Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and has been used as a healing therapy for many thousands of years, in cultures all over the world.  In Hippocrates, the Greek scholar who wrote the oath Drs swear when qualified, recommended that physicians should treat sports and war injuries with massage.
Many ancient cultures considered massage to be an essential healing art.  Japan, Egypt, Rome and Arabia all considered massage to be calming, soothing and relaxing, and also very important to the healing process. Now, in the 21st century, there are many different kinds of massage therapies available, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body.
There are many forms of massage, and a skilled therapist may blend a number of different techniques.

How does massage work?

Massage uses either the therapist’s hands or, in some cases, arms or other aid such as pads of stones, to work on the body’s soft tissue, especially the muscles. By manipulating these areas tension can be released and area’s, which have been tense such as after a strain or injury may begin to recover. This can also improve circulation and restore mobility to joints, which have become less flexible.  Massage taps into the bodies’ innate ability to heal itself along with our need for touch and comfort.
Massage also stimulates the bodies' lymphatic system and promotes the removal of toxins and detoxification of the body by stimulating the process, which naturally release and remove harmful substances from our body systems.
Relaxation also works by promoting relaxation, relaxing and releasing tension, which the therapist works through process’s, which enable to body to let go and encourages the mind to drift.  Relaxation is in itself an important part pf most healing, giving ourselves time and space to establish inner balance.

What does a massage involve?

There are numerous different kinds of massage so it’s difficult to generalise. Usually you will lie on a couch covered with one or more towels while the therapist moves around you touching and moving your muscles.  
Oil may be used to assist the process and allow the therapist to reduce friction particularly on the large muscle groups such as on the back and upper legs. The therapist may ask you to roll over or hold a particular position while she works on particular area.
Your privacy will be preserved throughout the session and your comfort will be of the utmost importance so the room will be warm and the therapist will make sure you are positioned comfortably.

Massage for particular client groups

Infant massage

Infant massage has traditionally been used in many cultures around the world, but has only recently gained popularity in the West. The aim has usually been to encourage strong health spine and limbs and to help prepare a baby for sleep.  Research shows, that massage enhances bonding between the parent and baby. Also, because massage releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) it helps to reduce the pain of colic and teething, helps to clear sinus and chest infection, helps baby to relax and induces sound, healthy sleep for parent and child.

Massage for children

Research has shown that children who are massaged show decreased levels of stress hormones. And children who are experiencing minor health problems or even more serious problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or diabetes show less anxiety and report feelings of increased well being after massage.
Massage therapy is used to help children suffering chronic pain, and research has also shown that children with ADHD, autism and other special needs also benefit greatly from the massage experience.

Massage during pregnancy

More and more women are finding that a weekly massage throughout pregnancy helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Massage can provide feelings of emotional support, especially for those women who are going through the experience alone or don’t have family close by.  It can relieve muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pains, increases circulation and thus reduces the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in the feet and legs.  Research has also suggested that massage helps with digestion and reduces the likelihood of stretch marks.
However, massage during pregnancy should be avoided by some women including those with placental dysfunctions, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, toxaemia or threatened miscarriage. If in any doubt at all, have a chat with your doctor before booking an appointment with a therapist.

Massage for cancer patients

Research has provided new clinical massage is beneficial for cancer patients. It may reduce anxiety levels help to improve patients’ physical and psychological symptoms, as well as their quality of life. It has been suggested that massage may improve immune and neuroendocrine functions.
Cancer patients must always inform their massage therapist of the site(s) of the cancer(s), as the tumours themselves should never be massaged.
Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness.

Massage for the elderly

Massage can be especially helpful for the problems that most people experience as they grow older. Gentle massage can be used to soothe conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, loss of flexibility, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and help with respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema. But, perhaps most important of all, for elderly people who have lost their partners and live alone, massage provides the sense of nurturing that comes from being gently and respectfully touched. Elderly people with Alzheimer’s or who have had a stroke and find it hard to communicate verbally benefit greatly from massage.
Very frail or modest clients can benefit just as much from a foot, hand or face massage as they might from an all-over body massage. It’s important to make sure that the therapist is told about any medication the elderly client is taking.

What is massage good for?

These forms of specialised massage can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, the muscle spasms and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Massage is especially good for the treatment of general aches and pains backache and muscle strains.

What are the benefits of massage?

Massage relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved circulation, promotes relaxation and improved sleep. Clients who have experienced these forms of specialised massage report that they find the treatment soothing.
In fact research suggests that people who have massage or other physical therapies after these kinds of problems take less time to recover, are back at work more quickly And are less likely to suffer relapse.   Regular massage can be seen as an investment if you need to keep active, used as prevention as well as treatment after the event.

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Clients with any form of cancer must obtain their doctor’s permission before having any kind of massage treatment. Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor first. Before beginning treatment a massage therapist will always take a detailed medical history and can advise you if massage may not be suitable. We may even ask permission to contact your GP just to make sure.