What is Massage Therapy?
The practice of using touch as a healing method derives from customs and techniques rooted in ancient history. Civilizations around the world found that natural healing and massage could heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. What’s more, it helped reduce stress and produce deep relaxation.
When you get a stomach-ache, you rub your belly. When you twist an ankle, your natural instinct is to rub it. When infants cry, parents rock and rub to calm. Over the years, techniques have been developed that activate natural healing processes, stimulating blood flow, promoting hormone production and helping your body heal itself.
The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied. It involves holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
Our Treatments
Our signature massages relieve you of all the stress brought on from the pace of urban life. The treatment aims to stimulate blood circulation and release the negative energy and toxins from the body. Below you can check out more information on the treatments that we provide and how they might help you.
Swedish Massage
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Swedish massage is one of the most popular and well-known types of massage. It’s often the go-to choice for relaxation and stress relief, but it also has a range of therapeutic benefits. This type of massage involves long, flowing strokes combined with kneading and circular movements, and it's designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and release muscle tension.
Benefits of Swedish Massage:
Stress Relief: The gentle and rhythmic techniques help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress levels.
Improved Circulation: The techniques help to improve blood flow, which can support muscle healing and overall health.
Muscle Relaxation: Swedish massage helps to relax muscles, making it effective for relieving mild to moderate muscle tension or soreness.
Better Sleep: Many people find that Swedish massage improves sleep quality due to its relaxing effects.
Boosted Mood: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, it can also have a positive impact on your emotional well-being.
It's a great choice if you're new to massage or just need a relaxing, soothing experience.
Sports Massage
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Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. This involves the mobilising and manipulation of the bodies soft tissue and myofascial structures. It was originally developed for athletes to prevent and relieve injuries that can manifest after repeated strenuous physical activity or injury. However both athletes and non-athletes can gain physiological and psychological benefits from receiving sports massage therapy.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
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Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy in which a range of specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques are used to move the skin to aid lymphatic drainage. This specialised approach focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This treatment is highly beneficial for management and care of Lymphoedema, Lipoedema, other chronic swelling issues and bloating or water retention. It is also highly effective for the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME/Fibromyalgia and has been a pivotal point of recovery for Post or Long Covid. This treatment helps boost the immune system, eliminating toxins, bacteria, germs and excess fluid from the body. MLD is also very beneficial for post-surgical recovery (liposuction, lymph node removal and fibrosis).
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system contains vessels and nodes with lymph, a mixture of proteins, water, waste products, and immune system elements. Located throughout the body, lymph nodes filter all this debris.
The largest nodes are in the neck, groin, and armpits. They all work together to ensure ‘clean’ lymph is transported back to the veins that carry blood towards the heart.
What are the benefits?
MLD is both preventative and remedial and can enhance your well being. Furthermore, MLD:
Is deeply relaxing
Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain
Can improve many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions
May strengthen the immune system as part of ‘detox’ treatment
Relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy
Is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema (which may occur after cancer treatment) and assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency
Promotes healing of wounds and burns and improves the appearance of old scars
Minimises or reduces stretch marks
Can be used to speed healing after cosmetic surgery
Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage
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A prenatal or pregnancy massage is the name given to a massage that is carried out during pregnancy. Carrying a baby is hard work, particularly in the later stages when their rapid growth and increasing weight places your body under a great deal of pressure. Aches and pains are entirely normal, especially since you are almost certainly adjusting your posture to compensate for your changing center of gravity. As a result, your spine shifts and tendons and ligaments that might not normally work too hard to support you are suddenly under strain. Prenatal massage isn’t something that is new, its roots can be traced back more than 3000 years. However, more recently it has enjoyed a resurgence as a very popular way to support maternal health in the pregnancy period.
What does a pregnancy massage consist of?
A pregnancy massage is a specially adapted gentle and soothing massage tailored specifically for the mother-to-be based on your areas of concerns regarding any tension, pain or swelling. The main way in which prenatal massage is different from regular massage is in the techniques that are used during the treatment consisting of long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to the body. Since expectant mothers shouldn’t lie on their abdomen at any stage of pregnancy, the treatment takes place with you lying on your back or side, depending what is most comfortable for you. Cushions and bolsters may also be used to enhance the support your body may require during the treatment.
Benefits of pregnancy massage
The benefits of having a pregnancy massage for expectant mothers and their babies are wide ranging. It feels good, is excellent in promoting relaxation and bonding, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and tired muscles.
Pregnancy aches and pains relief
Mind and body relaxation
Reduction in anxiety
Improving mood + lifting depression
Improved sleep
Bonding with baby
Reduce ankle and feet swelling
Reducing labour pain during childbirth
Cupping Therapy
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Cupping therapy is one of the oldest and most effective method of releasing the toxins from body tissue and organs. It is almost like a deep tissue massage with suction and decompression. It is favoured by millions of people throughout the world because it is safe, comfortable and effective treatment for many disorders and muscular dysfunctions.
How does it work?
A therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup. This increases the blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and helps stimulate healing. It is similar to the way deep tissue massage can be used to break down scar tissue and reduce pain. Cupping can be incorporated with massage to provide additional benefits.
Benefits of cupping therapy
Cupping therapy can affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, improve circulation, activate the skin and improve the appearance of varicose veins, scars and stretch marks.
Cupping therapy can help to treat:
Fevers
Anxiety
Allergies
Migraines
Neck pain
Muscle pain
Fibromyalgia
Hypertension
Poor circulation
Lower back pain
Knee osteoarthritis
Persistent coughing
Blood flow stimulation
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Removal of toxins from the body
Gastrointestinal disorders including IBD
Advanced Deep Tissue Massage
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A deep tissue massage is a more intense type of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue (fascia). Unlike a Swedish massage, which is designed mainly for relaxation, deep tissue massage targets areas of tension, chronic muscle pain, and stiffness. It uses slower, more concentrated strokes to break down muscle adhesions (knots) and improve the alignment of deeper muscle fibers.
What to Expect in a Deep Tissue Massage:
In a deep tissue massage, the therapist applies firm pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue, sometimes using their elbows, forearms, and knuckles to work through tight spots. While it can feel intense, it’s generally not meant to be painful. The pressure can be adjusted based on your comfort level and the areas that need more attention.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage:
Chronic Pain Relief: Deep tissue massage is especially helpful for people dealing with chronic pain, such as lower back pain, shoulder tension, or stiff necks.
Muscle Recovery: It can aid in muscle recovery after intense exercise or injury by improving circulation and promoting healing.
Reduced Muscle Tension: Deep tissue massage helps to release knots (myofascial trigger points) and alleviate muscle tightness, which is particularly useful for people with sedentary lifestyles or those who sit for long periods.
Improved Flexibility: By working deep into the muscles and fascia, this massage can improve joint mobility and flexibility.
Stress Relief: While it’s more intense than Swedish massage, deep tissue massage can also have a relaxing effect, helping to reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
When to Choose Deep Tissue Massage:
If you have chronic muscle pain or tension.
For recovery after an injury or intense physical activity.
If you're dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or sciatica, as it helps to release muscle stiffness and alleviate discomfort.
After a Deep Tissue Massage:
It’s normal to feel sore for a day or two after a deep tissue massage, especially if it's your first time or if you've had a lot of tension in your muscles. Drinking plenty of water afterward can help flush out any toxins released from your muscles during the massage.
Myofascial Release
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Myofascial Release (MFR) is a type of manual therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout the body. This technique targets tightness or restrictions in the fascia, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. Fascia can become tight and create tension in muscles, which may cause pain, stiffness, or decreased mobility.
Key Aspects of Myofascial Release:
Fascia: Fascia is a dense network of connective tissue that wraps around muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. When it becomes restricted or tight (due to injury, overuse, or poor posture), it can cause pain and restrict movement.
Pressure and Stretching: Myofascial release involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the affected areas of fascia. The therapist might use their hands, elbows, or other tools to gently stretch and release the fascia to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Slow and Steady: Unlike deep tissue massage, which uses firmer pressure to work deep into muscles, myofascial release is often a slower and more gentle technique. The pressure is typically applied for longer periods, usually 90 seconds to 2 minutes at a time, to allow the fascia to release and stretch.
What Happens During Myofascial Release:
Gentle, Sustained Pressure: The therapist applies slow, consistent pressure to areas of muscle tightness or restricted fascia. This pressure helps to soften the fascia and encourage it to stretch and release.
Stretching: In some cases, gentle stretching is combined with the pressure to increase the release of tension in the fascia and improve flexibility.
Identification of Trigger Points: The therapist may also focus on "trigger points" (specific tight spots in the fascia) that refer pain to other areas of the body, helping to alleviate discomfort.
Benefits of Myofascial Release:
Pain Relief: It can help relieve chronic pain caused by muscle tightness, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, or lower back pain.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: By releasing tight fascia, MFR can improve the range of motion in joints and muscles, making it beneficial for athletes or anyone dealing with stiffness.
Better Posture: Since fascia plays a key role in supporting muscles and bones, releasing tension can help improve alignment and posture.
Stress Relief: The gentle stretching and pressure applied during MFR can promote relaxation and reduce stress in both the body and mind.
Injury Recovery: It’s often used to help people recover from injuries by releasing fascial restrictions that might impede healing or mobility.
Common Conditions Treated with Myofascial Release:
Chronic muscle pain or tightness (e.g., back pain, neck pain, or shoulder tension).
Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes widespread pain and sensitivity in muscles and soft tissues.
Tension headaches: By releasing tightness in the neck and upper back, MFR can reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Post-surgical recovery: To release scar tissue and improve mobility after surgery or injury.
Sports injuries: MFR is often used to release tension caused by overuse or repetitive movements, making it great for athletes.
Plantar fasciitis: By releasing tightness in the fascia of the feet, MFR can alleviate pain associated with this condition.
After Myofascial Release:
You may experience some soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to the feeling after a deep workout or a strenuous massage.
Hydration is important after the session to help flush out toxins and aid in muscle recovery.
People often feel more flexible and relaxed after MFR, with an improvement in pain and range of motion.
When to Consider Myofascial Release:
If you’re dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other forms of therapy.
If you have limited flexibility or mobility due to fascia tightness.
If you suffer from conditions like fibromyalgia, muscle strain, or sports injuries.
If you're looking for a gentle, yet effective technique to relieve muscle stiffness without the intensity of deep tissue massage.
It’s a great therapy if you're looking for something that works on the deeper layers of connective tissue, helping to restore balance and mobility.
Indian Head Massage
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Indian Head Massage, also known as Champissage, is a therapeutic treatment that focuses on the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. It is based on traditional Indian Ayurvedic principles and is believed to help balance the body's energy and promote overall health and well-being.
This type of massage is typically done while the client is seated. The therapist uses a combination of massage techniques, including kneading, circular movements, and tapping, to stimulate blood flow, release tension, and encourage relaxation.
Key Areas Targeted:
Scalp: The therapist applies pressure and rhythmic movements to the scalp to improve blood circulation, reduce tension, and promote relaxation.
Neck: Gentle kneading and pressure help release tension in the muscles of the neck and improve mobility, which is especially beneficial for people with stiff necks due to stress or poor posture.
Shoulders: Tension often builds in the shoulders due to stress or long periods of sitting. Indian head massage targets these areas to alleviate tightness and promote relaxation.
Upper Back: The therapist uses firm but gentle pressure to release muscle tension in the upper back, a common area of discomfort for people who experience stress or sit at desks for long periods.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage:
Stress Relief: One of the most well-known benefits of Indian head massage is its ability to reduce stress. The massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Relieves Tension: It helps release muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and scalp—areas where stress commonly accumulates.
Improves Circulation: The massage stimulates blood flow to the scalp and upper body, which can improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles and tissues, promoting overall health.
Headache Relief: By relieving tension in the scalp, neck, and shoulders, Indian head massage can help alleviate tension headaches or migraines.
Improved Mental Clarity: The relaxing effects of Indian head massage can also improve mental clarity, focus, and concentration, helping to clear the mind and reduce mental fatigue.
Promotes Healthy Hair: The increased circulation to the scalp may also help with hair health by stimulating the hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
Better Sleep: The relaxation induced by the massage can help improve sleep quality, especially for those who suffer from insomnia related to stress.
When to Consider Indian Head Massage:
Stress and anxiety: If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, this massage can provide deep relaxation.
Neck, shoulder, or scalp tension: If you carry tension in your upper body, this massage is great for releasing tight muscles.
Headaches: If you suffer from tension headaches or migraines, Indian head massage might help alleviate the discomfort.
Mental fatigue: If you’re feeling mentally drained, an Indian head massage can help clear your mind and restore energy.
Hair and scalp health: It can also be beneficial for those looking to improve the condition of their hair or address scalp issues like dryness or dandruff.
After the Session:
Relaxation: After an Indian head massage, you’ll likely feel deeply relaxed, and some people may feel a bit drowsy, which is completely normal.
Hydration: Drinking water afterward can help flush out any toxins and promote better circulation.
Potential soreness: You might feel slight tenderness in your shoulders, neck, or scalp, but this should fade within a few hours.
Indian head massage is a great option if you’re looking for a quick, effective, and relaxing treatment. It's perfect for reducing stress and relieving tension in areas where most people tend to hold it, like the neck, shoulders, and head.
Combination Massage
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A combination massage is exactly what it sounds like: a blend of different massage techniques tailored to your specific needs. It combines elements from various styles of massage, like Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and sports massage, into a customized session. The idea is to target both general relaxation and specific problem areas, giving you a holistic and effective treatment.
How a Combination Massage Works:
The therapist will assess your areas of tension and discomfort before deciding on the techniques to use. For example, if you have tight shoulders and lower back pain, they might use deep tissue massage to address the back, Swedish massage for relaxation, and trigger point therapy on specific knots or tight spots.
Common Techniques in a Combination Massage:
Swedish Massage:
Purpose: Relaxation and general circulation.
Techniques: Long, flowing strokes, kneading, circular movements.
Use: Often used at the start to relax muscles and prepare the body for deeper work.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Purpose: To relieve chronic muscle tension and pain.
Techniques: Slow, deep strokes, direct pressure on tight muscle areas.
Use: Applied to more problematic or tense areas, such as the back, neck, or shoulders.
Trigger Point Therapy:
Purpose: To release muscle knots (trigger points) that refer pain to other areas.
Techniques: Applying sustained pressure to specific points of tension.
Use: For targeted relief of pain in specific spots, like the neck or hips.
Sports Massage:
Purpose: To prevent and treat injuries, and improve performance.
Techniques: Stretching, deep pressure, and joint mobilizations.
Use: Often used for athletes or active individuals, particularly if dealing with overuse injuries or soreness.
Myofascial Release:
Purpose: To release tension in the connective tissue (fascia).
Techniques: Gentle sustained pressure and stretching of fascia.
Use: To improve flexibility and relieve tightness in the fascia surrounding muscles.
Lymphatic Drainage:
Purpose: To improve circulation and remove toxins.
Techniques: Gentle strokes to stimulate lymph flow.
Use: Ideal for reducing swelling and improving overall circulation.
Benefits of a Combination Massage:
Customization: The primary benefit is that it’s custom-tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re stressed, have muscle pain, or need to recover from an injury, the therapist can combine different techniques to help you.
Balanced Relief: Combination massage is a great way to experience the relaxation benefits of Swedish massage while also targeting muscle tension with deep tissue or trigger point therapy.
Improved Mobility: If you’re dealing with tight muscles or limited range of motion, techniques like sports massage and myofascial release can help loosen things up.
Pain Relief: Deep tissue and trigger point techniques specifically target areas of pain and discomfort, so if you have chronic muscle pain, a combination massage can help you feel better overall.
Stress Reduction: If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, Swedish massage elements can help soothe your nervous system and put you in a more relaxed state, all while addressing physical discomfort.
Prevention and Recovery: For athletes or active people, combining techniques can help prevent injury, reduce soreness, and speed up recovery from physical activities.
When to Choose a Combination Massage:
Stress & Relaxation: If you’re looking for a balance of relaxation and tension relief.
Chronic Pain: If you have ongoing pain or tension in areas like the back, neck, or shoulders and want a treatment that can target these specific spots.
Sports Recovery: If you're an athlete or work out often, a combination massage can help prevent injury and improve recovery times.
Tension Relief: If you’re dealing with muscle knots, tight muscles, or stiffness.
Lymphatic Health: If you want to boost your circulation and reduce swelling or toxins in the body.
What to Expect:
Consultation: Before your session, the therapist will ask about your areas of pain, tension, or discomfort. This helps them decide how to tailor the session.
Massage: The therapist will use a combination of techniques based on your needs. You’ll experience a mix of deep pressure, soothing strokes, and specific focus on problem areas.
Relaxation and Relief: By the end of the session, you should feel deeply relaxed, with areas of pain or tension addressed.
Aftercare Tips:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water after your massage, especially if deep tissue or trigger point therapy was used, to help flush out any toxins and reduce soreness.
Rest: Allow your body to relax after the massage. Light stretching or walking can help maintain the benefits of the session.
Soreness: It’s normal to feel some soreness in the days following the massage, especially if deep pressure was applied to tight muscles. This should pass after a day or two.
A combination massage is a great option for people who want the benefits of multiple massage techniques in one session. It’s highly versatile, and the ability to target both relaxation and specific muscle tension can help provide a more comprehensive therapeutic experience.
Natural Lift Facial Massage
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Natural Lift Face Massage, also known as Facial Massage for Lifting or Facial Rejuvenation Massage, is a non-invasive treatment aimed at improving the appearance and tone of the face by lifting and toning the skin, muscles, and tissues. It’s an alternative to more invasive procedures like Botox or facelifts, and it focuses on promoting circulation, relieving muscle tension, and stimulating the production of collagen to give the face a more youthful, lifted look.
Key Features of a Natural Lift Face Massage:
Facial Muscles: The massage targets the muscles underneath the skin, gently lifting and toning them. Over time, this can help reduce sagging or tension in the face, especially around the jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
Lymphatic Drainage: This type of massage often incorporates lymphatic drainage techniques, which help detoxify the skin, reduce puffiness, and promote a clear complexion by encouraging the flow of lymph fluid.
Collagen Stimulation: The stimulation of blood circulation during the massage encourages collagen and elastin production, essential proteins that help keep the skin firm and supple.
Relaxation: It also offers relaxation benefits, relieving tension in the facial muscles, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by stress or repetitive facial expressions.
Benefits of Natural Lift Face Massage:
Non-invasive Lift: It helps tone and lift the facial muscles, reducing the appearance of sagging and creating a more youthful, sculpted look.
Improved Skin Texture: The increased blood flow boosts the skin's health, promoting a smoother texture and improved complexion by helping to clear toxins and improve cell renewal.
Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Regular facial massage can help relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, softening fine lines, particularly around the forehead, eyes, and mouth.
Relieves Facial Tension: This massage targets areas of tension, such as the jawline and forehead, which can be especially helpful for people who grind their teeth or have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
Brightens and Firms the Skin: By promoting circulation and encouraging the production of collagen, the massage can give your skin a firmer, more radiant appearance.
Reduces Puffiness: The lymphatic drainage technique helps clear excess fluid, reducing puffiness around the eyes and cheeks and giving the face a more contoured look.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: The facial massage is incredibly relaxing, helping to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. It also helps release muscle tension in areas where stress is often held, such as the forehead, eyes, and jaw.
How Often Should You Get a Natural Lift Face Massage?
For noticeable results, it's generally recommended to get a professional facial massage once a week for a few weeks. However, maintaining results with at-home facial massage can be done 2-3 times a week, following the same lifting techniques.
Consistency is key for long-term benefits, as regular stimulation encourages ongoing collagen production and muscle toning.
At-Home Tips for Natural Lift Face Massage:
Use Facial Oils or Creams: To enhance the massage, you can use natural oils (like rosehip, argan, or jojoba) or anti-aging creams that hydrate and nourish the skin. The added slip will help your fingers glide over the skin without causing irritation.
Upward Motion: Always massage in an upward motion to lift the skin and avoid sagging. For example, when massaging the cheeks, move your fingers upwards toward the temples, and when massaging the forehead, move your fingers upward toward the hairline.
Eye Area: Be extra gentle around the delicate skin under your eyes. Light tapping and circular motions can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Neck and Décolletage: Don’t forget to include your neck and décolletage (chest area) in your routine, as these areas also show signs of aging and benefit from toning and circulation.
Facial Tools: Some people use facial tools like gua sha stones or jade rollers to enhance their massage. These tools can help provide deeper pressure and further stimulate circulation.
When to Consider a Natural Lift Face Massage:
If you're looking for a non-invasive alternative to Botox or facelifts.
If you want to reduce facial tension and improve skin elasticity.
If you experience puffiness, especially under the eyes.
If you're looking for a natural way to boost collagen production and rejuvenate your skin.
If you’re seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that also improves your complexion.
A natural lift face massage is a great option if you're looking for a holistic, relaxing, and effective way to refresh your facial appearance without the need for harsh treatments or surgery.