About massage

The language of touch is universal to humankind. Instinctively we rub aches and pains, or stroke one another to soothe and calm. Massage is one of the earliest techniques used by people to promote good health. There is recorded evidence of massage from many ancient cultures including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Indian and Japanese. In the early 1800s a Swede, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), developed a massage theory, synthesized from Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman techniques, and opened the first institute to offer massage training in Stockholm. This is why massage is often referred to as "Swedish massage".

Today the importance of touch therapies is widely recognized. Massage is known to stimulate and regulate physiological processes such as digestion and respiration. It improves muscle tone, joint mobility and postural alignment, enhances a the circulation of blood and lymph and balances the hormonal and nervous systems. Not only is massage physically beneficial, it is psychologically uplifting too - massage conveys caring and acceptance, support and empathy. It helps people to reconnect with their innermost selves and assists in creating a more positive self image. Massage and touch therapies encourage your vital energy or life force to flow freely, restoring your equilibrium and balance.

Never massage a person who has any of the following conditions:

• high temperature,
• contagious skin conditions,
• any contagious disease or infection,
• cardiovascular conditions such as thrombosis or phlebitis.
• Also, do not massage over varicose veins,
• recent scar tissue,
• bruises,
• tumors,
• lumps or inflamed joints.

If you experiences acute back pain which shoots down the arms or the legs during the massage, stop immediately. If women is pregnant, massage very lightly over the abdomen in the first four months. In the remaining months, women should lie on her side and massage should still be light and gentle.