Holistic Massage
Holistic massage is an ancient discipline used to improve health and wellbeing. The term 'holistic' comes from the Greek word 'holos' meaning whole, treating the complete person, mind, body and spirit and not just the physical symptoms and problems.
Massage is a form of tissue manipulation using a range of movements or strokes upon the skin, muscles and joints. Each person is treated individually in the context of their own life thus the treatment is tailored to meet their needs. A brief consultation is, therefore, essential to better understand these needs, the symptoms and conditions presented and the client's preferences. The holistic massage treatment enables improvements in the client's health and establishes their body's natural equilibrium, known as homeostasis.
When the body is allowed to relax it can begin to heal itself. The benefits of massage are twofold: physiological and psychological including:
- Removes dead skin (desquamation) and therefore improves skin tone and colour
- Relaxes the body and mind, thereby reducing tension, anxiety and stress.
- Encourages better circulation and therefore oxygen and nutrients are delivered quicker to cells and toxins are removed faster
- Relaxes the body and this enables easier and deeper breathing, improving our breathing patterns.
- Aids lymph drainage and reduces any cellulite and fluid in the cells (oedema)
- Calms, soothes and relaxes the body, releasing tension, fatigue, soreness and stiffness from muscles. It also lengthens muscles which improves flexibility and movement.
- Can have a stimulating or relaxing effect upon the nervous system, depending on the massage technique used.
- Improves and balances the digestive system.
- Reduces stiffness and immobility around joints and increases nutrient flow to bones.
Having regular holistic massage treatments can ease minor aches and pains and can help to prevent many common ailments and symptoms of stress such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety, repetitive strain injury and general fatigue. It can help you look, feel and sleep better. The aim is to encourage the body to heal itself in order to reach its full potential and homeostasis.