Therapeutic Massage

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic MassageMassage is a form of tissue manipulation which has developed over thousands of years.  Massage has been used for restoring and promoting good health and originates from ancient China.
Massage is the use of hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to provide stimulation, rehabilitation or relaxation.  It promotes suppleness, improves circulation and reduces stress.

What will happen during a massage session?

Some massage practitioners will carry out an initial consultation with you and will ask some questions about your general health, life style, etc. in order to check that massage will be beneficial to you and to ascertain your requirements.

You will be asked to remove your clothing from the areas which are to be massaged, and will then be asked to lay on the massage couch and cover yourself with the towels provided.  It is worth mentioning that during the massage all parts of the body which are not being massaged remain covered with the towels and that ‘private parts’ of the body are not exposed or massaged.

Short term benefits:

The immediate impact on the body after a massage is:

  • Relaxes the body, reducing tension and stress
  • Relaxes the mind, reducing anxiety and its effects
  • Soothes and comforts
  • Gives a ‘lift’ to emotions and increases positive feelings
  • Increases energy levels by invigorating all body systems and reducing fatigue

Long term benefits:

If you have a series of regular treatments:

  • Enables sustained relaxation of body and mind
  • Improves body image, awareness and general self-esteem
  • Increases energy levels
  • Breaks down fatty tissue enabling the body to become ‘toned’.

by Alison Higham

General Massage Links:

General Council for Massage Therapy – the emerging Organisation for the Self-Regulation of Massage Therapy in the UK.

Massage Therapy UK – online directory of massage therapists.

International Register of Massage Therapists (since 1978)

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