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Massage |
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Massage is all to do with muscles, and historically has long been practiced as a means towards relaxation, muscle toning, hence health and also as a therapy. It is probably the oldest form of medical treatment and has been used throughout history by all cultures.
Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. In Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced continually since ancient times. A Chinese book from 2700BC recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of the skin and flesh and exercises of the hands and feet'.
It was the principle method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians.
Hippocrates (father of Western medicine, 5th century BC) wrote 'The physician must be experienced in many things... but assuredly in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and a loosen a joint that is too rigid'.
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, places a great emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of massage with the use of oils and herbs and is very widely practiced in India.
In Sanskrit the hand is called 'HATHA' which means 'through which we experience'. Touch is a universal language and healing in itself.
A Swedish doctor, poet and educator named Per Henrik Ling developed a system and techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome and is widely used today.
During WW1 patients suffering from nerve injury and shell shock were treated with massage. Massage as a therapy almost disappeared after WW2 but has recently re-emerged as a complementary therapy and its techniques have also been incorporated into several other complementary therapies, such as reflexology, Indian head massage and reiki.
Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, patients with cancer, Aids, heart attacks or strokes.
The physical and physiological benefits of massage have been recognised and valued since ancient times.
Respect, confidentiality and trust are vital considerations in my work.
In our modern world we are beginning to realise that stress-relief and increased well-being are essential for a happy, healthy life. Massage can be used to prevent illness and increase vitality.
The massage is holistic, i.e. treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit. The reconnection of mind to body and of our senses to one another enhances our well-being.
It can often help with many health problems and achieve balance and harmony.
Evidently, the positive benefits of massage for the physical body will affect the psychological body and vice-versa.
After Care - when treatment is complete, we will discuss how you are feeling and suggestions may be made to make changes in your lifestyle, diet and so on.
Most people feel very relaxed and refreshed after treatments, although they can also stir up emotions as part of the healing process. You may feel tired, but sometimes full of energy. Some people also experience a healing reaction, such as headaches, cold or flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are normally of short duration. If you are concerned about a reaction to a treatment please contact me.
This varies from person to person. Healing is a process rather than an event. In general most problems will take time to heal - If your problem is of long standing it may require treatments over a longer period of time.
Contra-indication to massage is a reason, symptom or situation that prevents treatment being carried out safely.
Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contra-indication:
When a client has any of these conditions the therapist should not massage:
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:
If the client suffers from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved by a GP:
