SPORTS MASSAGE
This is considered an integral part of every athlete’s training regime.
REHABILITATIVE MASSAGE
This helps to facilitate healing and a return to normality after injuries or surgical operations. An aesthetic massage softens the skin and can bring about a reduction in cellulite.
LYMPH DRAINAGE
This is a specialist type of massage which is used on the body or face depending on the medical condition. The masseur presses down and inwards with his fingers, or follows the paths the lymph is taking. Lymph is a milky liquid composed of water, salts, proteins and immune cells, known as lymphocytes. This beneficial liquid originates in the blood and runs through every part of the body to rid it of the impurities and toxins which accumulate every day of our lives. Manual lymph drainage, with its slow, rhythmic movements, helps the lymph to enter the lymph node stations and prevents the liquid stagnating in the tissues where the toxins could accumulate. Lymph drainage is particularly suitable for cases of edema, water-retention, cellulite, lymph stasis caused by operating procedures, and for all conditions where it is necessary to boost the immune system.
AYURVEDIC / ABHYANGAM MASSAGE (the touch of the soul)
Ayurvedic massage is a form of treatment used in the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda. This is a holistic massage, applied intuitively and based on principles of energy. It works on the muscular and circulatory systems while at the same time putting into effect the Eastern concept of the exchange of energy between the practitioner and his subject, who enters a state of profound relaxation and psycho-physical well-being.
Ayurvedic massage stimulates the blood flow in the veins, stimulates the lymphatic system, improves arterial circulation and gives a general sensation of wellbeing.
CRANIOSACRAL TREATMENT
Craniosacral treatment is a sophisticated form of massage. The operator, when laying his hands on the patient, is not just effecting a treatment of the body, but also tuning in to his energy fields. The therapy is therefore efficacious not just for physical problems, but also for emotional and behavioural disturbances. Treatment is not limited to the cranium and spinal column: by working on all the fasciae, the whole body is affected. The practitioner uses his hands to “listen to” the dysfunctions, tensions and contractions present in the body. Craniosacral therapy is used with excellent results to treat problems such as cephalea, migraine, pains in the neck and back, chronic fatigue, depression and hyper-activity.
ROLFING MASSAGE
Rolfing massage is one of the most suitable and effective treatments for improving posture. It uses a form of training which is developed over ten sessions. Part of this training is dedicated to myofascial manipulation, the tissues covering the muscles, and part is given over to postural re-education.
STARVAC VACUUM MASSAGE
Starvac vacuum massage seeks to correct the blemishes resulting from cellulite build-up, taking away the “ripples” which alter the profile of the legs and buttocks. It improves skin-tone and firms up the contours. Starvac endodermic massage is used to treat deposits of adipose tissue. Above all, it improves blood and lymphatic circulation and gives the legs a sense of lightness.
SHIATSU MASSAGE
Shiatsu is form of manual therapy which originated in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. This therapy is based on the use of articulation and finger-pressure: its art consists in stimulating the surface of the skin to produce beneficial effects inside the body. The Japanese term shiatsu means literally “pressure of the finger”. In fact, this stimulating massage technique generally uses the thumbs, although sometimes the palms and backs of the hands are employed, as well as the forearms, elbows, knees and feet.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
In Italy this therapy has long been known as Lava stone massage, and has been practised for thousands of years. Hot Stone Massage consists in applying heated lava stones to various parts of the body while performing massage at the same time. The lava stones, because of their thermic inertia, give off their heat very slowly, and the parts of the body involved heat up gradually. This therapy has diverse applications, from treating muscular problems to smoothing the skin.
TIBETAN MASSAGE
Tibetan massage is an ancient medical technique from the East. Before the treatment begins, the whole of the body is covered in oil. The massage itself follows the paths of the three “humours” into which, according to Tibetan medicine, the body is divided. These represent the wind at the centre, the bile on the right side, and the phlegm on the left. Tibetan massage is traditionally used to treat many conditions, but seems to be particularly effective for rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers and digestive problems, asthma and problems related to the nervous system.
CRYSTAL THERAPY
Crystal therapy is a very ancient, natural therapy which attributes significant healing powers to stones, and in particular, to crystals. These are placed at certain points on the body to harness their “spiritual” healing power. Powders obtained from these crystals may also be swallowed to achieve psycho-physical re-balance. The crystals do, in fact, have a high mineral salt content.
Sections on well-being 
