MASSAGE MODALITIES & TECHNIQUES
I am trained in a variety of different massage modalities and blend a variety of techniques into my Soma-Ka massage treatments.
Read on to find out a little more about these specialist techniques and how they may benefit you.
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
A classic Swedish style massage using quality preblended aromatic oils chosen according to your needs.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The aroma from these essential oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
An aromatherapy treatment offers a wonderful opportunity to combine the healing properties of essential oils and indulge in a relaxing massage. Activate your body's natural healing processes, improve circulation and skin tone, reduce muscle soreness, aid muscle recovery, and boost the immune system, whilst promoting a general sense of peace and wellbeing.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep Tissue Massage uses more pressure than most other forms of massage since it aims to stretch and loosen muscles which need attention or which have sustained injury. Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It helps to break up and eliminate adhesion's and scar tissue, releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic
It is very effective in easing chronic pain, repetitive strain injury, poor circulation, and improving mobility. Often used with Myofacial release and Trigger point therapy techniques.
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Indian head massage is a lovely treatment that focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck and shoulders.
This treatment combines acupressure work with Swedish techniques to relieve the tensions and stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, neck and shoulders. The treatment is performed with a lovely aromatic oil blend for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Indian Head massage can help relieve symptoms of headaches, migraines, symptoms of depression and anxiety.
MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a specialised form of massage that has powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain relieving & immunological effects.
It is a rhythmic massage using light pressure and gentle movements like tapping, stroking, pushing or stretching - moving over skin in the direction of the lymphatic flow.
MLD can be applied to a wide range of physical conditions to great effect, and a course of treatments is often
recommended.
A course of MLD will help:
Cellulite, tired legs. fluid retention, poor circulation, varicose veins, hydrate and revitalise the skin (considerably reducing wrinkles and stretch marks), stimulate the immune system, speed up recovery after surgical procedures (reduce pain, bruising, fibrosis).
SWEDISH MASSAGE
The foundation of all other massage styles, this relaxing massage uses long, fluid strokes to warm muscle and soft tissue, releasing tensions, increasing blood circulation and helping to activate your body's natural healing processes. Usually a full body treatment, this massage helps calm your nervous system, leaving body and mind feeling deep sense of peace and relaxation.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MASSAGE
Myofascial release works on releasing holding patterns within the connective tissue or fascia of the body. Fascia not only surrounds the muscle, but also binds the individual fibres.
Often shortened fascia will hold our muscles in a shortened position or bind them to other muscles and structures causing pain and dysfunction.
Releasing parts of the fascial network can bring about rapid improvement to function, releasing injury and pain.
Myofascial release (MFR) massage uses little to no oil. A treatment involves applying gentle pressure to connective tissue and fascia. Low load stretches applying gradual increasing pressure may be held for 3-5 minutes or more.
The slow movements of myofascial release across the skin can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system promote in feelings of calmness - a great way to relax!
MFR can be delivered as a full treatment in itself, or in combination with a deep tissue massage.
RESTORATIVE MASSAGE
My signature style massage.
A slow flow Swedish base massage with elements of deep tissue woven through to effectively relieve tightness and tensions. Whether you have a full body massage or focused on back, neck and shoulders, this treatment is a great choice for regular maintenance massages.
Reduce pain, increase mobility, relax and destress.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Targeting pain where it hurts...(and where it doesn't).
'A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot, a palpable nodule in the taut bands of the skeletal muscles' fascia.' Releasing trigger points involves using hands-on pressure techniques or acupuncture applied directly to the sore spots for pain relief. Trigger points can be painful areas in themselves or 'refer' pain to an other area of the body.
These techniques would be used within a deep tissue massage.