Types
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage incorporates a variety of massage techniques and focuses on reaching the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissues in order to relieve physical tension and pain. Working deeply yet slowly, specific muscles and tissues are thoroughly manipulated while pressure is concentrated on areas of tension in order to break down muscle adhesions, assist in pain relief and restore normal movement. Especially beneficial for tense bodies as well as day to day problems such as fatigue, back pain, postural issues and repetitive strain injuries, the end result is a more comfortable body, coupled with greater flexibility and range of movement in restricted areas.
Techniques in Deep Tissue Massage can include strokes and pressure applied with fingers, knuckles, forearms and elbows. You may experience some discomfort during a treatment, however all sessions are personalised in order to keep the level of pressure within a manageable range and focus on individual requirements to ensure that you get the best results.
Sports & Remedial Massage
Tailored to your own individual needs, Sports & Remedial Massage can be beneficial to all, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, to a weekend jogger, to a person who simply has general muscular issues that you would like addressed. Every session can incorporate a multitude of techniques, from deep tissue work, to trigger point therapy and myofascial release, plus stretching and aftercare exercises to continue at home. The main goal of the treatment is to reduce pain, encourage existing injuries to heal and help prevent problem areas from potentially developing into a more serious or longer-term condition.
This style of therapy is also particularly effective on injuries and persistent pain and problem areas such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow or sciatica, but works equally as well on general muscle tension perhaps resulting from poor posture, emotional blockages or simply from the stress, tension and fatigue that occurs through the repetitive movement of everyday activities.
Holistic Massage
The holistic approach aims to restore balance within the body, taking into account the person’s whole being and not just their physical symptoms. A variety of techniques may be used to relax muscles, increase oxygen in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Gentle pulling and stroking movements increase the circulation of the blood, stimulate the nerves and aid the removal of toxins by the lymphatic system, while kneading and pressure work can help to relieve pain and encourage an overall feeling of wellbeing and relaxation through the triggered release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals.
Each treatment is adapted to individual needs and while holistic massage has a huge number of benefits to all the systems of the body, it can also be used to help provide relief for specific ailments including; stress and tension, insomnia, muscle pain and backache, migraines and headaches, poor circulation and depression.
Thai Massage
Thai massage shows a strong Indian Ayurvedic and yogic influence, but its very disciplined emphasis on energy channels reveals a link with Chinese Traditional Medicine. An ancient healing practice that has been described as a meditative application of loving-kindness, it is based on the idea of invisible energy lines (the Ten Sen) that run throughout the body. Rooted in yoga philosophy and practice, the aim is to release blockages along those lines, and thereby free the recipient up from aches, pains, anxiety and tension. During a session, the recipient will be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothes and to lie on a mat on the floor. The therapist uses their hands, feet and elbows to apply pressure to points along the Ten Sen, in combination with gentle stretching and yoga-like postures. Each treatment is tailormade to the needs of each individual.
Some common ailments that Thai Massage can help with are: IBS, Insomnia, Low energy, Corporate stress and wellbeing, Fatigue, Back pain, Circulation problems, Migraines and PMS.
Pregnancy Massage
As women’s bodies change during pregnancy to accommodate their baby’s growth, they may experience pain in areas they are not accustomed to. Pregnancy massage can be used to alleviate the muscular tightness and pain commonly felt during the gestation period such as lower back and hip pain as well as conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome that may arise. It will also help you to deeply relax, rebalance fluctuating hormones, as well as relieve fluid retention and introduce your baby to the benefits of nurturing touch. Prenatal experts agree that relaxation during pregnancy increases the chances of a positive birth experience. In the later stages of pregnancy, acupressure points are included to promote a punctual delivery.
Hot Stone Massage
Therapeutic treatments using hot stones are believed to have originated in China almost 2,000 years ago. Hot stone massages apply the same techniques as a regular massage, however, the warm stones are placed on specific parts of the body to enhance the therapy and relaxation. Depending on your condition or areas of focus, the stones may be placed on the back, stomach, face, hands and/or feet.
Some massage therapists may use the stones by holding them whilst they massage you, allowing the therapist to get deeper into the muscles without applying additional pressure.
Benefits may include:
>Improved sleep
>Decreased muscle tension
>Increased flexibility in joints
>Stress and anxiety relief
>Pain reduction.
Please DO NOT attend Hot Stone Massage if you are pregnant or have any conditions below
>Diabetes
>Acute injury
>Rheumatoid arthritis in its inflammation stage
>Any condition where you may have suffered nerve damage or neuropathy or sensitivity to heat or have a history of burns
>Heart disease
>Sunburn or heat allergy
>Varicose Veins
>Skin conditions that may be aggravated by heat and water application such as dermatitis
>Have broken skin or deep bruising
>If you are taking any medications that may cause over-sensitivity to heat