What Is Massage?
Massage is a gentle and effective form of therapy that helps stimulate the body’s own healing abilities by:
- Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
- Easing and relaxing those tight muscles which rob the body of energy.
- Promoting a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Reducing levels of anxiety and mental stress
Benefits of massage
We all know that relaxed feeling you get after a good massage but the benefits of massage go way beyond that. Some of the physical benefits of massage include:
- Stimulates local blood supply & lymphatic fluids
- Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
- Improves joint range of movement and flexibility
- Treats injuries caused during sport or work
- Assists in stress management & reduces levels of anxiety
- Relieves muscular tension & enhances mental alertness
- Aids rehabilitation after injury
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of massage. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased anxiety
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Greater energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Types of massage
Relaxation / Swedish Massage
One of the most well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.
Remedial Massage
Used to treat chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure or friction to the deeper layers of muscle. Remedial massage is aimed at treating muscle aches, pains, strains, muscle tension etc.
Sports Massage
Involves the use remedial massage techniques with a specific focus on sports injury prevention and treatment. Not only can sports massage be used to treat sports injuries but it can also enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Myofascial Release
Is the application of techniques to free the body from the constriction of tight fascia or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function.
What to expect during a session?
The massage is usually administered with the client lying undressed (underwear may be on or off depending on preference) on a massage table, draped in a towel to maintain a constant body temperature, with only the area being worked on exposed. Oil is applied to the skin to reduce friction.
Each massage can be tailored to suit each individual specific needs eg. deep and firm or light and relaxing.
Make the most of your massage treatment
- Always let the therapist know if you’re too hot or too cold. It won’t be therapeutic if you’re uncomfortable.
- Tell your therapist if you’re taking any medication.
- Pregnant women should not be massaged on the abdomen in the first three months.
- People with heart conditions may have circulatory problems that can be exacerbated by heavy massage.
- Any open sore or healing wound should not be massaged (it can cause it to reopen or spread an infection).
- Allergic reactions to essential oils are very rare, but alert the practitioner if you have skin condition.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
Make An Appointment
If you would like an appointment, why not book online using our online booking facility.
It’s easy to use and you will receive immediate confirmation.