Holistic Massage

Holistic Massage works on the skin and muscles to: relieve tension from tired and stiff joints; relieve stress; encourage the removal of toxins and waste from the body; improve digestion; aid sleep problems and leave the body and mind feeling energised. The massage movements used in holistic massage are designed to relieve deep muscle tension and are more vigorous than the movements used in aromatherapy.

How will you know that you are giving me the right treatment?

When you first come to see me I will spend at least 20 minutes asking you lots of questions about your health and lifestyle. This will help me to assess what treatment you need. If after the consultation I feel that there is any medical reason why I need your GP to consent to the treatment I will tell you and discuss how this can be approached.

This only happens very occasionally and usually we will go on to discuss the type of treatment that you would like and what I would recommend. Usually these are the same but occasionally I may suggest a treatment that I feel will benefit you more. In some instance I may suggest a mixture of massage and reflexology to support you.

Can Massage improve long term conditions?

Many people turn to complementary medicine when conventional medicine or treatment has not cured an ongoing condition or to enjoy the benefits alongside long term conditions.

The effect of massage is accumulative which is why I recommend a course of treatments when you first come to see me.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on what your condition is and how long you have had it you will usually notice an immediate improvement for a day or more straight after your first treatment. It may take three or four treatments for you to experience longer term improvements.

I normally recommend weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks for long term conditions after which I will review the impact of the treatment with the client. At this point there will hopefully be a noticeable improvement which can be maintained with regular monthly treatments thereafter. If this is not the case we will need to consider whether massage is the most appropriate treatment for your condition and I may either recommend another complementary practitioner or refer you back to your GP or consultant. I appreciate that it may not always be possible to attend on a weekly basis for 4-6 weeks, it will just take longer to see an improvement in a condition.

Do I have to take my clothes off?

Client modesty is always a prime concern. You will need to remove your clothes down to your underwear if I am working on your back, neck, shoulders, upper legs or stomach. This will allow me to apply oil to your body to ensure that the massage strokes flow freely. You will be covered in towels and when necessary blankets and I will only uncover the part of your body that I am working on. Gentlemen it is helpful if you wear briefs rather than boxer shorts when coming for a massage.

Massage During Pregnancy

A weekly or monthly massage during pregnancy helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can relieve muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pain. By increasing circulation the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in feet and legs can be reduced. Massage in pregnancy can also help to keep the skin supple reducing the likelihood of stretch marks. Other side effects of pregnancy such as indigestion and constipation can also be reduced through regular massage.

Massage during pregnancy should be avoided by women with placenta dysfunction, pre-eclampsia, toxaemia, threatened miscarriage or gestational diabetes. Always check with your midwife or GP if in doubt before booking a treatment.

Massage For The Elderly

Gentle massage can help older clients by soothing conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, arthritis, respiratory conditions and tendonitis. For many clients who live alone a regular massage also provides the regular nurturing touch that they so miss. My own mum was 79 years old when she received her first ever massage when I was training. She immediately noticed a difference to her arthritic joints and promptly told her GP on her next visit that massage should be available on the NHS!

Very frail or modest clients may prefer a massage just to their arms and hands; legs and feet or face or head.