Holistic Massage is a relaxing therapy that helps to reduce stress and tension, and encourages balance in all your body systems. Holistic Massage promotes your mental and physical good health, and facilitates well-being.
What is it?
Massage uses the therapeutic touch to manipulate the body’s soft tissue, to relax muscles, and to calm the nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems. Massage techniques involve stroking and rubbing (see Massage Techniques). Holistic massage is a natural treatment and instinctive form of communication, comfort and protection that helps relieve stress and benefits all the body systems.
Uses:
Massage can keep all the body systems in homeostatic balance, thus ensuring the whole body is in good condition. Massage is beneficial for aiding relaxation, easing pain and releasing myofacial tissue tension. Clinical evidence shows massage can reduce blood pressure and relieve discomfort from IBS and constipation. Several studies show positive use in children and infants for ADHD and poor feeding, as well as improving well-being during pregnancy after the first trimester and during labour.
Treatment Time + approach:
Following a complete assessment and detailed history, and ensuring there are no contra-indications, patients will be asked to remove their outer garments, while ensuring dignity is preserved with discreet towel management. Treatment lasts approximately 1 hour and patients will be comfortably positioned on the couch. There are several techniques that use different speeds and pressures; a massage medium is used so that these movements can be performed smoothly & freely (we use hypo-nonallergenic grape seed to lightly lubricate the skin). Treatments can be carried out in the warm comfort of our clinic or in your own home; adjustments may be made for those who are too frail or unable to lie on their tummies.
History:
Massage has healing properties that date back 15,000 years. Julius Caesar was said to indulge in massage for health, according to records from Greek historian Plutarch (46-120AD). It was used widely in Egypt, India, Japan, and flourished during the T’ang dynasty in China (618-907BCE) to relieve many medical problems, to relax the body and prevent disease.1
Recognised Body/References:
FHT therapists have to undertake approved education courses, and maintain Professional Liability insurance, First Aid training and must adhere to the Association’s high standards and codes of conduct. Massage forms a cornerstone of Physiotherapy. The CSP advocates a high quality service and members are required to adhere to extensive codes of practice that protect the public and the therapist, and ensure an excellent standard of professional care to guarantee the delivery of exceptional customer service.
