Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to our modern busy lifestyles. Massage assists on many levels including:

• Improved circulation and lymphatic flow.
• Assisting with physical symptoms of back and neck pain that comes from sitting for an extended period of time at a desk or from physical labour.
• Aiding mental relaxation.
• Used during pregnancy can improve the future mother's and baby's wellbeing.
• Used as a preventative measure to avoid recurrence of past injuries.
• As a reward to look forward to after a hectic day.
• As a special gift of health to a friend who has enough possessions but would benefit from some nurturing.

The massage therapists at All Degrees of Health use various strokes at a level of comfort dictated by the client. Massage oil is used on skin, with the body is draped for warmth and privacy. They are qualified professionals who maintain a high level of continuing professional development. Most treatments are claimable on private health insurance (extras cover for remedial or therapeutic massage).

Swedish Massage is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish Massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. The main purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Some other benefits include shortening recovery time from muscular strain, increased circulation without increased heart load, stretching of ligaments and tendons, skin stimulation and soothing of the nervous system. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management.

Stone therapy massage utilises both hot and cold stones incorporated with massage techniques in order to bring about a feeling of deep relaxation and wellbeing. The hot stones are usually volcanic rocks such as basalt and cold stones are marble or cool sedimentary stones. The stones are heated or chilled to varying temperatures and come in all shapes and sizes. Alternating temperatures can be very beneficial. The heated volcanic stones are used on key acupressure sites and the heat relaxes the muscles, allowing for a much deeper massage. Heated stones can also be placed on the body's chakras, or energy points, working with the body's natural energy to create balance both physically and mentally.

Cold stones are used to reduce and/or treat inflammation, to remove fluid from a swollen area, and to rebalance the male and female energies in the body in order to restore the body to a state of harmony. Cold stones can also be used for detoxification purposes. Using hot and cold stones together can improve the functioning of the circulatory system and assist the body with its self-healing processes.

When getting a stone therapy massage, it is not unusual for the client's body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate to rise and fall during the treatment. This is not harmful and is merely the result of the rapid exchange of oxygen and blood in the body.

All five senses are catered for in a stone therapy massage, with aromatherapy oil and other relaxing tools being used when the massage is carried out. The therapist's goal is to bring about deep relaxation in the client so that negativity is removed and the client feels an overall sense of wellbeing.

Conditions Treated Stone therapy massage can be used to treat a variety of conditions including:

• improving the lymphatic and immune systems
• normalising body functions
• helping your body to heal itself
• increasing of cellular activity
• improving the flow of blood inflammation and muscle injury
• removing stress and inducing a feeling of well-being
• balancing the male and female energies

Indian head massage originated in India over 1000 years ago and began as a way of keeping the hair in good condition. It is based on the ancient healing system of Ayurveda. This form of massage works on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp, ears and face. The areas are massaged using firm yet gentle, rhythmic movements that involve acupressure points called Marma points. Ayurvedic oils were traditionally used in this form of massage however the use of oils is now optional.

Conditions Treated Indian head massage can be used to:

• relieve eyestrain
• relieve insomnia
• ease headaches and migraine
• relax muscles
• relax and tones facial muscles
• stimulate the hair and scalp
• help localized blood and lymphatic circulation
• boost the immune system
• restore joint movement
• relieve sinusitis
• reduce stress
• release anxiety

Indian head massage is great for relieving the stress and tension in our everyday lives. The technique uses controlled movements and has a strong effect on the three higher chakras- the mind, body and spirit. The Chakra is the energy vortex that we need to remain striving and because the massage works on the neck and shoulders, tension is relieved almost instantly. Regular sessions of Indian head massage will result in a number of health benefits for the client, and a course of treatments may be advised if a complex condition is involved. During the massage, the client remains seated and fully clothed. The therapist will then stand behind or slightly to the side of the client to perform the massage. A treatment session usually last for thirty minutes.

Both Suzanne Debono and Maria Vella are qualified massage therapists here at All Degrees of Health.