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Complementary TreatmentsMassageWhat is MassageDerived from the Greek 'masso', to knead and the Arabic 'mass', to press gently, massage is systematic therapeutic stroking and kneading movements which are designed to relieve pain, ease tense and tight muscles and increase circulation. The dermis layer of the skin contains nerve endings which respond to touch. When stimulated these receptors relay impulses via the spinal cord to the brain and the brain then relays messages back to the area. The simple action of rubbing a painful area of the body encourages an increased flow of blood and lymph just below the skin, and this in itself helps to ease the pain. During the past few decades many different types of massage have been embraced in the west, eg: aromatherapy, the deeply physical Swedish and various sport massages and the extremely light touch as developed in the ‘Vodder’ Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) system or the recent Veltheim Method of Lymph Drainage (VMLD). Massage Treatment£34.00 approx 25 mins Back, Neck & Shoulder Movements are given on bare skin. Although only applied to the muscles just below the skin massage also benefits the deeper lays of muscles and even the underlying organs. Each area is treated in turn whilst the remaining areas are covered to maintain modesty and heat. Benefits of MassageMassage encourages the release of endorphins which can help:
Regular massage helps break the cycle of mental and emotional stress that can lead to real physical symptoms. Some conditions are not recommended for treatment, please contact Hazel if you are in any concerned. History of MassagePlease note the following is a very brief overview and is not to be regarded as a complete history of the development of massage worldwide. Earliest records of the use of massage as a therapy come from China over 5,000 years ago and Aromatherapy - the use of oils in massage - was first recorded more than 3,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. The French doctor, Ambroise Pare in the 16th Century popularised the effectiveness of massage when he developed a more anatomical and physiological approach, then in the early 19th Century, Swede Per Henrik Ling introduced a system of massage and gymnastics which became known as ‘Swedish Massage’. Between 1932 – 1936 Dr. Emil Vodder created a system known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) AromatherapyWhat is Aromatherapy£34.00 approx 25 mins Back, Neck & Shoulder Aromatherapy is generally considered to be the combination of massage with the medicinal properties of volatile plant extracts known as essential and carrier oils, to encourage the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself, thereby assisting in the treatment or prevention of disease. Most oils are obtained by steam distillation although citrus fruits are cold pressed by mechanical means and because delicate flowers cannot withstand the high temperatures needed for steam distillation, the oils are retrieved using a more sophisticated method with solvents that produces what is known as an absolute. Examples of absolutes include Jasmine, Mimosa, Neroli, Rose, and Ylang ylang. Carrier oils - Since they are too powerful to use neat it is necessary to dilute essential oils in a 'carrier' oil or cream before they can be used in massage. Carrier oils have therapeutic qualities of their own, containing vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some are also highly effective in treating irritated, sensitive conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and scar tissue. Largely derived from nuts and seeds carrier oils make up 98% of a typical aromatherapy treatment. The nuts or seeds are placed in a horizontal press with a rotating screw known as an 'expeller' and the oil is literally squeezed out. Aromatherapy Treatment The tiny aromatic molecules are readily absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream where they deliver their beneficial healing properties, therefore, massage is one of the oldest and most efficient methods to enjoy aromatherapy. Because they are highly concentrated, only a few drops of essential oil are required to effect healing. Benefits of AromatherapyMassage is one of the best ways to enjoy aromatherapy not only because of the therapeutic properties of the essential oils but also for the wonderful benefits of the massage itself. The therapeutic action of the essential oils when brought together with the revitalising effects of massage stimulates all of the organs in the body, plus the skin, muscles, nerves and glands. The increased circulation of the blood and lymph flow also assists with the clearing away of bodily toxins. When smelling an essential oil, molecules emitting from it travel through the air and enter the nose. There are 50 million smell receptors called 'cilia' located at the top of the nasal cavity and are part of the olfactory bulb, this bulb triggers the part of the brain called the Limbic System. The Limbic System is the part of the brain that amongst other things controls emotions, so when used correctly the properties of essential oils have the power to affect our moods in a positive and balancing way. Essential oils have an almost endless list of therapeutic uses to aid:
Regular aromatherapy treatments help heal and maintain the entire body-mind by working with nature, physically and psychologically. It has long been understood that preventative measures go a very long way toward protecting the body against all types of illness. History of Aromatherapy(It is acknowledged this is very much a potted history and makes no reference to the independent advances in the use of essential oils globaly) Egypt - More than 3,500 years ago in ancient Egypt aromatherapy it is was used in medicine, religion, mysticism and magic, when incense made from aromatic woods, herbs and spices was burned in the belief that as the smoke rose up to the heavens, it would carry their prayers and wishes directly to the gods. Greece - Around 1200 BC the Greek physician Asclepius practiced surgery with the use of herbs with such skill healing temples known as Asclepieion were built in his honour. Hippocrates – the ‘Father of Medicine’ - (circa 460-377 BC) offered physio-therapies of baths, massage with infusions, or the internal use of herbs such as fennel, parsley, hypericum or valerian. Persians - Persians Al-Razi (865-925) wrote 237 books and articles and Ibn Sina (980-1037) 20 books and 100 treatises on medicine, together they made a vast contribution to the knowledge of aromatics and medicine. Anglo Saxons – The first British text 'Leech Book of Bald is credited to Cild (900 - 950) writing under the direction of a friend of king Alfred the Great. This mixture of herbalism, magic, shamanism and tree lore, describes 500 plants, their properties and their use in amulets, baths or how to be taken internally. Realising the benefits of essential oils during WWII Dr Jean Valnet’s 'Aromathérapie - Traitment des Maladies par les Essence de Plantes' was published in 1964 and translated into English in 1980 under the new title of 'The Practice of Aromatherapy', thereby bringing the art of aromatherapy to greater English awareness. Through her skin care lectures in 1950 Austrian born Mme Marguerite Maurey first introduced the use of essential oils in the UK, although it was Englishman Robert Tisserand’s first book on aromatherapy, 'The Art of Aromatherapy' published in 1977 that became the greatest inspiration and reference for aromatherapy in Britain. Lymphatic Drainage MassageWhat is Lymphatic DrainageDr Vodder System –£51.00 approx 60 mins Face & Neck The lymphatic system is a vital part of our immune system. Part of its function is to drain, transport, filter and remove broken down foreign substances and waste from our tissues. Lymphatic Drainage massage moves lymph towards the lymph nodes, where the body can dispose of the waste more easily. The technique is also effective in releasing blockages of lymph flow which can cause oedema (swelling of the tissues) thereby improving the immune system, which in turn boosts vitality. Treatment of Lymphatic DrainageDr Emil Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy (MLD) helps rid the body of toxins and excess lymph by stimulating the body's lymphatic system using specific gentle, rhythmical, and precise, pumping techniques whilst moving the skin in the direction of the lymph flow toward the lymph nodes. Hazel offers face and neck treatment only. Dr John Veltheim’s Method of Lymphatic Drainage (VMLD) is a novel but highly effective approach to lymphatic drainage based on a unique ‘kinesthetic visualization’ technique that defies the traditional western understanding of how the lymphatic system works. It is an extremely effective way of moving fluids through tissues and into the lymphatic system to improve immune function. Performing VMLD also assists in releasing molecules of emotion, thereby also producing powerful emotional shifts. Hazel offers VMLD dependent upon the results of the BodyTalk™ protocol. Benefits of Lymphatic DrainageMLD is both preventative and remedial:
History of Lymphatic Drainage Please note the following is a very brief overview and is not to be regarded as a complete history of the development of lymphatic drainage worldwide. Earliest records of the use of massage as a therapy come from China over 5,000 years ago and Aromatherapy - the use of oils in massage - was first recorded more than 3,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. The French doctor, Ambroise Pare in the 16th Century popularised the effectiveness of massage when he developed a more anatomical and physiological approach, then in the early 19th Century, Swede Per Henrik Ling introduced a system of massage and gymnastics which became known as ‘Swedish Massage’. More recently in the early 1930's Dr. Emil Vodder created a system known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and in 2004 Dr John Veltheim developed the Veltheim Method of Lymphatic Drainage (VMLD). Back to top |
