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Holistic Massages

Massage – the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body

How does it

work?

Massage uses either the therapist’s hands or, in some cases, mechanical means, to manipulate the body’s soft tissue, especially the muscles.

There are numerous different kinds of massage, which focus on healing the body and mind.

Massage has been used as a healing therapy for many thousands of years. Records dating back to 2700 B.C. show that in China massage was used to treat paralysis, chills and fever.

Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician writing in 400 B.C., recommended that physicians should treat sports and war injuries with massage and rubbing.

An ancient practice

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Services

Massage during pregnancy

More and more women are finding that a weekly or monthly massage during pregnancy helps to

reduce stress and promote relaxation
relieves muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pains;
increases circulation and thus reduces the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in the feet and legs;
helps with digestion and reduces the likelihood of stretch marks , due to the natural creams used.
provides emotional support (especially women who are going through the experience alone)
Pregnant clients report that their massage sessions leave them feeling relaxed and comfortable, and with increased self-confidence and an enhanced body image.
! ! ! However, women with placental dysfunctions, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, toxemia or threatened miscarriage should avoid massage during pregnancy. If in any doubt at all, have a chat with your doctor before booking an appointment with a therapist.

Massage for cancert patients

Research carried out by Marie Curie Cancer Care in London (2002/2003) has provided new clinical evidence that aromatherapy massage (using Roman chamomile essential oil) is beneficial for cancer patients.

The results of the research revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between those patients who were massaged, and those who were not. Overall, the massage helped to improve patients’ physical and psychological symptoms, as well as their quality of life.
Further research undertaken at the University of Miami Medical School showed that breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy.

Cancer patients must always inform their massage therapist of the site(s) of the cancer(s), as the tumours themselves should never be massaged.
Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness.

Massage for the elderly

Massage can be especially helpful for the problems that most people experience, as they grow older. Gentle massage can be used to soothe conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, loss of flexibility, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and help with respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema.

But, perhaps most important of all, for elderly people who have lost their partners and live alone, massage provides the sense of nurturing that comes from being gently and respectfully touched. Elderly people with Alzheimer’s or who have had a stroke and find it hard to communicate verbally benefit greatly from massage.

Very frail or modest clients can benefit just as much from a foot, hand or face massage as they might from an all-over body massage. It’s important to make sure that the therapist is told about any medication the elderly client is taking.

What are the benefits?

Massage relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved circulation, promotes relaxation and improved sleep. Clients who have experienced these forms of specialised massage report that they find the treatment soothing

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Clients with any form of cancer must obtain their doctor’s permission before having any kind of massage treatment. Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor first.