Massage is the stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles.

There are lots of different kinds of massage, each with broadly different origins and aims - some focus on soothing muscle pain; others on increasing energy levels; some aim to improve a specific physical condition; others simply to help you relax.

Massage makes you feel good in lots of ways, and can have a positive effect on your whole body - your bones, your muscles, your heart, your skin, your breathing, digestion, and your mental health.

Massage works in various ways:

• It relaxes and refreshes tired or knotted muscles

• It increases blood circulation

• It stimulates deep circulation, both of blood and lymph which helps your body to heal, and generally work more efficiently

• It encourages your body to produce endorphins - the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel happy

It's instinctive to give someone a hug or a pat on the back to comfort or reassure them; in some ways, massage is a formal version of that instinct.

In its various forms, theraputic massage can help to cure and relieve a wide range of complaints.

Research shows that it is particularly good at relieving stress-related problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, through to asthma, constipation and high blood pressure.

It is effective at providing pain relief - treating chronic pain, back pain and even arthritis. It is also being used more and more with stroke and cancer patients and with people with dementia.

Massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organs and tissues.

Whilst massage encourages your body to circulate the "good stuff"; it also encourages it to get rid of the "bad stuff" - waste products, toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water.

Stimulating the nervous system and improving the lymphatic system will also boost the immune system.

It can be used to treat specific physical injuries or difficulties, and to help with rehabilitation after someone has had a sports injury. It can also help prevent further muscle or tissue damage and improve an athlete's range of motion.

One of the greatest effects of most complementary massages is that it can make you feel much better about yourself, more relaxed in your own skin, calm and peaceful.

Before Treatment Care

• Hydrate before your appointment.

• Wear loose comfortable clothing.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal before your appointment.

• Do not consume alcohol before your appointment.

• Do not be afraid to communicate, ensure you tell your therapist what you want from you massage treatment.

You should always tell your therapist in advance if you:

• Are, or think you might be, pregnant

• Have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication

• Have recently had an injury or operation

• Are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies

• Aave any broken skin or sores on your scalp

• Have a fever or infection

As this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.

Whatever kind of massage you are having, you will be asked some basic questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general health.

Your massages will take place on a the heated massage table in a private area.

A standards grapeseed oil will bw used for your massage, there is an upgrade option if you wish to have a luxury aromatherpy oil used.

You can also upprade you massage with an additional scalp massage or the Boost Dermalux Fex Facial.

For most massages you will be required to just wear your underwear and you will be provided with towels to cover your body during your treatment.

Depending on the massage you've booked, will depend on your treatment time and the technique being used.

It is always important to tell your therapist if the pressure is not what you were expecting, the goal is for you to enjoy you massage and quite often the pressure is certain areas my need to be adapted.

You can expect to feel relaxed and calm after a massage.

After some, you may feel a little achey, after others so relaxed that you are a bit vague or sleepy.

On the other hand, some massages will leave you feeling really energised.

Whatever it is, try to arrange to have your massage when you have a little time to enjoy its benefits.

Give yourself plenty of time to wind down. Think of it in the same way as you would a "cool down" after exercising; the massage will do you a lot more good if you, don't waste the opportunity of extending your "me-time".

After Treatment Care

• Drink plenty of water to assist the body's detoxification process. It is strongly advised to drink a full glass of water immediately after the treatment to avoid headaches that can be caused by the toxins released through the massage.

• Avoid eating a heavy meal after treatment. Try to keep the diet light while the body is using its energy for healing.

• Avoid further toxins and stimulants such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, tea & coffee.

• Avoid heat treatments & applying further products to the skin as it may be sensitive

• Avoid strenuous exercise to allow the body to use its energy for healing

• If oil has been used in the treatment, leave in for a couple of hours if possible, to nourish skin & hair.

Contra-actions (healing)

Occasionally, you may experience any of the following reactions up to 24-48 hours after treatment; this is known as a contra-action and is the body’s response to the treatment:

• Headache

• Dizziness or nausea

• Disrupted sleeping pattern

• Muscles may feel tired and achy

• Increased urination or passing stools

• Increased thirst

• Fatigue

The answer depends on your pain and physical needs, your stress and emotional needs, and of course, your budget.

Receiving massage regularly will have the most benefit.

A massage once a week, or every two weeks would be ideal, but may not be realistic for every person.

Remember, just as going on one short run on the treadmill doesn’t prepare you for a marathon, and one salad doesn’t lead you to all your health & nutritional goals, one massage session cannot undo years of damage.

What do you need?

Pain Management:

If you are using massage for pain management or other medical issues, you may receive massage more frequently. In most cases, after an injury, your therapist may recommend massage once or twice a week throughout your recovery.

If you have a chronic health condition, one a week, or bi-weekly is typically recommended but this also depends on how your body feels. If you notice that your pain returns in a few days, it is probably time to see your massage therapist again.

If you’re feeling pain free a week later, you can start to add more time between sessions. For pain management, people typically find that they require more frequent sessions in the beginning.

As your muscles relax and healing begins, sessions decrease in frequency.

Your massage therapist can also show you some stretches, that you can do at home, to continue your therapy between sessions.

Stress Relief:

Stress management is just as important to your health as diet and exercise. Stress can actually undo all of the hard work you’re putting in at the gym, and by eating right.

Massage can help reduce the tension, lower high blood pressure and reduce the cortisol levels in their body. Getting a massage once a month can be beneficial in helping eliminate the negative effects of stress on your body and mind.

Athletic Performance and Recovery:

While training for an event like a marathon, you may want to schedule massages a bit more often than usual.

Weekly or bi-weekly massage can help get you in proper form and help you recover faster after the event or competition. Serious athletes may need two or more sessions a week to stay in top form.

Pre-event massage can warm up and stretch muscles, aiding in injury prevention. It also stimulates blood flow, reduces tension, removes lactic acid buildup and improves range of motion and muscle flexibility, resulting in improved power and performance.

Post-event massage is done immediately following the event and helps the athlete recover from the activity. It helps to reduce post-exercise soreness and re-establish range of motion and blood flow to tight muscles.

The frequency of sports massage sessions is entirely dependent on your training and event schedule. However, even when you are not training, regular massage can help you to maintain your health, range of motion and muscle flexibility.

• Do not smoke

• Get 8 hours of sleep per night

• Exercise 2-3 times per weekTake time to relax - take up a hobby or simply have a hot bath to relax the muscles and let mental tensions wash away

• Practice Tai Chi, Yoga or meditation if appropriate

• Practice the correct breathing techniques to create a feeling of calm

• It is advised to receive massage once a week for 4-6 weeks to initiate the healing process then once a month to maintain the benefits although this will vary from client to client.