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Therapeutic Massage

'I enjoyed the calm atmosphere, the stress-free conditions. I really appreciated the help to relax.' - AY, Scottish Executive

Tense, aching muscles? Backache? Headaches? Mental tension? Ease the stress with therapeutic massage.

Otherwise known as Swedish or Holistic Massage, therapeutic massage is usually a full-body treatment which both stimulates and relaxes all body systems. The many benefits of therapeutic massage include:

• Pain relief (muscular pain, joint pain, headaches, and some other types of pain)
• Relaxation, reduced anxiety, and improved ability to manage stress
• Improved concentration and vitality
• Improvements in sleep problems
• Relief of digestive problems (eg IBS)
• Alleviation of hormone-related problems such as PMT and some types of depression
• Improvements in some respiratory conditions such as Asthma
• Boosting of immune system

The treatment takes place on a massage couch, where the client is undressed down to underwear, but covered with towels. The usual hour-long treatment comprises massage of the back, legs, arms, abdomen, face, neck and shoulders. The effects of the treatment can be felt immediately in terms of relaxation and stress reduction, and will continue to enhance the client's wellbeing cumulatively with further treatments.

Therapeutic massage uses oils to reduce friction on the skin, and to assist with conditioning the skin and muscles. In my treatments, I use Tui Waxes, which are made from a beeswax base, and warm to a liquid consistency. The waxes have various advantages over the use of oils: they do not stain clothes, washing out easily if any residue is in contact with fabric; they feel less 'greasy' to the client; and they contain a range of small amounts of essential oils (there is also an unscented wax, for those who prefer), which allow for an aromatic dimension to the treatment.

Here are some comments from staff at the Scottish Executive, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, on what they liked about their therapeutic massage session (all original feedback documents are available to view on request):

'Excellent & relaxing treatment liked the wax & music as well as quality of treatment.' - DG

'Relaxation. Eased shoulder pain. Felt refreshed afterwards.' - RC

'The whole experience was great!' - MG

'I enjoyed the calm atmosphere, the stress-free conditions.I really appreciated the help to relax.' - AY

'Sense of movement and freedom returning.' - AC

'At the end of a working day it was great to go for a relaxing massage and the choice of several different types of treatment at a good price.' - SC

'Felt very comfortable and safe.' - BB

'Really relaxing and sense of confidence in therapist.' - GM

'30 minutes of relief!' - JC

'Felt I got the most out of a 30-minute treatment and the service was very professional.' - LM

'Great to feel tightness in neck/shoulders being eased away.' - JH