The pressures of work, money and relationships can cause great stress in today’s society – and we each have our own coping mechanism to deal with this, which could be harmful and self destructive. There is, however, an effective and healthy solution to modern pressures, which can be a preventative as well as a cure.

Massage is a wonderful gift which we in the West are reluctant to accept – the gift of touch, healing and the connection to mind body and spirit.

We should learn to let go, lay back and embrace this most enlightening of practices.

Massage is an ancient form of healing touch used to relieve pain and anxiety, promote good health and general well being going back some 5,000 years where it was embraced by Chinese, Indian and Egyptian cultures.

Massage is the manipulation of the skin and muscles using a variety of hands on strokes and differing amounts of pressure.

The benefits of massage are many, and include:

• Easing sore, tired and overused muscles; helping with spasms and cramping; reducing pain in areas such as the neck and shoulders, and lower back;

• Improving the flexibility and mobility of the body’s muscular and skeletal system;

• Enhancing the condition of the skin;

• Improving immunity by stimulating the lymphatic system, which also helps the removal of toxins;

• Lowering blood pressure, and increasing oxygen flow to the body’s vital organs;

• Encourages tissue regeneration – reducing scarring and post-surgery swelling and bruising.

• Reducing depression and anxiety;

• Easing medication dependence;

• Releasing endorphins, promoting a sense of wellbeing;

• Improving the workings of the digestive system;

• Prevention of imbalances rather than a cure.