massage

 Massage uses touch to help relax the body and mind. The main benefit of getting a massage is that it 's very relaxing and helps release any stored-up tension. There are lots of different types of massage to suit everyone. Some require you to remove clothing, other techniques can be administered through your clothes. Some massage techniques work on your entire body, while other focus on one part, like your feet. Here are some examples;

oil massage

Sometimes called a 'Swedish massage', a massage with oils uses various techniques to knead and stretch the soft tissues of the body.

thai yoga massage

A traditional massage based on Indian and Thai forms. It consists of a flowing sequence of stretching and pressing on energy pathways in the body, using hand, arm, thumb and foot pressure. The treatment includes passive yoga stretches.

reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapy involving the practise of massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands or ears, witrh the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.

For more information on reflexology, visit theSite.org.

shiatsu

Coming from Japan, this traditional massage works, like acupuncture, by stimulating and balancing the body’s energy flow along 'meridians' or energy pathways. The practitioner uses techniques such as holding, pressing, and stretching, to balance Ki or Qi (energy) in the body.

aromatherapy massage

This is usually a gentle massage, using essential oils from plants, because they have specific therapeutic purposes.

Download a factsheet for more information on massage

Most of these treatments are available on the NHS, visit the NHS website to find your nearest practitionar.