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Our Treatment Guide

Holistic Massage


Massage – the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body – has been used as a healing therapy for many thousands of years. Records dating back to 2700 B.C. show that in China massage was used to treat paralysis, chills and fever. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician writing in 400 B.C., recommended that physicians should treat sports and war injuries with massage and rubbing.

The ancient cultures of Japan, Egypt, Rome and Arabia all considered massage to be calming, soothing and relaxing, and also very important as a healing therapy. Now, in the 21st century, there are many different kinds of massage therapies available, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body.

In fact, in this guide we look in detail at a number of techniques including Biodynamic, Indian head, Shiatsu and Thai massages. In addition, there are some highly specialised massage techniques which are specifically designed to meet the needs of clients at certain, very special times in their lives.

How does it work?

Massage uses either the therapist’s hands or, in some cases, mechanical means, to manipulate the body’s soft tissue, especially the muscles.

What does it involve?

There are numerous different kinds of massage, many of which are detailed in this book, which focus on healing the body and mind. In addition, there are some highly specialised forms of massage including:

Infant massage

Infant massage has traditionally been used throughout many cultures around the world, but has only recently gained popularity in the West. European and American mothers are now discovering that massage has massive benefits for both their baby and themselves. Research has shown, and mothers agree, that because touch conveys nurturing and love, massage enhances bonding between mother and baby. Also, because massage releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) it helps to reduce the pain of colic and teething, helps to clear sinus and chest infection, helps baby to relax and induces sound, healthy sleep.

Massage for children

For many children in the 21st century, growing into their teenage years can be very stressful. As John Killinger observes in his book The Loneliness of Children (Published 1980, Vanguard Press): ‘Childhood is a very difficult time of life. For many children it is filled with fear, anxieties and confusion. Adults often forget how hard it is to be a child.’

Research has shown that children who are massaged show decreased levels of stress hormones. And children who are experiencing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or diabetes show less anxiety and report feelings of increased well being after massage.

Massage therapy is used to help children suffering chronic pain, and research has also shown that children with ADHD, autism and other special needs also benefit greatly from the massage experience. When organising massage for children, it’s especially important to ask the child for permission before the massage begins, and also to ensure that the therapist is thoroughly qualified to work with, and sensitive to, the needs of children.

Massage during pregnancy

More and more women are finding that a weekly or monthly massage during pregnancy helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation; provides emotional support (especially for those women who are going through the experience alone); relieves muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pains; increases circulation and thus reduces the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in the feet and legs; helps with digestion and reduces the likelihood of stretch marks. Pregnant clients report that their massage sessions leave them feeling relaxed and comfortable, and with increased self-confidence and an enhanced body image. However, massage during pregnancy should be avoided by women with placental dysfunctions, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, toxaemia or threatened miscarriage. If in any doubt at all, have a chat with your doctor before booking an appointment with a therapist.

Massage for cancer patients

Research carried out by Marie Curie Cancer Care in London (2002/2003) has provided new clinical evidence that aromatherapy massage (using Roman chamomile essential oil) is beneficial for cancer patients. The results of the research revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between those patients who were massaged, and those who were not. Overall, the massage helped to improve patients’ physical and psychological symptoms, as well as their quality of life.

Further research undertaken at the University of Miami Medical School showed that breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy. Cancer patients must always inform their massage therapist of the site(s) of the cancer(s), as the tumours themselves should never be massaged.

Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness.

Massage for the elderly

Massage can be especially helpful for the problems that most people experience as they grow older. Gentle massage can be used to soothe conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, loss of flexibility, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and help with respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema. But, perhaps most important of all, for elderly people who have lost their partners and live alone, massage provides the sense of nurturing that comes from being gently and respectfully touched. Elderly people with Alzheimer’s or who have had a stroke and find it hard to communicate verbally benefit greatly from massage.

Very frail or modest clients can benefit just as much from a foot, hand or face massage as they might from an all-over body massage. It’s important to make sure that the therapist is told about any medication the elderly client is taking.

What is it good for?

These forms of specialised massage can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, the muscle spasms and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

What are the benefits?

Massage relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved circulation, promotes relaxation and improved sleep. Clients who have experienced these forms of specialised massage report that they find the treatment soothing

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Clients with any form of cancer must obtain their doctor’s permission before having any kind of massage treatment. Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor first.

What Next?

Use the links below to search for Holistic Massage practitioners.

List of Holistic Massage Salons and Therapists.


Sponsored links


Massage Courses
Directory of CThA approved
Massage Courses
www.complementary.assoc.org.uk


Other websites for Holistic Massage


- Hawaian Huna Massage UK Training Centre

Accredited Hawaiian Lomi lomi Massage Practitioner Trainings and Workshops

- HOLISTIC THERAPY AND TRAINING WITH SIOBHÃ?N MULLAN

HOLISTIC THERAPY AND TRAINING WITH SIOBHÃ?N MULLAN

- Claire Skeete

No Hands Massage Therapist in Hammersmith And fulham

- Pomegranate Massage & Relaxation

Holistic Massage/Indian Head Massage/Relaxation Therapy

- FourWard Health

Practitioner in Reflexology and Holistic Massage

-

holistic massage therapy, reiki and EFT

- Angel-Oh! Holistic Therapies, Reiki & Massage

A warm and nurturing Holistic Treatment Centre in the heart of Somerset

- The Massage Rooms

A Fresh New Face of Mobile Massage in London - Lomi Lomi

- Healing Touch

Alternative & Complementary Therapies, Epsom, Surrey

- HaraTherapies

holistic therapies

- Gateway Workshops

Massage Certified Insurable Diploma Courses, UK, Scotland & Ireland

- Mary Western Sports Massage & Complementary Therapies

Sports and Remedial , Therapeutic Massage & Reflexology in Dunfermline Fife.

- The Relaxation Room

Holistic Health Treatments

- The Orange Grove Holistic Therapies

Holistic & onsite massage in your home, office or treatment room in Herts

- Healing Touch

Alternative Therapies

- 1st Relax Thai Massage

An excellent treatment from me will make you dreams come true

- masus

All forms of massage to sports injuries and Pilates

- The Southdown Clinic Ltd

Medical/Complementary Therapy Clinic of Excellence

- Body Kneads

Holistic Massage and Indian Head Massage

- EmotionalRepair.com

NEW IN THE UK - Deep Abdominal Massage Course (Accredited)

- Therapeutic Remedial Massages (T.R.M)

Relief from Back pain, Shoulders, Neck, Hips, Legs. Injurys from work or play..

- Xiamen Jade Massage Stone

We can offer you series of massage stones include black basalt,marble ,jade and

- Koala Therapies Holistic Massage

Baby Massage Classes, Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Ear Candling

- Therapeutic Massage

Website and blog for Melanie Crowe - Mobile Massage Therapist Herts, Beds, Bucks

- childways

IAIM baby massage trainings throughout the UK

- The Wellness Clinic

Full Body and part body massage - for relaxation or sporting events

- Holistic Therapy in Perthshire and Edinburgh

I am a fully qualified Massage therapist based in Dunning Perthshire Scotland. I

- Organic Aromatherapy

Holistic therapies

-

holiday period cottage with holistic treatments available

- 10 Fontburn Place, Benton, Newcaslte upon Tyne NE7 7NE

McLeod Mobile Massage, we specialised in Pregnancy and Labour massaage workshops

- Clara Therapies

Holistic Therapy

- a1formassage

Massage therapy

- Serendipity Therapies

Reiki, Counselling, Guided Meditations, Massage & Hypnotherapy

- aleksandra fyfe

Holistic Massage, Hopi Ear Candling

- Harmony Mind & Body

Complementary Therapies

- McLeod Massage

Mobile Masseur which provides Swedish body and pregnancy massage

- Integrated Therapies

Holistic & Pregnancy Massage

- Holistic Power

Therapeutic Body Massage * Reflexology * Indian Head Massage

- Protouch

A professional on-site massage service with fully qualified therapists

- jmassage

Holistic & Therapeutic Massage Treatments

- In Touch

Massage in Schools Programme training courses

- Unity Natural Health

Holistic Massage (MTI), Yoga Teacher Training (IYN, Embody), Reiki (Embody), A&P

- Richard Lawton: Integrative Body Therapist

Qaulified practitioner based in S London

- Holistic Tanya

Hampshire based Complementary Therapist

- Healing Syndicate

ITEC swedish massage.

- St James Beauty Salon

Beauty Salon Victoria

- Human Touch

Holistic Massage Business

- Precious Moments Massage

Mobile Therapies, Baby Massage Instruction

- Dee-Stress Massage Therapy

Swedish massage and Indian head massage

- Nicole Brodigan

Home of holistic masseuse

- Oomph!

Mobile massage therapist in Herts and North - Home visits available

- www.freewebs.com

Holistic Massage

- Direct D-stress (Chinese Physio Massage Therapy)

sports massage & injury, RSI, deep tissue, full body,back pain,headache,sciatica

- Integrated physiotherapy & Myofascial Release Clinic

Gentle treatment to help ease the body of aches and pains, acupuncture available

- hush beauty spa

ESPA body massages using essential oils chosen to suit individual requiremnents

- Sephira Reflextherapy

Sephira offers massage at homes in Haarlem and Amsterdam (NL)

- Lisa McFarlane Complementary Therapy

Business site offering Massage therapies

- Papu Jordan Holistic Therapies

Holistic Massage & Reiki Healing for Women

- Working on the Body

Holistic Massage for women offered in a safe, supportive setting

- Massage Expert

Mobile Massage and Beauty Therapy in London and the South

- Mind Body and Sole

Buckinghamshire/Berkshire Border. Holistic therapist

- equilibriumtherapies.com

massage treatments to fit your needs in a warm and comfortable environment.

- Harmony Holistic Massage

Swedish, Indian Head and Hot Stone Massage Treatments

- The Soul Sanctuary

Holistic Therapy site

- Contact Massage

Massage therapy at affordable prices

- kfb.therapy on the move

Massage and Reflexology pracitice

- Massage Therapy Guide

Information on Massage therapy and various massage techniques like body massage...

- wannabe-pampered

Complementart therapies

- The Balance House

NST, Bowen, Sports Therapies, Massage, Life Coaching, etc

- Holistic-Angel

Holistic Massage Therapist

- George Christopher Beauty Therapy

An Oasis set within the heart of Cardiff city centre

- Victoria Chappell

Massage-Aromatherapy-Reflexology-Reiki-Hopi Ear Candling

- Brighton Holistic Massage

Massage treatments available

- Loosen Up

massage therapy

- Revive: The Treatment Room

Advanced Massge and Dermalogica Skincare Specialist

- Lady of Leisure Massage

Swedish / Thai massage services in Southwest London UK

- Jo Lea Holistic Therapeutic Massage

Professional, registered and insured practitioner

- A Foot Above

Sports Injury Clinic

- Caroline Higgins

therapist for Barnet and surrounding areas

- www.holistic-angel.com

Holistic massage therapy treatments

- Marie-France Bewley

Massage in Oxford and Abingdon

- emmastherapies.piczo.com

Emma Gale - Massage in Sutton SM1

- Time4Yourself Massage Therapies

Holistic Massage Treatments, Organic Skincare Facials, Hopi Ear Candling

- Bodyfocusukltd

sports therapy

- Shining Balance

Complementary Therapies

- Health and Serenity

Natural therapies for health, wellbeing, and serenity

- Lucy Shaw Massage

London's top women-only relaxation specialist.

- Hands On Complementary and Skin Therapy

Beauty and complementary therapy treatments, to improve your health

- FAB - Potters Bar

Our professional therapists are all ready to pamper and relax you to your hearts desire.

- Kyltare Kinetics Complementary Consultancy

Remedial Massage Therapist/Tutor & Reiki Master/Teacher -physical and emotional

- A Good Alternative

Massage and Reflexology based in Exmouth,Devon

- www.relaxzone.co.uk

Massage is the manipulation of soft body tissue and muscles

- Jayne Doyle - Pangea Massage

Offering a range of Holistic Massage Treatments

- The Mind Body Centre

Excellence in eastern & western complementary medicine & beauty treatments

- Holistic Massage Croydon & London

Holistic massage in Croydon at Oasis Therapy Centre & Solutions health club

- Soma Healing Arts

Information about treatments offered and fees, informative articles, links, photos

- Unicare

Care service for elderly and disabled clients

- Myofascial Release Clinic UK

Myofascial Release for soft tissue pain, injuries and immune system dysfunctions

- Nature's Harvest

Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Ear Candling and Foot Stone Therapy

- revivelondon

revivelondon aim to ease aches and pains and promote a feeling of vitality.

- Connemara healing

Galway Ireland Holistic Massage Pulsing Reiki Indian Head Massage Hot Stones

- Spirit Genie Health

Superb Advanced Massage to aid the relief of painful conditions or to unwind.

- InRhythm Wellness Therapies

Sport Related - Providing an Holistic approach to Wellbieng

- HolisticVision

Massage, Massage & Pregnancy, Infant & Baby Masage Instructor, Reflexology,Miner

- Well Being At Work

Well Being At Work provides a range of well being services for corporate firms

- Harmonia

Massage, Holistic and Sports Therapy. Indian Head Massage and Corporate On Site

- your free spirit

Holistic therapies, natural beauty and gifts