- Home
- Holistic Therapies
- Therapeutic Massage
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Baby Massage Instruction
- Holistic Pain Management
- Reflexology
- Indian Head Massage
- Ear Candling
- Energy Healing
- Rehabilitaion and Movement
- Holistic Nutrtion and Fat Loss
- Holistic Pain Management
- Professional Relaxation Training
- Wellness Packages
- Therapy Price List
- Contact Us
- How to find us
Therapeutic Massage
Body Massage History
Body massage dates back to the beginning of time and was practiced by early Chinese, Hindu, Assyrian, Greek and Roman civilisations. There are many examples in ancient artwork that depict massage.
Until the 1600's massage was not really heard of in Europe. It wasn't until a Swedish physiologist called Dr Peter Henry Ling int he 1900's gave a clear and ordered system of working, which we now call 'Swedish Massage'.
Other names for massage include 'Classical' (as used in Sweden), 'Clinical' and 'Therapeutic'.
Traditionally massage is carried out lying on a couch and usually the whole body is massaged (back, shoulders, arms and legs, or just the back and shoulders are treated . However, since we all have different needs and requirements it can be given in a seated position, either in a special massage chair, or by use of pillows and a chair.
Massage can have a profound effect on the body - in many ways. Below is a short description of the ways massage can help the body and mind, for more information please click here for a full report.
The effects of Massage on the body
With each massage the body's systems are affected. The response to touch, pressure and heat all have an effect on the body. Below is a summary of how massage can effect the body. There are two types of responses involved:
- Mechanical -This is the effect of touch, movement and pressure
- Reflex - How the nerves respond to stimulation
Skeletal
- Increase joint mobility
- Free adhesions and scar tissue
- Improve the tone and texture of the muscles
Muscles
- Relieves muscle tightness and stiffness
- Increases tissue relaxation
- Increases blood circulation
- Reduces muscles soreness
- Rapid removal of toxins
Cardiovascular
- Improve circulation
- Dilate blood vessels
- Produce enhanced blood flow
- Help temporarily decrease blood pressure
- Decrease heart rate
- Reduce ischaemia
Lymphatics
- Reduce oedema
- Strengthen the immune system
Nerves
- Stimulation of the sensory receptors
- Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Reduce pain
Skin
- Improve circulation to the skin
- Increase the production of sweat
- Improve the skins colour
- Increase sebum production
Respiratory
- Deepens respiration and improves lung capacity
- Slows down the rate of respiration
Digestion
- Help with the movement of food around the digestive system
- Stimulates digestion
Urinary
- Increase urinary output
Psychological
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Create a feeling of well-being
- Improve self-esteem
- Promote positive body awareness.
- Ease emotional trauma through relaxation