Massage can improve circulation, relax and stretch tired or overstressed muscles, assist in the release of lactic acid, aid digestion and by stimulating the lymphatic system, speed up the elimination of impurities and toxins in the body. This combined with the psychological effects of creating a feeling of wellbeing and being cared for leaves you feeling contented and relaxed. Massage can also increase your energy levels by unblocking energy pathways throughout the body and can assist with general postural awareness. Stress and tension build up over a period of time, the cumulative effect is that you do not notice how stressed or tense you are until something hurts or you become injured or you end up wearing your shoulders like earrings! By releasing the underlying stress and tension which is like peeling an onion massage can break down these layers of tension and provide a relaxed base line.

CAP and the ASA Practitioners should not refer to medical conditions for which supervision should be sought, but may make claims about relieving everyday anxiety and stress, helping relaxation, aidingd sleep, promoting a sense of well-being and the like.  Some trials seem to suggest that abdominal massage might benefit those with constipation, or that massage might help temporarily ease lower back pain.  (see Therapies General, Massage and Body Work, Aromatherapy, Detoxing Gereral and Detoxing and Lymphatic Drainange under the CAP Tab)

The Treatment

Before the initial treatment, a full consultation will be conducted in confidence in order that the client’s medical history and lifestyle can be recorded. This will enable the therapist to identify for example any medical reasons that would make massage undesirable and if necessary obtain the client’s GP’s consent. The consultation also enables the therapist to gain information on the client’s past and present state of mental and physical health and to identify any particular needs and expectations of the treatment.

During the treatment only those parts to be massaged are exposed – modesty is preserved at all times by the use of towels. It is not necessary to have a full body massage. A client may choose to have for example just a Back, Neck and Shoulders.

The massage is given using pre-blended Soothing, Balancing, Harmonising or Refreshing and Revitalising Aromatherapy oils depending on the client’s preference.

Massage can be carried out with just a base oil such as Coconut, Sweet-Almond, Apricot kernel, jojoba or Grapeseed if the client wishes.

Some people have experienced Benefits for the following conditions:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Exhaustion
• Pain Relief
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Back Pain
• Stiffness
• Muscle Pain
• Migraine
• Headaches
• PMT
• Depression
• Asthma
• Menopause
• Sports Injuries
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Work Related Muscle Injuries

Types of massage offered

Swedish Massage

A relaxing massage using a variety of soothing techniques, Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes.  The basic strokes are effleurage (sliding and gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fibre) and vibration/shaking.  Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving normal muscular function in patients.  The treatment is given using a range of blended oils, depending upon the client’s preference.  This treatment will leave you feeling soothed, relaxed and rejuvenated!

Deep Tissue Massage

A deeper massage using various techniques from Swedish, sports and pressure point massage. This treatment helps to remove deep muscular tension, persistent toxins and improve postural alignment.  This treatment will leave you feeling very relaxed and refreshed; restoring and harmonising your body’s natural balance.  Regular treatments will aid in maintaining your body’s natural balance and improving overall physiological and mental form and function.

Sports Massage

An intensive treatment, designed to breakdown extreme tension caused by a demanding physical workload from either; heavy / hard manual work or the tension endured through demanding physical exercise.  This treatment will help to breakdown extreme muscular tension; realign the connective tissues and regain a relaxed muscular state.  Regular treatments can improve form, function and productivity.

Holistic Massage

Is an ancient method of healing the mind and body by stimulating the clearance of the lymphatic and energy systems of the body, a relaxing curative massage, firm but gentle pressure, this form of massage releases physical toxins, negative energy and emotional issues.  Holistic Massage promotes a deep sense of well being.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specific deep but gentle stroking massage technique designed to stimulate the Lymph flow in the body, Lymph fluid will drain down through the body and collect at the lowest part, i.e. the legs, ankles and feet, stimulating the Lymph flow up the body allows the fluid to be processed and the toxins to be removed. It is essential to drink plenty of fluid following a Lymphatic massage to help ‘flush’ through the body. Once the massage is completed, the body will ‘detox’ so expect a lot of trips to the loo!

Seated Massage

Seated Massage is ideal for people who cannot lay face down on a traditional treatment couch. A specially designed chair is used for this style of massage, the chair is designed for people who may not be able to lay on a couch, or who are pregnant or where space is limited, for example this type of chair can be used at the desk side in a busy office or call centre environment to provide head, neck and shoulder release.

On-site Massage

Many companies are realising the benefit of facilitating the good health of their employees, this is being achieved by corporate membership at the local gym and more recently by incorporating On-Site complementary therapies in the workplace. Published statistics about the effect of stress and overwork can have on employees are quite startling:

• An estimated 75% of all illnesses are stress related.
• Up to 49% of absenteeism is attributable to stress related illness.
• 2/3 of all visits to Doctors surgeries are due to stress related issues.
• Over £21 billion a year is currently being lost to British industry due to stress related issues.

The service that we offer provides the following benefits to your company:

• Non-disruptive, on-site treatment either in an office set aside for the treatment or at the desk side.
• Improved employee performance by reducing stress and tension.
• Enhanced mental clarity.
• Relief from backache, neck ache, headaches and muscular tension.
• Reduces the risk of RSI developing for people who are involved in repetitive activities.
• Reaffirms a supporting culture within the workplace, providing improvements for employees on a daily basis.
• Recognition of the value of your employees.
• Less absenteeism.
• Non-verbal, ‘active message of caring’ to your employees.

Indian Head Massage

A traditional back, neck, shoulder and head massage, designed to relieve stress in and around the shoulders and neck whilst stimulating blood flow in the scalp.

The ASA accepts that aromatherapy massage might help people relax, sleep and destress.

The ASA states that Marketers should not, however, claim that aromatherapy can be used to treat the causes or symptoms of serious or prolonged ailments.

The ASA states that Marketers may claim that the use of essential oils combined with massage might help relieve muscle strains or muscle tension but emphasis should be placed on the massage and not the action of the oil.

Mind and Body Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art of blending essential oils. It is an ancient holistic treatment, which can be traced as far back to as the early Egyptian times over 5,000 years ago. The oils are very powerful and work on two levels, the emotional and the physical. The skill of an aromatherapist is to select the, along with the client, a suitable blend of oils for that particular clients needs. Aromatherapy can aid a wide variety of conditions, some examples being: headaches, migraine, depression, anxiety, various skin conditions, hormonal imbalances and general aches and pains.

Aromatherapy massage is a relaxing and nourishing experience in itself, a gentle massage technique is used ensuring that the oils are effectively absorbed through the skin and so into the blood stream.

Following a massage you should rest for a minimum period of 30 minutes to an hour, you should drink plenty of water ideally 1.5 to 2 litres during the rest of the day following the treatment there may be some reddening of the skin, this is a perfectly normal reaction to increased blood flow in the skin, an increase in urination is also perfectly normal as the body is releasing toxins that require to be discharged this is a perfectly natural reaction.

Massage and Aromatherapy Massage is a complementary therapy and does not take the place of conventional medicine but is believed by many to ‘complement it’, should you have any concerns about receiving a Massage or Aromatherapy Massage treatment you are advised to consult an appropriately ‘Qualified Medical Practitioner i.e. your GP’.