Massage

“The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing.” – Hippocrates, 460 B.C.

Our local SW15 clinic in London offers a number of different kinds of massage. Massage is a form of manual therapy that combines a number of different techniques applied to the superficial and sometimes deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The practice of massaging the body for healing is well documented a number of ancient civilizations. At Well4ever in Putney you can treat yourself to the following:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

The inhaled aroma from these “essential” oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. In a full body Aromatherapy massage treatment essential oils are also absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing. Pressure points and soothing techniques create an uplifting sense of relaxation and well being.

Each oil has unique properties and when blended together create an effective synergy which will help to treat many ailments.
Physiological Benefits – Aromatherapy massage can:

• Enhance lymphatic drainage – this helps to reduce fluid retention and prevent oedema
• Induce a feeling of deep relaxation in the body
• Help to restore balance in the body
• Stimulate the body’s natural immune system
• Increase the oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues by increasing the blood circulation
• Help to increase energy levels as blockages and congestion in the nerves are eased
• Improve skin texture and condition

Psychological Benefits – Aromatherapy massage can:

• promote a general state of well-being
• calm and soothe the mind
• help to reduce nervous tension
• help to lift the mood and reduce feelings of depression

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles. It is used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

The pressure is slow and deep and concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles.

With chronic muscle tension, there may be adhesions which are bands of painful, rigid tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these areas to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Holistic / Swedish Massage

This is an intensely relaxing and invigorating massage using various movement and strokes on the skin, muscles and joints. It combines the use of five basic strokes (gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and vibration) to produce significant benefits for the body’s key systems. Holistic or Swedish massage is especially effective in helping to improve flexibility, increase blood circulation, reduce pain and ease tension in the body.

Indian Head Massage

A relaxing gentle massage treatment based on Ayurvedic techniques, Indian Head Massage has been practised in India traditionally for over 1000 years.

This effective therapy uses a variety of techniques including pressure points and friction movements to relieve tension, improve blood circulation and balance energy.

It is performed with the person in a seated position, through light clothing and without the use of oils.

The therapist uses a range of different massage pressures and rhythms to stimulate the head, neck, and upper back and shoulder area.

Indian Head Massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, headaches and Migraines. It is a safe and therapeutic treatment which can provide instant relief from tension and stress symptoms inducing a state of calm, peace, tranquillity and mental clarity.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is a gentle but firm safe massage for pregnant women. Pregnancy massage is geared towards relieving pain and tension linked to the stress, physical and weight bearing changes that occur during pregnancy. It can aid circulation, reduce swelling in the legs and hands, calm pain in the pain and relieve muscle soreness. It is a great way for expectant mums to relax and lower their stress levels.

Reiki

This is an ancient Japanese healing tradition based on the original methods of Mikao Usui that was founded in the 1900’s.
Rei can be translated as universal energy and Ki as life force energy which surrounds all living things. We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us, and we experience a sense of well being. If we have an emotional trauma or a physical illness we acquire an energy blockage. The treatment works to allow universal energy to be channelled around the body to where it is needed to heal and restore balance on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.

Reiki can be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment. The recipient remains clothed and lies on a couch or sits on a chair and relaxes and the practitioner gently places their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or near the body.

Each person experiences Reiki differently depending on their individual needs at the time. You may or may not feel sensations during a Reiki treatment Benefits reported by recipients include deep relaxation promoting a calm, peaceful sense of well being on all levels. Some people feel sensations of heat, tingling, or experience seeing colours, whilst others can have an emotional response, indicating that shifts are taking place, allowing harmony to be restored.

Sports Massage and Remedial Therapy

This type of massage is ideal for anyone with minor injuries and musculoskeletal problems that may be causing them pain and impacting on their occupation, physical activity and quality of life. A sports massage will employ a combination of general massage techniques to relax the body and promote health, including:

• Neuromuscular technique (NMT)
• Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)
• Muscular Energy Technique (MET)
• Soft Tissue Release (STR)
• Strain-Counterstrain (SCS)
• Connective Tissue Manipulation (CTM)

Suki Aromatherapy Facial

The ultimate in relaxation and natural care for your skin, starting with deep cleansing and exfoliation. Aromatherapy oils are selected to treat the skin type, pressure points and lymphatic drainage ease facial tension and improve circulation. A treatment mask nourishes and deep cleanses and a soothing scalp massage completes the treatment. Suitable for all skin types.

Some benefits include:

• Hydration to skin
• Improved skin texture
• Improved circulation of nutrients to skin
• Stimulates lymphatic system and removal of waste
• Relieves head, neck and shoulder tension