indian head | hot stone | deep tissueHolistic Massage

The NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE 2009) states that a manual therapy such as massage should be considered for the early management of persistent non-specific low back pain.
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG88NICEGuideline.pdf

As part of your first massage visit I take a free and confidential consultation which allows me to build up a picture of you, your lifestyle and your needs so that I can create the best possible session tailored to you as an individual. It is therefore important to tell me about any current or recurring conditions, injuries and serious ailments that you may have or any medications you are taking. Adequate consultation records are also an important requirement under the codes and conditions of the professional organisations to which a therapist belongs.

Massage is one of the earliest forms of medical treatment as it is an instinctive and intuitive human reaction to hold and rub an injured body part to provide pain relief and comfort. Throughout history, many leading figures worldwide have studied and advocated the use of massage as a means to heal. The massage that we know today is largely due to the work of Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) who studied in China. It can be defined as the manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of producing effects on the systems of the body. Just a few of those effects can include increased circulation, increased lymphatic drainage, stimulation of tired muscles/relaxation of tense muscles, increased synovial activity (lubrication of joints), and lowered blood pressure. Therefore, it may help to think about what you hope to gain from a treatment. Examples may be reducing muscle tension, calming a fraught mind, feeling pampered, or for stimulating your energy.

Some clients feel uncomfortable with the thought of removing their clothes. As a Professional Massage Therapist I am primarily concerned with your care and well being and will protect your modesty at all times. You will be covered with towels, and only the body part being treated is undraped. To aid your relaxation, my treatment room has been designed with your privacy and comfort in mind.

The effects of massage therapy can be felt for several days and if massage becomes part of your regular self care routine you will become increasingly aware of the positive effects that Holistic Massage Therapy can have in your life.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is based on the Ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. Otherwise known as Champissage (Champi is a Hindi word meaning head massage), it provides Indian families with relaxation and healing on a daily basis, as well as playing a part in rituals such as weddings and births. Everyday events like a trip to the barber are not complete without a head massage, and it is commonplace to see head massage being performed publicly on the street.

The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders and is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.

Benefits include increased joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, improved blood circulation and lymphatic flow, reduction of knots of muscular tension, relaxed connective tissue, and elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products.

Indian head massage enables the client to remain fully clothed and seated for the treatment, however wearing a vest style top allows for better access. A range of different movements including champissage, deep kneading and compression is used over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas, whilst pressure points on the face are gently stimulated.

Hot Stone Massage

Naturally formed by sedimentary and volcanic action, basalt stones are used in hot stone therapy due to their excellent thermal conduction. The use of hot stones allows specific problem areas to be addressed by harnessing the pressure and therapeutic heat of the stones. The pressure can be customised according to the preference of the client, with light, medium and deep massage being equally therapeutic and relaxing.

The effects of pleasantly hot stones on the body include increased heart rate, respiration and vasodilation of the capillaries. This in turn helps to eliminate toxins and also increase the migration of leukocytes (white blood cells) to aid the immune system. Due to these effects, Hot Stone Massage is NOT suited to people who have a compromised cardiovascular or immune system.

Deep Tissue Massage

This technique focuses on problems within the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. It aims to release knots and tension in the body through direct deep pressure on the contracted areas. Other techniques used include trigger points, myofascial release and cross frictions along the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia.