Another important benefit of massage is creating a healthier body and a positive sense of self.

Recent research findings show that there are various sizes of nerve fibers through out the body. The larger fibers shoot electrical signals to the brain that convey information concerning contact and pressure. The thin, slow fibers, connect to the brain and convey emotional context of touching. The brain combines the information concerning physical contact and emotional context and the melding results in the richness of physical experience. It appears that the most sensitive of these thin nerve fibers are located in hairy areas like the forearms. The awareness generated in the thin nerve fibers is below consciousness and is related to the emotional aspect of touch.

The scientists concluded that these thin nerve fibers are important in the construction of the sense of self.

Preparations needed for giving a massage:

• choose a natural oil like sweet almond oil, that has a relaxing scent
• use a cushion or pillow for support
• have tissues available to wipe away excess oil
• wear something comfortable that allows you to move around easily
• remove jewelry
• keep nails trimmed, since long nails make stokes difficult
• plan ahead to avoid interruptions
• use dim lighting
• have towels or cover to keep body areas not being massaged warm

A full body massage should take between an hour to an hour and a half. Spend 15-20 minutes on each body area.

During the day, a quick self-massage can take as little as five minutes and can reduce muscle tension, tension headaches and improve circulation.

A quick self-massage solution to a tense neck

Here’s a handy tip for releasing tension built up in your neck from Dawn Groves book "Massage for busy People". This technique is great for creating a more relaxed body just a few minutes.

Put the fingertips of your right hand on the right side of your neck, just to the right of the vertebrae of your neck. Feel the rope of your neck muscle.

Keep fingertips together and massage the neck muscle with a circular motion. Remain relaxed while moving your hand up and down the neck muscle. Repeat with your left hand on the left side of your neck. Now repeat the procedure using both hands.

Hints: Don’t press too hard. Don’t hunch your shoulders with increased pressure. Keep your head level, don’t let it move forward or fall backwards towards your hand.