Massage Therapy
Our hands on therapists offer rhythmic and soothing massages to restore your mind and body. Massage therapy is a very broad therapy area. It can sometimes be confusing when looking for a massage to figure out what the right type of massage is so read our guide to find your perfect match!
Massage Therapists
Get to know our practitioners by visiting their bios then book online or give them a call.
How can a massage therapist help me?
The modern world seems to be filled with stresses and strains, not only on our bodies but also our minds. There is only so long anyone can go flat out before they burn-out and need to really take care of themselves. For many people a massage is an essential part of a self-care routine. It would be great if we could remove the aspects from life that are tough but often that is not possible. Instead, recharging your batteries could be the best way to go. And what better way to do that than through massage?
Reduce heart rate
Decrease blood pressure
Increase blood circulation
Feeling more energised
Able to sleep better
More patient
More research is being done into the benefits of massage all the time. Findings have shown that in some cases massage can be used to treat stress-related physical conditions and could be used to address:
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Depression
What happens in a massage?
Before any massage happens your masseuse will ask you for some details about your health and the focus of the session and what it is you are looking for outcome wise. Your therapist will also discuss with you the kinds of techniques they might use and why.
Depending on the type of massage you have you may be able to wear the clothes you arrive in and the massage could be done through the clothes.
Other types of massage require your skin to be uncovered. In these cases you’ll be able to undress in privacy and cover yourself with a towel or sheet.Your masseuse will then return and do your massage. At the end they will leave the room so you can dress in privacy.
Your massage therapist might use some type of oil in the massage. This is done to reduce friction and make it easier to massage you. There is often a choice of oils available.
How long will my massage last?
It depends how long you have booked for. A massage could last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and a half or more. Depending on the massage therapist’s subsequent bookings you may be able to extend your massage if you are enjoying it so much you don’t want to stop!
What types of massage are available?
There are many styles of massage. To keep things simple we divide the types of massage into two groups.
Therapeutic Massage
It is arguable that all massage that is done well and with a positive intent has the potential to be therapeutic. That being said a therapeutic massage in this sense is more than a relaxation based massage but is usually less focused than a clinical massage. Therapeutic massages often involve the whole body being massaged.
Thai yoga massage is the native massage system of Thailand. It is over 2000 years old and has its origins in ancient Indian and Chinese medical culture. It is one of the oldest bodywork systems in the world and is gaining great popularity in the west.
This unique form of full body therapy incorporates Hatha yoga and acupressure to stimulate the energy channels (which the Thais call ‘Sen lines’) and gently stretch the muscles and exercise the joints.
Known for its health promoting effects, it has been described as ‘like having yoga done on you.’ It is a safe, holistic treatment which harmonises the body and mind. Increasing energy and promoting a peaceful state of being.
Thai yoga massage is performed through comfortable, loose fitting clothing. It is carried out on a mat at floor level where your body is placed through a variety of postures which make it possible to gently stretch, press, squeeze and massage your muscles and joints.
Tui’na (pronounced Twee Naa) is the traditional medical massage system of China where it is used in hospitals and is as popular as acupuncture. It is a vigorous and robust style of massage which treats not only the muscles but also the flow of the intrinsic life energy, which the Chinese call ‘Chi’, along the meridian channels. It is ideal for treating tense muscles as well as a health promotional treatment.
The Tui’na therapist makes use of their thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows and forearms to perform a wide selection of techniques. Ensuring the muscles, joints and energy points are fully treated. Tui’na is performed through comfortable, loose fitting clothing in a seated position and on a massage couch.
Relaxation Massage
The clue is in the name. A relaxation massage is about providing a calming environment to promote a sense of physical and mental well being. It is a chance to catch your breath and de-stress.
Through taking some time for you it is possible to couter-balance the demands of life.
The client is covered with towels and only the part of the body to be massaged is exposed. This method of massage is used to either invigorate or relax. The many techniques used help improve circulation and promote relaxation. It is very effective at increasing the recovery from sports injuries and easing aching joints and muscles.
A small stick is also used for greater accuracy in treating the points on the sole of the foot. As well as treating the reflex areas, the joints and muscles of the entire foot will receive attention. Easing away the tension gathered from all of the work that our feet do.
Thai foot reflexology is used everywhere in Thailand and is used especially by travelers to relax and receive a holistic treatment.
This style of reflexology is considered to be health promotional and not diagnostic.
Questions about Massage Therapy?
What will it be like after I have had a massage?
It all depends on what the reason you had for wanting a massage and why type of massage you had as to what the after effects of a massage might be.
Sometimes people who have been particularly tense and have had a deep tissue massage could be a bit achy the next day.
Most people will only get positive effects from a massage. If during the massage your masseuse hits a tender spot do speak up to let them know and they will work around the area.
Are there any risks when getting a massage?
Massage can be a great way for many people to get physical and mental health benefits. That being said there are some people for whom massage may not be appropriate.
If you have any of the following conditions seek medical advice before looking into getting massage therapy:
If you are pregnant, a fracture, Thrombocytopenia, an open wound or a burn, if you take blood thinning medication, oteoporosis, D.V.T – Deep vein thrombosis.
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