Massage has been used in almost all cultures and throughout history as one of the most common healthcare techniques. It improves circulation and helps eliminate toxins from the body. It can be used to treat all kinds of muscular stresses, pains and injuries.
Massage is also very effective as a preventative and many people come for massage on a regular basis - weekly, fortnightly or monthly - for this reason. Alternatively, some people come for a one-off session just to relax.
As well as the physical benefits, massage can help alleviate stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and has been shown to be useful in helping people cope with depression. It can be part of promoting a balanced lifestyle, a way to help yourself through a difficult time or a way to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
I trained initially in Swedish Massage which is the most common style of massage in the U.K. and since then have studied various other techniques including Deep Tissue techniques which are especially useful in addressing specific areas.
Sessions normally last about an hour but this can be varied as required. Conditions for which massage can be useful include: