Healthy Living: Swedish Massage Techniques as a self-help tool

September can feel like an ideal time to learn something new. Why not learn some of the classic Swedish massage techniques that you can use on yourself and/or your loved ones. One way to provide short and often long -term relief from the gnawing jaw, back, neck or knee pain is to apply a little massage to the body. Once you understand and recognize the pain you are experiencing you will learn that you can make a real difference and take our power back from pain!

Your tutor will encourage you to bring a pillow, towel, some carrier oils used for massage and essential oils if you own them, a couple of cushions, dim the lights, maybe even light a candle with some incense sticks. Set up your working area, find your favourite chilled music, turn off that mobile phone and spend some time just doing you. If you care for someone you are also welcome to bring them to the session to practise your newfound techniques on them to add another dimension to your role as a carer. Some weeks you may be asked to perform a massage on the face and neck, shoulders, stomach, knees, hands and feet. We will be focusing attention on different parts of the body and releasing tension throughout. The practice often ends with visualizing calming images, such as a deep forest, the waves of the sea, or a green garden.