Not so long ago, a massage was just a massage. It was literally the laying of hands on a body. A massage was the process of rubbing and stimulating the muscles, which were pummelled into submission with the express aim of relaxing someone. These days the art of massage has developed and grown in popularity, which in turn has brought about the resurrection of several ancient techniques as people become more open minded about the benefits these long-forgotten arts can bring. The problem now is that there are so many different types of massage the choice can be a little daunting and somewhat confusing.
Today's massages are much more than stress busters or therapeutic relaxation after a hard day at work. A qualified massage therapist can aid the process of injury healing, improve well being, relieve stress, manage pain, address specific health conditions and improve circulation.
AROMATHERAPY
One of the most popular types of massage is aromatherapy. Clinical aromatherapy focuses on the issues or conditions being experienced by the individual, and therefore is specifically tailored to each person. Depending on the clients needs, the therapist will blend up to five essential oils to use during the massage, all of which address the areas raised during the initial consultation. The combined effects of the physical and sensory properties of the massage make this technique twice as effective.
There are a wide range of essential oils, all naturally derived from flora or fauna, and all attributed with different properties and clinical applications. Blending oils together gives stronger and more specific targeting. For example, blending Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Clary Sage is an effective cure for headaches. Roman Chamomile is an inflammatory and acts as a muscle relaxant. Lavender acts as a natural pain reliever and Clare Sagy is good for hyper tension, as it slows down the heart rate. This in turn lowers blood pressure and prevents any build up of tension. However depending on the causes of the headache--- stress, tiredness, diet intolerances --- the blend will be completely different as clinical aromatherapy aims to address the cause not just alleviate the symptoms.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
The use of heated stones as a tool for healing has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. The application of heat to the body and the relaxing effects this has on muscles and the nervous system has been recognised by numerous ancient civilisations. Heated stones were used by the Egyptians in their ceremonies and have also been used by Native American Indians.
During an authentic hot stone massage, basalt stones are heated in hot water and then used in two ways. Some stones will be laid under a pillowcase or towel, placed under the back along both sides of the spin and on top of the torso - on a towel - to heat the chakra centres. Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes of the muscle tissue. When heated stones are used the muscles relax more, allowing the massage therapist to work deeper into the muscle without the discomfort of regular deep tissue massage.
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
The art of Indian Head Massage is a form of healing and relaxation which is used widely in Asia to relieve tension and stress. The technique has been passed down through families for generations. This type of massage is said to soothe and harmonise the body's natural balance, helping to promote physical and psychological wellbeing.
The technique incorporates a mixture of massages for the scalp, neck, shoulders and upper arms. It also includes a light lymphatic drainage of the face. It is effective for stress relief, headaches, neck stiffness, reducing migraine severity. This is an uncomplicated treatment without massage beds and there is no need to remove your clothes.
REFLEXOLOGY
The art of this holistic treatment dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China. Essentially it is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body or to improve general health. Reflexology was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald and developed by Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, in the 1930's and 1940's. Ingham mapped the entire body into 'reflexes' on the feet which correspond to all parts and organs of the body.
By using an intermittent pressure with the finger and thumb, qualified practitioners can feel blockages in the body's energy systems which manifest themselves as lumps or grit under the skin. The position of these blockages tells the practitioner where the patient's problems lie. The therapist the uses pressure in the form of a relaxing massage to these areas of the feet, in order to stimulate the corresponding area of the body and thereby remove the problem.
REIKI
This 200 year old Japanese healing technique is becoming the hottest fast-track therapy. Reiki is in fact a complementary medicine, rather than a traditional massage, and can be used to address everyday ailments, to de-stress, feel more centred, sleep better and even find a soul mate. Reiki works by channelling a flow of energy which encourages the body to detoxify, heal and re-balance itself. It is based on the eastern premise that blockages of chi energy - the natural energy in every living entity - in the body can lead to illness, disharmony and distress. Practitioners act as a conduit for this life force energy into their patients by laying their hands on or above the body.
Anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement, which is a process of initiations carried out by a Reiki Master. Attunement is the only way to gain access to Reiki and once a practitioner is attuned, it is a constant and permanent state, you can not lose the energy. Having been attuned, the energy will flow through the practitioners� hands whenever the hands are placed on or held near to a potential recipient. Teachings suggest that the energy is drawn by injury, disease or an imbalance of energy in the recipient. The energy flows into the area most in need and is said to activate or enhance the natural healing processes in those places.
Reiki is described as an 'intelligent' form of energy, with diagnosis being unnecessary. In addition, it is said that Reiki can be used as a preventative medicine, as it will encourage healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged. The energy generated by the Reiki practitioner works on an atomic level by making the body's molecules vibrate so that any blockages are dissolved.
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Reflexology
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