The word 'massage' originally comes from a Portuguese word meaning 'to knead'. Put simply, massage is the practice of rubbing or kneading parts of the body as a means of improving health.

Generally, oils are used to help the hands glide over the skin. These are often scented for the therapeutic effects of the scent itself.

Massage is emotionally nourishing and soothing, and can be adapted to be either sedative or stimulating. As a sedative, it treats nervous problems such as headaches and insomnia, tension and emotional stress.
As a stimulant, it can invigorate the system to alleviate fatigue and lethargy. Research indicates that giving and receiving a massage can significantly reduce stress levels.

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate and tone the body.

Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, it's benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscles and possibly even the organs themselves.

Massage also stimulates the blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.