Make mine a massage...

massage,spa,treatments massage

We all love a massage, but with so many different techniques on the market today, where do we start...?

Acupressure (AKA Shiatsu)

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Acupressure (AKA Shiatsu)

What? A traditional form of Chinese medicine, Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but healing hands are favoured instead of needles. The fingers and palms are used to apply pressure to particular points of the body for the purpose of correcting imbalances, and maintaining and promoting health and wellbeing.

 

Key benefit: Helps to improve the immune system

 

Why not try? Ben Dobson - Shiatsu extraordinaire who will travel to your home or workplace to provide tired bods with an excellent acupressure massage. Visit zenlondon.com for more info or to book.

 

Aromatherapy

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Aromatherapy

What? A form of alternative medicine that utilises liquid botanicals, AKA essential oils, to help affect one\'s mood or health. In aromatherapy massage, one or more essential oils are mixed with a base massage oil.

 

Key benefits: Essential oils are chosen according to your specific needs, so whether you\'re feeling stressed, sluggish or out of sync, there will be an essential oil to suit.

 

Why not try? The Darphin Vitality Surge Body & Soul Reviver is the perfect example of how essential oils can re-charge, re-energize and re-new. Visit darphin-france.com for more info.

Deep Tissue Massage

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Deep Tissue Massage

What? A type of massage therapy with slower movement and deeper pressure that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle to release chronic patterns of tension. It can be painful and discomforting, but the results are worth it. Just be sure to speak to your therapist about the sort of pressure you can handle.

 

Key benefits: This form of massage can be highly effective in correcting chronic pain or tension around the body, or specific injuries and limited mobility. 

Hot stone massage

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Hot stone massage

What? This deeply relaxing massage involves warm, smooth, healing stones placed on various points of the body - ideal for tense muscles. The heat from the stones relaxes and increases the blood flow to the area, which further accelerates the healing process.

 

Key benefits: Perfect for people that need relief from tense muscles but prefer a gentle massage.

Indian head massage (AKA Champissage)

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Indian head massage (AKA Champissage)

What? An alternative medicine massage technique that focuses on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and head to manipulate energy channels, banish negative energies, aid relaxation and increase blood flow through the scalp.

Key benefits: As well as being deeply relaxing, this form of massage can provide relief from stiffness and aches in the neck and shoulders, eye strain or even headaches.

Pregnancy Massage

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Pregnancy Massage

What? Some essential oils and massage techiniques are not appropriate for pregnant women and can be harmful, so this specially designed massage for mums-to-be means that expectant mothers can still enjoy a luxurious pampering treat. Using techniques to support and position the woman\'s body, pregnancy massage can help aid relaxation and really lift the spirits.

Key benefits: As well as a well-deserved treat, relief from aches, swelling and anxiety.

 

Why not try? The Nurturing Massage for Mother-To-Be at Elemis Day Spa. A relaxing massage carried out on a bean bag for comfort. For more info or to book, visit http://www.elemis.com/

Reflexology (AKA Zone Therapy)

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Reflexology (AKA Zone Therapy)

What? The practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body and to improve general health.

Key benefits: This can help provide relief from sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and stress-related conditions.

Swedish massage

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Swedish massage

What? A massage using long signature flowing strokes to release toxins from the muscles and increase the level of oxygen in the blood to flush wastes from the body.

 

Key benefits: Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. What\'s more, after one session your whole body will be left feeling both soothed and úber-relaxed.

Sports Massage

massage,spa,treatments Massage Techniques Explained - Sports Massage What? Similar in technique to Swedish massage, but particularly good in aiding recovery following a sporting event or period of physical exertion.

Key benefits: Sports massage can help to warm muscles up and improve circulation before a sporting event, or to relax and improve recovery afterwards.

 

Looking for a serious spot of summer pampering? Don\'t miss our Top 10 new spa treatments