Hot stone massage: where the 1993 spa treatment came from, how stones are heated and placed, why heat control beats pressure and who should skip it.

What a professional foot massage involves, how it differs from reflexology, who should mention diabetes or numbness first, and where to start at home.

Facial massage: its traditions, what a treatment includes, when skin conditions or recent cosmetic procedures mean you should wait, and what it cannot do.

Cupping: its history in Egypt, Greece, China and Islamic medicine, dry versus wet cupping, what the marks mean, who should avoid it and why no home method.

Chair massage: how David Palmer’s 1986 portable chair created the workplace format, what a short session covers and who should ask for an ordinary chair.

Balinese massage usually means long strokes, kneading, pressure and oil. Its roots in Bali’s healing culture, what a session involves and who it suits.

What happens in an aromatherapy massage: who developed it, how diluted essential oils are applied, who should take care and what to ask before you book.

Acupressure explained: its Chinese-medicine roots, how it differs from acupuncture and shiatsu, what the evidence shows and a safe way to try it.

Ayurveda’s warm-oil massage: where abhyanga comes from, what a session involves, which oils are used, who it suits and how to try it safely at home.