Holistic Massage

What is Holistic Massage?

Holistic massage is an ancient discipline used to improve health and wellbeing by treating the mind, body and spirit. It maintains our general health and fitness, complements traditional medicine in the treatment of specific conditions and symptoms, and offers relaxation in our often hectic lifestyles.

Massage is the therapeutic application of touch using a range of movements or strokes upon the skin, muscles and joints. It has significant benefits for all the body’s essential systems. For this reason, a professional therapist will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the body and its systems.

Holistic Massage has been known and used for thousands of years as one of the most beneficial ways of keeping the body free from stress and illness. Massage is one of the most natural healing arts, since it relies on nothing more than the hands of the practitioner – it is simply a refined form of touch.

Touch is used to soothe and stimulate. When we are hurt we hold the injured part. When we have been cut we use our hands to soothe the wound. A parent cuddles a child who has fallen or is sad. Touch affects both body and emotions. An arm around a friend provides consolation. A hug indicates affection. A gentle tap on the back offers encouragement.

Massage extends tactile expression to relax or invigorate. By varying the stroke it is possible to achieve different effects. Some strokes soothe. Others tone or stimulate. A skillfully applied stroke can leave a recipient feeling lighter, more energetic, uplifted, calmer, more open, happier, peaceful and confident. Because massage works on all systems of the body it can relieve back pain, headaches, poor circulation, rheumatism, respiratory problems and difficulties arising from poor posture.

Massage improves circulation generally, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells, helps to eliminate toxins and releases muscular tension and stress. When the body is allowed to relax it can begin to heal itself. Holistic massage can help to heal on many levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

What to expect in treatment

Massage treatments are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. A brief consultation is, therefore, essential to better understand those needs, the symptoms and conditions presented and the client’s preferences. All personal information is treated in confidence.

The duration and frequency of treatments is very much the personal choice of each client. For those presenting specific symptoms or conditions the preparation of a treatment plan in discussion with the therapist is often helpful. Many clients discover that the treatments are so beneficial that they return on a weekly or monthly basis for general maintenance.

Massage is typically performed upon a specially designed massage couch. A massage floor mat may also be used in some cases. For clients with reduced mobility, the massage treatment can be easily tailored to suite their needs.

The therapist uses special oils to nourish the skin and improve the flow of massage movements. For best results, the oils should remain in contact with the skin after the massage session (removing any excess as necessary).

Following the massage session, the client and therapist will review the treatment and its affects, and discuss the client’s future needs. The therapist will also offer post massage care advice.

Therapists

Brian Thomas