Learning to relax: The power of touch

Ahhh! Think how relaxing it feels to have someone massage your shoulders at the end of a tiring day. The power of massage - the systematic application of pressure and movement to the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments – shows increased health benefits including an enhanced immune response.

In general, the best massage for you is the one you like best. Don’t make a mistake of assuming that if it hurts, it’s good for you. Here are the most popular techniques.

• Acupressure:

The philosophy guiding practitioners of acupressure is that injury or illness can block the flow of energy through the body, creating muscle tension and other types of discomfort. They believe that unblocking the flow by pressing and holding specific ‘energy points’ restores energy flow and health.

• Craniosacral:

The combination of head massage and acupressure is said to release tension and restore energy balance by relaxing the head and neck muscles and promoting good circulation to the brain.

• Deep tissue:

This sometimes painful technique involves manipulating the fascia, a thin layer of tissue supporting and connecting the muscles. Past injuries may make the fascia tight.

• Lymphatic drainage:

This technique uses rhythmic touch and pressure on the lymph glands, supposedly to detoxify the body by speeding elimination of waste. It is said to help ease water retention.

• Reflexology:

Proponents of this therapy believe that certain spots on the feet, hands and ears provide direct pathways to various other body parts and organs. When these spots are pressed, rotated, grasped and patted, the corresponding body parts benefits.

• Shiatsu:

An ancient form of acupressure massage, traditionally done on the floor with the client fully clothed.

• Swedish:

The classic massage technique, it relies on five basic strokes – long relaxing strokes, pressing, kneading, rubbing and light pounding – to work out muscle kinks, promote relaxation and improve the circulation of the blood and lymphatic system.

• Watsu:

This new form of Shiatsu massage, developed in the 1980s, is done in a small pool of warm water. Its free flowing, relaxing and meditative qualities are said to help those who experience it to recall soothing memories from their childhood.