MASSAGE

Massage is the treatment and practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals.[1] The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading," possibly from Arabic massa "to touch, feel, handle" or from Latin massa "mass, dough". [2][3] (In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage itself was anatripsis [4], and the Latin was frictio.) An older etymology may even have been the Hebrew me-sakj "to anoint with oil."
Massage involves acting on and manipulating the client's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different massage modalities. [5] The most cited reasons for introducing massage have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.[6]
In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the body may be covered with towels or sheets.

MASSAGE

HOT STONE MASSAGE

Hot stone massage is a technique used in ancient cultures including Native American healing practice. Hot stones provide the benefits of thermal therapy with energy balancing properties. Thermal therapy, hot and cold, affects circulation and provides a method to reach deep tissue for healing.

What can I expect to experience in a hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage is almost self descriptive. The technique combines massage with the application of heated stones over the entire body, including the face, hands and feet. The stones become extensions of the therapist's hands, almost "replacing " them. The working stones are moved in a continuous fashion and turned in the hands of the therapist periodically during massage to give the best heat, then "tucked in" around different locations by the clients body. Due to this fact the massage experience takes on an entirely different feeling than general massage. It invokes a sensation of being sedative as a result of the warmth. The response during a relaxation treatment has been described as reverie or a "dream-like" state, floating in and out of consciousness. This is why I allow 2 hours for this treatment.

What kinds of stones are used?

Basalt stones are generally used by many practitioners for hot therapy. These are aged, volcanic rock smoothed by many years in rivers and oceans.

What are the benefits of hot stone massage?

Since hot stones are used to massage the body, you receive the same benefits as a Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and trigger point work. The added benefit is heat that penetrates the muscle and tendon providing deeper work with less pressure. The smooth texture of the rock and the heat provides dramatic stress reducing results. Many recipients go into a deep meditative state early in the session.

Some benefits include: an increase in circulation and lymph flow, lowered heart rate, therefore lower blood pressure, an increase in the release of endorphins, reduces pain, swelling, assists in alleviating acute and chronic problems. As for the therapist, it decreases the strains and injuries commonly caused to the thumbs and wrists – so it’s good for me too!!

Are there any contraindications for hot stone massage?

Diabetes, Neuropathy, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Uncontrolled Hypertension, Fever, Open Wounds or Skin Lesions, Acute Inflammation, Pregnancy (due to the rise in body temperature), any other condition which makes massage or heat applications inadvisable.

This two hour experience, hot stone massage £45.0

Hopi Ear Candles

Hopi Ear Candles
This is an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. It is believed that the Ancient Greeks used ear candles, initially probably for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual basis, but much later on a purely physical basis. However, the practice reached the modern world via the native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona (it's interesting to note that Hopi means peaceful people). Ear candles were used traditionally by Shamen healers. Ancient wall paintings show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe. The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians.How do Hopi Ear Candles work? The candles are made from the natural ingredients of beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St Johns Wort, chamomile, beta-carotene and organically grown flax. A constant high quality is ensured. The candles work on a chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed. They equalise the pressure in the head and ears, making them suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and the vapour collects and removes impurities or deposits. Most of these are carried away through the candle "chimney", although some of them can be found in the condensed candle wax residue after removal from the ear, or could even work their way up to the surface 24-48 hours after. What are Hopi Ear Candles used for? Though results may vary from patient to patient, some of my clients have reported Hopi Candles to be helpful with: Excessive or compacted wax in the ears (see patients comments) Irritation in ears and sinuses Pressure regulation in cases of : sinusitis / rhinitis / glue ear / colds / flu / headaches / migraine Stimulation of local and reflex energy flow Energetic revitalisation in cases of hearing impairment Relaxing and calming effect in cases of stress Noises in the ears, ringing, tinnitus Remember, if in doubt, always contact your GP.Are there any side effects? No contradictions are known to date but as a precaution, it is advisable not to use Hopi candles :If grommets are in place If there is inflammation or infection In the event of an allergic reaction to the contents. However, most clients find the treatment relaxing and regularly describe a "slight relieved feeling" in the ears and head but also a relaxing and calming effect on the whole system.Where long-term conditions are being treated, the client sometimes experiences slight headaches and occasional popping shortly after the treatment.What a typical Treatment Session entails You are asked to lie comfortably and listen to relaxing music. The candle is then gently placed into the auditory canal, where it is lit. I hold it in a vertical position, my hands keeping the candle steady and preventing any ash falling on to you. You will experience a pleasant crackling sound as the candle burns and a warm comfortable feeling. As the candle burns down, the residue ash (if it falls) will just turn to dust. The candle is then taken away while you lie there for a few moments before turning over to treat the other ear. Most clients find the whole experience very relaxing. Some fall asleep during treatment. After the candles have finished their work, you will receive a face, head and neck massage to really relax you even further and enhance the treatment of the candles.The hi-light of the treatment is to see what has been drawn up into the candle from your ear - not for the weak hearted!!! You will be amazed what you have been storing in your ears!!Frequently Asked Questions: Here are some typical questions asked. Hopefully anything you might want to know is covered somewhere on this page. If it isn't, don't hesitate to contact me.Does it help to have a treatment before taking a flight? Yes - if you have no ear infection and if you suffer with ears or sinus problems, it is a good idea to have a treatment prior to your flight to get rid of any excess wax. I suffer from a lot of ear wax and often have them syringed. Could I use these candles instead? Yes you could. I have a number of clients who previously endured the discomfort of syringing but now visit me for hopi treatment instead.