Holistic Massage

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I offer Holistic Massage in the form of Swedish massage, Thai massage, Tok Sen, Thai foot massage, deep tissue massage, fire cupping, detox massage, pregnancy massage, natural facelift massage, jade roller & gua sha and Indian head massage.  And do have a look at my delicious original and bespoke Super Sessions - 90 minute combination sessions.

 

Massage has both a physiological and psychological effect.  The various movements affect the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic system, nerves and in some cases internal organs, depending on the position and the pressure of the movements involved.  In general the pressure of the movements results in a speeding up of the body’s physiology.  Whilst slow, gentle movements have a soothing effect, calming the nerves and enabling the client to relax. 

 

General effects of massage

Circulatory system:  Mechanical pressure assists the flow of blood vessels and is directed towards the heart.  Freshly oxygenated blood is able to bring nutrients to the skin and muscle tissues.  Blood pressure and pulse rate are both lowered.

 

Lymphatic system:  Massage movements are also directed to the nearest lymph node.  Lymphatic drainage is increased aiding the removal of toxins (bacteria and cell debris) and waste products (carbon dioxide and urea) from the body.

 

Nervous system:  There is a general effect caused by a more local effect on the sensory nerves, creating a feeling of relaxation and warmth.

 

Muscles:  The deeper movements will improve circulation to the muscle tissues themselves, therefore removing waste products.  This means that tired, aching muscles can be restored to their normal state.  Massage also help weak muscles to improve their tone and aids joint mobility which helps with the movement of the muscle.

 

Skin:  The increase in circulation will improve the nutrition and removal of waste products so giving a temporary feeling of warmth and a cleansing effect as sweat and sebaceous ducts are emptied.  Skin colour, texture and tone will be improved.  Dead cells on the surface will be rubbed off, sebaceous secretions will be stimulated and the massage mediums will nourish the skin.  There will be mobilisation of subcutaneous tissues which will allow the skin to move and relieve tension lines.

 

Fatty tissues:  Massage cannot break down fatty (subcutaneous) tissues but there will be a feeling of softness after more vigorous massage.  Therefore for a maximum effect massage should be accompanied by good diet and regular exercise.  Poor circulation and fatty deposits together may be treated effectively with massage by moving the tissue fluids and allowing absorption of the adipose tissue through increased metabolism.

 

Metabolism:  Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food and substances into energy for its own use, growth, repair and maintenance of a fit and healthy body.  Part of the process is the digestion of food which when broken down is absorbed and used in the metabolic process providing energy.  Incorrect metabolism can cause minor health problems such as sluggish skin, overweight and greasy and spotty skin.  Massage helps to stimulate the metabolism improving the general health of the body.

 

The other massage therapies I offer work on the upper back and shoulders, the neck, head and face.  But this is not to say that it is not hugely beneficial!  You will find the benefits will filter through to your whole body, leaving you feeling incredibly relaxed.

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Benefits of a Facial Massage

The face is full of nerves and pleasure points making a facial massage a real feast of pampering and benefitting you in many ways.

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Mood:  Facial massage decreases anxiety and can improve mood so a relaxing facial massage may be just what you need to reduce stress.

 

Prevent Wrinkles:  Daily stress often results in tension buildup in the muscles.  Lines form on the forehead, between the brows and along the lip line and we can develop crowsfeet. Gentle, routine facial massage can help relax these tight and drawn muscles, decreasing the lines formed.  The facial massage I offer also incorporates facial reflexology as well as lifting movements to help lift and tonify the muscles.

 

Help with Congestion:  Therapeutic massage can help to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sinus congestion.  When mucus builds up in the sinus cavities it can leave you with a sense of pressure, create puffiness and give you headaches.  Massage can help to improve drainage and relieve congestion.

 

Detoxify the Body:  Massaging the face stimulates the lymphatic vessels and facilitates toxin elimination from the facial area. The lymphatic system is a full body system and plays a key role in your health, removing toxins from the body.  Many lymph nodes are scattered throughout the facial area, especially along the edge of chin and jawline, therefore facial massage is helpful in this process.

 

Benefits of an Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage has many physiological and psychological benefits including improved condition of the skin and hair and promoting healthy hair growth.  It also creates a gentle feeling of balance and calm to help in releasing stress.

 

Although the techniques in Indian Head Massage involve only the upper part of the body, the potential benefits are widespread. It is a truly holistic therapy in that it has many physiological and psychological benefits:

 

• Increase in blood flow and lymphatic flow to the head, neck and shoulders

• Relaxes the muscle and nerve fibres of  the head, neck and shoulders to help reduces spasms, restrictions and adhesions 

• Help to decrease inflammation in the tissues

• Decreases stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and activates the parasympathetic nervous system

• Improves circulation to the skin and the hair, as well as to the scalp

• Relaxes and soothes tense eye muscles

• Increases the supply of oxygen to the brain

• Stimulates the release of endorphins from the brain

• Encourages the release of stagnant energy and restores the energy flow to the body

• Promotes healthy head growth, helping improve the conditions of the skin and hair

• Relieves muscular tension and fatigue and reduces stress places on bones and joints

• Slows down and deepens breathing, slows down the heart rate and helps reduce blood pressure, stress and anxiety

• Nourishes the tissues and encourages healing, encourages cell regeneration

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Tip

You are bound to feel like you're walking on air after one of these sessions treatments, however your hair may look tousled and greasy due to the use of oils and just as part of the massage process.  So make sure to take a hairbrush and band, or a hat to wear on the way home from your session.  Also, be sure to wear a vest top that can be slipped down off your shoulders to fully benefit from the session.