Massage therapy has evolved out of one of our most foundamental desires - to touch and be touched. By manipulating the body's soft tissues with specific techniques to promote or restore health, it is possible to use your hands to detect and treat problems in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. And research shows that massage can help with everything from stress relief and related conditions such as insomnia and depression to convalescence after surgery.

Massage sends messages to the brain and back again, some simulating and others calming. Touch is known to increase the level of oxytocin, the hormone that makes us stop what we are doing and relax, which is our fast-paced modern society is necessary to restore balancce in our lives.

There are many different types of massage, using a variety of approaches and methods, such as the mechanical effects and reflex action. The mechanical effects include pressing,squeezing and moving the soft tissues of the bidy, relaxing the muscles and stimulating the circulation so that blood flows freely, carrying oxygen and nutrients to wherever they are needed. The reflex action is triggered in one part of the body as an involuntary reaction to the stimulation of another part - for instance, a relaxing back massage can also have the effect of easing leg pain.

Types Of Massage

The following part introduces the six main forms of therapeutic massage, both Western and Eastern in origins and traditions. The underlying approach to healing that each of these therapies takes is explained in simple terms and the basic techniques they use clearly demonstrated. Once you have taken a few moments to familiarize yourself with the principles involved, you will be ready to put them to practical use in improving your everyday wellbeing.

Western Massage is the most modern form of massage, including techniques of effleuragae, petrissage and knuckling. It is based on Swedish massage. Reflexology is a holistic therapy which works points on the hands and feet to stimulate particular parts of the body. Acuppressure is part of traditional chinese medicine using thumb and fingertip pressure to work points on the meridians. Head Massage is often known as Indian head massage, it involves massaging points around the head, neck and shoulders. Thai massage which is originating in Thailand, this form of massage works to restore balance in the flow of energy through the body.Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy combining the use of accupressure points and gentle manipulation methods.