Holistic Massage

What is it?

Massage uses the therapeutic touch to manipulate the body’s soft tissue, to relax and rehabilitate muscles, calm the nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems. Massage techniques involve stroking, kneading and manipulating your skin and soft tissue ^[1].  Massage is a natural treatment and instinctive form of communication; after all we rub a bump to soothe pain ^[2,3].  Holistic massage offers comfort and protection that positively relieves stress and benefits all the body systems ^[4].

Benefits:

Massage can keep all the body systems in homeostatic balance, thus ensuring the whole body is in good condition. Massage is beneficial for aiding relaxation, easing pain and releasing myofascial tissue tension^[4-6]. Clinical evidence shows massage can reduce blood pressure as well as relieve discomfort from IBS and constipation^[7-9].  Other studies have shown positive improvement in children and infants with ADHD or poor feeding, as well as improving well-being post partum or during pregnancy after the first trimester ^[10] .

What to expect:

Following a complete assessment and detailed history, and ensuring there are no contra-indications; patients will be asked to remove their outer garments, while ensuring dignity is preserved with discreet towel management. Treatment is carried out in our warm and comfortable environment with relaxing background music.  Sessions last between 30mins to an hour.  We used several techniques which incorporate different speeds and pressures.  We use hypo-nonallergenic grape seed to lightly lubricate the skin to allow the massage to be performed smoothly & free.  Adjustments can be made for those who are frail or unable to lie on their tummies.

Our therapists have to undertake approved education courses, maintain Professional Liability insurance, First Aid training and must adhere to high standards and codes of conduct. Massage forms a cornerstone of Physiotherapy. The CSP advocates a high quality service and members are required to adhere to extensive codes of practice that protect the public and the therapist, and ensure an excellent standard of professional care to guarantee the delivery of exceptional patient care.

History:

Massage has healing properties that date back 15,000 years. Julius Caesar was said to indulge in massage for health and ancient Greeks used massage as part of everyday fitness. It was used widely in Egypt, India, Japan, and flourished during the T’ang dynasty in China (618-907BCE) to relieve many medical problems, to relax the body and prevent disease. In 1884 trained masseuses formulated what is now Chartered Society of Physiotherapy using massage for remedial purposes.