Therapies

Swedish Massage

Massage has been around for many centuries, however the modern techniques used in Swedish massage today were developed in the early 18th century by Per Henrik Ling. He was a fencing master from Sweden, who is credited with devising the Swedish Movement System. His systems were simplified in the late 18th century by Johan Georg Mezger, a Dutch masseur, who introduced the names for the four different strokes that are still used today. Massage itself can be described as the application of appropriate pressure on the soft tissues of the body by a series of specific movements and techniques.

The techniques involved are known as Effleurage, Friction, Petrissage and Tapotement, each stroke promoting a different reaction in the body.

Effleurage – is a long gliding stroke performed with the palmer surface of the hands and fingers. It is used initially to spread the oil, then to warm up the muscles, allowing you to get used to the therapist’s touch.

It helps to relieve congestion in the tissues and sooth the nerves. Effleurage is used at the beginning of the massage and throughout to link the other techniques into a fluid and relaxing routine.

Friction – uses small circular movements of the thumbs or the tips of the fingers and elbows to help to break up any scar tissue/adhesions that may have formed due to an injury. Any waste products released during this process are then more readily absorbed into the blood and lymphatic system for disposal. Friction can also be used on recent injuries to help direct the formation of new scar tissue, allowing the injury to heal more cleanly and limit the loss of range of movement.

Petrissage – is a kneading technique, used on relaxed muscles, which can be subdivided into picking up, squeezing, rolling and wringing. These movements are usually applied to the larger muscles and are good for improving muscle tone, stimulating the nerves, improving circulation, waste removal deep in the muscle tissue and breaking up adhesions. It is more of a cleansing movement.

Tapotement – is a percussive massage technique which can also be subdivided into several types. These are cupping, hacking, flicking, beating and pounding, and flailing. Different parts of the hand are used to create these movements with varying degrees of intensity. Percussion strokes are very stimulating, which is good for out of tone/wasted muscle. Cupping over the back area can help to relieve congestion in the lungs by loosening any mucus there. This style of massage should never be performed over boney areas, where there is inflammation, or where the aim of the massage is relaxation. Usually performed at the end of a sequence to reinvigorate previously relaxed muscles.

Swedish massage uses these techniques to enhance the circulation of blood and lymph around the body, stretch muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons. It can also help to promote a feeling of well being and relaxation.

Please see What to expect for more information.

Restrictions (or Contraindications) to a massage –

As well as the many benefits to a massage, there are unfortunately some restrictions. These can either be localised, which can be worked around, or systemic, which would prevent the massage being carried out all together. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can have a massage treatment please email me with a note of any current/past illnesses and a list of medicines you are taking. I will then get back to you with advice regarding the suitability of a massage and a treatment plan if required.

Sports and Remedial

Sports Massage

A Sports or Deep Tissue massage, originally developed for athletes, is primarily used where there has been a build up of stress and tension in the muscles due to physical activity. However, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from a Sports massage. The stresses and strains of everyday life can also take a toll on your body. Muscles can be damaged doing a 100 metre sprint, running a marathon or simply walking to the shops.

Although Swedish massage techniques are used, a Sports massage differs in that the main goal is not relaxation. The main goal here is to focus on problem areas, restore muscle flexibility and improve your range of motion, with relaxation becoming more of a secondary benefit.

A regular Sports massage can help to alleviate overused muscles and minor injuries by speeding up the healing process. Massage can help to break down those niggling injuries that can interfere with your daily life before they become problematic. This can allow you to recover faster between training sessions, and to train with less risk of injury occurring as the muscles are being maintained in a healthier state. It can also help if you have a physically demanding job or suffer from postural issues.

Sports massage does this by using additional techniques to relieve tension in the muscles, and helping to restore a more normalised joint function. Some of the techniques that may be used during your session are Myofascial Release, which helps to slowly stretch the fascia surrounding a muscle. Trigger Point therapy helps to release areas of sensitivity held in a muscle. Muscle Energy Techniques help to relax shortened muscles, strengthen weakened muscles and improve joint mobility. PNF stretching may also be used to help increase the resting length of tight muscles, again improving mobility. Not every technique will be used in each session but will be fully explained on the day, if required.

These techniques may cause some discomfort at the time, but I will always check with you and work within your pain boundaries so please let me know if it becomes too much and I will adjust my pressure. You may also experience some soreness, as if you have been exercising, for a few days after but this should quickly resolve itself leaving you feeling better than before.

As well as maintenance Sports massage can also help with events –

Pre-event/Inter-event – a short, stimulating massage 15 – 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the activity.

Post-event – given within an hour or two of the event, to help normalise the body’s tissues.

It is not advisable to introduce massage into your training schedule just before an event however, as you don’t know how your body will react. It should be introduced during your training programme allowing your body to become used to the effects and giving you a chance to see how this impacts your performance.

Remedial Massage

Following on from Sports, a Remedial massage uses the above techniques to help you recover from injury more speedily by helping with the rehabilitation process. It helps to create conditions which allow the body to heal itself and return you to normal health more readily. Massage helps you to recover from an injury by removing waste products, blockages, minimise scar tissue and adhesions, increasing the functionality of the muscles.

Please see What to expect for more information.

So whether you are an athlete, a keep fit fanatic, a weekend enthusiast or simply experiencing aches and pains, a Sports or Remedial massage may be the answer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Sports or Remedial massage. 

Hot Stones Massage

The use of Hot Stones as a healing medium has been around for thousands of years but has only recently been re-introduced. Mary Nelson developed her LaStone Therapy back in 1993, using both hot and cold stones to provide a complete and detoxifying massage. She also balanced the client’s energy channels by placing stones along the seven Chakra locations of the body. The idea was quickly seized upon and has since been developed into a more generic Hot Stones massage.

The stones I have chosen to use are naturally occurring basalt rock. Basalt is a volcanic rock that contains healing elements like oxygen and magnesium. It is also rich in iron and silica which allows it to retain heat very well. These stones have been naturally smoothed and shaped by the forces of the sea and are found along the coastal areas of Peru. Peruvian basalt is considered the most superior in the world because it has the highest mineral content and retains heat the best.

For the stones to be truly effective they should come from an area with high energy and low pollution, like Peru. On a holistic level the stones are said to offer strength, self-control and positive energies. The stones are thought to draw out negative energy and transfer positive energy through and from the therapist to the client.

A quick consultation process will be carried out to assess the suitability of this massage for you, as Hot Stones are not recommended for conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart issues, skin conditions and those on blood thinning drugs. It may be that permission from your health care provider will be sought before carrying out the massage.

You will also be asked to complete an optional Chakra analysis which can help draw attention to unbalanced Chakras and this can be monitored on subsequent sessions.

Please advise beforehand if you have any injuries or muscle inflammation that would benefit from hot/cold therapy, and I will ensure to have some colder stones to hand.

Benefits of a Hot Stones massage may include –

  • The heat from the stones penetrates further so can help promote a deeper relaxation of the muscles, softening adhesions and nodules.
  • Regular sessions may help to increase the range of motion of a joint or muscle.
  • Soothes aches, pains, and helps with reducing stress by encouraging the release of endorphin hormones.
  • Helps with sleep issues, heat can help create a calm and sedate state.
  • Increased circulation brings nutrients to the muscles and helps with the removal of waste products.
  • Promotion of lymph drainage, again assisting with the removal of waste products.
  • May have a balancing effect on the nervous system, helping to calm the parasympathetic part(responsible for the fight or flight mode, which stressed clients may find themselves stuck in!)

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Hot Stones massage.

Seated Acupressure Massage

Seated Acupressure massage, sometimes known as on-site massage, is based on ancient techniques developed in the Orient and is thought to be over 5000 years old. Originally called Anmo in China, it was further refined and renamed Anma when the therapy was brought to Japan about 1500 years ago. Anma, which translates as press (An) and rub (Ma) , has influenced the development of many other forms of massage, like Shiatsu, Swedish massage and Tuina.

The concept of Seated Acupressure massage, as we know it today, was developed as late as 1984 in Silicon Valley, California. David Palmer began giving employees of Apple Computers a fully clothed 15 minute head, back, neck and shoulder massage. This was such a successful enterprise that he went on to develop an ergonomically designed folding chair which would allow him to give a more effective massage to his clients.

Benefits of a Seated Acupressure massage

The benefits are along the same lines as with a Swedish massage. The effects are similar too in that circulation is increased, blood flow is increased, and the lymphatic system is stimulated. It also helps to promote a sense of calm and well being.

This in turn can help with many conditions, such as –

  • Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Backache
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Stress

In A Workplace Setting

Your workplace can benefit from a weekly, fortnightly, monthly session or just simply as a one off treat for your staff. One member of staff should be nominated to coordinate time slots and to distribute consultation forms beforehand, saving time on the day. The session times can vary slightly, as part of each massage would be allocated to cover changeovers. As no clothes are removed the minimum of privacy is required.

A regular massage session would greatly benefit your business as it would help to boost team morale, help to reduce stress related absence and may help to increase productivity as staff should feel rejuvenated during working hours. It can also help to improve creativity and sharpen focus by revitalising your staff.

Prices would be £60 per hour, with a minimum booking of 2 hours. This can either be fully funded by the company, partially funded or fully paid for by the staff involved (£15 for a 15 minute slot, £30 for a half hour). Time off for the session can either be provided by the company or accommodated during breaks.

Please see my Prices page for my standard travel charge calculation.​

For Corporate or one off events, the price will be £60 per hour, with a minimum booking of 2 hours. Again a travel charge may apply. 

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Seated Acupressure massage. 

Ear Candling

Ear Candling (also known as ear coning or thermal auricular therapy) seems to have been around for centuries however the origin and history is unclear. Some ancient civilisations linked to ear candling are from Greece, Egypt, India, Tibet, and the Native American Indians.

The candles used are hollow, cone shaped tubes usually made from cotton or linen which have been dipped in beeswax. They can sometimes also be impregnated with a selection of natural ingredients such as honey extracts and various herbs, for example sage.

This is a relaxing and non-invasive complementary therapy which involves gently placing a long hollow candle about a quarter of an inch into the ear canal. This is then lit and the heat from the flame is said to send warm air deeper into the ear canal.  

Benefits Of Ear Candling

As ear candling is a holistic therapy it is not designed to be a specific cure for any particular ailments, however it has been known to help with -​

  • hay-fever.
  • tinnitus, hearing difficulties.
  • headaches, migraines.
  • sore throats, swollen glands, cold or flu symptoms.
  • sinusitis, rhinitis.
  • vertigo.
  • pain or pressure after flying, scuba diving or swimming.
  • snoring.
  • catarrh and asthma.

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having an ear candling session.

Things to consider – would be a recently perforated ear drum, allergies to the products in the candles, acute ear infection, tumours, cysts, cochlear implant, grommets, current dental work, current medical treatment for an E-N-T issue and otosclerosis, as well as some general massage restrictions.

Also if you have difficulty breathing around small amounts of smoke then this might not be the therapy for you. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances.

Thai Hand And Foot Massage

Thai Massage has been practised in Thailand for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Although the massage can be carried out on the whole body, Thai Foot massage is an art in it’s own right. 

It is a mixture of many influences including Ayurveda, Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Traditional Chinese massage and Yoga. These influences may have come through Thailand’s old trade connections with South East Asia, India, Japan etc and with the spread of Buddhism to the country. It is still being taught and used by Buddhist monks in the temples today. Thai massage is also practised and handed down between family and friends. 

The massage is carried out on the feet, lower legs and hands. Oil will be used on these exposed areas which differs to a traditional full body Thai massage which is usually performed through clothes.

This is both an invigorating and relaxing treatment. As well as using some stretching, hands, knuckles, thumbs, and palms to massage the areas, I will also use a traditional Thai massage stick to apply pressure to energy points. Like reflexology these energy points are linked to the organs of the body and so it can feel like a full massage as the whole body is effected.

Treatment includes working on ‘Sen’ lines, which means channel or line in Thai, and are similar in theory to the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The techniques of Thai Hand and Foot Massage are thought to stimulate and open these energy channels, leaving you feeling relaxed, balanced and invigorated.  

Some of the reflex points that will be worked during the massage are the Solar Plexus, the Adrenal and the Pituitary points.

The solar plexus is a clustered network of nerves that sits directly behind the stomach. It goes out to all parts of the abdominal cavity and has also been referred as the “abdominal brain”. The solar plexus is highly affected by stress so releasing this reflex point has been known to decrease stress levels as well as increase the body’s tolerance for stress.

Releasing the Adrenal points can again help to reduce stress and bring you back from the ‘fight or flight’ response by controlling the production of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The Pituitary gland, is also known as the master gland as it regularises all the other endocrine glands and harmonises any imbalances within the body. This reflex point will effectively relax and or energise the body based on what is needed at that moment. It helps to hold this point before bedtime as it will help to calm and relax the body, producing a better night’s sleep. Holding this point first thing in the morning will have the opposite effect of energising the body.

Benefits of a Thai Hand And Foot Massage may include​​

  • Increased circulation to the hands, feet and lower legs.
  • Stimulation of reflex points on the hands and feet which correspond to the internal organs of the body. This may help to promote general health and a sense of well-being.
  • Increased lymphatic drainage from the hands, feet, and lower legs.
  • Increase range of motion with stretching and manipulation.
  • May help to balance and restore the healthy flow of energy in the body by working on Sen lines to clear blockages.

​Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Thai Hand And Foot massage. 

Indian Head Massage

Head Massage (or Champissage) is a form of holistic massage that has been around for thousands of years and incorporates the mind, body and spirit. It is based on the principles of the Ayurvedic health system developed in India over 3000 years ago, which includes massage as one of its elements. Ayur meaning ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means knowledge.

Objectives of Indian Head massage include relieving headaches, reducing stress and muscle tension,  and improving the flow of energy  throughout the body and the Chakras. Indian women however used various seasonal oils (sesame, coconut, almond, olive oil, herbal oils buttermilk and henna) to help keep their hair in beautiful condition.  It was a great family bonding activity and the tradition was passed down from mother to daughter. This was also taken up by barbers and practised on their male clients.

Narendra Mehta came to England in the 1970’s to become a physiotherapist and was surprised by the lack of head massage being practised here. He returned to India in 1978 to research and develop his own modern version of the therapy. He called it Indian Champissage (derived from the Indian word champi meaning head massage) and it now included the neck, shoulders, face and ears. He brought his therapy back to Britain in the early eighties where it’s been revised over the years and has grown in popularity ever since.

Benefits of an Indian Head Massage may include​​

  • General relaxation -it can help to release any tension which has built up in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This can then have a knock on effect to the whole body, leaving you feeling relaxed and destressed.
  • Headaches and migraines may be reduced as tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders is eased.
  • Reduction of neck and upper back stiffness.
  • Eyestrain and nasal congestion may be relieved with the face massage.
  • Stimulation of the scalp and hair follicles may promote healthier hair and encourage growth, by bringing oxygen and nourishment to the area.
  • Increased oxygen to the brain may help to reduce anxiety, relieve mental fatigue and encourage clarity of thought, as with exercise.
  • Memory functions may be increased with a new sense of relaxation and calmness of the mind.
  • By relieving stress you may find that your sleep pattern improves. 
  • The body’s energy flow may be re-balanced as stagnant energy is released.

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having an Indian Head massage. 

Things to consider –  would be a recent head or neck injury, scalp infections/lice, history of epilepsy/fits, cervical spondylitis and trapped nerves. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances.

Indian Face Massage

Indian Face massage otherwise know as Face Rejuvenation or a Natural Face lift, is based on Ayurvedic principles which help us to create a balance between the body, mind and consciousness. It has been developed as a therapy by Kundan Mehta, who’s husband Narendra also brought Indian Head massage to the West.

Our face can reflect the strains that we all feel living in this modern stress filled world. That furrowed brow or pursed lips can take a toll on the underlying muscles causing adhesions to build up and deep lines to form. Wearing our emotions on our face can cause our muscles to constrict and tighten over time, especially around the jaw, neck and shoulders, leading to tension and discomfort. These emotions and thoughts can become habitual, locking themselves into our expressions without us even realising it.

The facial routine uses small and focused repetitive finger movements to work every area, ‘ironing’ the skin by breaking any connective tissue adhesions, relieving and toning the muscles. The routine uses acupressure points which can help unblock any stuck energy flow. It can also encourage lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the area, helping the body to heal itself.
This can lead to better skin tone around the jaw line and cheeks, a smoother appearance around the lips and eyes, and leave you with plumped up and glowing skin giving you a more youthful appearance. The session can also leave you feeling very relaxed and lead to a better sleep.

As these deep lines have taken many years to form it may take some time to have a deeper effect on the underlying muscle structure and retrain your expressions. The benefits are cumulative so a block of sessions can have a longer lasting effect, continuing with regular follow ups to maintain the results. The massage can also be enjoyed as a one off for relaxation or a special occasion.

This is a non-invasive therapy, using oil. There is no specialised equipment and can provide an alternative to surgical or chemical options.

The client is encouraged to take a before and after picture to monitor the results.

Please see What to expect for more information.

Benefits of an Indian Face Massage may include

  • Lessons wrinkles and habitual expression lines.
  • Promotes blood flow enhancing the supply of nutrients to skin cells stimulating cellular activity and skin rejuvenation.
  • Aids lymphatic drainage reducing puffiness.
  • By relieving stress and promoting relaxation you may find that your sleep pattern improves, and headaches and eye strain reduces.
  • Tones and firms facial muscles; tightens facial contours and increases elasticity.
  • Reduces muscle tension and improves the suppleness of the skin.
  • The body’s energy flow may be re-balanced as stagnant energy is released.
  • Stimulates the nervous system.
  • Maintains a fresh, glowing, more youthful appearance.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having an Indian Face massage.

Things to consider – would be a recent head injury, scalp infections/lice, open cuts or facial wounds, deep bruising, Botox treatments in the previous three weeks, eczema, rashes or infections, cold sores, skin cancer. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances.

Pregnancy Massage

A Pregnancy massage can be a wonderful relaxing experience for both mother and unborn baby. As well as relieving aches and pains, it also gives mum a chance to relax, connect with her growing baby and prepare for the birth.

During pregnancy the body goes through enormous changes both physically and hormonally, which can have a huge emotional effect on mum to be. The body releases the hormone Relaxin to allow ligaments to loosen off in the pelvic area in preparation of the birth. This, along with an increasing ‘bump’ can cause mum to suffer aches in the low back and hip areas.

Massage can be carried out safely during the pregnancy, however most therapists advise waiting until after the first trimester has passed (12 weeks) before arranging your massage.

There are no restrictions before birth however as massage can be given up to the commencement of labour, and if you have a loving partner hopefully carried throughout labour until birth!

Benefits of massage during pregnancy

  • Releases tension in the muscles – caused by changes in posture, and the hormonal release of Relaxin. Low back and hip discomfort can be eased with massage.
  • Stress relief – massage encourages the release of endorphins, which are also passed on to baby, helping with anxiety and creating a feel good factor. 
  • Oedema- massage can help with lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling in the hands and feet. This can help relieve the symptoms of carpal and tarsal tunnel. 
  • Relief from constipation – caused by the weight of baby pressing on the intestines. 
  • Poor sleep – helps with relaxation so can lead to a deeper, more peaceful sleep. 
  • Compression – massage can relieve compression on nerves by relaxing the surrounding muscles and reducing oedema. 
  • Encourages deeper breathing – by massaging and stretching the area around the ribs. 
  • Massage can also help with headaches, stretch marks, leg cramps, morning sickness, circulation and avoiding varicose veins.

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Pregnancy massage. 

Things to consider – would be any history of bleeding/miscarriage, high or unstable blood pressure, pitted oedema, and abdominal pains. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances.

Crystal Reflexology 

Crystal Reflexology is a gentle, non invasive, yet powerful therapy that can help to release blocked energies and allow deep seated or long held emotions to come to the surface. ​

The healing properties of crystals have been used for centuries, historically as a valued part of Ancient Sumerian, Roman, Greek and Chinese cultures.

Crystal Reflexology uses the healing energy given off by the crystals, which vibrate at different frequencies, to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. They can help to clear out energies from the past that are no longer of use to us and realign our Chakras/energy to be in a more harmonious state. 

As I work with the crystals over both your chakras and reflex points , this treatment combines the advantages of reflexology with the powerful healing energies of crystals, elevating the effectiveness of the session.

All in all it can be a very relaxing and therapeutic treatment, the perfect way to switch off from the world and to start letting go of those issues that we all carry around with us.

Benefits of a Crystal Reflexology session may include​​​​

  • ​Relaxing the mind and body
  • Help with sleep issues
  • Managing aches and pains
  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Balancing the Chakras and helping the flow of energy around the body
  • Enhancing wellbeing

Please see What to expect for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Crystal Reflexology session. 

Things to consider –  would be any foot infections, verruca’s, open cuts or blisters, eczema, rashes. The therapy may not be appropriate in these circumstances or at least delayed until after any infection has cleared.

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