Massage is the manual manipulation of the soft tissue of the body. When properly applied, it helps balance the body, assist with posture, relieve aches and pains and increase the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the blood and bones. Massage techniques range from a basic working of tight muscles for relaxation and stress reduction to extensive treatments (some that don't even involve physical touch) to alter and affect the body's energy. There is a wide range of massage techniques, so you'll need to decide which one best addresses your needs. Whether you just need help with a back spasm a couple of times a year or want to incorporate the tenets of massage into your daily life, there's a technique that's right for you.