Massage is essential to optimum health, but with so many different techniques on offer, what is the difference and how do you choose?
Acupressure (also known as Shiatsu)
A traditional form of Chinese medicine, based on the same principles as acupuncture but without the needles! Pressure is applied to points along the body, removing blocks in the meridian system.
Benefits: Helps to improve the immune system.
Aromatherapy Massage
One or more essential oils are added to a base massage oil, then used to massage the body.
Benefits: Essential oils are chosen according to the needs of the client, such as energising, relaxation, balancing or stress reduction.
Chi Nei Tsang
An abdominal massage to remove blockages in the internal organs.
Benefits: Very healing for digestive complaints
Cranio-Sacral massage
Deals with the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures, using a light soft touch to pinpoint and treat sources of obstruction and stress in the body.
Benefits: Can be used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, migraines, chronic fatigue, Post traumatic stress disorder
Deep Tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is usually used on specific areas and may cause soreness during or right after the treatment. This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue to release chronic patterns of tension in the body. Many toxins are released, so it is highly important to drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush the toxins from the body.
Benefits: Corrective and therapeutic for deeply held patterns of tension.
Hot Stone Massage
Warm, smooth stones are placed on various points of the body to help loosen tight muscles and stimulate centres of energy in the body.
Benefits: Ideal for people that need relief from tense muscles but prefer a gentle massage.
Indian head massage
A technique that focuses on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and head to aid relaxation and blood flow through the scalp.
Benefits: Can provide relief from stiffness in the neck and shoulders, eye strain or headaches
Pregnancy Massage
A specially designed massage for expectant mothers, using techniques to support and position the woman’s body.
Benefits: Relief from aches, swelling and anxiety.
Reflexology
A massage to the feet or hands to adjust meridian energy, help remove blockages and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium.
Benefits: Can provide relief from sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and stress-related conditions.
Reiki
Reiki is Japanese for ‘Universal Life Energy’. The recipient remains fully clothed while the reiki practitioner gently places their hands in a sequence of positions covering the whole body.
Benefits: The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms, but reiki promotes emotional, physical and spiritual healing.
Shiatsu Massage (also known as Acupressure)
A traditional form of Chinese medicine, based on the same principles as acupuncture but without the needles! Pressure is applied to points along the body, removing blocks in the meridian system.
Benefits: Helps to improve the immune system.
Sports Massage
Similar in technique to Swedish massage, but particularly beneficial in helping recovery following a sporting event or period of physical exertion.
Benefits: Help to warm muscles up and improve circulation before a sporting event, or to relax and improve recovery afterwards.
Swedish massage
The signature long strokes of the Swedish massage are used to release toxins from the muscles and increase the level of oxygen in the blood to flush wastes from the body, stimulate and soothe nerves and stretch the muscles.
Benefits: The whole body is stimulated, soothed and relaxed.
Thai Massage
Similar to shiatsu, gentle pressure is applied along specific points of the body, as well as stretching and compressions.
Benefits: Stress reduction, improved flexibility and energy.
During a massage:
- Make sure you point out any injuries or areas of concern before the massage starts
- Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist to adjust their pressure if it is too firm or too light.
- It is important to be comfortably warm throughout a massage so ask if you need the heating turned up or down.
- Remember to keep breathing
After a massage:
- Drink a lot of water to help the body flush out toxins released during the massage
- Sit quietly then go for a gentle walk after a massage to allow your body a chance to settle