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Modalities
Acupuncture
Used in China over 3000 years, Acupuncture is based on the theory that the body energy or chi flows in set patterns along 12 meridians or pathways. Acupuncture involves piercing the body in set points along these meridians to alleviate pain and stimulate the immune system. Acupuncture is used for any ailment, particularly chronic pain such as migraine or other chronic illness or hormonal imbalance, but also acute pain, even for childbirth.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of very concentrated essential oils extracted from plants, to relieve stress and minor ailments. The oils are often highly aromatic with the characteristic perfume or odour given off by a particular plant. Any part of a plant - the stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots or bark - may produce essential aromatherapy oils. Plant essences have been used through the ages for healing. Writings from ancient civilisations of Egypt, China and Persia show that the people there had knowledge of the therapeutic uses of plants and plant oils. Today an aromatherapist will 'design' an individual massage by choosing and mixing oils that will specifically match the temperament of the client and also deal with a particular ailment or emotional problem that may be troubling him/her. A few drops of essential oil are added to a carrier oil and applied to the skin by gentle, soothing massage. The oils penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, having a profound therapeutic effect.
Body Wraps
Body wraps are the use of either hot or cold compresses to help treat various conditions, E.g. inflamation, swelling tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, cellulite, varicose veins, toxicity etc.
Benefits:
- Stimulates the immune system so improving resistance to infection and disease, and speeding up recovery.
- Increase the blood supply to the internal organs and so to improve their efficiency, benefiting in particular the digestive system, and helping relieve flatulence and chronic constipation.
- Reduce inflammation and swollen joints.
- Ease sinus congestion.
- Relax muscle spasms.
- Increase blood supply to the area.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine has already been in use in China for thousands of years and there are over 5 000 different kinds. Herbal Medicine can be used single or in formula: a combination is more popular, as it is more effective. There are thousands of different formulas which are divided into 16 main categories for example detoxification, boosting the immune system, adjusting the body, treating the cause of the disease, helping to release symptoms, etc. In the dermatological field, Chinese Medicine is as effective as western medication (where cortisone is used on skin disorders, for example). A few hundred years ago, Chinese Herbal Medicine already specialised in internal medicine (e.g. orthopaedic, gynaecological, paediatric and dermatological fields).
Deep Connective Tissue Massage
This is a very specific massage technique utilizing deep pressure. The massage begins with Swedish techniques such as effleurage & pettrisage to warm up the muscles and illicit a relaxing response. Thereafter the massage involves sustained direct pressure on specific areas of spasm called trigger points. The therapist normally looks for shortened muscles and/or distorted postural patterns. With slow, deep strokes the muscle fibres are lengthened, restoring balance and re-establishing structural and functional integrity to the greatest degree possible for the client. The result is reduced pain, an increase in ease & range of motion, improved sleep, improved athletic performance, less risk of injury during exertion, increase body awareness, as well as increased sense of well being. Some body pain can be expected after the treatment, but after a little rest one can expect to feel better than before the treatment.
Gentle Relaxing Massage with Flower Herbal Soak
Gentle Relaxing Massage involves feather like techniques that has a soothing, calming effect on the nerves enabling one to relax. Ideal for people who prefer gentle massage as apposed to a deeper penetrating massage. It helps to heat the emotional, physical and spiritual bodies, thus promoting a sense of balance and peace. Complimenting the treatment we end off with a flower, herbal soak, leaving the client feeling calm and stress free.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine. It is a system of healing where you are treated as an individual with unique needs. You are given medication which has been carefully matched to your symptoms and that will specifically stimulate your immune system to bring about healing and a cure for you. You are looked at and treated as a complete person, not only with symptoms of a specific disease, but unique qualities of your own. This method brings about lasting wellness and cure. Homeopathic remedies work by the body's defence mechanism to help itself. They act together with the body's reactions to stimulate the body's immune system to make it work more effectively. As an antibiotic would fight bacteria for a person who is ill, a homeopathic remedy would merely give the immune system what it needs to fight the illness itself - like a kick in the right direction. Homeopathy believes in the body's own natural ability to heal itself. So the immune system is strengthened because it did the work itself. Next time the same pathogen tries to invade the body the immune system will better be able to resist illness and so we move towards a permanent cure. With orthodox medicine or antibiotics the immune system becomes weakened, there is increased susceptibility to disease and the need for drugs is increased.
The Homeopath available at the centre also does the Voll testing. Developed by Dr R Voll Voll testing is an electro- acupuncture method, synthesising Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy and conventional medicine. The Voll is used to test for Allergies, suitability of medication, functioning of organs and system in our bodies and helps determine the source of disorders within our bodies.
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot Stone Therapy involves the use of heated and cold stones applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles - resulting in alleviation of chronic and acute problems that many of us deal with on a daily basis. The stones are held in the therapist's hand and glided over the muscles using heat friction. The therapy is very effective in creating harmony and a positive energy, thus promoting a sense of balance, energy and peace.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a means of helping the client to help themselves. It is a communication process to a person's mind that allows their conscious mind and subconscious mind to come together and believe the same message. While the body and mind are in a relaxed neutral state, the subconscious mind is in a heightened state of awareness and receptive to suggestion. There are many misconceptions about hypnosis as far as the client having no control or not being able to be brought 'out' again. This is untrue. The client is in control at all times. Everyone has a built in critical faculty, which will not allow him or her to respond to suggestions that will go against their own integrity. Deep-rooted emotional trauma can be released by means of autosuggestions. The treatment could be used for many problems such as, painless childbirth, anger/depression, pain management, stopping smoking, under achievement at school, stress, athletic performance, fears/phobias, personal development, regression this life/past life and sexual problems.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is an energetic stress-busting therapy which works on the muscular tissues of the neck, shoulders, scalp and face to relax or stimulate the body and help it maintain harmony. It provides relief for mental as well as physical stress. It involves working with a firm and gentle rhythm to help clear blockages and relief of build-up tension and on an emotional level it calms the spirit, promoting relaxation and relieving stress. It is useful for headaches, sinusitis, Temporo-Mandibular joint tension, migraine, eye strain, improved concentration and muscle tensioning the neck and shoulders.
Benefits to the individual:
- Stimulates and improves scalp circulation which in turn helps with strength and growth of hair.
- Removes tension from the jaw and smoothes out face muscles.
- Relieves muscular tension and stimulates blood circulation.
- Stretches and mobilizes the tissues of the neck and shoulders.
- Rebalances vital energy flow, instilling a sense of peace and tranquillity.
The sense of utter well-being that follows a treatment with head message has to be experienced to be fully understood. We live in stressful times and head massage is one of the ways of alleviating and achieving a relaxed, calm frame of mind. On the other hand a stimulating head massage helps to clarify the mind and enables one to concentrate without tension. It requires little space as it is done sitting up and can be carried out anywhere as it does not require the removal of clothes.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that works through the body's fluid system to activate the circulation of the tissues and stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. The result of these actions can include reduction in oedemas, detoxification of the body, regeneration of tissue as well as many other benefits. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to operate at peak performance. The system drains fluids, detoxifies and regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and foreign substances and helps us maintain a healthy immune system. If lymph circulation stagnates however, toxins accumulate and compromise cellular functioning, which opens the way to physical ailments. Techniques are performed with hands and fingers stimulating gentle, wave-like movements. They are neither tiring nor straining but light-touch and easy to use. These subtle manual manoeuvres activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous system.
It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results can be:
- Reduction in oedemas (swelling) and lymphodemas of various origins
- Detoxification of the body
- Relief from numerous chronic and sub-acute inflamations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis
- Relief of chronic pain
- Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome fibromyalgia
- Anti spastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation
- Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
- Anti-aging effects
- Alleviation of oediposis and cellulite tissue
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage has great benefits for pregnant women. With the extensive body changes and extra tension in the muscular skeletal system, caused by hormones, and a shift in your centre of gravity, having a massage can be a life saver. Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual, and social changes. Some of these changes produce discomforts and concerns, which can be addressed with appropriate massage therapy and body use guidance. Pregnancy massage also helps to reduce stress hormones in the body.
Pregnancy massage is carried out with the client comfortably supported in a side-lying position, draped to the clients comfort. Only the body part being worked on is exposed. It is fine to interrupt the massage for bathroom breaks, but for maximum comfort, it is advised to avoid heavy eating & drinking before the massage.
Some benefits of Pregnancy Massage:
- relaxation & decreased insomnia,
- stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles; lower back & pelvis,
- reduced swelling in the hands & feet,
- lessened sciatic pain, etc.
Reflexology
It is a massage of the feet or hands where it is believed reflexes associated with every organ in the body are present. By massaging these reflexes the body can be stimulated into detoxifying, eliminating or decongesting any particular problem area and by doing so, can heal itself from a particular problem. Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment, but can be used as a compliment to any type of therapy. Reflexology can also be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes attention to diet, moderate exercise and different forms of stress reduction and relaxation.
Reiki
Reiki is the word for Universal Life Force Energy. The word consists of two parts, 'Rei' and 'Ki'. 'Rei' signifies the universal, transcendental spirit and essence, while 'Ki' conveys the vital force energy very much like 'Chi' in Chinese acupuncture and 'Prana' in Ayurveda. It is said that there is a Universal Life Force around us and in us. Reiki is a way of activating, directing and applying this natural energy for the promotion of health, healing and balancing the chakras.
Relaxing Massage
Gentle Relaxing Massage involves feather like techniques that has a soothing, calming effect on the nerves enabling one to relax. Ideal for people who prefer gentle massage as apposed to a deeper penetrating massage. It helps to heat the emotional, physical and spiritual bodies, thus promoting a sense of balance and peace.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese art of healing using acupressure. It is believed that a vital energy or 'Chi' circulates our bodies along set pathways called meridians. In the physiology of Shiatsu there are 14 major meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ, or physical or mental functioning. Tsubos are points along meridians were you could most easily make contact with 'Chi'. Toxins in the form of stress, tension or illness can disrupt this energy flow. In Shiatsu, activating appropriate meridians' Tsubos restores this flow.
Sports Massage
Is there a difference between regular massage and sports massage?
Most definitely; regular massage is more superficial and does not target the specific muscle groups that are used in sports activity. In sports massage, the techniques are designed to benefit muscles by warming and softening tissue, realigning muscle fibres, helping to heal scar tissue and flushing metabolic waste (toxins) from the muscle.
Sports massage thus offers the following benefits:
- Helps to enhance overall body awareness
- Helps to identify tender areas before they develop into injuries
- Stretch and relaxes the muscles
- Improves the range of motion
- Restores suppleness and elasticity
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids
- Flushes out metabolic waste that causes muscle stiffness and soreness
- Helps to speed recovery from muscular stiffness and soreness
- Helps to speed recovery from muscular exertion
- Relaxes the mind and body
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage includes a variety of techniques, applying firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. It may be defined as the manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. Its aim is to enable the therapist's hands to slide over the client with pressure. It has an enhancing effect on the body's physiology. The massage improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids. It also reduces muscle spasm and improves posture. Slow, gentle movements have soothing effects - calming the nerves - enabling the client to relax.
Techniques include long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, hacking or tapping and vibration. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins. Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating and promotes health and wellbeing. This is a wonderful way to relieve stress and enhance the healthy functioning of body and mind.
Thai Massage
Traditional Thai Massage is a fusion of eastern bodywork techniques ranging from Acupressure to Yoga for a truly Zen-like experience. A blend of yoga, acupressure and reflexology, Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Bo-Rarn, is designed to relax and open the body's natural energy flow. Unlike the scooping and continuous strokes of western-style massage, Traditional Thai Massage uses point pressure, muscle stretching and compression done in a rhythmic movement of gentle rocking.
What to expect from your session?
Thai massage has been called Lazy Man's Yoga or Yoga for two - because of the passive range of motion on the part of the receiver. The therapist helps stretch your body onto a variety of yoga-like positions at the same time doing manual compression strokes on the muscles to further enhance the stretch and release tension.
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