massage/ ˈmasɑː(d)ʒ,məˈsɑː(d)ʒ/
noun
The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain.”massage can ease tiredness”
A Massage can be described as a type of structured, therapeutic and
enjoyable touch. It explores and indulges a natural human instinct that
values touch and physical connection as a source of well-being and
healing, as well as pleasure and comfort.
It is usually relaxing but some treatments, such as sports massage, can also be stimulating.
Fundamentally, massage may be considered an ancient, primal, simple
and effective form of care. The benefits are multi-dimensional: fluids are
moved and muscles are relaxed while nerves are calmed and energies are
balanced. The giver of the massage simultaneously experiences a form of
moving meditation and the pleasures of altruistic and artistic activity.
Massage and Our Society
Limiting and controlling our impact on the environment has become the
pivotal issue of our time while health problems associated with stress and
social isolation are very common. Emphasizing, exploring and developing
the pleasures and satisfactions of the simple kindnesses that people can
share with each other has the potential to make a relevant and
meaningful positive impact.
To give someone a massage may be considered a pure and
straightforward example of kindness. Furthermore, it does not involve
consumption or waste production beyond the possible use of a little plant
oil. It is a gift of time, energy, education, imagination and goodwill.
The Art of Touch
Touch is a creative process and massage can be perceived as an art with
hidden dimensions. While a painter carefully chooses contrasting colors
and delicately brushes them onto a canvas, the giver of massage
intuitively chooses techniques and movements and applies them in a
sensitive way to a unique body. Just as the painter contemplates the
image in their eyes, the giver of massage contemplates the muscles,
bones and emotions that they are in contact with. Both individuals work
in a realm of skills and imagination; subjectivity and subtlety. And both
seek to express their talent, evoking certain feelings.
The experience of giving a massage should feel therapeutic and
rewarding. It can be refreshing and relaxing to spend some time
forgetting about your own life and instead become genuinely absorbed in
the feelings of another. Through the sharing of massage, both the giver
and receiver can leave behind the world of words and anxieties, pasts and
futures, and mutually experience a state of wordlessness, relaxation and
connectivity, contained entirely in the present moment.
The Physiological Benefits of Massage
1) Increases blood circulation and the associated benefits of this (i.e.
increased oxygen and nutrient delivery in the tissues; increased toxin
removal).
2) Increases lymphatic (tissue fluid) drainage, encouraging the movement
of lymphatic fluid through the body and back into the bloodstream.
3) Improves skin tone and elasticity due to enhanced circulation and
removal of dead cells.
4) Increases suppleness of the muscles.
5) Decreases muscle tension, stiffness, fatigue and soreness.
6) Remove knots in the muscles.
7) Enhances joint mobility; reduces stiffness.
8) Reduces back pain and pain after injury.
9) Promotes general rehabilitation.
10) Reduces the physical symptoms of stress.
11) Reduces high blood pressure.
12) Sedates or stimulates the nervous system (depending on the nature
of the massage received).
13) Increases levels of the oxytocin hormone, which is associated with
emotional comfort and social connectivity.
14) Decreases levels of the cortisol hormone, which is associated with
stress.
15) Encourages digestion.
16) Encourages sleep.
17) Encourages deeper, more effective breathing.
The Psychological Benefits of Massage
1) Increases positive feelings and reduces anxiety.
2) Increases feelings of relaxation or stimulation.
3) Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue (which occurs from holding
the body in a state of tension as well as psychological stress).
4) Increases self-esteem and confidence.
As a Holistic Therapist I provide holistic treatments, this means caring for the whole person. After each Treatment there is generally the chance to talk about anything you like, from stress issues, to sleep and how you are generally.
At the start of the massage I will explain the treatment that is planned but it is also the chance for you the receiver to add any further suggestions that you might feel you would benefit from during the massage, this is generally for a Full body massage or the Indian Head when I am working on your back. If you have a certain area that you feel needs more attention or perhaps you have sensitive feet and not sure how the massage could incorporate them. Once the pressure is known this also helps!
The more we know about what the wants or needs from the treatment are, the more I can focus my intentions during the massage and the more accurately I can choose suitable essential oils, although generally I will discuss them at the time of booking as I prefer to make a blend that suits just you!
All my massages are finished with Reiki at various points of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, yet revitalised.
*Disclaimer: Holistic Wellbeing Massages are Complementary and should not replace medication from your healthcare provider.
Reiki can be administered to all age groups, pregnant ladies and those with health issues or indeed without health issues!
