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Where
does Massage come from?
The use of
Massage is documented as far back as 5000 years ago by the Egyptians. Massage is also mentioned in Chinese, Indian, Greek
and Roman texts. In all of these societies massage was considered a prerequisite for maintaining good health.
What
is Massage?
Massage consists
of a set of stroking and percussion movements - usually of the hands - which are designed to stretch and loosen
the muscles, stimulate the body's various component systems and reinforce the body's own natural healing actions.
How does
massage work?
Because massage
stimulates the blood and lymph systems it provides nutrients to the whole body cell by cell and helps removes the waste
products from a cellular level upwards. Massage also stimulates the nervous system, activates the body’s natural
healing abilities and promotes a general sense of wellbeing.
Massage can be used to relax or uplift, depending
on how it is applied. The massage we use is based on Swedish massage, and we can also incorporate essential oils to heighten
the required effect.
On an everyday basis massage
can be used to relieve tired or aching limbs, ease pregnancy aches and pains, help repair sports, repetitive strain and
other injuries, ease aching neck and shoulders from modern situations involving prolonged sitting (driving, desk work or incapacity),
or just as a general relief from the hectic pace of modern life.
What can
I expect in a Massage treatment?
After a discussion of
the treatment required, the client will normally undress to their underpants and lay face
down on a treatment couch. The only part of the client's body to be exposed is the part currently being massaged, and that
is the only area where there will be contact between the therapist and client.
Half way through the massage the client will turn over onto their back
for the remainder of the session.
It is not unusual for a client to feel disoriented after a massage, so we allow
plenty of time for the client to leave the couch, get dressed, and have a glass of water. We provide after-care advice to
ensure the client gets the full benefit from their treatment as it continues to work for up to 10 days afterwards.
Types
of Massage
Relaxation Massage
Even with the
best of intentions, we tend to abuse our body's abilities on a regular basis. We sit in the same position for hours on end
while driving, at a PC, using a laptop or simply reading while on the train. Tensions accrue and we don't stretch often enough
to release them. This is where the massage therapist is able to do the job for us, 'catching up' on what we should be
doing ourselves. The massage requires undressing and takes place on a massage table. A combination of stretching and loosening
techniques and passive exercises soon have our bodies working the way they were designed to.
Remedial
Massage
This addresses
muscular problems incurred in day to day life, as well as sporting and other pastimes. This massage also requires undressing
and takes place on a massage table. Advanced massage techniques can correct the way muscles have become corrupted in
their positioning or functioning, leaving us able to move freely again.
Pregnancy
Massage
Massage for
the mum-to-be requires specialised knowledge - of massage techniques, client positioning, and awareness of ante-natal
medical conditions. This uses a massage table or a chair, depending on mum's prevailing condition and requirements.
The benefits are amazing, for both mum and baby. It is not unusual for the baby to become completely still during a massage.
Chair Massage (On-Site Massage)
This is mostly provided to the corporate market, however,
it is suitable for individual treatments too. OSM is widely recognised as an essential by any company that is concerned
with employee welfare. The massage takes place on a specially-shaped chair which allows the therapist to access all the main
areas where stress and tension accumulate. The benefits to staff are almost instant and long-lasting.
Minimal space requirements and no need for undressing,
oils or creams means this is fast to set up and implement. The costs are recouped many times over in increased staff
productivity and well-being, and through reduced fatigue, absenteeism and staff turnover. It also helps mitigate
corporate responsibliity for employee stress and RSI problems.
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