4- Swedish (Holistic) Massage Therapy

What is massage?

Massage is a natural therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years. The earliest records of the use of massage as a therapy are from China over 5,000 years ago. Touch is one of our vital senses and is the most natural and instinctive response to pain. Right from childhood, if we are hurt or injured, we naturally feel, rub or hold the affected area.

Massage therapy is a systematic, manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using precise hand movements incorporating stroking and kneading techniques by  skilled therapists.

What is the difference between Holistic or Swedish massage?

Some massage practitioners use 'Swedish' massage tecniques only, that is, they use the hand movements practiced/developed in the past by  'Per Ling' of Sweden. An Holistic Therapist (All our massage therapists are trained holistically) undertake comprehensive training in not just massage tecniques but also undertake detailed training in: anatomy and physiology, the theory and safe practice of massage,  professional conduct and business awareness. Consequently therapists are able to treat a person as a whole, taking into consideration the client's physical and emotional state together with any lifestyle/occupational factors, to help facilitate the body's return to its natural state of harmony or 'homeostasis'.

What are the potential benefits of massage?

Massage therapy can address a whole host of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress related tension. According to experts, stress related tension accounts for 80% to 90% of disease and is on the increase.

Massage can have a positive effect on the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic system, nerves and some of the internal organs.

Massage has many psychological and physiological effects, some physiological effects include:

1/ Increasing circulation and allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

2/ Stimulating the lymphatic system, the body's natural defence against toxins.

3/ Relaxing injured and over used muscles.

4/ Reducing spasms and cramp

5/ Increasing joint flexibility

6/ Releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain killer.

7/ Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and helping to eliminate subsequent aches and pains suffered by athletes at all levels.

8/ Improving the range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.

9/ Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with a restricted range of motion.

 Prices are based on £30.00 per hour. £15.00 half hour (£10 for a half hour leg massage only for runners)

All treatment rooms are equipped with heating/ air conditioning and there are private, screened changing areas within each room. Toilets and shower facilities are available to use either before or after treatment.

Parking

Please allow time for parking if you arrive by car. We have limited parking for three cars along the right side of the Hi-Q building (Adjacent to the wooden fence). During busy periods you may need to use on or off street parking nearby. Voucher parking is available along Wincheap. Vouchers are available from most local news agents.