Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues using the hands, fingers and elbows. It is generally used to relieve tension, stress or pain from the body. Aromatherapeutic massage involves the use of specially blended oils to aid the clients health needs and enhance the overall experience.
Massage is a traditional holistic therapy that began 5,000 years ago in India. It was considered a sacred system of natural healing to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. Deemed to restore the body’s natural and physical balance so it can heal naturally.
Massage has been used by various civilisations over the centuries who have evolved their own methods. Techniques that are used today are credited to 19th-Century Dutchman Johan George Mezger. These are:
Effleurage: long, gliding strokes using various pressure levels
Petrissage: rythmic technique - knead, skin roll, lift, push-pull
Tapemotement: beat/tap using cupped or side of hand or fingertips
Friction: deep tissue technique - deep, circular movements