The importance and benefits of Massage Therapy

Good Posture Be aware at all times of how you are sitting and standing and aim to keep your spine as straight as possible a simple way to put the body into alignment is too pull the belly button back towards the spine whilst imagining there is a string from the top of the head pulling you upright. Maintaining good posture will not only help you look taller and slimmer but will help to prevent spinal problems and muscular discomfort from developing in the future. Regular Exercise Too keep the body healthy aim to exercise daily, choose a sport that you enjoy to motivate you. Aerobic exercise such as running, cycling or swimming done at least 3 times a week for an hour each time are excellent ways to increase your fitness levels although gentler activities such as walking or yoga are equally effective. If you wish to lose excess weight or tone the body aim to increase your workouts, the release of endomorphins as a result will lead to a happier and healthier you! Healthy D

The 5 main massage strokes Effleurage Effleurage is a long gliding stroke often performed with the flat of the hand with a light to medium pressure. It is the first stroke used in a massage to spread the oil on the body, therefore introducing the client to the therapists touch. Effleurage is also used as a linking movement between the different massage strokes and allows the practitioner to evaluate where areas of specific tightness are located prior to the deeper work. Petrissage Petrissage is a series of different movements using alternating hands which include picking up, wringing,skin rolling and pulling up the tissue being worked upon. This is the stroke which often follows on from Effleurage and is used to break down adhesions in the muscles therefore relieving muscular tension and discomfort. As a result of this stroke the circulation is increased leading to a greater lymphatic flow as toxins are released from the body. Friction Friction is a stroke whi