AYURVEDA (ABHYANGA, SHIRODHARA, SHIROABHYANGA)

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that aims to maintain the health of the mind and spirit, tailored to each individual person. Ayurvedic massage uses oils, movements and techniques chosen especially for you, your body and your skin type.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice which aims to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it works on the belief that all life forms have a “dosha” – a unique mix of energies known as “vata”, “pitta” and “kapha”. This is similar to the Western idea of elements – water, fire, earth, and so on.

What is Ayurvedic massage?

Ayurvedic massage uses essential oils that are chosen to suit your dosha. The massage techniques used include tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as the more traditional massage strokes you would expect. The style and flow of the massage is determined by who you are, and what your body needs for balance and wellbeing at the time. An Ayurvedic therapist is trained to focus on the “marma points” – similar to the pressure points in reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure.

What is Ayurvedic massage good for?

When combined with other Ayurvedic principles (eating a range of food prescribed by one’s dosha, for example, or exercising at certain times of the day), the massage is designed to:* detoxify and cleanse* boost the effectiveness of the immune system* keep healthy people in good health* help those with medical conditions to improve their overall well-being.

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Thai Massage

Also known as “yoga for the lazy”, Thai massage uses a combination of rocking, gentle pressure and passive stretches to relax and recharge your entire body.

What is Thai massage?

In Thailand, Thai massage is known as “ancient” or “traditional” massage. It is a combination of acupressure, Shiatsu and yogic stretches. Thai massage stimulates the acupressure points across your body, healing pain and releasing tension. Many Thai people have a regular massage, relying on it to keep them aligned and healthy.Thai massage earned its nickname “yoga for the lazy” through its gentle techniques and passive stretches. Starting at the feet and moving up to the head, the body is carefully moved, loosened and stretched. A special system of movements allows Thai massage to be performed easily and without strenuous effort. Each move is designed to support both client and therapist.Alongside lazy yoga, the therapist will apply gentle pressure with his palms and feet along energy lines and acupressure points. Although Thai massage works on the body, the belief system behind it is one of complete healing, aimed at connecting body, energy and mind.

What is Thai massage good for?

Thai massage is thought to:* increase your sense of calm* increase energy* open up the meridians (energy paths) in the body* relieve pain and muscle tension* improve flexibility* increase blood circulation* encourage healthier sleep patterns* treat backache, neck ache, shoulder pain, numbness and tired limbs* soothe headaches, stress and mental fatigue.Thai massage is suitable for young and the not-so-young, the active and the not-so-active, the healthy and the not-so-healthy alike. It is thought to reduce recovery time for injured athletes and help to soothe emotional upset by rebalancing the body. It is believed to have relaxing and energising benefits for the giver, too, creating a sense of enlightenment, calm and good feeling within.

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Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Japanese therapy that uses gentle touch to heal and relax. The therapist places their hands on, or just above, parts of the body to influence the flow of “qi” (life-energy) around your body.

What is reiki?

Reiki is a gentle form of healing massage therapy that originated in Tibet, and has been practised for more than 2,500 years. Loosely translated, “reiki” means “universal life-force/soul/spiritual energy”. As with other treatments, such as acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology, reiki is a holistic treatment based on the idea of balance and “qi” (say “chee”) — the life force that needs to flow freely through us if we are to be physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy. Reiki aims to renew and refresh your energy flow, encouraging healing and increasing your sense of well-being. However, reiki is far less physical than similar treatments, and depends on the relationship formed between the giver and the receiver: the practitioner channels their own reiki into your body, by laying their hands on you.

What is reiki good for?

Reiki affects each person differently. Reiki works on the basis that many physical and emotional problems are related and so these problems must be treated simultaneously. Reiki is generally recognised as being relaxing and good at releasing stress, and can help with physical problems, too; people who have reiki say that it helps relieve muscular aches and pains. Reiki is also thought to boost the immune system, and relieve even chronic, long-term conditions, as it works with the body to help it heal itself. It is also believed to rebalance your energy, and your organs, and to help your body rebuild tissue, which means it can help with pain relief and first aid. Reiki is now available on the NHS and has been used successfully with children undergoing cancer treatments as well as adults to relieve stress and depression, and promote healing.

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Tui Na Massage

What is Tui Na Massage?

Tui Na massage therapy is an ancient form of Chinese massage therapy that has its origins in the Shang Dynasty of China in 1700 BC. It is still taught in Chinese Medical Colleges as a traditional therapy.

Tui Na is based on the traditional Chinese medical principle of the flow of Qi, or the ‘life force’ through the energy meridians of the body. It seeks to promote a more effective flow of Qi throughout the body by using massage and manipulation techniques. Tui Na involves the use of hands to massage soft tissue and apply pressure on the pressure points. It also involves some manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal system. These techniques may be supplemented by the use of herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves.

How does Tui Na Massage work?

A typical session of Tui Na massage could last from anywhere between ten minutes to an hour. There may be more than one session of massage therapy depending on the severity of the ailment. This massage therapy is performed with the patient lying down on a table or floor mat. The patient is required to wear loose clothing and remain barefoot to facilitate the massage process. The therapist will initially examine the area to be treated and make some enquiries into the patient’s general health, history of allergies and other existing conditions. After this the practitioner will decide on the appropriate method of treatment to be followed.

The treatment is carried out by the manipulation and massage of acupressure points, energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Most of the treatment is carried out by hand and may include techniques such as pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles or implements designed for this purpose. Chinese herbs may also be applied to facilitate faster healing.

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Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body’s energies

What is Indian head massage?

Indian head massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment that has been practised in India for thousands of years, and is incredibly relaxing. Part of the Hindu health care practice of Ayurveda, Indian head massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders. Indian head massage is a deep massage, which uses a variety of pressure and techniques that tap into your seven “‘chakras” or paths of energy and encourage healing and balance in your whole body.Indian head massage has become a popular component of combined treatments or rituals, including massage and facials.

What is Indian head massage good for?

Indian head massage focuses on the three higher “chakras” – mind, body and spirit, and as such hits your energy epicentre. It doesn’t seem sufficient to say that a good, long Indian head massage (involving proper neck and shoulder and back massage as well) will relax you. It’s more than this. Indian head massage should actually make you feel detached and serene, and leave you sighing and wordless.Even if you don’t experience this level of relaxation, this massage treatment offers all kinds of other benefits. It will relieve aches, pains and tension in your neck, back and shoulders, improve the texture of your hair and encourage it to grow. An Indian head massage stimulates the flow of blood, lymph and oxygen in your upper body which will clear your sinuses, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it can help cure headaches (even migraine!), eye strain and anxiety, an Indian head massage can even help you to concentrate better at work.

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Thai Herbal Massage

Thai Herbal Massage Ball is a much used since ancient times, is one of the traditional massage tools. This helps to relieve muscle aches and tension. Also energizes tired muscles after strenuous activity. steamed with herbs, essential features of a relaxing massage ball, stretch ligaments and muscle pain, joint stiffness, and reduce decay. Also supports healthy blood circulation. With more than twenty types of herbs such as the Plain which is active in reducing muscle sprain and bumps can serve, Tumeric oil as well as firming and soothing skin, skin problems can be solved. Kaffir Lime will decrease dizziness, Cryptolepis Buchannai Roem reduce muscle tension and relaxation may result in mind. In addition, Curcuma aromatica Salisb by bumps and bruises will be healed. Patchouli and Camphor will relieve the symptoms of cardiovascular and again to revive the cold. Also, people will feel comfortable with the smell of lemon grass is soft.

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Balinese Massage

A Balinese massage is a full-body, deep-tissue, holistic treatment that combines acupressure, reflexology, stretching and aromatherapy to stimulate circulation, ease muscular and joint pain, and bring a sense of wellbeing, calm and deep relaxation.

What is a Balinese massage?

A Balinese massage uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and “qi” (energy) around your body, and bring deep relaxation and wellness. An ancient technique, Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including skin rolling, kneading and stroking, acupressure and reflexology; essential oils will relax and soothe you.Balinese massage is a rigorous and luxurious spa treatment and a great one to choose if you want to experience a variety of massage techniques, relax and feel spiritually renewed at the same time. Balinese massage is related to the Ayurveda, the Indian holistic medical system. A relaxation massage with attitude, this treatment will boost your circulation and give you a deep tissue and muscular massage as well.

What is a Balinese massage good for?

A Balinese massage works deeply to soothe damaged tissue, and relieve strained muscles and joint pain. The boost to your circulation will help reduce stress and rebalance your body. Because it works very deeply into the tissue, as well as boosting circulation and harnessing acupressure and reflexology techniques, Balinese massage is a highly effective treatment for sports injuries. Balinese massage aims to help with a wide range of ailments, including migraine, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorder, stress, anxiety or depression, as well as allergies and breathing problems such as asthma. The use of oils is calming and sensual and leaves you feeling relaxed and serene.

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Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that uses acupressure to stimulate the flow of energy around your body, to make you feel balanced and relaxed.

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a whole-body, holistic treatment that combines massage, acupressure and stretching. The word shiatsu means “finger pressure”, and sometimes, people describe the practice of shiatsu as “acupuncture without needles”.

Shiatsu is an ancient healing-massage from Asia, and is aimed at making sure that energy or “qi” (pronounced “chee”) flows freely around your body, along its “meridians” or energy-paths.

Life can be difficult – emotionally and physically, and takes its toll on your body, leaving “scars” or blockages to your energy. Like acupuncture, shiatsu aims to unblock the “qi” and restore your body’s natural balance. When your body is balanced and the energy flows freely, your general health, and self, will be well.

Shiatsu uses a range of different techniques, many of which you would find in other treatments including physiotherapy, deep tissue massage or Thai massage. As shiatsu is a healing massage, regular treatments should work with your body’s immune system and strengthen its ability to heal itself.

What is shiatsu good for?

As with other forms of massage, shiatsu encourages your blood and lymph to flow around your body, taking oxygen to your organs and skin, helping them to release toxins and stimulating your immune system. Shiatsu also acts on the nervous system and helps you to relax. Shiatsu can relieve pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints, and help your body to release tension, which in turn means that you should sleep better and feel more relaxed within yourself.

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Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm strokes and pressure to ease and release tension deep in your muscles.

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage does what it says “on the tin” – it is a massage technique that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments – deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas, and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons. Deep tissue massage is a blanket term that describes a number of different therapies, and is often used medically by physiotherapists, chiropractors and so on.

Deep tissue massage is a particularly effective massage for people with muscular pain. Here are a few of the less mainstream forms of deep tissue treatments that you might not have come across.

What is a deep tissue massage good for?

Deep tissue massage helps to refresh and relax muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body. This gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal.

Deep tissue massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused, relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body, and can also break down scar tissue and “knots” deep in the muscles.

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LOMI LOMI MASSAGE

What is lomi lomi?

Lomi lomi is a Hawaiian massage, also known as the “loving hands” massage. This name helps to explain its principles – the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch.

Lomi lomi works from the belief that memories are not just stored in the brain and mind, but also in every cell of the human body. The long, continuous strokes of the massage are designed to help the body let go of its old patterns and behaviours, which can cause as many stresses and strains as muscle tension.

“Lomi lomi” translates to “rub rub” in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used as moisturisers in lomi lomi massage, to keep the strokes smooth and to nourish the skin.

What is lomi lomi massage good for?

Lomi lomi aims to treat the body and mind as one whole being. It is thought to:

* Release tension* Assist blood and lymph flow* Eliminate waste and stimulate toxins* Rejuvenate the body* Instill a sense of peace, harmony and well-being.  In Hawaii, lomi lomi is used to treat children with upset stomachs and soothe women in labour. A lomi-lomi therapist will not aim to heal themselves, but to be the facilitator for healing… to enable healing to take place.

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Reflexology

According to the Association of Reflexologists, Reflexology is “a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to aid healing to the whole person, not just the prevailing symptoms”.

What is reflexology?

The Good Spa Guide spoke to Tracey Smith, Reflexology Support Manager for the Association of Reflexologists, to find out about the theory and practice of reflexology.

“The theory behind reflexology,” says Tracy, “is that following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of ‘imbalance’. Vital energy pathways may be blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology may be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing. A trained reflexologist may detect imbalances in the feet. By working on these points, the reflexologist may release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination might be improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.”

What is reflexology good for?

Many people go to see a reflexologist for the same reasons as they might go for a massage: to help with their general health, and to make them feel relaxed and calm.Reflexology may help us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level by encouraging us to heal and maintain health in mind, body and spirit. But because reflexology is such a comprehensive treatment, it can help you in many other ways. There are some suggestions that reflexology may help a variety of conditions including:* stress-related problems* back pain* headaches* sub-fertility issues* sleep problems* hormonal issues.

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