Massage has been used throughout the world for thousands of years to improve and maintain health. Massage can be used to reduce muscle stiffness and aid the repair of injured tissues, maintain the circulation of blood and lymph, improve skin nutrition, regulate metabolism, and to ease stress. For more information on particular types of massage, click on one of the links below

AROMATHERAPYTop
Aromatherapy combines the physical and emotional effects of massage with the medicinal and “feel good” benefits of plant essences. Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits. The aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a positive reaction, Oils that are applied to the skin are absorbed by the skin and are inhaled into the lungs. The components of the various oils are believed to alleviate stress and improve mood, and are a successful treatment for many minor ailments.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGETop
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia. It is especially helpful for areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense.  It may cause some soreness during or right after the massage, but you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

DYNAMIC MASSAGETop
Dynamic Massage sensitively integrates deep, structural massage with a variety of bodywork techniques including deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, pulsing and passive stretching. A dynamic massage works deeply, yet sensitively to release chronic tension, facilitate well-being and encourage freedom and relaxation in the body.

EAST WEST FUSION MASSAGETop
Traditional Swedish massage infused with the ancient techniques of Shiatsu and Japanese acupressure creating a unique and deeply de-stressing massage treatment. Combining Swedish oil based massage with deeper soft tissue work, stimulation of pressure points and gentle stretches, this individually tailored massage not only releases deep seated tension in your muscles but works on the whole energetic system of the body, infusing you with a feeling of overall wellbeing.

INDIAN HEAD MESSAGETop
Indian Head Massage comes from a tradition of intergenerational family massage. Practised for over a thousand years it became part of women's grooming rituals. Then barbers started to reward their loyal clients with this “champi” - where our word shampoo originates. The massage of the scalp, face, neck and shoulders, soothes, comforts and reduces muscle tension. The activation of 'marma' points rebalances the energy flow to produce a feeling of peace and tranquillity.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE Top
Pregnancy massage is massage therapy specifically tailored for the expectant mother's needs. The mother's body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage, using pillows and padding. Proper positioning ensures comfort and safety for the mother and baby. Also, it is wise to be cautious with some massage techniques, such as deep tissue work, and certain areas of the body should be avoided during different stages of pregnancy. Specialist pregnancy massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. It's a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited.

REJUVINATION FACIALSTop
Holistic rejuvenation facials use cleansers, masks, toners and moisturisers made from some of the world's most exclusive pure essential oils. Each product is tailor-made to suit the various ages of the skin. The facial helps to eliminate stress and headaches, drains the lymph in the face, brings nutrients more efficiently to the face and tones and firms the skin.

SPORTS MASSAGETop
Sports massage is a systematic massage using a range of soft tissue manipulation techniques to address local dysfunction, such as neuromuscular work and pressure points, followed by therapeutic stretching. Sports massage can be used as preventative measure ( by promoting the flexibility of the muscles and tendon to prevent injury), or for treating stiffened or injured muscle tissue together with other structures, fascias, ligaments and connective tissue. Benefits can include:

• Increases muscle relaxation
• Increases muscle flexibility and range of movement
• Speeds up recovery after exercise
• Helps rid of toxins and waste products

SWEDISH MASSAGETop
Swedish massage was developed in Europe in the nineteenth century. The originator was a Swede who had observed massage being used medicinally during his travels in India and China. Subsequently his techniques were further refined and what we now know as physiotherapy was developed. Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes. It was designed to increase circulation and blood flow and to limber up joints and to relax tense muscles and has been shown to help reduce pain, stiffness and improve function.
The five basic massage strokes associated with traditional Swedish massage are:

• effleurage (gliding strokes)
• petrissage (kneading and compression strokes)
• friction (deep circular rubbing)
• tapotement (percussion tapping, pounding)
• vibration (very fine, rapid shaking)

THAI YOGA MASSAGETop
The roots of Thai massage lie in ancient Indian medicine, in which the giving of massage was considered a spiritual practice, a physical application of ‘loving kindness'. The method is based on using massage techniques to  stimulate the flow of Prana (life energy in Yoga Philosophy) along energy lines running through the body.  Thumbs, elbows, palms and feet are used to massage along the energy lines whilst moving the body through a sequence of yoga stretches to leave you feeling deeply relaxed and revitalised. This 'applied physical yoga', aids breathing and circulation and helps improve flexibility and alignment.
Thai Yoga Massage is suitable for persons of any age, and can be adapted to accommodate pregnant women and clients with restricted flexibility. The full treatment lasts about two hours and is performed while the client lies on a futon mat on the floor. The client wears loose, comfortable clothing, and no oils are used.

TUI NATop
Tuina (pronounced ‘TweeNa’is an ancient system of medical massage, the origins of which have been traced back to at least 2700 years BC. It is considered to be one of three branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the other two being acupuncture and herbal medicine. Using the principles of TCM diagnosis, there are many unique massage techniques that can be applied in a Tuina session to address the presenting condition.
Tuina can be used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as stiff neck and shoulders, general muscular problems, lumbar pain, sports and other injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, bursitis and tendonitis as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions for example digestive disorders, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and common colds.

ALSO SEE THE FOLOWING PAGES:

• BABY MASSAGE
• MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
• SHIATSU