Choosing a massage becomes easier when you focus on the experience you need today. Do you want to slow down, enjoy firmer pressure on specific areas, plan a session around your physical activity, or try something more immersive?

This guide compares the types of massage available at NDIKANDIÍ by goal, pressure and duration. It also explains the difference between relaxing and decontracting massages, and when you should seek advice before booking.

Start with three decisions

Before comparing techniques, ask yourself:

1. How do you want to feel during and after your session? Rested, with attention to specific areas of tension, supported after physical activity, or immersed in a whole-body experience.
2. What pressure do you enjoy? Gentle, medium or firm. More pressure is not automatically more effective.
3. How much time do you have, and what is available? Sessions last 60, 90 or 120 minutes, depending on the technique and city.

If you are wondering what massage you need, these starting points can help narrow your options:

Your goal	Start by comparing	Typical pressure	Available durations
Rest and slow down	Relaxing, Swedish or Hawaiian Lomi Lomi	Gentle to medium	60–120 min, depending on technique
Focus on specific areas of tension	Decontracting, Deep Tissue or Shiatsu	Medium to firm	60–120 min, depending on technique
Support your recovery after physical activity	Sports	Medium to firm	60 or 90 min
Enjoy a holistic or ritual-inspired experience	Holistic, Ayurvedic, Hot Stone or Mayan with Rebozo	Gentle to medium	90 or 120 min, depending on technique
Arrange a session with particular care requirements	Prenatal or Manual Lymphatic Drainage	Gentle or very gentle	60 or 90 min

This table is a starting point. The Massage Menu describes each technique, while the technique comparator lets you explore the options in more detail.

A guided recommendation

Find up to three techniques to compare

Choose your goal, preferred pressure, duration and city. You will see no more than three compatible options.

1. What are you mainly looking for?

Relaxation Work on tension Post-exercise recovery A holistic experience Gentle bodywork Prenatal wellbeing I am not sure yet

2. Which pressure do you prefer?

Soft Medium Firm I am not sure

3. Which duration do you have in mind?

60 min 90 min 120 min Recommended

4. In which city would you receive your massage?

Mexico City Monterrey Querétaro I am not sure yet

Show my options Clear

Complete your preferences to see up to three options.

When you want to relax and slow down

When you feel tension in specific areas

Relaxing or decontracting massage: which should you choose?

Choose relaxing massage when your priority is to rest, slow down and enjoy gentle to medium pressure across the body. Choose decontracting massage when you want more attention on specific areas and feel comfortable with medium to firm pressure.

If you want to relax but also have a particular area of tension, explain both priorities when booking and again at the start of your session. Your therapist can adjust the pressure within the type of massage you have booked.

When you exercise or have a physically demanding routine

When you want a holistic or different experience

Sessions with particular care requirements

Finding the right pressure starts with communication

Pressure helps distinguish techniques, but it is not an endurance test. Before the session, explain:

• which areas you want to prioritize and which you prefer to avoid;
• whether you enjoy gentle, medium or firm pressure;
• whether you have had an uncomfortable experience before;
• what sensations would prompt you to ask for an adjustment.

It is fine to speak during your session. You can ask for lighter or firmer pressure, a different position, a pause or a change of focus within the service you booked. If you already know an NDIKANDIÍ therapist, you can request them during booking; assignment depends on availability.

How long should your massage last?

60 minutes can provide a complete, focused experience. It is a practical option for a first session or for techniques offered at that duration.

90 minutes gives you more time for several areas or a less hurried pace. It is also the minimum duration currently offered for Deep Tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Holistic, Ayurvedic, Mayan with Rebozo and Hot Stone massages.

120 minutes may suit you if you want an extended session and your chosen technique offers it. Not every technique or every person needs two hours.

The techniques in this guide are booked in sessions of 60, 90 or 120 minutes, depending on the option. Check the available duration in the Massage Menu before continuing.

Check availability in your city

Most techniques are offered in Mexico City, Monterrey and Querétaro, with some exceptions:

• Ayurvedic: Mexico City and Monterrey.
• Mayan with Rebozo: Mexico City only.
• Shiatsu and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi: Mexico City and Monterrey.
• Hot Stone: Mexico City and Monterrey; a request in Querétaro does not mean regular availability.

Check the Massage Menu before booking for the current service options.

How to prepare for a massage at home

Allow enough space for the massage table and for your therapist to move around it. Keep access clear, and share any instructions for entering your house, apartment or hotel in advance.

Before your session:

• avoid a very heavy meal just before your appointment;
• have any relevant information ready to share;
• mention allergies or sensitivities to products;
• explain if any area should not be worked on;
• keep your underwear on throughout the service.

Your therapist will explain positioning and draping with sheets or towels. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, and you can express a boundary or request an adjustment at any time.

Frequently asked questions

Does stronger pressure give better results?

No. Pressure should suit the technique, your preferences and a safe experience. Intense pain is not a requirement for a good massage.

What should I choose for my first session?

If you want to relax and do not yet know your pressure preferences, Relaxing or Swedish massage offers a gentle to medium introduction. If your priority is a particular area and you know you enjoy firmer pressure, compare Decontracting and Deep Tissue.

How often should I have a massage?

There is no universal schedule. It depends on your goal, budget, response to the session and any relevant professional advice. Consider how you feel, rather than treating a fixed frequency as a promise of better health.

What if I have pain or an injury?

Massage does not diagnose an injury. If pain is severe, started after an injury, persists, worsens or comes with other symptoms, seek professional assessment before booking. The NCCIH advises against using massage to postpone medical care.

Can I ask to change the pressure during my session?

Yes. Tell your therapist how you feel. Asking for an adjustment is part of a good session.