I am also an 'M' Technique practitioner, this form of very gentle massage is very relaxing. It is ideally suited to 'Pamper Evenings' where a short 15min session on the head, face and hands is very popular. If you are organising a Pamper evening, or similar event and would like me to attend please contact me at graham@stourhomeopathy.co.uk or 07703 349868.

A 'Full Body' 'M' Technique takes about 45mins and costs £25 and is available at the Ardleigh address.

The 'm' technique®: rationale

Dr Jane Buckle, an RGN, PhD, created the 'm' technique® as a means of holistic communication. This structured system of touch is suitable when massage is inappropriate because the person is critically ill, very fragile or the giver is not trained in massage. The 'm' technique® works on the skin receptor sites that send signals to the brain. It has been described as 'physical hypnotherapy', This method of touch has been used in America since 1994. It was registered by the Patent and Trademark Office of the United States Department of Commerce in 1997, and approved as a specialized method of touch in March 1998. It is also registered in the UK. The 'm' technique® is currently being taught at universities, hospital, hospices, nursing colleges and massage schools. Students have even created a new verb and talk about 'm' ing their patients

The 'm' technique® is very different from massage. There are three fundamental differences:

1) Structure - the 'm' technique® follows a set structure. Each movement and sequence is done in a distinctive pattern that is never modified. Each stroke has a special name to enable the giver to remember the sequence easily.

2) Repetition of strokes - Each stroke within each movement is repeated three times. The rationale for this set form of repetition is simple - to build up confidence and remove anxiety in the receiver. The first time a stroke is done, the receiver will pay attention. The second time the stroke is done, the receiver will recognize that stroke. The third time the stroke is done the receiver knows what is going to happen and begins to relax.

3) Pressure and speed -the 'm' technique® uses a set pressure. On a scale of 1-10 (when 1 is no pressure, and 10 is crushing pressure) the 'm' technique® pressure should always be a 3. Conventional massage alters the pressure depending on the situation. The speed of the 'm' is slow, constant and rhythmical.