Therapeutic Massage

Massage is thought by some people to be quite a new therapy. However, we know from ancient texts that the Chinese were practising a form of massage more than five thousand years ago. It was also popular amongst the Greek and Roman civilisations. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, recommended that physicians be trained in the art of massage.

Psychologically, massage can help reduce stress and anxiety by the simple means of 'touch'. A soothing massage allows us to let go of those emotions, which we 'store' as muscular tension, leaving us feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Physiologically, massage can help with tired, aching muscles, improve blood and lymph circulation, aid digestion, increase elimination of toxins, improve posture, treat chronic or sports injuries and generally speed up the process of healing. The various movements and techniques used in massage affect the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic system, nerves and some of the internal organs.

Therapeutic massage is applied directly to the skin, using a nut or seek oil as a medium to prevent excessive friction. Various techniques are employed in the treatment, ranging from gentle effleurage to deeper kneading, hacking and cupping. Treatment takes place on a massage couch/table.

Before you begin a massage treatment, you will be asked some questions regarding your past and present state of health and any medication (including herbal and homeopathic remedies) used. Certain conditions (e.g. thrombosis) do not respond well to massage and the questions are simply intended to bring these to the practitioner's attention.