Soothing strokes

Soothing or stimulating, treat or treatment - there is a form of massage to suit every person. Take your pick...

Soothing or stimulating, treat or treatment - there is a form of massage to suit every person. Here are some to choose from..

Therapeutic massage
This is also known as Swedish massage because it was a Swede, Pehr Henrik Ling, who created the scientific system that still forms the basis of most massage treatments. It consists of a series of strokes, kneading, friction, percussion and vibration.

Benefits: It increases joint mobility, decrease inflammation, relieve muscle pain and tightness, increase flexibility, and enhance blood flow.

Thaimassage
This massage actually has its roots in India and ayurveda, though it has been used and refined in Thailand for thousands of years.

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Practitioners apply rhythmic pressure to different parts of the body, following the "sen" energy channels. Your limbs are aslo stretched. It's also described as "lazy yoga."

Benefits: You will feel stretched and soothed and, possibly, like you are just back from holiday in Thailand.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally translates as "finger pressure." It was first systematised by Tokujiro Namikoshi, who founded the Japanese Shiatsu College in 1940. It often may feel as if nothing much is happening, aside from some relaxed pressure at various points on the body and some gentle joint rotations.

Benefits: Relieves back pain, headaches, neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced mobility. Also clears digestive problems, insomnia and other stress-related disorders.

Reflexology
This focuses on your feet and sometimes hands and ears. It is based on the principle that points on the foot relate to every other area of your body. By pressing the right areas of toes and soles a practitioner can treat everything above the ankle.