- Massage Treatments -

There are many different types of massage therapies available at The Health Works, from Aromatherapy through to Lymphatic Drainage, Tui Na Massage and more. Scroll down for our full list and find out what is involved!

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the healing success of:

* therapeutic and medicinal

* properties of essential oils

* aromatherapy massage

* a holistic approach

Essential oils are the fragrant chemical substances extracted from plants by traditional methods to preserve the plant's therapeutic qualities. Absorbed through the skin, lungs and olfactory nerve they are highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, skin problems, aches and pains, PMS to name a few. A comprehensive confidential consultation will take place, where you will be asked about your medical history and special consideration will be given to your lifestyle, diet, exercise and emotional well-being. Asking you to remove your outer clothes and lie on a couch, your therapist will discreetly cover you with towels, giving you a relaxing massage with a carefully chosen blend of essential oils. Taped music may be played to facilitate relaxation. Ointments, creams, and compresses may also be recommended.

Aromatherapy Facial

This treatment stimulates the blood supply increasing the oxygen level and improving skin tone. An increased circulatory flow and the warmth created in the dermis by the massage movements aids greater absorption of the essential oils. Facial muscles relax and signs of tension are reduced, softening the expression. Combined with LD ( Lymphatic Drainage) techniques, elimination of toxins helps to reduce conditions like sinusitis and puffy eyes. Essential oils, masks, poultices and compresses are used. These powerful essential oils not only have an effect on the face but also the body, through inhalation and absorption through the skin eventually entering the bloodstream. As the oils are extremely permeable they enter the skin and tissues very quickly. Immediate results can be seen with the skin looking refreshed and more dynamic, features are more relaxed and the face tends to take on a more youthful glow. The by-product of the treatment also gives the client an overall sense of well-being.

Ayurvedic Massage

This ancient treatment uses deep tissue massage with warm Ayurvedic oils. The Ayurvedic System believes that we are made up of a unique combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, or the three 'Doshas', which is genetically determined. Ayurvedic massage can help to rebalance the Doshas which due to illness and stress may become misaligned. It also helps to eliminate toxins from the body which promotes good health
(to aid absorbtion and enhance relaxation) and applied to the body in a series of movements designed to prepare the body for the deeper Marma (Indian pressure point) stimulation. Marma stimulation removes toxic energy blocks from the system and improves the function of internal organs. Chakra massage restores balance to the subtle energy centres. Ayurvedic massage will leave you relaxed yet invigorated with a deep sense of calm and well-being.

Back Massage &

Deep Tissue Massage

(See Swedish Massage for details)

Face Lift Massage

Tension can build up from the pressure of everyday life can lead to the formation of wrinkles and 'sagginess' as the facial muscles lose tone and elasticity. Face-lift massage works the face systematically - releasing deep-seated tensions whilst freeing layers of muscle and connective tissue. Microcirculation and elimination are restored, and the facial tissues are able to glide more easily over the deeper layers of muscle and bone. Treatments are 1 hour. Many people say that they, and others, can see a difference in their appearance in just three or four sessions - often commenting that their jaw looks less saggy or their eyes are wider open or that their cheekbones appear more defined. However, for optimum results 8-10 treatments are recommended.

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head massage is prominent in Indian tradition. Present in the earliest Ayurvedic (ancient Indian medicine) texts dating back nearly 4,000 years, it’s techniques have been handed down from generation to generation. In India everyone, including royalty, would receive regular head massage to promote good health. Indian Head Massage relieves tense and knotted muscles, improves circulation, oxygenates the brain, and is a beneficial programme for de-stressing and balancing the whole body. It provides instant release from physical and emotional stress, reduces anxiety, releases tension and eases long-term ailments like RSI, insomnia, headaches, eye-strain and sinusitis. For men or women, young or old, head massage is a most relaxing treatment. Your therapist treats the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension - the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. You sit, fully clothed during this treatment and music is usually played for further relaxation.

Lymphatic Drainage

This is a specialised therapy which is designed to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. This is achieved through gentle rhythmic movements to the skin which stimulate the contractions of the lymphatic vessels. By improving the flow of lymph a greater amount of metabolic waste and excess fluid is removed from the tissues and the circulation of nutrients is enhanced. A well functioning lymphatic system       contributes to healthy body tissue and plays a very important part in the body's immune system. Lymphatic Drainage is both preventative and     remedial and can be applied to many conditions including stress; skin and digestive conditions; puffy eyes and swollen ankles; fluid retention due to pregnancy/PMS; sinusitis. Your first visit will include a full   consultation with medical history, diet and lifestyle and will take approximately one hour. The length and frequency of sessions vary depending on your requirements. A treatment plan will be recommended.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of body-work based on traditional oriental medicine theory and is considered to be a highly potent way to achieve and maintain health and emotional balance.   It works in line with energy channels (meridians) that are chosen by the practitioner following a diagnosis.   The treatment is designed to balance and harmonise these channels.   It uses stretches, pressure points and various massage techniques. Balancing the meridians will boost the self-healing mechanism of the body and will leave you feeling relaxed and energised.   If a complaint is short term and localised it can take one or two sessions to treat it. If is is a more chronic condition it may take longer.   The practitioner will give a diagnosis of the length of treatment that is recommended after the first session.   The treatment is given on a futon and is done through clothes (it is advised to wear loose comfortable clothing).

Sports Massage

As more people decide on following a healthier lifestyle, visits to the gym or general jogging can sometimes be undertaken a bit too enthusiastically, especially in the early days.   Amateur or professional athletes have to train very hard to stay in peak condition. Over-exertion due to intensive exercise can cause a build up of lactic acid causing pain.   Massage improves this by increasing the circulation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which blot out pain sensations in the brain thereby reducing pain and muscle tension.   Sports Massage can effectively remove general aches and pains preventing them leading onto more serious problems.   It helps maintain the body in better physical condition; prevents injuries and loss of mobility; cures and restores mobility to injured tissue; boosts performance and endurance; extends the good health and life of an athlete's career. Massage can also relieve anxiety both before and after an event.

Swedish Massage

This massage was invented by a Swedish fencing instructor, Per Henrik Ling, in the 1830s. Following an injury to his elbows, he reportedly cured himself using tapping (percussion) strokes around the affected area.   He later developed the technique known as Swedish massage.   The technique involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the muscle layers.   Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The specific techniques used in Swedish massage involve the application of long gliding strokes, friction, and kneading and tapping movements on the soft tissues of the body.   The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation to provide increased nutrition and realignment of muscle fibres; the breaking down of scar tissue; mental and physical relaxation; decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of movement.

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na massage consists of various lifting, stretching, stroking, pushing and grasping massage techniques. These are accompanied by acupressure and joint manipulation. There are three levels - superficial, middle and deep used in treatment. The superficial level relates to just below the skin and is effective in treating long-term imbalances and recent injury to disperse fluid and minimise stagnation prompting a faster recovery. The middle level relates to the flesh and muscle. Treatment at this depth is effective for relieving muscle tension. The deep level relates to the sinews (tendons & ligaments) and bones. Treatments at this depth release deep-seated tension and draw energy (Qi) to the area to clear blockages. Treatments are not clearly segmented as different depths and techniques mould into a flowing relaxing and often subtle massage with powerful re-energising properties to healthy body tissue and play a very important part in the body’s immune system.