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Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation
of the body's soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health
and well-being.
The benefits
of massage vary depending on the particular circumstances of the
person being treated. The most common benefits are summarised below:-
The movement of the massage promote bloodflow into the muscle tissue
which introduces increased levels of oxygen and removes toxins,
thus aiding the healing process.
Tired or overworked muscles in the neck and shoulders can lead
to fibrositis in the muscles as the fibres become knotted - this
can lead to headaches, back pain, tingling joints and a feeling
of general lethargy. A massage is the most effective and enjoyable
way to relieve these symptoms.
Massage treatments evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western
practices, but recent massage techniques have developed from those
created by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling who created
a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as
Swedish Massage.
This consists
of five basic strokes:
- effleurage
(stroking)
- petrissage
(kneading)
- friction
- tapotement
(percussion)
- vibration
- Not all these
strokes are used on every part of the body.
Massage is most
commonly used for relaxation and improving well-being, and many
enthusiasts are now very aware of the value of massage in combating
the tension and stress of modern day living. Many athletes, dancers
and sports people include massage in their regular training schedules
to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries and to aid recovery.
Our massage
therapists use Swedish Massage as the foundation for a treatment
and administer various techniques to match the specific needs of
the client. In general, using the hands to manipulate of the skin,
muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia, our therapists utilise a
gentle, flowing massage technique applying varying degrees of pressure
and stretching movements.
A typical full-body massage session lasts for about one hour,
our masseur will offer shorter sessions for treating specific areas
such as neck, shoulders and back or any areas giving discomfort,
aches or pains.
On the first visit clients are asked a number of questions concerning
general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the masseur
should know about, in order to assess whether there are any contra-indications
(physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment)
- these include conditions that may be exacerbated by the massage
movements such as skin conditions, recent muscle strains or bruises,
high or low blood pressure, diabetes or treatment for diseases such
as cancer.
The client is
asked to undress to their own level of comfort/modesty, and to lie
on the treatment couch under a large towel. During the session,
the therapist will utilise the towel to expose only those parts
of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or
area will be massaged without the client's permission.
Aids to massage
include lotions, creams and talc, but oil is the most common as
it nourishes the skin and allows a free-flowing movement of the
hands over the area. The therapist will sense responses but will
also ask the client about the strength of their touch. The client
should ask the therapist to modify their treatment in the unlikely
event that they feel any discomfort.
Environment
is important to the massage experience so our rooms are warm and
peaceful with low-level lighting, soft music and a pleasing aroma,
all creating the desired effect. |
