, give them a gift card for a professional massage this Valentine’s Day! Soothe makes gifting easy and fast with email delivery, and they’re sure to remember it as one of the best gifts they’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day.

The post Valentine’s Day Planning Guide 2025 appeared first on Soothe.

With that, can a massage lower blood pressure? In short, it can help. Natural wellness methods such as massage therapy have shown benefits in studies for managing high blood pressure. We break down how that works if you’re experiencing high blood pressure or low blood pressure, and what to look out for in a massage session to make it effective for you.

What is High Blood Pressure and Why Does it Matter?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure remains consistently higher than normal. While your blood pressure typically fluctuates throughout the day based on your activities, this designation is applied when your blood pressure measures consistently above what is normal and proportional to your daily activities.

Having blood pressure measured consistently above that normal baseline may result in a diagnosis of this condition, as the higher your blood pressure levels are, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

The Science Behind Massage and Blood Pressure

There are a multitude of studies that exist currently confirming that massage therapy can decrease your heart rate, reduce cortisol levels, and lower your blood pressure. Where the criticisms lay, however, is in the quantity of time that one may experience the positive effects of massage therapy when it comes to lowering blood pressure. It should be noted that stress and high blood pressure go beyond stress, and include a multitude of other factors, such as white coat hypertension, job stress, social environment, race, and emotional distress. Research shows that massage therapy can help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. 

There are two blood pressure numbers in a blood pressure reading, referring to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels respectively. Systolic blood pressure measures the force of blood being pushed out of the heart during contraction and is the first number you see in a blood pressure level reading. Diastolic blood pressure, on the other hand, reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and filling with blood, which represents the second number. A common “normal” reading would look like 120/80 mm Hg, with 120 being the systolic pressure and 80 representing the diastolic pressure.

So, how can a massage lower blood pressure? A massage can reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and boost your endorphins, promoting relaxation. Massages can improve your blood’s circulation, aiding the cardiovascular system in its work of moving your blood throughout your body. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and inducing calm.

Types of Massages for Managing Blood Pressure

1. Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is an excellent choice for those who are looking to manage or lower their blood pressure. It offers a gentle yet effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By improving blood circulation and encouraging the body’s relaxation response, Swedish massages help ease tension that can contribute to hypertension.

For a deeper relaxing experience, consider incorporating aromatherapy into your Swedish massage session. Aromatherapy uses essential oil scents to deepen your relaxation by creating a multi-sensory experience that supports your overall physiological well-being. Whether it’s your essential oil scents that you are providing or going with an enhancement option such as what Soothe offers with massage packages, you have additional options to deepen your relaxation. 

2. Reflexology Massage

Reflexology massage is another powerful wellness option for individuals looking to manage or lower their blood pressure. This specialized technique targets specific pressure points in your feet, hands, or ears to promote overall well-being. It aims to alleviate stress and improve circulation, leaving the recipient feeling balanced and revitalized​.

For a deeper relaxing experience, consider incorporating aromatherapy into your Reflexology massage. The calming properties of aromatherapy help you create a multi-sensory experience that supports your physiological well-being. With Soothe, you can experience the transformative effects of reflexology wherever you are, whenever you want, to meet your needs for relaxation and health.

Precautions of Low Blood Pressure Massages

While massage therapy offers many benefits to those with hypertension, individuals with low blood pressure should take certain precautions. Consulting your medical team before booking a wellness experience such as a massage is necessary to understand your options, as different types of massage can have different effects on the body. It’s common for massage recipients to feel a bit lightheaded after a massage, as most methods of massage can lower your blood pressure in the immediate term. 

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, communication is key, and you should communicate any pertinent information to your massage therapist before the session. Therapists may adjust techniques to be gentler and avoid prolonged exposure that could cause your blood pressure to drop further. Staying hydrated before, during, and after your session may also help mitigate any potential side effects.

Find Your Relaxation With Soothe

With Soothe, our licensed therapists tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Whether you’re managing a massage with high blood pressure or low blood pressure, our Swedish and Reflexology massage options offer a relaxing and restorative approach to support your overall health goals.

Book a massage appointment easily in any way, anywhere, anytime, to suit your needs with Soothe.

The post How Can a Massage Reduce Blood Pressure appeared first on Soothe.

There are many different techniques used throughout the world for massage therapy. If you’ve had a massage before, chances are you’ve already experienced techniques used in Swedish massage. One of the things we love about Swedish massage is the ultra-relaxing effect this technique produces. The Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire body and has many benefits for the body and mind. When you book a massage through Soothe, you can select this type of massage and also chat with your provider about its many benefits. 

What Is Swedish Massage?

The Swedish massage is one of the most common and widely used massage types in the world. If you’re planning your first massage, a Swedish massage is a great place to start. The Swedish body massage uses a combination of different massage techniques implemented into a single session to relax and soothe away stress. 

During your Swedish massage therapy session, the therapist will use their hands to work with your soft tissues and muscles – usually using long, gliding strokes and circular motions. This may help relax your muscles, releasing pain and discomfort from the built-up tension you’ve been experiencing.

If you feel overworked, stressed, or have tense muscles, a Swedish massage may be a great way to begin reviving your body and mind. Since this massage is well known for relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and rejuvenating. 

Swedish Massage Techniques

Effleurage: Effleurage is used to start your massage, it helps the muscles warm-up. It’s also used to soothe your muscles at the end of your massage. This technique includes gentle gliding and circular strokes. The massage therapist applies different pressure levels on the body, which loosens knots in your muscles and relieves tension. In total, there are three classes of effleurage – each one is based on the amount of pressure that is used during the massage. These classes include feather stroking, superficial effleurage, and deeper effleurage. The degree of pressure applied depends on your specific needs and wants.

Petrissage: This technique includes a kneading movement. It involves deep penetration into the muscles. The massage therapist will usually compress your soft tissues in a rhythmic fashion. The most common ways of performing petrissage include kneading, wringing, rolling, and lifting. This will help the muscles stretch and loosen. This also may help improve blood circulation in those areas, which can relieve pain and help you feel renewed. Petrissage is a massage technique that can take time. While anyone can benefit from this technique, It’s often recommended for people with injured muscles since it provides therapeutic benefits.

Friction: This technique involves rubbing on the massage area using the thumbs or fingers. The massage therapist may apply pressure in a circular area or linear, and this rubbing can soften and realign your muscles. This technique is great for those of you who may have joint pain or struggle to move your joints.

Vibration: This technique involves rhythmic shaking of the area being massaged. This will loosen up your body and help your muscles relax. It’s possible your massage therapist may use their palms to shake the skin and muscles on your back. They may use their fingers if the massage area is small or sensitive, like your face. Vibration works best for soothing nerves in areas with large scars or knots.

Tapotement: Drumming or tapping is what tapotement refers to. The massage therapist will use rhythmic tapping to stimulate blood flow across the body. Tapotement involves actions like hammering, slapping, cupping, hacking, and tapping. Tapotement promotes the production of endorphins, which help the body relax. This technique relaxes tight muscles and helps in lymphatic drainage. 

What Happens During The Swedish Massage?

While all massage therapists have their own personal ways of giving a massage, there are a few general processes that you’ll experience during a Swedish massage. First, the therapist will lubricate your skin with massage oil or lotion to create a smoother, more comfortable experience as they apply pressure. Your therapist will perform various massage strokes. In a Swedish massage, the strokes are generally long, gliding motions, with some circular movements, generally in the direction of blood flow towards your heart. These movements allow muscle tissue to warm up. This helps release tension and breaks up muscle “knots,” also known as adhesions. 

To get the best massage experience, Soothe always encourages good client-therapist communication. Before the massage is performed, the therapist will likely ask you about any injuries or other conditions that he or she should know about. Be sure to speak up and tell the massage therapist exactly how you feel. For example, you want to be sure to tell them what areas are hurting, painful, or tense. If you have allergies or are pregnant, be sure to inform them.

You should also tell the massage therapist your preference for pressure, which may be light, moderate, or firm. The therapist will likely ask a series of questions to ensure you have the best experience possible. That’s why communication is so important. Soothe wants to make sure to meet all of your expectations. If you let your massage therapist know exactly what you want, he or she can make sure they deliver on that promise.

Origins Of The Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage has an interesting history. In fact, Swedish massage and physical therapy were pioneered by a Swedish physiologist at the University of Stockholm in the early 1800s. His name was Per Henrik Ling.

In the early 19th century, he developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics,” which included movements performed by a therapist. These later became known as “Swedish movements” in Europe and “The Swedish Movement Cure” when they eventually came to the U.S. in 1858. Today, it’s widely known as the Swedish massage.

Another interesting fact: Swedish massage is often used as a foundation massage for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, and full body massage.

Health Benefits

Countless studies and research explain the health benefits of a Swedish massage. One benefit of receiving a Swedish massage is that the technique can help stimulate your lymph system. The function of your lymph system is to circulate nutrient-filled fluids and waste around your body. When your muscles relax, these fluids can move freely around the body. This process also helps increase blood flow and circulation throughout the body.

If you have problems with muscular strain, you may benefit from the Swedish massage. As the therapist works on relaxing your muscles, this can allow your lymph system to flush out the metabolic waste from the muscles, promoting faster healing.

The Swedish massage may also be used as therapy for people who suffer from types of debilitating joint disorders that are painful. This type of massage can help increase the elasticity in the tissues, improve flexibility, and can help reduce pain. A study conducted by Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, H., Hossain, Z., and Burman, I. reported in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in the year 2000, explains that hypertension and its associated symptoms were reduced through massage therapy. 

Swedish Massage is the best-known massage type for relaxation, one of the main reasons many men and women use it for stress relief. The massage therapist may use oil or lotion and combine long, gliding, and kneading strokes over the topmost layers of muscles. Pressure varies from light moderate, and firm. Often combined with manipulation and stretching of your arms and legs, Swedish massage relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, increases energy, and can help you heal after an injury.

One study found that a single session of Swedish massage resulted in a significant decrease in the hormone arginine-vasopressin, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and water retention and may positively affect the immune system.

Personal Benefits

While a Swedish massage works great to help people suffering from health conditions, it also benefits people experiencing everyday stresses. It’s no secret that stress can harm your body. We’re human; we stress relationships, work, kids, parents, taxes, politics, and everything else. The more we stress, the more our muscles become tense, making it difficult to relax them.

The pressure used during Swedish massage therapy can help relax the muscles and relieve all the tension that has built up. The touch of the skin can also help to relax you and some have reported it helps clear their mind. If you enjoy firm pressure during a massage, you may also want to consider a deep-tissue massage. 

One more possible benefit we want to touch on is sleep. Sleep is very important to your health; it’s what renews the body and mind. Making sure you get good quality sleep is healthy for your overall well-being. The massage techniques used in Swedish massage are specifically designed to relax your body. This relaxation can help promote better sleep; when performed in the evening, it may also help you fall asleep faster. 

How to Book a Swedish Massage Near You

If you’re interested in booking a Swedish massage, Soothe makes it easy to find a certified massage therapist in your area. If you have questions about this type of massage and other massage services, check out our massage page. Visit our booking page, and we’ll bring the massage to you! 

The post Swedish Massage: What It Is, Benefits, And What To Expect appeared first on Soothe.

What Massage Type Is Best?

With so many options, choosing the right massage type can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re stressed, sore, or run down, choose from one of our several massage types! Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at this helpful guide:

Swedish

The most common form of massage, Swedish uses a gentle technique, with long strokes, kneading, and deep circular movements to relax and energize you. This is a great option for new-comers or someone just looking to unwind.

Deep Tissue

For those looking for a stronger touch, deep tissue uses slower, more forceful strokes to target deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. This technique is ideal for those that suffer from chronic stress, regular muscle tension, or headaches.

Sports

A style that caters to athletes of all kinds, this modality targets muscle-tendon junctions to promote flexibility, reduce muscle fatigue, improve endurance, and prevent injuries. This modality is suited for anyone with an active lifestyle. Integrating sports massage into any fitness routine will do wonders for your body.

Prenatal

This modality helps lessen pregnancy discomfort and works to alleviate backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, and swelling. Prenatal massage is safe for women in their second or third trimester. This massage is administered while the client lies on their side to prevent any discomfort.

Couples

Any of our modalities can be performed as a couples massage. Order two massage therapists to massage you and your partner simultaneously, or enjoy back to back massage with one massage therapist. A couples massage is perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or night in.

No matter which modality you choose, you’ll feel good from the inside out after a Soothe massage. Interested in learning more about these massage types? Click on the hyperlinks throughout this articles for a more comprehensive guide to each massage type.

If you’re ready to get started, book a massage here!

The post Which Massage Type Is Right For You? appeared first on Soothe.