Moroccan massage at Chameli Spa, Al Rashidiya

What is Moroccan massage?

A Moroccan massage takes its name from argan oil, pressed from the kernels of the argan tree that grows in south-west Morocco. The technique is close to a Swedish massage, long strokes with kneading, but the oil is richer and the pace a little slower.

Moroccan massage vs Moroccan bath: what's the difference?

They're different treatments. The Moroccan bath is a wash-and-scrub: warm water, black soap and a textured kessa glove. The Moroccan massage is an oil massage. Do the bath first and the massage second if you book both. See what to know before booking a Moroccan bath.

Traditionally used for vs what research generally supports

Argan oil is traditionally used in Morocco for skin and hair. Research on its effects on skin is limited. For massage in general, the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes possible short-term benefits for some pain and anxiety. We describe Moroccan massage as a warm, nourishing-feeling oil massage.

Is Moroccan massage suitable for everyone?

Massage is not a medical treatment, and the team at Chameli Spa are massage therapists, not doctors. Please tell reception before you book, and your therapist before you start, if any of these apply:

• a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, now or in the past, or you take blood-thinning medicine
• surgery, a fracture or a sprain in the last few weeks
• a fever, an infection, or broken, sunburnt or irritated skin
• a heart condition, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes with nerve changes, or a recent injury you haven't had checked
• allergies to nuts, coconut, sesame or fragrance (we'll switch to a plain oil)

If in doubt, ask your doctor first. A good massage can wait a week; an aggravated injury takes longer.

Argan oil comes from a nut kernel; if you have a tree-nut allergy, ask for plain oil.

Questions before you book