Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healthcare in practice today. It involves use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissue. Massage therapy aims to improve blood circulation, increasing the flow of nutrients and eliminating waste products.

Massage is the recent name for the ancient-established art of healing by touch. The technological developments of the 20th century affected the practice of medicine, making it more and more specialised, and the hands-on approach and the healing touch was gradually replaced by machines.

However, with the development Swedish Massage techniques in the 1800’s, the power of the skilled, caring touch was not lost. Swedish Massage has long been thought of as the first organised and systematic method of modern therapeutic massage in the western world.

Massage is calming and soothing. It improves our sense of well-being, and reduces the levels of cortisol - the body’s stress hormone. It also strengthens the immune system by bringing more white blood cells into the circulation system, and this in turn helps to fight infection. It also improves joint mobility, releases muscle tension, helps eliminate toxins and assists in tension release. Massage can reduce your heart rate, relax your muscles, improve range of motion in your joints and increase production of your body's natural pain killers. It helps relieve stress and anxiety. Although massage is almost always safe, avoid it if you have open sores, acute inflammation or circulatory problems.

There are numerous different types of massage therapies and techniques available, many steeped in ancient Eastern traditions. For your own protection, discuss the technique to be used and the practitioner’s qualifications and experience. Ensure that the practitioner holds current professional indemnity insurance and, in the case of IMTA members, their membership certificate should be on display.

All of the therapies incorporate deep abdominal breathing, aiding relaxation and tension release.

Read more about: the benefits of massage.

Check out the different types of massage .