Massage, Aromatherapy Massage & Swedish Massage - Overview

A massage is designed to relieve pain, ease tense or tight muscles, improve circulation and benefits the body in many other ways. Designed to increase the oxygen flow in the blood, the release of toxins from the muscles and the release of endorphins,the body's natural painkillers, a massage is beneficial for people with chronically overworked and painful muscles.

Swedish Body Massage
Massage is perhaps the oldest and simplest of the healing arts. A Swedish massage, developed in the 19th century by Swedish Doctor Pir Henrik Ling, is a deep massage. It was designed to relieve pain, ease tense or tight muscles, improve circulation and benefit the body in many other ways. Designed to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release of toxins from the muscles, a massage is beneficial for people with chronically overworked and painful muscles.

Although working on the superficial muscles, the effect benefits deeper layers of muscles and underlying organs. Massage may also act as a means of re-educating the body. It helps us become aware of when we are tensing certain muscles unnecessarily and allows us to learn the skill of relaxation.

Body Massage can be tailored to the clients needs, ranging from full body to a back, neck and shoulder massage. The client is able to choose between an invigorating massage or a gentler, more relaxing massage. Privacy and dignity is maintained at all times, with the client being completely covered with the exception of the part of the body undergoing massage.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage involves the use of essential plant oils during the massage.  Therapists use around 50 oils for different conditions as each oil has different therapeutic properties which can be linked with body conditions.  The oils are diluted in a carrier oil and mixed to provide a personal blend to optimise the effects. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin or through breathing in during the session.

How it may help
A massage encourages feelings of relaxation and a general sense of well-being.  By releasing the body's natural endorphins a massage can increase feelings of health and well being.  Massage can help to relieve painful conditions, stress and tension and increases energy levels.

Contraindications
There may be some contraindications to massage depending on your medical history.  The therapist will take a full case history on the first session and permission from your general practitioner may be sought if the therapist feels  this is in your best interest. Certain degenerative joint problems, high blood pressure and certain disease processes for example some cancers may not benefit from massage therapy.

The therapist will also check that there is no allergy to the oils being used.

 
A typical session

The first session will involve taking a detailed case history so may last up to 1. 5 hrs. You will be lying on a couch fully covered with towels. Only the part of your body being massaged will be exposed to maintain your modesty.  The therapist may use oils or creams during the massage to allow for a smooth free flowing movement.

After the session you will be encouraged to rest and to drink plenty of water to help your body detoxify.  You will be encouraged to avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco for at least 24 hours.

Further sessions last about 1 hour.

Cost / Number of sessions
Two to three treatments initially followed by a session at regular intervals to allow you to remain balanced. The interval for these sessions is very personal to you.  Some people with a heavy, physically demanding job may request weekly sessions while others may prefer 4-6 weekly treatments. Please discuss with your therapist.