Holistic Body Massage
Focused on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil
What is Holistic Body Massage?
Holistic Body Massage at the Westoe Practice involves the massage therapist using long, smooth, kneading strokes and other movements, on the body.
This is focused on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil or the optional choice of blended aromatherapy oils.
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FOOT CARE
BIOMECHANICS
BODYWORK
BEAUTY THERAPY
EMOTINAL WELLBEING
AYURVEDA
THERAPIES
MASSAGE
PRE & POST NATAL CARE
OTHER
How does Massage work?
People come to the Westoe Practice, South Shields to get Massage Therapy for relaxation and for a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis
- Stress relief and stress-related conditions
- Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Boost Circulation
- Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation
Massage Therapy relieves stress. It is thought to help the body’s stress response by lowering levels of hormones such as cortisol.
In addition to the benefits listed above, massage can: promote general wellbeing and relaxation, whilst boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion and skin tone.
A Typical Massage session
A typical Massage at the Westoe Practice, South Shields will take approximately 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. A back massage includes the back, neck and shoulders. A full-body massage also includes upper chest, face and scalp
Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
You will be asked to undress while the massage therapist is out of the room, and lie down on a padded massage table. The massage therapist uses a light oil or aromatherapy oils on the skin and begins the massage.
Clients are encouraged to return regularly for maintenance treatments to maximise the benefits of the treatment and to make time for themselves to destress and relax.
How does Massage work?
Massage is one of the most ancient forms of therapy, physiologically increasing circulation throughout the body, helping people to relax and stimulating the workings of various bodily systems.
The Massage Therapists at the Westoe Practice are able to use massage to affect the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of wellbeing, relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline — reversing the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.
It is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve, one of 10 cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of food absorption hormones, heart rate and respiration. It has proven to be an effective therapy for a variety of health conditions — particularly stress related tension.
FAQs
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Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress to their underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners.
In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension.
As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension.
Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin.
Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
- Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
Our team of highly skilled therapists are here to support and guide you on your journey towards optimum health, fitness and wellbeing.
Let’s get started by taking action today.