The art of massage is an ancient one. It has been practised for some 5000 years in the Middle and Far East, to cure and relieve many medical conditions, to relax the body and to induce a feeling of calm and well being and to prevent disease by keeping the body in good condition.

In the West, massage has evolved mainly from the work of the Swede, Per Henrik Ling, who developed and practised the techniques in the 19th Century. Qualified masseurs have trained in Anatomy and Physiology and can give many specialised forms of treatment, but, in its simplest form, massage is something anyone can learn to do without special training. And giving someone a massage is a wonderful way to relax or re-energise them. Just as a parent rubs a child's hurting tummy, arm or leg to 'make it better', massage can soothe and help cure a range of problems caused by damaged or over-used muscles and rheumatic conditions. But, as well as soothing and relaxing painful muscles, ligaments and tendons it also stimulates the tissue and encourages good blood circulation, bringing oxygen-rich blood to the tissues and organs and speeding up the removal of waste from the cells. This has a beneficial effect on both body and mind, soothing, relaxing, releasing tension and generally promoting good health.

The Ancients Greeks believed that a daily massage was one of the best ways of ensuring good health, and experts today agree that massage lowers blood pressure, improves body function and can help overcome pain and discomfort and generally speeds up the healing process. Perhaps best of all, it is a simple, quick and sure way of bringing comfort and relaxation to whom ever receives it. Be this a child or adult in pain, the elderly, the person with special needs, the mentally or emotionally unwell, the friend or partner. Everyone from babies to grandparents can benefit from massage and it is also a pleasure for the person doing the massage, as well as for the person receiving it.