Massage Therapies on offer
Jo can offer a wide selection of specific treatments and massages, always tailoring what she offers to the client’s needs. Here are some examples.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage (DTM) is, as its name suggests, aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia or connective tissue. It is a carefully focused type of massage where the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension, knots or adhesions. DTM uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish or holistic massage, but the pressure is usually more intense.
This type of massage is used to treat over-used or muscles and/or to keep the muscle structure supple and loose before and after sport. It can also help clients who suffer from headaches or migraine and /or those with poor circulation.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the application of manual pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to areas of the body. It is used both to prevent and treat physical and psychological conditions. It can help with a variety of problems: back pain, asthma, migraine, hormonal imbalance, depression, digestive problems, arthritis and several stress-related conditions. Reflexology helps the client to relax and re-balance.
Organic Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy relies on the power and benefits of essential oils to ease the mind and calm the emotions or awaken feelings, which the accompanying massage complements. Jo uses only natural organic oils and likes to make up her own blends as required.
Essential oils have countless therapeutic properties which can be exploited to help both physical and psychological conditions. This kind of massage works best with clients who prefer not to experience deep tissue massage and who prefer to choose their own oils or combination of oils. It is nurturing and is highly compatible with many medical treatments and other therapies.
Johrei
Johrei (pronounced Jo-ray) is not strictly a treatment; it is a method of channelling universal light energy into the body of the receiver through the hands or palm of the giver. It has connections with Reiki. The purifying energy transmitted is specific to the moment and helps to enhance spiritual consciousness and promote physical well being,
Johrei receivers should experience feelings of deep relaxation and revitalisation. Johrei can help reduce pain, relieve depression and increase feelings of well being. Research suggests that Johrei activates natural killer cells in the immune system when received repeatedly. Jo is happy to add Johrei to any of her treatments.
Indian head massage
This is an energetic stress-busting therapy which works on the muscular tissues of the neck, shoulders, scalp and face to relax and stimulate the body and help it maintain harmony.
The therapist works with a firm and gentle rhythm to help unknot blockages and so relieve built up tension. This can provide relief on a physical and emotional level and can help calm the spirit and so promote relaxation. Indian head massage can help clients with headaches, migraine, sinusitis, anxiety, insomnia, eyestrain, and muscle tension.
Holistic massage
Massage is the therapeutic application of touch using a range of movements and strokes on the skin, muscles and joints. It can help to relax the client and well as improving circulation, increasing flexibility, relieving pain and stiffness and aiding the elimination of waste products.
Holistic massage is an ancient discipline used to improve health and well being by treating the mind, body and spirit. It helps the client to maintain general health and fitness and complements traditional medicine in the treatment of specific conditions and symptoms.
Hot stone massage
Warm stones expand the blood vessels, improve circulation and sedate the nervous system. During a hot stone massage, the client lies, covered by a thick towel, on a couch or on a bed of flat warm and cool stones that trace the spine. The therapist applies oil to the skin and glides the stones across the body’s meridian lines. In some treatments, large stones are placed on the body or in the client’s palms or smaller, coin-sixed stones are lightly wedged between the toes.
Heated Chakra stones align and balance the chief energy centres. This treatment can help with muscular aches, pains and strains, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, back pain and insomnia.
Thai herbal compress massage
This ancient therapy dates back thousands of years; some believe its origins can be traced back to monks from India who established the early Buddhist monasteries around 200BC.
Herbals compresses made up of herbs such as lemongrass, ginger, peppermint, turmeric and camphor are wrapped in a muslin compress, steamed and then applied to the body in circular, pressing and rolling movements. The herbs possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which, when combined with the heat from the steam, have an extremely therapeutic effect on sore muscles.
Clients should experience a deep sense of relaxation, a cocooning sense of warmth which should then improve their circulation, alleviate pain and invigorate the body.
