Glossary

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils — concentrated plant extracts — to support physical and emotional wellbeing. In massage, oils are blended and applied to the skin to enhance relaxation, uplift mood or ease tension.

An adhesion is a band of scar-like connective tissue that binds muscles or fibres together, restricting movement and causing pain. Adhesions often form from injury, overuse or poor posture and are a common target of deep tissue and sports massage.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate energy, blood sugar and inflammation. It follows a daily rhythm, but chronic stress keeps it elevated, which is linked to poor sleep, tension and fatigue. Massage is associated with short-term reductions in cortisol.

Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It is aimed at chronic tension, adhesions and injury recovery rather than relaxation, and is often more intense than Swedish massage.

Effleurage is the foundation stroke of Swedish massage — long, gliding, rhythmic movements performed with the flat of the hand. It is used to warm the tissue, spread oil, help the therapist assess tension and transition between other techniques. Effleurage is typically the opening and closing movement of a relaxation massage.

Friction is focused, targeted pressure — often circular or cross-fibre — applied with the thumbs or fingers to work specific tight areas, adhesions and scar tissue. It is one of the five classic Swedish strokes and is widely used in deep tissue and sports massage.

Fascia is the thin, tough connective tissue that wraps around and through every muscle, organ and bone. When healthy it moves freely; when restricted it can cause stiffness and pain. Techniques like myofascial release target restrictions in the fascia.

Lymphatic drainage is a light, rhythmic massage technique that encourages the flow of lymph fluid, supporting the body's natural detoxification and reducing swelling. It uses very gentle pressure and slow, directional strokes.

Myofascial release is a technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the fascia — the connective tissue surrounding muscles — to release restriction and restore movement. It is used for chronic pain, stiffness and postural imbalance.

Petrissage is a kneading and squeezing technique that lifts, rolls and compresses muscle tissue. It works deeper than effleurage, helping to release stubborn tension, improve local circulation and mobilise soft tissue. Petrissage is a core stroke of Swedish massage.

The parasympathetic nervous system is the 'rest and digest' branch of the autonomic nervous system. It slows the heart rate, calms breathing and shifts the body toward recovery. Massage is believed to activate this system, countering the fight-or-flight stress response.

Reflexology is a technique that applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands or ears, which are believed to correspond to organs and systems of the body. It is used for relaxation and to support overall wellbeing.

Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork technique that applies pressure with fingers, thumbs and palms to points along the body's energy pathways (meridians). It is performed fully clothed and aims to balance energy and relieve tension.

Tapotement is a rhythmic percussion technique — tapping, cupping, hacking or pinching — that stimulates the skin and muscles. It is usually brief and energising, often applied toward the end of a session to invigorate rather than relax.

A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a taut band of muscle that is tender to pressure and can refer pain to other areas. Trigger-point therapy applies sustained, focused pressure to these points to release them and reduce referred pain.