Massage Styles

Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process.
As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or 'dis'-ease.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Hiromi, Ling, Judith.

Ayurvedic Marma Massage
Kalari marma massage is a traditional Ayurvedic massage for stimulating vital points. This is a traditional Kerala ayurvedic massage using herb infused ayurvedic oils, performed by the therapist using her hands and feet, applying appropriate pressure to specific vital points/parts of the body. Marma abhyanga (also know as Ayurvedic) not only relieves back pain, stiffness and sports injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and systems.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Not available at the moment.

Californian Style Massage (Esalen)

Developed in the 1960s, this style originated at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California and is based on a combination of Oriental and Swedish massage techniques.
Esalen is light and gentle in nature, emphasizing nurturing and empathy. The strokes are soft, easy, and slow, prompting deep relaxation.
Using essential oils in the massage helps with the fluidity of the movements. Its kneadings relax the muscles and untie the tensions.

• Relief back pain
• Reduce stress
• Improve sleep
• Eliminate the toxins
• Improve digestion and reduces constipation
• Active blood circulation
• Promote healing. This massage is an approach oriented towards the therapeutic relaxation and its effects.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Sylwia.

Chinese Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body.
The purpose of acupressure is to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body. The stimulation removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue.
Acupressure is usually given in a similar fashion to traditional massage. Points on the body are massaged using finger or thumb, and sometimes a blunt object
Acupressure can help alleviate pain, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, toothache, dizziness, menstrual pain, digestive disorders including diarrhea and constipation, nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, stress and tiredness.
In all cases, acupressure massage techniques are employed in collaboration with other appropriate medical care.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Ling, Jing.

Chinese Tui Na

Tui na dates back 2000 years to the Shang Dynasty of China and is based on the traditional Chinese Medical Theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians.
The words Tui Na translate into "push-grasp" or "poke-pinch" in Chinese. Physically, it is a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles or implements that help the body to remove blockages along the meridians of the body and stimulates the flow of qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure. Tui na's massage-like techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue work which would be considered too vigorous or too painful for a recreational or relaxing massage.
It is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Jing.

Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. This energizing deep massage therapy focuses on underlying tissue layers, to release tension in sore, tight muscles, alleviating chronic pains brought about by repetitive strain or a build-up of stress. It will strengthen and tone muscle tissue, leaving your body recharged and uplifted.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Sylwia, Adriana N, Isabelle, Hiromi, Rebekah, Judith.

Face Massage

Face Massage (Facial rejuvenation) is a natural facelift through massage. It is designed to be a gentle non-invasive approach to looking younger. It works primarily by freeing constrictions both within the facial muscles and in the connective tissue.
Massage can help prevent new tension lines and wrinkles from appearing. Massage does this by relaxing the muscles and by stimulating the blood vessels under the skin.
Tension can build up within our facial muscles from the pressures of everyday life without us realising it. It can be easy for certain thoughts and emotions to become habitual, locking themselves into expressions on our faces - sometimes over a duration of a whole lifetime. Under such conditions muscles can actually “dry up” and contract, inhibiting freedom of expression. This can encourage ageing and the formation of wrinkles as the face loses its muscle tone and elasticity and begins to sag.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Hiromi, Ling, Adriana N, Sylwia, Isabelle.

Foot Massage
A broad term for applying the techniques of massage therapy to the feet.This is not to be confused with Reflexology (applying pressure to specific points).
Foot massage is similar to Swedish massage, the most common type of massage. People typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot.
It has many benefits. It feels good. It is pleasant and soothing, and it relaxes the body. Each person responds to a Foot massage in a unique way and on occasions may experience a variety of short term reactions, for example, extreme relaxation, tiredness, lethargy or tearfulness. It relieves pain associated with migraine, tension and stress.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Adriana N, Lisa, Isabelle, Roxanne, Sylwia.

Holistic / Swedish

Although massage can be traced back as early as 3000BC, the massage we most recognize today originates from the work of a Swedish physiologist hence the term ‘Swedish massage’. It is sometimes also referred to as ‘holistic massage’ as the treatment takes into account the whole person, rather than just focusing on the symptom or the part that has the problem.

Benefits of the treatment:

To put it simply, our muscles are attached to our bones. When we get tense or stressed, our muscles build up lactic acid ‘knots’ which prevent them from working smoothly. In turn they pull our bones out of their correct alignment which can lead to poor posture, pain and other problems. Massage not only helps break down these knots and free the muscles up but also has the following clinically-proven benefits:

• Improves skin condition and muscle tone
• Relieves muscle fatigue, soreness and stiffness
• Boosts immunity
• Slows down the body systems encouraging them to repair and renew.
• Improves sleep patterns
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces the effects of stress and depression
  

And of course massage allows us to switch off, unwind and be at peace for a while.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Adriana N, Hiromi, Rebekah, Sylwia, Lisa, Judith, Ling, Adriana G, Isabelle, Roxanne.

Indian Head / Scalp Massage

Indian Head Massage is a treatment based on old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. Indian Head Massage is used by practitioners to help reduce stress and fatigue, increase mental clarity, and relax and rejuvenate the receiver.

Scalp Massage is a part of Indian Head Massage. Scalp Massage is one of the most invigorating massages you can experience.
According to ayurveda, if you want to maintain healthy and lustrous hair, you should provide better nourishment for your hair and the best way to do this is through scalp massage.
Scalp massage is not only beneficial for your hair, but also helps in relaxing your nervous system and distressing your mind. It also promotes sound sleep at night and also stimulates hair growth and replenishes dry and damaged hair.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Hiromi, Ling.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainagemassage is a therapeutic massage treatment that uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to

increase lymphatic flow and get rid of toxins in your body.
Because lymph is so key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving its flow and drainage around the body is good for you in lots of ways. Lymphatic drainage massage can have a powerful effect on your general health:

* It can help your body fight infection and speed up healing and recovery from illness
* It is a popular and effective treatment for cellulite
* It reduces water retention
* It can boost weight loss
* Manual lymphatic drainage is used in the treatment of lymphoedema

It can improve your skin texture by:
* Reducing swelling, puffiness and blotches
* Giving you clean healthy pores
* Speeding up healing in scar tissue, so it can, for example, improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Not available at the moment.

Lomi Lomi

Lomi lomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii, also known as the "loving hands" massage. This name helps to explain its principles: the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch.
Lomi lomi aims to treat the body and mind as one whole being. It is thought to release tension, assist blood and lymph flow, eliminate waste and stimulate toxins, rejuvenate the body, instill a sense of peace, harmony and well-being.
Most of the client's body is exposed, yet a towel is used to maintain modesty.This allows for uninterrupted long flowing strokes in a continuous dance-like motion over the entire body.
The breath is used to maintain focus and energy flow. Gradually, the practitioner unpeels layers of stored tension and emotional memory through these flowing movements. This enables any blockages to be freed and for Mana (life force energy) to vibrate throughout the entire being. As a side effect of all this the heart surrenders, opens up and a feeling of connection to everyone and everything is often experienced.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Not available at the moment.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of complementary medicine and involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the

feet and the hands. Most commonly, the feet are used as the areas to be treated. Reflexology has a Chinese origin. It dates back to more than 3,000 years ago and is used in the prevention and cure of many health ailments. The principle rests in the premise that the meridian network connects all tissues, organs and cells in our body. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves. A trained foot reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.
By using pressure to these the reflex points, Reflexology is good for stimulating the activity internal organs, and to improve blood and lymph circulation. Thus, the top to bottom well being of a person can be made through the foot.
Reflexology is fast gaining much popularity and acceptance as an alternative health treatment. Fans of Reflexology believe it can cure not only colds and minor ailments, but more serious ailments as well. These ailments include liver dysfunction, constipation problems, chronic headaches, skin allergies, etc.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Hiromi, Ling, Roxanne, Judith, Jing..

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Remedial

Remedial Massage is deep tissue massage that efficiently treats injuries. It removes blockages and damaged cells, speeding up recovery and encouraging complete healing. Regular massage ensures that unnoticeably small injuries are treated before they reduce performance. It effectively removes scar tissue remaining after old injuries, reducing repeat injuries. Lack of blood supply to the spine is a significant cause of long-term back pain. Lack of movement and incorrect use of muscles reduces oxygen supply, resulting in pain. Remedial Massage increases blood supply to soft tissue. Following a recent injury, improvement or complete recovery is seen after 1-3 sessions. It is especially effective for reducing pain.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Adriana N.

Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Japanese form of touch therapy that helps to maintain the universal energy. Reiki, the energy healing system, is based on the faith that feelings and thoughts have the power to guide energy, the same energy which shapes the world. As for the definition of Reiki, it can be stated that it's a kind of spiritual practice that brings about healing on all levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words, one Rei which means "universal", and then ki which means "life force or life energy." The two together -"Reiki"- means "universal life energy" and the definition of the universal life energy is something that is in everything that is living. Whether it is an animal or a plant or a person, anything that is alive has that energy and the way that Reiki works is everyone needs a certain amount of that energy in order to be healthy; you need certain balance. When something goes wrong with you, your Reiki is off and you need someone to restore that and that is what the Reiki practitioner does.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: not available at the moment.

Shantala

The Shantala baby and child massage technique is a well-respected ancient massage technique, from which most other infant massage methods have developed. Defined by its simplicity and mesmerizing rhythmic movements it is relaxing, enhances a baby or child's sense of security, their sleep patterns as well as their immune-systems. It also promotes a healthy bonding process, and helps with self-regulation.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: not available at the moment.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the

body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses.
The most obvious benefit of Shiatsu is the healing and relaxation that it provides, and the continuous flow of energy throughout the body. But, there are other benefits as well, and just a few are listed below:

• Relieves stress and tension
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces anxiety
• Increases mental and spiritual awareness
• Treats many specific disorders and illnesses
• Can help reduce labour pains
• Increases energy
• Maintains regular menstrual patterns

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Hiromi, Ling.

Sports

Sports Massage is the application of Massage and Stretch techniques to the muscle and connective tissues of the body to enhance athletic performance and maximise the performance of the athlete.
Sporting activities involve muscle activity as the primary motive force and many sporting injuries are directly muscle injuries or originate from muscle dysfunction.
Sports Massage increases range of movement, increases flexibility and relieves muscle soreness. It assists in injury prevention and promotes faster recovery from both training and injury. Sports Massage is applied to advantage Pre-Event, Inter Event, Post Event and during Rehabilitation.
This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).
Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. The skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Judith.

Thai Massage

Is an ancient method of massage from Thailand that involves a combination of yoga-like stretching, rocking, and acupressure

applied to the body over loose-fitting clothing.
Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. It is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.
Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during treatment.
People describe Thai massage as both relaxing and energizing.
Thai massage has the following benefits:

• relaxes
• reduces stress
• improves circulation
• increases energy
• increases flexibility
• improves range of motion
• centres the mind and body
  Thai Massage could be also performed with oil in a soft way of classic Thai massage.

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Lisa.

Thai Foot Massage

Thai Foot Massage is a massage of the lower legs and feet that involves hands on stretching and massage to “open” Sen (energy) Lines, along with the use of a stick to stimulate the reflex points on the feet which correspond to the internal organs of the body. Thai Foot Massage stimulates these points to promote general health and well-being.

The benefits of a Thai Foot Massage:

• Improved circulation and toxin removal.
• Stimulated lymphatic drainage and immune system boost.
• Reduced stiffness and improved flexibility.
• Accelerated physical healing
• Stress relief
• Improved sleep
• Clarity of mind

Therapists experienced / qualified in this technique: Lisa.