The benefits of regular massage sessions:

• reduce stress, tension, mental and physical fatigue
• help fall asleep and experience quality sleep
• improve circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells and helps remove waste products
• strengthen your immune system
• may directly aid in fat loss and the overall appearance of skin is healthier and younger – as it both ex-foliates the skin and increases the production of new skin cells leaving it better conditioned
• reduce chronic back pain caused by weak or shortened muscles
• help people with chronic diseases of respiratory system
• help people with chronic rheumatic diseases

 
Contraindications = when not to go for massage

• when you have a cold, flu or fever – your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind – massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body’s natural defenses
• in case of contagious, infectious diseases or inflammation anywhere in your body and also when taking antibiotics
• in case of skin disease
• in case of any form of cancer
• in case of recent surgery, whiplash or other serious injury please check with your doctor first – if and when you can go for massage
• in case of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, epilepsy and diabetes you should always have a chat with your doctor first
• legs massage should be avoided in case of presence of varicose veins
• classical massage during pregnancy should be avoided in general – especially in the first trimester, but Manual Lymphatic Drainage is recommended throughout the pregnancy

 
In addition to the above-mentioned general contraindications, there are specific contraindications for each massage or therapy:

• in the case of the Manual Lifting: skin diseases and inflammatory symptoms of the face, painful inflammation of the facial nerves, recent surgical lifting, or injections of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid (the massage can be done 3-4 months after the administration of these injections or plastic surgery)
• in the case of Lymphatic Drainage: acute vascular disease, glaucoma, any malignant disease, irregular heartbeat, cardiac oedema, swelling due to poor kidney or liver function. In the case of swellings of unknown origin or lymphoedema, whether postoperative or post-injury, it is most advisable to make an appointment with your doctor or with the specialised Lymph Centre for a comprehensive examination and treatment. In the case of Lymphatic Facial Drainage, it is necessary to remove contact lenses in advance
• in the case of the Indian Head Massage: local infection or inflammation (teeth, eyes and ears), epilepsy, psoriasis, pregnant women cannot have a nape massage

 
Tips for getting the most from your massage:

• avoid large meals or alcohol before any massage treatment
• before the massage begins, remember to take off your watch, glasses and all your jewellery (including earrings); if you are wearing contact lenses you may prefer to remove them for your comfort and safety, especially when receiving any kind of facial massage
• there is no need to wash the body after massage, on the contrary it is good to leave oil to absorb into the skin because oil will form a breathable thin film on skin to prevent moisture loss
• rest – allow your body to enjoy the benefits of your massage so take it easy at least the rest of the day after your massage
• drink plenty of non sparkling water or herbal tea, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your body; it is also recommended that you limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine after a massage as these will dehydrate your body
• keep yourself warm after your treatment, especially keep all treated areas covered – even in summer