Massage:                                    

Swedish/Therapeutic massage

Using varying degrees of pressure from light to deep, combined with long, flowing arm strokes to aid deep relaxation and the relief of tension and stress (excellent for relaxation and easing tense and aching muscles),

Manual lymphatic drainage massage (also referred to as simply MLD) is a very gentle type of massage therapy used to drain excess fluid from the body and improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system. All massage stimulates lymphatic flow, but MLD focuses on the individual system and the precise movement of the lymph. MLD is most commonly used to treat Lymphedema, which is characterized by the blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs),

Hot stone massage (See below for description),

Thai herbal compress massage (See below for description),

Indian head massage (Massage to upper back and shoulders, head and arms. Can be performed fully clothed sitting on a chair (ideal for aching shoulders or neck), or lying on the massage couch (ideal for relaxing).

Massage has been used for thousands of years and is the manipulation of body tissues, to produce therapeutic effects.

It’s main purpose is to increase oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Massage is more than just a 'back rub'!   It is a holistic therapy which treats the whole ‘me’ - the body, the mind and the spirit.

Massage feels good, it is relaxing and invigorating, it gives you a chance to take some time out for yourself.   It has positive effects on the nervous system, muscles, glands and circulation.

So whether your reason for massage is for a pampering treat, muscle stiffness or pain management, stress relief or insomnia, massage therapy can be a very powerful ally in your health maintenance and general wellness regime and helps keep the body, mind and spirit functioning optimally.

Having a massage can do you a world of good.   Having a massage frequently can do even more!   Budgeting time and money for massage at regular intervals is an investment in your health and wellbeing.   It helps reduce stress and keep the muscles loose and relaxed.   Monthly massages are often thought of as a 'pay-day' treat.

Just because it feels like a pampering treat, doesn’t make it any less therapeutic.

A free consultation will be carried out during your first session therefore please allow an extra 30 min for your session.  

Please note:- Children under the age of 16yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign a consent form and remain throughout the treatment.

Hot stone therapy:

The stones themselves are natural basalt volcanic rocks and so absorb and retain heat when placed in hot water.  

At the start of your hot stone treatment, some of these heated basalt stones are carefully applied to key points under the body – though with a cloth between the stone and your skin. This heat relaxes the muscles, which means that the massage itself is more effective and intense than it would be otherwise.

The remaining stones are then used to do the normal massage with, but one stroke with a stone has the same effect as 10 with the hands alone!  This results in a far deeper, more intense treatment that is extremely relaxing and immensely enjoyable.

The size of the stones used varies, according to which part of the body they're being used on. The stones are coated in fragrant oil to increase your sense of relaxation and calm.

My Stones:

The stones I use for my treatments are much larger and more varied in size and weight than used in most salons.  They are imported from Canada and heated in an 18qt heater, not the usual 6qt.

The advantages of this are:-

• More stones so I don’t have to keep re-heating the same ones, therefore you get the full heat benefit throughout the massage

• Larger stones give a much nicer pressure and retain their heat longer

• Large placement stones used throughout to warm those muscles waiting for their turn to be massaged, making the massage much more effective and relaxing.

Benefits of Hot stone massage:

This   is a deep massage   engulfing the client with sensations of warmth and   comfort.   The benefits to your body are the same as a normal massage but are more intense as the heat from the stones reaches deeper into the muscle and creates deeper relaxation than swedish massage.

  Thai Hot Herbal Compress Massage

Thai Style Hot Herb Compress Massage has been developed, used, and perfected in Thailand for over 400 years by the ancient Thai healers. It is a unique and deeply relaxing treatment that uses round compresses containing natural Thai herbs chosen to compliment and enhance a feeling of well-being. These are heated in a Thai steamer to infuse the contents of the herbs to give an unforgettable treatment.

Thai Hot Herb Compress Massage aims to loosen blockages and restore the body’s natural equilibrium and balance. It also relaxes the muscles and stimulates the flow of both blood and lymph. Compresses are excellent for stiff, sore or pulled muscles and ligaments; back pain; arthritis; chronic pain or injury; disorders of the internal organs; skin diseases, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety. A Hot Herbal Compress adds to these benefits the healing effects of therapeutic herbs in gentle patting, rolling and kneading actions. This traditional treatment has been practised to soothe muscle tension and stiffness in key areas. The combination of heat and medicinal herbs, is absorbed by the body to help reduce aches and leaving you feeling deeply relaxed, de-stressed and soothed.

The ingredients, organic herbs which include ginger root, turmeric, camphor, lime flowers, borneol, citrus hystrix, and cinnamon, along with the main ingredient of lemon grass, are antioxidants, natural skin softeners, hydrants and refiners.

After your treatment, you should try to find time to be able to continue to relax for about one hour to let the herbs continue to do their work, and drink plenty of water or herbal tea, to aid the detoxification process and the removal of toxins from your body.

Benefits of Thai compress massage:

• Kick starts the elimination of the lymphatic system
• Restores the balance of the elements within the body
• Inhalation of the Thai herbs ease respiration
• Diuretic properties
• Increased circulation to all of the tissues assisting nourishment and waste removal
• Calms the digestive system
• Relieves aches and pains in the muscles 
• Stimulates the skin by nourishing & improving waste removal
• Helps ease stress and anxiety and encourages relaxation
• Helps aid depression as it helps stimulate the body and the mind

    So what can massage do for me?

• Helps you relax and find some ‘me’ time
• Feels good
• Aids sleep
• Reduces stress, tension and anxiety levels
• Increases postural awareness
• Improves circulation
• Promotes healthy vibrant skin
• Increases the blood supply and nutrition to muscles
• Relieves muscle aches and stiffness, improves muscle tone and helps muscles stay flexible
• Helps relieve muscular back pain
• Improves joint mobility increasing the ease and efficiency of your movements
• Encourages self esteem and promotes a general feeling of well being
• Helps break down adipose tissue
• Helps reduce high blood pressure
• Strengthens the immune system
• Aids the digestive system

Before coming for your massage:

A   little Pre-care advice which should help you make preparations before your massage, which will in turn help you get the most out of it.

• If possible, have a warm bath before coming for your massage - this will help relax      you and warm up your muscles giving you a head start on the effects of the massage.
• Only eat a light meal, preferably more than an hour before your massage.
• Please refrain from alcohol and avoid using non prescription drug’s prior to your massage as the effectiveness of the massage will be limited or adversely affected.
• Try to leave your jewellery at home as it will need to be removed before the massage begins.
• Try to arrange a quiet period of time after your massage as you may experience deep relaxation and will need time to yourself before returning to your daily routine.
• Most of all - just come and enjoy your massage.