What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a soothing, relaxing technique that can help to calm the body and mind. The power of touch in itself is incredibly important and restorative and should not be underestimated. It increases blood and lymphatic circulations, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the part being massaged. It also removes waste products such as lactic acid, which may be responsible for muscle stiffness, aches and pains. It relaxes tight muscles and stiff joints and can help the tone and flexibility of muscles.

Digestion can also be improved and can help with the break down of fat and cellulite. It encourages relaxation and improves sleep by reducing the amount of stress hormones that are released. High blood pressure can be reduced and it can help to regulate periods that have been disturbed by the effects of stress. It encourages deeper and relaxed breathing and induces feelings of calmness and tranquillity. It can be very successfully combined with many other therapies that Pam provides.

Pam has been trained in and has insurance for the following massage techniques:

Hot Stone Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Indian Head Massage
Swedish Massage
Advanced Deep Massage Techniques

Hot Stone Massage:

Hot stone massage dates back over 3000 years to ancient India and China, and more recently to the North American Indians. The traditions and healing rituals in which the stones were used, included laying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing the stones for protection and health and using stones in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Hot stone massage combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and thermalism with the strokes of massage using stones to create a deep, relaxing and healing treatment. The heat of the stones warms the skin, which allows the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while simultaneously preparing the musculature of the body so the therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers.

The local effects include a decrease in pain perception (analgesia), decrease in muscle spasm and stiffness, and also an increase in inflammation response (vasodilation). It is a blissful, deeply relaxing and restoring treatment.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage or MLD is specifically targeted at patients with cancer or those who have oedema because lymph nodes have been removed. It is extremely gentle and delicate but wonderfully soothing and relaxing as well as very beneficial for health.

Indian Head Massage:

Indian Head Massage is a safe simple and effective therapy used to assist in the promotion of hair growth, strengthening muscles and encouraging the body’s natural healing abilities. It is useful for relieving the symptoms of stress and for providing relief from aches and pains particularly in the upper back neck and head. It is a very versatile treatment that has played an important part in Indian life featuring in early Ayurvedic texts. In its country of origin it is known as champissage, i.e. from the Hindi word champi – to shampoo, and sage – to massage.

It was originally developed by Indian women as part of their grooming routine to keep their hair strong, lustrous and healthy. It is an integral part of family life. Narendra Mehta introduced the western adaptation of this technique in the 1980’s. As a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine he understood the benefits of incorporating massage oils and chakra work and so extended the massage to include the back, shoulders, upper arms, face and scalp. This treatment has become a much enjoyed therapy that has gained in popularity. Various oils are used that are softening and nourishing to the skin. You can choose from Almond, Grapeseed, Olive, Coconut, Mustard, Sesame or Jasmine.

Conditions it can help with:

It can be used to help many conditions as it soothes stress and creates more flow in the body. It eases muscular aches and pains as it moves lymphatic waste. Drinking plenty of water after a treatment creates more flow as waste is removed from the body via the elimination organs i.e. bladder, intestines, kidneys and skin. Many people do not drink enough water due to a poor and acidic diet and so the skin becomes dry, lined and blemished. Massage with dry body brushing can help to move stagnant energy and create more flow which improves overall health. It is good for everyone!