What is massage?

Massage is the stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles.

There are lots of different kinds of massage, each with broadly different origins and aims - some focus on soothing muscle pain; others on increasing energy levels; some aim to improve a specific physical condition; others simply to help you relax.

Massage makes you feel good in lots of ways, and can have a positive effect on your whole body - your bones, your muscles, your heart, your skin, your breathing, digestion, and your mental health.

Massage works in various ways:

• It relaxes and refreshes tired or knotted muscles
• It increases blood circulation
• It stimulates deep circulation, both of blood and lymph which helps your body to heal, and generally work more efficiently
• It encourages your body to produce endorphins - the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel happy.

It's instinctive to give someone a hug or a pat on the back to comfort or reassure them; in some ways, massage is a formal version of that instinct.

What is massage good for?

In its various forms, massage can help to cure and relieve a wide range of complaints. Research shows that massage is particularly good at relieving stress-related problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, through to high blood pressure.

Massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organs and tissues. Whilst massage encourages your body to circulate the "good stuff"; it also encourages it to get rid of the "bad stuff" - waste products, toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water.
It can be used to treat specific physical injuries or difficulties, and to help with rehabilitation after someone has had an injury. It can also help prevent further muscle or tissue damage.

One of its greatest effects of most massages is that it can make you feel much better about yourself, more relaxed in your own skin, calm and peaceful.

Before you go

Massages vary, and you'll have to bear different things in mind depending on what kind you're having. However, generally speaking you should wear loose-fitting clothes - you can keep your clothes on for some forms of massage; for others, you will take them off, or just wear a towel.

Precautions

Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your body.

You should always tell your therapist in advance if you:

• are, or think you might be, pregnant
• have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
• have recently had an injury or operation
• are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
• have any broken skin or sores on your scalp
• have a fever or infection

as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.

What to expect

Whatever kind of massage you are having, the masseur should ask you some basic questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general health.

Masseurs will massage you with their bare hands, and possibly with their feet or elbows as well. They may use some oils to make it easier to glide their hands across your skin. The strength of pressure will vary according to the massage-type and the part of the body they are massaging.

The length of sessions varies. Treatments can last from half an hour to half a day, depending on what kind of massage you are having. Whatever it is, make sure you allow yourself time to get ready and get settled, as well as time to wind down afterwards.

Hot tip!

Get plenty of information in advance about the kind of products being used or any precautions your therapist might need to take; for example, tell them if you are allergic to anything.

Afterwards

You can expect to feel relaxed and calm after a massage. After some, you may feel a little achey, after others so relaxed that you are a bit vague or sleepy. On the other hand, some massages will leave you feeling really energised.

Whatever it is, try to arrange to have your massage when you have a little time to enjoy its benefits. It may not be a good idea to plan an important presentation, host a children's party or take a three-hour drive up the M6 to visit your ex-husband immediately afterwards. Give yourself plenty of time to wind down. Think of it in the same way as you would a "cool down" after exercising; the massage will do you a lot more good if you do. A good spa will offer you a shower, and even a lie-down after your massage; don't waste the opportunity of extending your "me-time".

Courtesy of the Good Spa Guide