| Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft | | | | rose, neroli and ylang ylang are uplifting. The |
| body tissues with pressure, tension, motion or | | | | theory is that essential oils are both inhaled and |
| vibration. In addition to various parts of the body, | | | | absorbed through the skin and have effects on |
| massage can be performed with the aid of | | | | blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion and |
| mechanical aids, oils and lotions. It is one of the | | | | stress levels. For this reason, aromatherapy |
| oldest and simplest forms of promoting good | | | | massages are particularly useful for treating |
| health. There are over eighty different types of | | | | emotional problems and stress-related conditions. |
| massage. Let us review some of the more | | | | Hot Stone Massage |
| common types of body massage. | | | | During a hot stone massage, heated smooth |
| Swedish Massage | | | | stones made of basalt are placed on certain |
| During a gentle and relaxing Swedish massage, | | | | points on the body, including the back, the palms |
| the therapist applies massage oil to the body and | | | | of the hands or in between the toes. The |
| uses kneading, circular movements in combination | | | | therapist may also apply pressure to the stones. |
| with long, smooth strokes. There are six basic | | | | The aim is to warm and thereby loosen tight |
| strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, | | | | muscles and also to improve the circulation. This |
| tapotement, compression and vibration. Superficial | | | | lighter form of massage is particularly suited to |
| layers of muscle are targeted. | | | | people suffering from muscle tension. |
| Sports Massage | | | | Shiatsu |
| Athletes and people who work out regularly can | | | | Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage which |
| benefit from a sports massage. The aim is to | | | | involves the use of rhythmic finger and palm |
| loosen muscles and increase flexibility so that | | | | pressure to acupuncture meridians. The aim is to |
| athletic performance is enhanced and injuries are | | | | improve the flow of energy around the body and |
| prevented or avoided. Therapists use facilitated | | | | thereby restore the body to a balanced state. |
| stretching techniques in combination with more | | | | Benefits include improved circulation, reduced |
| rapid strokes compared with a Swedish massage. | | | | muscular stiffness and reduced stress levels. |
| Aromatherapy Massage | | | | Touch has been shown to bring numerous health |
| Aromatherapy massage therapy is performed | | | | benefits to people with a variety of conditions |
| with the aid of essential oils. Essential oils are | | | | ranging from a variety of chronic disorders, |
| scented plant oils and each essential oil is thought | | | | injuries and stress-related conditions. It may be |
| to have different effects on the body. For | | | | worth taking some time to find the type of body |
| example, rosemary oil is cleansing and energising, | | | | massage that is best suited to your needs, if only |
| chamomile, lavender and geranium are calming and | | | | to help you relax at the end of a long day. |