The power of massage
Massage is a great way to unwind and relax your mind and body, it can also help prevent or reduce muscular ailments. But how do you know which one is best for you? There are many different massage styles to suit different needs and not all massages are suitable for everyone.
Below is a brief explanation of a few different kinds of massage treatments to help you decide which is best for you.
Aromatherapy is an indulgent full body massage typically using essential oils that are tailored to your individual needs. These oils are concentrated essences taken from the flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves and bark of certain plants. Aromatherapy can boost wellbeing, relieve stress and help to refresh your body.
Hot Stone Massage with volcanic stones. Hot Stone massage therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. The direct heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist access to the deeper muscle layers. The Hot Stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. The Hot Stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce chronic stress and promote deep relaxation. Hot Stone massage can decrease muscle spasms and increase joint flexibility, which can aid mobility and movement.
Remedial massage works deeper into the muscles and tissue using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. The purpose of this massage is to soften the fibres of the muscles, releasing toxins and deeply held tension points. Specific hand positions and strokes are commonly used to encourage various tissues to release muscular congestion. A remedial massage helps to get blood and oxygen circulating properly and can assist in flushing the body of congested nasal fluids.
Reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet, which provides an insight into what may be happening within the body. Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate stress. The theory behind reflexology is that areas on the feet correspond to organs and systems of the body. Reflexology therapists believe that pressure applied to these areas affects the organs and systems and benefits the person’s general health.
Relaxation Massage is all about pure relaxation and is a great start to any stay; the pressure is light to medium. The massage warms up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle “knots” to promote relaxation. Relaxation massage is exceptionally beneficial – increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins and inflammation, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. This in turn can support the healthy function of the immune system, relieve anxiety, improve digestive health and support energy levels. The movements and pressure involved in this massage affect all systems in the body, including soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments, nerves and glands. As the muscles are stimulated and relaxed the functioning of the lymph system is encouraged. Pressure is applied to your muscles in movements that are in tune with the natural flow of blood back to your heart.
Shiatsu is a pressure point massage fantastic for relieving acute or immediate pain. It promotes general wellbeing. Shiatsu is done on a mattress on floor with clothes on. Pressure is applied to meridians, which stimulate the flow of energy, increasing the flow of the nervous and circulatory systems; improving flexibility and immunity. Shiatsu can help to alleviate insomnia, aid digestion and excrete body wastes and toxins.
There are of course many different kinds of massage and many not mentioned above however, if you are new to the idea of massages one of these is a great place to start.
