Holistic Massage

Massage is the use of hands or mechanical means to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, especially the muscles. It is a technique derived from many cultures - the word itself originating from many languages. In Latin for example, massage means 'that which forms a lump', in Greek it means 'to knead', in French it is 'to rub' and in Arabic is ' to touch or feel.

The use of massage is actually recorded in China as long ago as 3000BC and was known as 'amma' and was the use of specific movements on particular parts of the body for the promotion and restoration of health as well as for relaxation. The Japanese also used amma with similar pressure points but was called Tsubo.

Many religious books, including the bible, record numerous incidents that refer to the 'early morning effleurage' and its benefits. This is the laying on of hands 'for the relief of pain' and the acceleration of health and even Hindi priests were writing 'massage reduces fat, strengthens muscles and firms the skin' as long ago as 1800BC.

In Europe, massage was revived in Sweden by Per Henrichling in the 18th Century who developed a scientific system of massage and exercise based on a combination of current physiology in conjunction with old Chinese and Roman writings. By the 20 Century, massage had become well established and an alternate means of treatment.

Holistic massage uses the traditional Swedish movements using oil or cream. It encompasses any conditions in both body and mind that require healing to enable a complete treatment to achieve physiological and psychological harmony.

Holistic massage is aimed at the whole person and balances the life forces by relaxing the muscles, calming the emotions, improving circulation, recharging the body's immune system and refreshing the spirit.

To find out more use the links on the left or contact us at: massage@jelan.co.uk