| Massage is an ancient and widely practised | | | | known as the mast cells located within our |
| treatment which helps relieve stress, muscle | | | | connective tissues. A deep tissue massage |
| aches and pains, tension and promotes other | | | | increases blood circulation in the surrounding areas |
| valuable health healing effects. There are however | | | | which can help to promote the healing process. |
| many different types of massage to choose | | | | 4. Oriental massage |
| from and here we look at the top 5 treatments | | | | As its name suggests, an Oriental massage |
| available. | | | | originates from the far east. Is one of the oldest |
| 1. Aromatherapy | | | | practised massage techniques and is growing again |
| Aromatherapy is categorised as a specialist | | | | in popularity throughout the world. Considered to |
| treatment and therefore should only be | | | | be a pressure massage utilising virtually any |
| conducted by qualified aromatherapists. Using plant | | | | surface of the body to apply, including the hands, |
| extracts combined with carrier oils to form a | | | | feet, elbows and thumbs. Typically it also includes |
| therapeutic treatment which is fully adaptable to | | | | gentle stretching and manipulation combined with |
| your own needs. | | | | the laying on of hands not dissimilar to that |
| 2. Aroma massage | | | | undertaken during spiritual healing. |
| An aroma massage is typically used for relaxation | | | | 5. Sports massage |
| and utilises ready-made essential oils. Becoming | | | | The sports massage, similar to it's Oriental |
| more and more popular in recent years as | | | | counterpart, has significantly increased in popularity |
| practised by the majority of therapists. Typically | | | | over the last 10 years. This is a consequence of |
| the massage room will also be further enhanced | | | | greater participation in leisure activities leading to |
| by the use of therapeutic music. | | | | the requirement of a greater number of sports |
| 3. Deep tissue massage | | | | injuries requiring treatment. Many significant |
| Deep tissue massage is looked upon as a | | | | benefits can be obtained from sports massages |
| connective tissue massage. This involves a | | | | including the easing of aches and pains, and the |
| stroking method which is utilised to stimulate the | | | | relaxing of the musculoskeletal system or indeed |
| release of histamine and what are commonly | | | | specific muscle groups. |