The Effects of Massage:

The Benefits of Massage Include:

Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits.

Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism helping to prevent unnecessary muscular strains due to excessive tension. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system depending upon what is required by the individual and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the recipient with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

• Relief of muscle tension and stiffness, especially the back and neck area where tension is stored. 
•  Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to assist with the elimination of waste products throughout the body.
• Stronger immune system & disease prevention. 
• Deep relaxation and decreased stress levels.
• Improved work, sport and general performance
• Greater joint flexibility and ease of movement 

Swedish / Relaxation Massage

For those who need to be pampered, relaxation massage is a gentle smooth flowing style of massage suitable for stress and tired muscles.  It is a soothing massage that promotes relaxation and relieves muscular soreness leaving you revitalised and tension free. You can enjoy a full body massage or have the therapist concentrate on a few areas.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are areas/points in the feet, hands and outer ear which influence glands and organs in the body.  The application of pressure and massage on these points create a physiological change in the body; improving blood flow, encouraging hormonal balancing, strengthening the immune system and promoting total relaxation.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are areas of hyperirritability in the soft tissue structure. They are manifested by continuous muscle contractions (not necessarily due to injury) confined to a small spot causing hard knots in the muscles. Trigger points can be an acute source of pain or remain unnoticed by the client until pressure is applied by the therapist causing pain to be referred to some other site. For example, a headache may not be caused by a problem in the head itself, but have been sent to the head from a trigger point on the side of the neck.  Factors such as poor nutrition, stress and chronic illness are also considered as potential contributors towards trigger points.

Trigger point therapy helps to break the self-sustaining vicious circle that has kept the muscle contracted. It does this by stretching the knotted muscle fibres and increasing circulation enabling oxygen and nutrients to flow to the spot.

Sports Massage

Sports massage specifically targets muscles relevant for particular sports and aims to improve performance for the serious and not so serious sports person. Sports massage helps to reduce injury, loosen overworked muscles, relieve pain and prepare your body for the next event.

Myofascial release

 Fascia is connective tissue which surrounds our bones, muscles, nerves and organs. Tension in one area of the fascia can cause problems in other areas of the body.  Myofascial release is used to release tension in the fascia and equalize muscle tension throughout the body, treating chronic pain and improving movement.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

 Lymphatic Drainage therapy is a cleansing and re-energising treatment that uses gentle massage techniques to stimulate the function of the body’s lymphatic and circulatory system.  Lymphatic Drainage has a therapeutic effect on the immune and nervous systems and is deeply relaxing making it an effective treatment for stress. Lymphatic Drainage can also improve congestion and pain associated with colds and flu’s, general detoxification, and immune deficiencies.  

Therapeutic, Remedial & Deep Tissue Massage

This massage targets specific muscles using pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissues. Various techniques are implemented to soften and mobilise muscles which have become tight and contracted due to injury or the stresses of daily life. Therapeutic, remedial & deep tissue massage are used in the treatment of conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder or back pain, stiff tight muscles, tension or stress. Therapeutic, remedial & deep tissue massage helps to reduce muscle spasm, alleviate pain, promote circulation and increase joint flexibility.

Chinese Massage (Tui Na) is the most common form of acupressure practised in China and is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tui Na translates as ‘push and grasp’. Acupoints are stimulated with fingers, thumbs, feet and knees. The client remains dressed and experiences a vigorous body massage using techniques such as rubbing, kneading, and rolling to recharge the body’s energy levels. This can be done on a floor mat or table. Specialising in injury repair and curing illness, Tui Na massage can also maintain your health by adjusting your Qi so it flows smoothly. Removes blockages and stagnations caused by injuries, exercise and/or aging

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional healing art based on TCM. It combines massage, stretching, and gentle physical pressure along meridian channels and pressure points. Acupuncture also uses these meridians and pressure points to balance the body’s energy (known as “Ki” or “Chi”). Each meridian relates to an organ function. When the meridians are balanced, the tissues, muscles, nerves, metabolism and emotions are balanced.
The practitioner uses fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy along the meridian lines. This is a holistic therapy designed to uplift and harmonise your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Can provide relief from specific problems such as: lower back pain, migraines, insomnia, depression, sinusitis, asthma etc. The therapist can also offer additional support with corrective yoga exercises, nutritional guidance and holistic counselling.