History

Massage is a technique which draws from many cultures, with the first record of it being in China from 3000BC. The ancient Chinese used massage to promote and restore health, as well as using it for relaxation. Other cultures named it differently and for example integrated different parts of the body and use of pressure points on the body. For instance, the Japanese have Shiatsu, in India it forms part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The Ancient Greeks used massage as part of their everyday exercise and fitness routine. To this day in Turkey, massage is an integral part of Turkish Baths.

Modern Day Massage

Today, in the West, massage is based on techniques developed by a Swedish chap known as Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). He studied in China and developed a system of movements to promote improvements in his health and maintenance of his physical wellbeing - this became known as Swedish massage. In recent years various massage techniques have developed and continue to be used, however, Swedish massage forms the basis for most of these.

Massage is beneficial to all body systems and is a natural and effective way to treat. The effects of massage can be on a physical, psychological or both.

Benefiting all body systems; massage relaxes painful and tight muscles. Massage stretches and kneads tight and painful muscles, gently separating individual fibers that may have become bound and knotted together.

Massage can be combined with other treatments, such as Reiki, or it can be given as a stand alone treatment. It is a natural way of treating both psychological problems and physical conditions.

The body systems treated during massage are…

	Skeletal
	Muscular
	Cardiovascular
	Lymphatic
	Respiration
	Nervous
	Skin
	Digestive
	Urinary

Massage also greatly benefits the body on a psychological level.

In the short term benefits of massage can be…

	General relaxation
	Improved skin tone and colour which arises due to the removal of dead cells and improving the circulation
	Better circulation occurs because of the more efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells and more efficient waste removal
	Improved lymph drainage and so reduction in swelling
	Relief of muscle fatigue and soreness
	Relief for tired and stiff joints
	Neural system stimulation or sedation- depending on the massage given
	Improved sleep patterns
	Increased and improved digestion and waste removal
	Relaxation of the body and so reduction in tension and the effects of stress
	Relaxation of the mind and so reduction of anxiety and its effects on the body as a whole
	Soothing and comforting
	Provision of a 'lift' to the emotions inviting positivity
	Increased energy levels by invigorating all body systems and reducing fatigue

In the long term massage can…

	Boost immunity
	Lower high blood pressure
	Enable deeper, more effective respiration
	Relieve insomnia
	Improve muscle suppleness
	Improve circulation and lymph flow
	Balance the digestive system
	Improve skin elasticity
	Enable sustained relaxation of body and mind
	Improve neural communication and relax the nervous system (preventing, for eg, muscle spasms caused by anxiety)
	Increase energy levels as less energy is spent holding the body in a state of tension and strain. This applies both physically and mentally

Massage can assist the following conditions…

	Stress
	Emotional issues
	Hypertension
	Poor circulation
	Anxiety
	Depression
	Back pain
	Headaches
	Muscle pain
	Digestion disorders
	Stiff joints
	Insomnia
	Low energy levels
	PMT
	Menopause

What happens during a treatment?

On the first visit I will assist the client to complete a Consultation form which includes questions on general well-being, diet, injuries, any medical conditions, etc - so information that will help me establish the best treatment I can give you. This lasts between 10-15 minutes and does not fall into the 1 hour allocation for your massage - so you are not charged for this.

Some conditions can require medical approval and these will be unearthed during the consultation. If you suffer from any of the following, please speak to your doctor first and bring with you his/her approval for massage treatments to take place:

	Pregnancy - see also Pregnancy Massage section
	Heart or cardiovascular conditions - eg high or low blood pressure, circulatory problems
	Cancer
	Osteoporosis
	Diabetes
	Oedema (fluid retention)
	Asthma
	Kidney infections/disorders OR any other ailments of the internal organs
	Nervous or psychotic conditions
	Epilepsy
	AIDS or HIV
	Any other condition already being treated by a medical practitioner OR another complementary therapist

Once the consultation is completed the massage treatment will then take place. You will start by lying on your back and you will be covered by towels so your modesty is protected at all times. During the treatment only parts of the body being massaged will be exposed, ie one leg or one arm or your back and so on.

Sweet Almond Oil or Grapeseed Oil (for those with nut allergies) is the massage medium used.