The Origins & Benefits of Massage
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The therapeutic benefits of massage were first realised five-thousand years ago by the ancient cultures of India, China and Egypt who believed that the energy of the body needs to be balanced in order to maintain good health. Three-thousand years later it was introduced to the West by the Greeks (Hippocrates 400BCE) and Romans (Galen 150CE). Read more The History of Massage…
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Inspiration drawn from ancient Eastern and more modern Western philosophies has seen massage evolve into the 250 variations that are in practice today. Whilst techniques vary greatly all bodywork therapies share the common goal of using touch to relieve tension and restore balance in the body.
Working on several of the body’s layers, the physical manipulation of the body’s soft tissues not only serves to break down muscular tension but to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, and balance the endocrine system (hormones), thus reducing heart rate, boosting immunity and improving mood and quality of sleep. On an energetic level the channeling of prana or chi (energy) removes blockages that may be the cause of ‘dis-ease’ and harnesses the body’s natural ability to heal itself by directing energy towards areas of trauma. With experts purporting that over 90% of disease is stress related, massage therapy is beginning to transcend its reputation as a luxury therapy and become an essential player in modern healthcare. While repeated sessions may be required to relieve chronic health issues, a single massage may have profound immediate effects. Read more about The Benefits of Massage… |
Amulet Massage...
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At Amulet I use combination of massage techniques, from the most subtle forms of Reiki and Abhyanga to the more dynamic forms of Deep Tissue and Thai Yogic Massage, to provide relief from muscular tension, aid relaxation and create an overall sense of well-being.
Each massage is tailored to your specific wishes and therapeutic need, and therefore may employ all or just one or two massage styles. Treatments can focus on the full body, include the head, face and feet, or just target specific areas such as the back, shoulders and neck. Typically I use the Abhyanga technique to apply oil to the body, encouraging the circulation of blood, lymph and energy before moving into the more vigorous deep tissue work that will relieve tension and remove blockages. Thai Yogic techniques may be introduced when working on specific areas if a stretching and realigning approach would yield greater results. To create balance in the body, energy is channeled through the use of Reiki throughout the massage. All techniques to be used will be agreed with you beforehand to ensure that they meet with your expectations. Authentic massage sessions employing just one style, such as Reiki or Thai Yogic Massage are also available. |
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Amulet Detox Massage |
Amulet’s specially designed detox massage involves a combination of skin brushing, lymphatic drainage and oil massage to remove toxins, boost immunity, assist weight loss, nourish the body and restore vitality. It is perfect for those trying to recover from the onslaught of winter bugs or feeling sluggish after an indulgent holiday season.
Skin brushing eliminates toxins by unblocking pores, improving circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system. It is an effective way to reduce cellulite and overcome fatigue. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that works to clear blockages and remove toxins from the lymphatic system, helping to boost metabolism and strengthen the immune system. It is beneficial in reducing fatigue, headaches and migraines, as well as aiding weight loss by targeting hard-to-shift areas of fat. An oil massage is a wonderful way to replenish the body following detox, the oil helps to nourish the skin whilst the pressure stimulates the metabolism to increase flow of nutrients to the body’s cells. For more information about the benefits of skin brushing and lymphatic drainage have a look at the posts from 3rd and 5th January on the NEWS page. |
Indian Abhyanga |
Massage plays a significant role in Ayurveda, a natural health system that originated in India over 4000 years ago. Unlike Western healthcare where, until recently, massage is regarded as a luxury, massage in India is considered to be an essential part of the daily regimen required to maintain optimum health.
Abhyanga is viewed as one of Ayurveda’s most important body treatments due to its power to detoxify and boost immunity. It uses a rhythmic technique where oil is applied to the body in long sweeping strokes, helping to increase blood and energy circulation whilst stimulating the lymphatic system to expel toxins. Although relatively gentle, it has an incredibly profound effect on the more subtle layers of the body and is an excellent method to relieve pain, fatigue and mental stress. |
Deep Tissue |
As the name suggests Deep Tissue massage applies pressure to the muscular tissue that lies deep below the skin’s surface. It is here where chronic pain can occur as a result of adhesions (bands of rigid tissue) built up through injury or repetitive strain. These adhesions are responsible for blocking circulation and causing the inflammation and chronic muscle tension that limits movement.
To access the deep tissues therapists use their fingertips, fists, knuckles and elbows to ‘strip’ the muscle tissues that lie close to the bone, working across the muscle fibre to break up adhesions and realign the muscle tissue. This type of massage is ideal for those with moderate day to day aches and pains to those involved in heavy physical activity or recovering from injury. |
Thai Yogic |
Thai massage has roots in Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and combines both the physical and energetic aspects of bodywork. In its traditional form this full body treatment progresses from the feet up, following 'sen' energy lines to clear blockages and stimulate blood and lymphatic flow.
Drawing on techniques from yoga, acupressure and reflexology the therapist uses a mixture of tissue manipulation techniques, applied by their hands or feet, to release tension and a series of stretches to improve flexibility. The massage is performed on a mattress at floor level so that the therapist is able to move the client’s body with ease. Whilst it is has many of the benefits of deep tissue massage, Thai Yogic massage has the additional advantage of increasing flexibility and therefore is most beneficial to those whose movement has be limited due to tight muscles and joints. |
Reiki |
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese energetic healing therapy, administered by laying the hands on the body to encourage the flow of chi (a form of energy) through the body’s meridians (energy channels) to release blockages that may be the cause of tension or disease.
During the treatment the recipient may experience subtle sensations of heat or colourful visualisations as the energy shifts in the body. Other recipients may not experience any physical effects but just feel a sense of relaxation and well-being. Occasionally stronger emotional feelings may emerge as blockages within the physical, mental and emotional bodies are released. Reiki is a gentle yet deeply profound therapy which activates the body’s natural ability to heal itself and consequently promotes a holistic balancing of body, mind and spirit. |
Session at the Amulet Studio...Each session will begin with a brief consultation to ensure that your intentions for the massage are met. It also provides the opportunity to talk through any health issues that may be relieved, or indeed compounded, by a massage treatment.
If you have selected a massage that involves Abhyanga and / or Deep Tissue, you will be required to remove most of your clothes (can keep underwear on) so that oil can be freely applied to the skin, however towels and blankets will be used to cover the body throughout the massage so that only the area that is being worked on will be uncovered. Reiki and Thai Yogic treatments, unless forming part of a combined massage, do not involve the use of oil and can be carried out fully clothed. If your session is to include Thai Yogic techniques then the massage will be performed on a Tatami floor mattress. For all other treatments you have the choice of Tatami or traditional massage table. |
Session at your own home...'At Home' appointments are available for those who would prefer a massage in the comfort of their own home. The 'At Home' session follows the same framework as the one in the studio, however visits are limited to a minimum of two bookings per visit (either two massage sessions or one massage and one yoga session) and a supplement fee is added to the typical session price to cover travel time and costs. Costs vary depending on location so please view the Supplement Table on the prices page or enquire about costs at the time of booking.
Before an appointment can be confirmed we will need to establish if there is a suitable space at your home where the massage table or tatami mattress can be set up. The space does not necessarily have to be indoors but ideally the site will be peaceful and have a certain amount of privacy. The minimum space required will be 2m x 3m. If suitable space is not available then all massages, except for a Thai Yogic Massage, can be carried out on a single or double bed - I will bring plenty of towels to ensure the bed and bed linen are protected from the oils used. |