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R is for...

Rasul

Reconnective Healing

Reflexology

Reiki

Relaxation massage

Rolfing

Rasul

Rasul is a traditional Arabian body treatment involving steam and mud. Slathered in mineral-rich muds of various colours, you sit in a tiled steam room for around 15 minutes. Afterwards you are either douched by a therapist or else shower yourself down in cool water. This is an unusual, deeply sensual treatment, often followed by an aromatherapy massage with essential oils.

Good for: Warming and soothing the muscles, softening the skin, sweating out toxins and leaving you feeling both very relaxed and wide awake.

See also: Hammam; Heat treatment; Serail; Wrap

Reconnective Healing

Invented by Dr Eric Pearl, Reconnective Healing is an alternative therapy that claims to help remove the obstacles that impede your "divine connection to the perfection of the universe". Under treatment, you should find your body resonating with the natural frequencies of the cosmos, as the therapist passes his or her hands over you. There is no actual physical contact, and no need to get undressed.

The theory is that the meridian lines in our bodies (which are also the basis of acupuncture pathways) were once attuned to the force-fields that encircle the planet, from which we have become disconnected. Practitioners offer the disclaimer that they are offering "no claims, promises or guarantees, and are neither diagnosing nor treating specific health challenges". It's all up to you.

Good for: People report relief from a whole range of problems, from post-operative pain to anxiety, but Reconnective Healing is not aimed at any specific condition.

See also: Meridians

Reflexology

Reflexology works on the principle that there are pressure points on your feet which correspond to all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles in your whole body. Therefore, by applying informed pressure to points on your feet (and also hands), you can treat and heal problems elsewhere in the body.

Good for: Relieving back and muscle strain; sports injuries; stress; anxiety and depression; sleep and eating disorders; poor circulation; irritable bowel syndrome; migraine; pre-menstrual tension; symptoms of the menopause; breathing difficulties such as asthma.

See also: Acupressure; Qi; Reiki; Shiatsu; Thai massage

Reiki

Reiki is a gentle form of healing massage therapy that originated in Tibet, and has been practised for more than 2,500 years. Reiki (meaning universal life-force/spiritual energy) is a holistic treatment based on the idea of balance and "qi", and aims to ensure your energy flows freely, encouraging healing and increasing your sense of well-being.

Reiki is far less physical than similar treatments, and depends on the relationship formed between the giver and the receiver – the practitioner channels their own Reiki into your body, by laying their hands on you, or just near you. You may feel heat between you and their hands. It can be a very powerful experience. Carried out in normal clothing.

Good for: Reiki affects each person differently. It is generally recognised as being relaxing, and can help with physical problems too, helping to relieve muscular aches and pains. It is also thought to boost the immune system, and relieve even chronic, long-term conditions, as it works with the body to help it heal itself. It is also believed to rebalance your energy.

See also: Acupressure; Holistic; Reflexology; Rolfing; Shiatsu

Relaxation massage

Most massage treatments will relax you, among other things. With a relaxation massage, relaxing you is the only aim. For this reason, it is one of the most indulgent massages you can have.

Definitions vary, but in the UK, a relaxation massage is usually a full-body treatment involving soft music, subtle lighting and aromatherapy oils. You will have a long, luxurious massage which will use all kinds of techniques including long strokes, gentle kneading and rolling of skin and muscle, and perhaps some rhythmic rocking from side to side. It is a passive treatment. You just lie back and enjoy it.

Good for: Feeling totally pampered and relaxed. A good relaxation massage relieves stress and tension in your muscles and will leave you oozing with a sense of wellbeing.

See also: Balinese massage; Esalen massage; Hot poultice; Shirodrhara; Swedish massage

Rolfing

Named after its creator, Ida Rolf, Rolfing is a bodywork technique that aims to improve balance and flexibility. Through assisted stretches and other manipulations, the therapist helps to improve the flow of energy through your body.

Good for: Balance, posture and therefore reducing muscular spasms, aches, pains and tension, and improving sense of well-being and general health.

See also: Deep tissue massage; Hellerwork; Traegar massage