3 MAGIC MASSAGE FIXES

Ease these ailments with the right type of massage...

1 BLOATING

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD)

Why: It encourages lymph to move through the lymphatic system, helping to relieve fluid congestion. ‘Movements are very different to massage,’ says top practitioner Susan Mumford. ‘They’re light and gentle strokes, with a rhythmic, pumping feeling.’ Cost: Around £60 with Susan in London (susanmumford. co.uk), but prices vary around the UK.

Find out more: mlduk.org.uk

2 BACKACHE BODY STRESS RELEASE (BSR)

Why: Starts with very light pressure working from the lower back up to the neck. Practitioner Marie Stonebalaam says, ‘Using mainly fingertip and thumb or very gentle hand rotations, the body and brain are stimulated to release the stored tension.’ Cost: With Marie in Hailsham, East Sussex, it is £30 (chrisbsr. co.uk), but cost varies around the country.

Find out more: bodystressrelease.org.uk

3 STRESS ACUPRESSURE Why: It’s a great way to ease tension and banish aches and pains. It works on the same points as acupuncture, using hands and elbows rather than needles. ‘I like using elbows most, as lots of meridians pass through, making them super-sensitive,’ says expert Fay Durrant.

Cost: From £30-£80, depending on the length of treatment and venue.

Find out more: findatherapy. org/acupressure