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Protect and nourish skin with natural lotions and oils. Photo courtesy Weleda [UK] Ltd. Practiced globally with 5,000 years of development
There is, of course, much more to it than that, as one glance at the lengthy list of body treatments available will show. These range from the general therapies to make you feel [and smell] good, to specific treatments aimed at specific dysfunctional problems including the much publicised areas of acupuncture, aromatherapy, osteopathy and yoga. A relatively unknown example of specialised therapy can be seen in the principles of oncology massage, developed specifically to help cancer patients. To quote directly from the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals organisation: 'Oncology massage refers to massage tailored to the needs of individuals with cancer. This specialised practice requires the therapists to be fully educated in and pay close attention to the physical, emotional and psychological needs of clients at all stages of cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivor or terminal'.
Also, rhythmical massage therapy is available for out–patients at The Park Attwood Clinic in Worcestershire, but can also form part of a complete holistic healthcare programme for anyone requiring in–patient care [which may be funded by the NHS in some cases, depending on the policy of your local area health authority or PCT]. Remember, some treatments may also be available free on the NHS. Looking at the various techniques available, there are several connecting threads which point to universal agreement amongst many disciplines, especially the theme of 'balance'. The Alexander Technique looks at the overall balance of the body, both in action and at rest, whereas acupuncture, widely practised across the entire planet, is based–on the Taoist philosophy of 'balancing energy meridians within the body' and acupressure, a related process, involves using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural curative abilities. In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. This is a deep subject with a long history, as in the case of the Indian medical system of Ayurveda which is some five thousand years–old, while new therapies and ideas continue to be born as we search for the hidden answers to all our problems. Many treatments are closely involved with and guided by spiritual beliefs that treat the whole person, mind, body and soul. Serious inquiries into the claims of any specific method should be undertaken carefully before submitting to treatment, as well as taking qualified medical advice. Sources: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website: www.massagetherapy.com | The Park Attwood Clinic website: www.parkattwood.org | NHS Direct website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Additional sources of information: Bookshops, on the high street and online, commercial health publishers, manufacturers and providers of health products and services, relevant government departments, NHS organisations and local libraries. Health advice: Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional. From your browser | Email the page | Email the page link | Print the page | Add page to favourites ········································································································································
Handy guide to wellbeing series | For you, family and friends
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The word 'massage' tends to conjure up mental pictures of footballers in the dressing room being treated for bangs and bruises, or of beauty salons where the whole body is manipulated cosmetically.
