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Pilgrims can find here information about our pilgrims massage services and some advice to do the camino.

We have been treating pilgrims who arrive from the Camino de Santiago for years, in addition to being pilgrims ourselves who have completed several Caminos and have extensive travel experience. Mucha mochila y experiencia nos da una idea de lo que has vivido.

Do you want to know what our massage for pilgrims entails? Do you want advice on how to complete the Camino without injury? How to care for your feet during the journey? Or how to be a good pilgrim?

Massage for pilgrims:

What is the Pilgrim Massage like?

We recommend the 80-minute Pilgrim Massage to address all areas of the body, followed by stretching to provide complete relief. During the massage, we primarily work on the back, legs, and feet, as these are the areas that suffer the most during the pilgrimage.

We begin with relaxing strokes on the back to release tension caused by carrying a backpack. Then, we perform a relaxing massage to prepare the muscles before applying deeper pressure in the deep tissue massage.

It is worth noting that, although each person can choose the intensity of the massage, extreme pressure is not recommended as this massage is a post-competition treatment. Excessive pressure can cause muscle injuries.

In the leg massage, we use techniques to release muscular tension to relieve any accumulated stress.

Finally, we end with a series of stretches, especially focused on the legs and feet.

Each pilgrim is unique and may have different ailments. Therefore, it is important to inform the masseuse before the massage to tailor it to your needs.

Don’t forget to book your Pilgrim Massage in advance so you don’t miss out on this unique experience. We look forward to seeing you soon in our massage center!

Massage center for pilgrims

Our Pilgrim Massage is the perfect way to end your Camino de Santiago journey, and our massage center located in the city center is the best option.

This is a personalized massage designed to treat tired pilgrims. We know how it feels, as we have been pilgrims ourselves.

Pilgrims advice

Are you a good pilgrim? Tips to prepare for the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage routes in the world, attracting thousands of people from different countries, cultures and beliefs every year. Doing the Camino de Santiago is a unique and unforgettable experience, which allows you to see wonderful places, make new friends and discover yourself.

But the Camino de Santiago is also a test of endurance that requires good physical and mental preparation. . It is not a competition or a sporting challenge, but rather a personal and spiritual adventure. . Therefore, it is important that you prepare well to enjoy this experience to the fullest and avoid problems or setbacks that could ruin it.

In this guide, we give you some tips to be a good pilgrim and take care of your body and spirit during the Camino. . We will talk to you about how to take care of your feet, which are your best ally; how to use hiking poles, which will make the Camino easier for you; how to train before doing the Camino, so that your body is ready; how to enjoy the Camino and its benefits for your health and well-being; and how to give yourself a massage at the end of the Camino, to reward you for your effort.

Keep reading and discover how to be a good pilgrim and prepare for the Camino de Santiago.

ïndice

Take care of your pilgrim feet, they are your best ally
Use hiking poles, they will make the Camino easier
Train before doing the Camino, your body will thank you
Enjoy the Camino and its benefits for your health and well-being
Treat yourself to a massage at the end of the Camino, you deserve it

Take care of your pilgrim feet, they are your best ally

Your feet are the ones that will take you to Santiago, so you must pamper them and protect them as they deserve. Healthy and comfortable feet will make your Camino much more pleasant and will prevent you from suffering injuries or discomfort that could ruin your experience.

To take care of your feet, we recommend that you follow these tips:

Choose footwear suitable for walking long distances, with a firm rubber sole that cushions impact and is breathable and waterproof. Try your shoes before starting the Camino and make sure that they adapt well to your foot and do not cause chafing. Feet often swell after walking day after day, so it’s nice to have boots with a little more room.
Wear two pairs of socks, one thin and one thick, to reduce friction and prevent blisters. . Change socks every day and wash them frequently It is advisable to wear cotton or wool socks, which absorb sweat and prevent irritation.
Apply talcum powder or moisturizer to your feet every morning to keep them dry and soft. Check your feet at the end of the day and treat any wounds or blisters with antiseptic and dressings. If you have a blister, you can prick it with a sterile needle and let the fluid come out, but do not remove the skin as it acts as a natural protection.
Cut your nails before starting the Camino and keep them clean and short during the journey. Avoid polishes and false nails, as they can cause infections or ingrowns. . If you have an ingrown toenail, you can put a piece of cotton under the corner to lift it up and prevent further digging.
Bring a pair of flip flops or sandals to rest your feet at night and let them breathe. . They will also be used to shower in the shelters and avoid the spread of fungi or warts. . If it’s cold, you can wear wool socks to keep your feet warm.

Use hiking poles, they will make the Camino easier

Hiking poles are a very useful accessory for the pilgrim, as they provide support and stability during the Camino. Poles will help you maintain your balance, distribute the weight of your backpack, relieve pressure on your knees, and improve your posture and pace

We advise you to use two hiking poles, preferably adjustable and with ergonomic handles. You can buy them before starting the Camino or purchase them in one of the specialized stores that you will find along the route. You can also use a wooden stick, which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly, but less comfortable and resistant.

To use the canes correctly, you must follow these instructions:

Adjust the height of the poles according to your height and the terrain. The general rule of thumb is that your elbow should form a 90-degree angle when holding the club. . If the terrain is flat or rising, you can use the normal height. . If the terrain is descending, you can lengthen the poles a little so that they do not dig into the ground.
Hold the poles firmly but without straining your hand Use the wrist straps to prevent them from falling or slipping away. To put on the wrist guards, reach underneath and then grab the cane over the top. This way, the wristband will be on the bottom of your hand and will give you more security.
Coordinate the movement of the poles with that of the legs. The ideal is that you advance the cane opposite to the leg you are taking the step, so that a diagonal is created between the cane and the foot. For example, if you step with your right leg, the left stick moves forward, and vice versa. This will give you more balance and harmony in your walk.
Adapt the pace and intensity of the poles according to the gradient and difficulty of the path. On climbs, use the poles to propel yourself up and lean on them when taking the step. On flat sections, use the poles to set the pace and follow the movement of your arms. On flat sections, use the poles to set the pace and follow the movement of your arms.

Train before doing the Camino to Santiago de Compostela, your body will thank you

The Camino de Santiago is an endurance test that requires the pilgrim to be in good physical condition and good prior preparation. . It is not a competition or a sporting challenge, but rather a personal and spiritual experience. But that doesn’t mean you can do it without training or planning.

To do the Camino successfully and without suffering, we recommend that you follow these tips:

Choose the route and itinerary that best suits your level and expectations. There are many possible paths and each one has its characteristics and difficulty. Find out well about the stages, distances, slopes, services and points of interest of each path and choose the one you like best and that suits you best. Don’t overestimate yourself or demand more

Good way and we are waiting for you at Belmu Masajes.

The authentic end of the road to Santiago de Compostela

Don’t forget to BOOK your pilgrim massage.

Pilgrim foot care

Belmu massage gives you some Pilgrim`s foot care advice for pilgrims doing the way to Santiago:

Choosing the appropriate footwear for the Camino de Santiago

The appropriate footwear for the Camino de Santiago are hiking boots or trekking shoes. In addition to choosing this type of footwear, it is also essential that the boots or shoes you choose are already worn-in, so your feet will be adapted to them and will not suffer any discomfort.

Hiking boots are ideal if you are doing the Camino de Santiago during the colder months of the year. This way, your feet will be protected from the weather and well supported, and you will be able to cross all kinds of terrain without worries, as this type of footwear will help prevent foot injuries.

Trekking shoes are perfect for the spring and summer seasons. They do not offer the same protection as hiking boots but provide better breathability and comfort due to their light weight and increased mobility.

Closed-toe trekking sandals are a perfect complement to trekking shoes or trail running shoes on warm days. Changing to sandals for a few kilometers can help your feet breathe and recover. However, make sure the terrain is in good condition to avoid any type of sprains or injuries.

Socks are also important.

Socks can be the main cause of blisters and foot fungi, whether from walking on wet terrain or from rubbing against the shoes.

To avoid blisters and foot fungi, it is highly recommended that you carry several pairs of blister-resistant or Cool Max fabric socks in your backpack to change into when you feel uncomfortable or your feet get wet.

Prepare a small first-aid kit

It is highly recommended to prepare a first-aid kit to take care of your feet.

Alcohol or any other disinfectant (antiseptic).
Gauze to make any type of dressing in case of injury.
Cream to moisturize your feet.
Ointments for wounds.
Needle for stitching in case the blister is large.
Vaseline for after each walk and before putting on your socks.

With this small first-aid kit, your feet will be more than safe during the route.

Take care of your feet with proper hydration

It is not enough to wear clean socks and appropriate shoes; it is also essential to take care of your feet as you do with any other part of your body.

Feet also need to be hydrated and cared for. There are many moisturizing creams for feet on the market, from normal moisturizing creams to creams that are suitable for fatigue or muscle relaxation in this vital part of our body.

In addition to maintaining proper hydration in your feet, remember that it is also essential to apply vaseline after each walk and talcum powder before starting. This way, you will avoid blisters and prevent fungi and bacteria from settling in your feet.

Use vaseline before each stage

A good tip for foot care is to appl vaseline before walking. This will help keep your feet hydrated and prevent friction with your boots or shoes, resulting in fewer blisters, sores, or wounds. Some pilgrims opt to use Vicks Vaporub with similar results.

If you feel that you have excessive sweating on your feet, this advice may not be the most recommended, as talcum powder is the best ally for this.

Take care of your feet after each stage of the Camino de Santiago

It is important to treat your feet with great care. The first complications on the Camino de Santiago are mainly due to pilgrims or people who develop blisters or wounds on their feet.

What happens if blisters appear on your feet during the journey?

To remove blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you puncture them with a sterilized needle to drain the fluid.

After that, remember to use antiseptic or iodized ointment and then put on a bandage suitable for this type of wound.

Dont forget to Book the foot massage before you arrive