Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a hands- on technique used by a trained practitioner to relax the body, stimulate the circulation and aid in the healing process. Many different techniques are employed, however all involve applying pressure to different parts of the body via the hands and arms. In some forms of massage, such as Thai massage, the practitioner may use their legs too.

There are many different types of massage therapy. Swedish massage is known for its use of long, flowing strokes. Remedial massage is a popular technique for athletes and sports people as it focuses on particular areas of the body which may be under stress due to injury. Deep tissue massage concentrates on the muscles located below the surface muscles and it is beneficial in treating muscular-skeletal disorders. Shiatsu is a Japanese technique whereby the fingers and thumbs are used to press on various pressure points. The Hawaiian form of massage, known as kahuna or lomi lomi, may take place in a very warm room or the therapist may use hot rocks to help relax the muscles. This type of therapy is popular to provide relief from pressure and stress and to calm the body and mind.

Most massage is done on a specialised massage table, however, it can also be done sitting down or in a special massage chair. The therapist will generally apply oils to the skin to help with the massage technique and they may also use calming music and incense to enhance the overall experience.