Everyday life evolves around work and activities, which in some cases can lead to stress. This is a common problem in many people and one way to help this is to relax and forget about all the other things around you.

This is where massage routines and aromatherapy come in hand. Massage is a good stress busting method and can give a 'relief' feeling for anybody.

The benefits of massage are rewarding for your body and also your health. It improves health by acting directly on the bodies muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.

Massage is also said to improve beauty and fitness.

Massage therapy is aimed to:
- develop and maintain your physical function.
- Relax tense muscles.
- Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain.
- Improve circulation and immune system functionality.
- Reduce stress.
- Relax the mind
- Improve blood flow
- Increase overall feeling of well-being

Massage involves using the hands to perform different types of movements and techniques on the body. Massage can be performed on many parts of the body, but the most common part is the back. This is aimed to provide relaxation, healing and detoxification.

The main techniques used to perform a massage include stroking, kneading, rubbing or pressing on the body. Other methods use direct hand pressure on the skin or either through the clothes.

Types of massage. There are many different types of massage nowadays, but are all based around the same concept. This concept is touch. The following list is information on the different types of massage:

Swedish Massage
Acupressure
Indian head massage
Rolfing
Reflexology

Swedish massage:
This is the most commonly used massage in this country is the ‘Swedish Massage’. It involves applying sensual massage oils to the patient before using a range of different hand strokes and a certain amount of pressure on the body. The most common part of the body for a Swedish massage is the back.

A massage session can last up to an hour, with extra time to relax, having had the massage treatment.

Acupressure:
Acupressure is a form of Chinese healing that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to relieve pain. There are many different points in the body, known as ‘meridians’ that carry energy throughout the body.

Fine, sterile needles are inserted into a selection of these points and are said to balance the flow of vital energy in the body and regulate the function of the inner organs.

Acupressure can help with the following:
Relieve stress and tension
Relax mind and body
Increase blood circulation
Aid in the removal of toxic wastes
Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches
Promote the healing of injuries
Increase energy levels
Increase overall feeling of well-being

Indian head massage:
An Indian head massage is a gentle treatment applied to the neck, shoulders, upper arms and the head. It is used to aid relaxation and aid blood flow through the scalp.

When feeling stressed, tension can accumulate causing problems such as stiffness in the neck and shoulders, eye strain or headaches. An Indian head massage can resolve these problems and make you feel more calm and relaxed.

Rolfing:
This massage technique was developed in the USA. It involves deep pressure on muscles and other soft tissues. It is designed to ease tension and improve posture of a person. Rolfing is known to improve performance in people’s daily activities and is also widely used by Athletes and professionals in many major sports.

Reflexology:
Reflexology is a massage used on the hands and feet by applying pressure and stimulation to these parts. It is said to increase circulation and promote specific bodily and muscular functions.