Integrated Massage
|
I offer an integration of various massage disciplines into each session. Each massage is different. It is determined by medical history, preference, where tension presents itself on the day, and to what degree. As tension releases, it follows a path in the body, and it may be held in a different place to where it is felt, and the focus of each session varies, following the body's lead. Through integrating different disciplines, some techniques and knowledge overlap, as if they are different parts of the same system. Some disciplines are very different from one another, broadening the range and scope of the work possible to my clients. For example, I find it important to include the hands, feet and head in massage, which are often omitted by sticking to one discipline alone. Whilst I practice deep tissue massage, I work at the pace and depth appropriate to the client, and with the tension, deepening the massage as the body releases and the client relaxes. I work with my clients to find and help them to release tension. The benefits are not limited to relaxation and pain relief, but also improved range of motion, posture, and even emotional well being. The effects reach many areas of our life, from energy levels to sleep quality, and are at the core of our day to day living. Sessions for a full body massage are usually 1 hour for the first booking, where an assessment, and a plan for future treatments can be made. I offer up to 2 hour sessions for optimal results per session. I also offer Reiki, Indian head massage, and foot massage separately. Below are some of the disciplines I draw from and a brief description. Anatomy Trains Therapeutic, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage Shiatsu Reflexology Acupressure Ayurvedic Massage and Marma Therapy Chinese Massage/Tui Na Lomi Lomi or Kahuna Hawaiian Style Massage Thai Massage Swedish Massage Indian Head Massage Reiki |
|
Anatomy Trains
The Anatomy Trains is a tool which enables the practitioner to see the soft tissue connections throughout the body. Anatomy Trains allows your practitioner to see your body as a whole rather than a collection of individual parts. Structural integration aims to integrate all these parts so we can move through life more efficiently.
The myofascial system consists of muscles (greek: myo) and the connective tissue (fascia) that intertwines the muscles and forms a continuous web throughout the body. As the tightness in the myofascia is released, many of the everyday aches and pains and chronic problems that you feel can disappear and your posture can be greatly improved. Movement becomes easier and energy levels improve as your body begins to work more efficiently. Therapeutic, Remedial, and Deep Tissue Massage
These styles of massage are very similar to each other, although techniques and styles can vary from country to country. For example, in the U.S., therapeutic massage is considered a strong from of massage, while often in Australia, it is not. Remedial massage is a common term in Australia and the U.K., while it is not used in North America.
All of these massage styles involve finding the problem areas in the body and working on them. Most of the time, this involves finding areas of tight muscles and loosening them up. Some of these styles are more focused on particular areas, such as a tight shoulder, while other times they include a whole body massage. Shiatsu
"Shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.
A system based on the body's energy meridians. Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed and involve pressing points on the body and stretching and opening of the energy meridians. Shiatsu is also related to acupuncture, which is a form of therapy used in Chinese medicine. Shiatsu is a Japanese system of finger-pressure massage which treats special points along acupuncture "meridians", the invisible channels of energy flow in the body. Blocked energy along these meridians can cause discomfort and disease, so the aim is to release the blocks and re-balance the energy flow. It can be used as a full body treatment or for specific work on one area of the body. Reflexology
It is a technique of manipulating the feet in order to improve circulation, ease pain, and increase relaxation in the body. Reflexology is based on the theory that all body parts, organs, and glands are associated with specific areas, called reflex zones, in the feet, hands, ears, and surface of the skin. By manipulating the reflex zones, changes can be effected in the corresponding body part. Reflexology is generally focused on the feet because of the vast amount of nerve endings found there.
Acupressure
Traditional Chinese medicine discovered a system of channels, or points, in the body (meridians) that would relieve pain and promote healing. These meridians are invisible wires that conduct the body's chi or life energy. It involves placing physical pressure, by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices, on different pressure points on the surface of the body (which may be far different from the acupuncture system). In acupressure, finger or hand pressure is used instead of needles, as in acupuncture. Acupuncture has the same goal, to stimulate chi. Acupressure is used for both pain relief and for treating diseases
Ayurvedic Massage and Marma Therapy
The life force, or prana, circulates through these 144,000 subtle channels or conduits called nadis. Three if the most important ones of which are the ida-nadi, pingala-nadi, and sushamna-nadi. It is the application of pressure or localised massage to specific areas of the body (as in acupresure), that supports the free flow of energy within these energy circuits and helps to undo and release energy blockages, which initiates a healing process. Marma points vary in size from being the same as an acupressure point to being a much larger general area, such as the buttock.
Ayurvedic massage generally places great emphasis on oil massage or abhyanga. Oils are selected on the basis of a person's constitution or particular inbalance and then rubbed into the body. These oils are infused with various kinds of powdered herbs and rubbed into the body in order to allow these oils to get into the bloodstream. Much greater quantities of oil are used in Ayurvedic massage than in typical Western massage and they even have a special type of table to catch the oil. Chinese Massage/Tui Na
Tui na massage takes its name from the Chinese words that mean "lift and press". It requires the controlled use of very deep, but constantly moving pressure, repeated hundreds of times. The practitioner pushes hard with the ball of the thumb, then rubs lightly around the area being treated. A therapist using this form of massage might spend as much time on one of the patient's joints or limbs as a Western therapist would spend massaging the entire body. Tui na is used to treat a wide variety of conditions that would require a team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and physicians specialising in sports medicine to treat in the West. One Chinese medical book lists over 140 conditions that can be healed with Tui na, including disorders of the internal organs as well as sprains, pulled muscles, arthritis, and sciatica, a pain in the lower back and back of the thighs.
Lomi Lomi or Kahuna Hawaiian Style Massage
Lomi Lomi massage is an ancient art from the Hawaiian healing specialists. They taught their art for over 20 years and received their last instructions from their master on his death bed. There are hundreds of styles of Lomi Lomi, the main ones being the style of the Big Island which was passed on by Aunty Margaret Machado, and the Maui style from Uncle Kalua Kaiahua. On the island of Kaua'i, Kahu Abraham passed on what is today called Kahuna bodywork. It is not clear if other current practices - temple style, Lomi Lomi Nui and others - are from Native Hawaiian practitioners or are modern adaptations.
Hawaiian massage often uses long rhythmical strokes that cover the entire body. Bringing the spirit of "aloha" or spiritual love into the massage through the hands is also an important aspect of Hawaiian massage. Thai Massage
This massage originated in India over 2500 years ago. The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the "energy body" which includes 72,000 "sen" or energy lines through which life force flows.
Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. Thai massage is performed on a futon over clothing. No oil or lotion is used. It is a sacred form of bodywork that resembles Shiatsu and is related to Nadi Sutra Kriya. It draws from acupressure, passive yoga therapy, and reflexology. Thai massage makes recipients feel more balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Swedish Massage
A system of massage developed by Per Hendrik Ling in the 1800's in Europe, uses light strokes to stimulate blood flow and muscle relaxation.
Swedish massage techniques include long strokes, kneading friction, tapping percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. Strokes are usually done in the direction of the heart. Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a treatment based on old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, neck, shoulders, face and scalp.
It will leave you relaxed, stress-free and relieved of any physical or emotional tension. Reiki
Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means “Universal Life” and (Ki) which means “Energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energywork using spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki Practitioners understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free flowing. When this is true a person’s body and mind is in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance. A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness. 
|
