Massage

Massage therapy

Massage is an instinctive human response that when we bump ourselves that we rub it and the ‘ouch’ soon goes away. This basic instinct has been slowly developed over the countless generations into a sophisticated healing art and science.

Professional therapeutic massage is an age-old healing art, which can alleviate physical, mental and emotional ailments. The practice dates to the Chinese in 3000 BC. Other references in the Bible refer to anointing the body with oil. In 460 BC, Hypocrites prescribed it as a beneficial treatment for his patients.

In one form or another, it developed in all the nations of the old World. Hippocrates, who is considered a father of medicine, said that all physicians should have experience of the techniques of rubbing, It is recognised that rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid. In 1813, the Royal Central Institute was established in Stockholm, Sweden, and here the known massage movements were studied scientifically and systematised. This was the most important single development in the field in modern times and it is because of this that remedial massage is often called “Swedish”.

Massage Therapy is:

The holistic application of physical touch to affect the systems of the body; i.e. the muscular, skeletal, digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, emotional, mental and nervous systems.
It is the manipulation the soft tissues of the body with the hands for therapeutic, healing, relaxing and pleasurable effects.
It is the loving touch of the heart expressed through the hands.
It is not physiotherapy or any practice of manipulation of the skeletal structure.

Too much unresolved stress in our lives can cause constant muscular tension. This tension or tightness reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles and organs and also restricts nerve & lymph supply. Tension creates a tendency for a build up of toxins in the body, and reduces the flow of the more subtle energy or life force (Prana or Chi). Tension can lead to symptomatic feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aches and pains, tightness of muscles and stiffness. Muscular stress can increase the likelihood of strains and injuries. Muscular stress also distorts the skeletal structure which further compounds existing problems and creates new ones.

Improve circulation
Assist the flow of nutrients & oxygen to tissues
Detoxify the body systems
Soothe and relax nerves

CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are situations where it is advisable to be cautious about having massage treatment. Conditions such as: Acute inflammation, redness, swelling, marked breathing difficulty, fever, skin rash, Varicose veins. If you have any of these conditions or other concerns, please check with me at the time of booking your treatment.

TYPES OF MASSAGE AVAILABLE:

Swedish massage

Swedish massage was invited by a fencing instructor named Per Henrik Ling in the 1930’s. When he was injured in the elbows, he reportedly cured himself using tapping (percussion) strokes around the most affected area. He later developed the technique currently known as Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage and involves using the hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movements of the joints may also be part of the massage.

The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation; mental and physical relaxation decreased stress and muscle tension and improved range of motion. Unlike drug therapy, which is often associated with many systemic and long-term side effects, massage therapy is relatively safe and has few contraindications.

Indian head massage

Indian head massage was developed in ancient India as a form of therapy developed from Ayurvedic medicine. In India it is known as Champissage and has been practised throughout Indian villages for centuries as part of the family grooming process.

The form we know now has been further developed and introduced into the western world by renowned practitioner, Narendra Mehta, as well as general medical practitioners. Although this therapy is named Indian Head Massage in reality it covers much more. The therapy incorporates the upper back-thoracic areas, shoulders, upper arms, neck, cervicals, spine, scalp and face.

All of these areas are prime sites for stress to attack as well as being high in the scale of general injuries, aches and pains especially for those working with computers or driving.

Indian head massage can stimulate and improve:

Scalp, neck and shoulder circulation
Improve texture, strength and growth of hair
Relieves headaches and eye strain
Re-balances energy flow leaving one with a feeling of peace and tranquillity
Stimulates lymphatic drainage (helping to get rid of waste products)
Restores muscle tone and improves joint movements; improves sinus problems
Helps aid sleep patterns and improves concentration

Lymphatic drainage massage

The lymphatic system is responsible for helping fluid and waste to leave the body and for regulating the immune function. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, fluid build builds up and stagnates, causing the entire system to become toxic, making us feel sluggish and more susceptible to viral and contagious disease.

Lymphatic drainage is a delicate form of massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, aiding the body to eliminate waste and toxins, transporting nutrients to the cells thereby providing a boost to the immune system and enhancing the metabolism.

Pregnancy massage

Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. Positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying.

The massage table is set up so you are in a semi-reclining position on your side. This is not only really comfortable for you as mother-to-be but is also safe for your baby. Extra body pillows are used to provide support to ensure your comfort during this quality time.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:

Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress
Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips and legs
Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling
Reduce stress on weight bearing joints
Improves outcome of labour and eases labour pain
Enhances the pliability of the skin and underlying tissues
Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering

Did you know you can also learn how to professionally massage your own child over the age of eight weeks

The body benefits from movement, the mind benefits from stillness.

Sakyong Mipham

Relax, Realign, Restore

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