There are a variety of massage techniques which can be employed during a treatment. These offer their own individual effects and collectively treat the major systems of the body.

Circulatory System
Massage to the tissues of the body helps to improve the circulatory system. Effleurage and petrissage movements increase blood flow and so the blood vessels dilate. This not only aids the transportation of oxygen and nutrients but also eliminates waste and carbon dioxide more readily. This all helps to promote a feeling of well-being within the body.

Lymphatic System
Massage will help to speed up the lymphatic circulation, assisting in the prevention of fluid retention.

Excretory and Urinary System
Due to increased blood and lymphatic circulations, massage helps to carry waste to the organs of excretion more readily, aiding the body’s ability to detoxify.

Endocrine System
Due to increased blood circulation, hormones will reach their target organs more readily.

Muscular System
The increased circulation helps to feed muscle tissues which allows them to function to their full potential. The vasodilation created by the massage increases the production of heat which can relax and stretch the muscles. This can help to relieve tension caused by postural faults and maintains muscle tone. Lactic acid build up may be dispersed, helping to relive aching muscles.

Nervous System
Certain massage techniques will either soothe or stimulate the peripheral nerve endings. Slow movements help to induce relaxation and sleep whilst vigorous manipulations have a more stimulating effect. Not only can massage affect mood, it can also relieve pain through a deadening pressure on the nerves.

Skin
Through massage, the sebaceous glands are stimulated, causing them to produce sebum which softens the skin. The output of the sudoriferous glands is increased through vasodilation, and so waste is removed. The frictions of a massage routine aids in the desquamation of dead skin cells and the medium may be chosen to help nourish and moisturise the skin.

Lungs
The lungs are mostly affected by the percussion movements of a massage. These increase circulation to the bronchioles which help to feed and nourish the tissues. They can also help to relieve congestion in the lungs. Deep breathing techniques may also be incorporated to the massage to ensure that the lungs are working to capacity.

Bone And Joints
Blood circulation is stimulated by pressure against the periosteum. This increase in circulation helps to nourish the bones and joints and can prevent stiffness. Mild postural problems caused by tense muscles may also be relieved. Uric acid depositions around the joints may be dispersed, helping to increase the range of movement.

Metabolism
Massage may improve a sluggish metabolism, which can promote health and wellness throughout the body.

Adipose Tissue
Massage may aid the absorption of fat by generating heat through fatty tissues. An increased metabolism will turn this into energy. Fluid is drained by an improved circulation and the conversion of fatty tissues into energy is also increased.

Abdominal Organs
Massage may revitalise the abdominal organs and aid the process of digestion. A peristaltic action can be increased when kneading manipulations over the colon affect the involuntary muscle wall. Vibrations also soothe the nerves of the alimentary tract, helping to relieve spasm and flatulence.

The effects of body massage are wide-ranging, and a therapist should be aware of the potential results:

• Increases circulation
• Warms tissues and produces an erythema
• Layers of the skin are stimulated, increasing cellular function and regeneration of body cells
• Aids desquamation
• Sebaceous secretions are increased
• Reduces fibrous growth formation such as skin tags
• Increases lymphatic flow
• Relaxes tense and contracted muscles
• Stimulates nerve endings, relieving muscular pain and fatigue
• Softens and breaks down localised fatty deposits
• Loosens scar tissue
• Improves venous and arterial circulation, relieving congestion

Massage not only treats the body, but also the mind. The consultation before treatment should tell you what the client wants to get out of the session. You should be able to assess both their physical and psychological needs from this consultation and adapt the treatment accordingly.

A stimulating massage will invigorate, whilst slow, deep movements relax. Stroking movements often have a restful effect and the client will feel pampered. The client will often experience feelings of increased health and well-being with a positive outlook and reduced stress levels.

There are two types of massage; manual and mechanical.

Manual massage is a hands-on therapy which benefits the client both physiologically and psychologically. The treatment manipulates the soft tissues of the body and produces heat which stimulates the vascular and nervous systems.
Mechanical massage involves a hand-held electrical body massage tool which provides a deep stimulating massage. The tool has a vibratory head which helps to soften fatty tissue and stimulate the lymphatic system. This type of massage can benefit some skin conditions where stimulation is required, but areas of irritation should be avoided.

Mechanical massage can increase cellular function and improves sebaceous secretions. it is generally used where manual manipulations cause discomfort or where a deeper massage is required. It tends to be used on the body rather than the face. Mechanical massage achieves the effects of manual massage more quickly and with less effort required on the part of the therapist.
Manual and mechanical massage can be combined in one treatment if required. This avoids the treatment seeming too mechanical, and so includes a personal touch.
Some clients may have areas of sensitivity which may be aggravated by manual massage, and so can benefit from the use of mechanical massage within their treatment.

A massage is put together using a number of different movements. These can be combined in a variety of ways according to the clients needs.

Effleurage
Begin the massage with this reassuring massage move as it introduces the therapists touch to the client and you can establish the correct pressure for them.

Effleurage movements tend to be soothing and relaxing and use the whole of the palm. The manipulations can be superficial or deep and must always be performed in the direction of the blood flow back to the heart, known as the venous return.
Effleurage movements are always used to start and end the massage.

These manipulations increase blood and lymphatic circulation. They relax the muscles, soothe nerve endings, aid desquamation and reduce non-medical oedemas.
Effleurage evenly distributes the selected massage medium and prepares the tissues for deeper movements. They are often used as a link movement throughout the routine.

Petrissage
Petrissage manipulations include kneading, knuckling, lifting, rolling and wringing movements. They can be performed using the thumb, fingers or palms. Petrissage movements are performed when intermittent pressure is applied smoothly and firmly to the tissues. This also increases circulation, mobilises tight fascia, loosens adhesions and improves the condition of the skin. Petrissage movements improve muscle relaxation, warm up the muscles and maintain muscle tone and elasticity.

Percussion
Percussion movements, also known as tapotement, are performed when the ulnar border of the hand and the middle, ring and little finger strike the body. The different types of percussion movements include beating, clapping, cupping, hacking and pounding. The movements are generally used for toning and so should not be included in a relaxing massage. They should also not be performed on thin or elderly clients as there is a risk of bruising. Percussion movements increase blood circulation, raise the metabolic rate, stimulate and mobilise adipose tissue, stimulate spinal nerves and increase muscle tone.

Vibration
Vibration movements are usually performed with one hand which is moved up and down or side to side. This creates a tremor of movement that vibrates the tissues. These movements are fine and trembling which vary between static and running vibrations. They are typically applied to nerve pathways and nerve path endings, as not only do they soothe the nerve endings but also promote the absorption of tissue fluid. Vibration movements relax the muscles and relieve tension in the back and neck.

Friction
Friction movements are deep and localised and are performed by the thumb or fingers. They are considered a form of petrissage. The movements can either be circular or transverse, and the pressure can either be constant or progressively deeper. This causes the skin and structures to move together over the underlying structures. The movements are concentrated in a particular area at a time. They increase blood circulation, improve mobility and invigorate spinal nerves. Lethargic clients can feel revived, and tension nodules and adhesions in the muscles are eased.

It is important to remember that no two massage treatments will be the same. You should always modify your treatment, pressure, rhythm and mediums according to what the client wants to get out of the treatment, their skin condition and their physical characteristics.