Massage

Massage is one of the oldest of all medical treatments. It uses the powerful medium of touch to facilitate healing and connection with all aspects of the self. It is beneficial for all body systems and is a safe, non-invasive way to promote relaxation and to stimulate the body's own innate healing mechanisms.

Several types of massage are offered at Bodywise. Please click for the full timetable of which massage is offered when, or for details of practitioners.

Aromatherapy massage

treatment consists of a full body massage with the use of essential oils and can help with a wide range of medical conditions. More details are on the Aromatherapy page.

Ayurvedic Kansa Vatki Foot Massage ™

The Kansa Vatki Foot Massage is an Ayurvedic treatment from India which has been used for centuries.This is a wonderful and unique treatment that works holistically to balance mind body and spirit. The massage helps revitalise tired feet. Also it helps to re-balance tri-dosha (vata, pitta, kapha), as there are major energy and nerve endings in the feet that correspond to internal organs.
The treatment involves the use of clarified butter (ghee), or coconut oil. The kansa vatki is a small metal bowl containing zinc and copper which works on the feet and lower limbs during the treatment. The combination of copper and zinc has a powerful effect on the body’s energies, and is said to be more effective than gold and silver. The Kansa Vatki Foot Massage also treats particular ‘marma points’. These are areas which create energy channels to various internal organs and doshas in the body. By working on the marma points in the feet, this treatment helps you rebalance your own innate energy.
NB This is not reflexology, The Kansa Vatki Foot Massage uses completely different techniques

Holistic massage

treats each person individually and in the context of their own life. Their whole being, not only their physical symptoms, are taken into account, and they are seen in their integrated energies of mind, body and spirit.

Indian head massage

concentrates on the head, neck and shoulders to release tensions and stress.

Lymphatic drainage massage

uses massage techniques on the lymphatic system, to allow normal elimination processes and the body organs to function at optimum.

Natural Facelift Massage™

The Natural Facelift Massage™ has the same benefits as conventional massage. For example, it helps to improve blood supply, aids relaxation and eases tension. However this unique treatment has additional benefits, including the lessening of wrinkles and habitual expression lines, reduction of under eye puffiness, increased skin elasticity, refined pores. One of the many ways the treatment works is by toning the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin. This encourages skin suppleness and helps restore elasticity. The treatment involves no oils, creams or machinery. Just precise techniques applied to the skin. A stand alone treatment can be done as a treat or for an important occasion, such as a party or family celebration. The effects of the Natural Facelift Massage™ are cumulative – greater and more longstanding effects can be achieved the more treatments you have.

Pregnancy massage

is a great way to relax and come into contact with your body and the baby growing within you. The therapist has undergone specialist training in massage techniques that are safe for and relevant to pregnant women.

Reflexology

works on the meridian system via the soles of the feet. More details are on the Reflexology page.

Shiatsu

works on the same principles as acupuncture, but uses finger and hand pressure rather than needles. More details are on the Shiatsu page.

Sports massage

concentrates on those areas that might have sustained strain or injury through playing sports or similar activities.

Therapeutic massage

Therapeutic (deep) massage is an effective and unique combination of deep tissue massage with de-stressing relaxation elements. It is particularly good for all kinds of muscle tightness and tension, aching and strain caused by work situations or physical activity. It has also been recommended by osteopaths as a follow up treatment to sustain progress. It can also be used as a regular maintenance treatment in order to prevent acute tension buildup and to boost immune efficiency by stimulation to the lymphatic and circulatory systems. All treatments are tailored to individual needs and requirements.

Traditional Thai massage

is a form of healing massage practiced in Thailand for centuries. It works directly with our energy pathways (sen) to help restore balance and vitality, encouraging our body to heal itself. To do this the therapist applies deep pressure along sen lines using the palm of the hand, thumbs, elbows and feet to tonify and balance the sen while yogic postures stretch and open the body promoting tension release. The rhythm of the massage is slow and meditative; the effect is stimulating and calming at the same time. The massage takes place on a futon on the floor and the recipient wears loose comfortable clothing. No oils are used.
Traditional Thai Massage Helps with general overall deep relaxation and relief from muscular tension, improves flexibility and reverses the effects of stress. It can also help with more specific therapeutic needs:

· Insomnia
· Depression
· Arthritis
· Digestive disorders
· Improved systemic circulation

Thai Massage is great for women who are pregnant! Because the massage takes place on the floor working the lower back in this position is more effective while you remain comfortable.

Thai Foot Massage

This is an amazingly invigorating and relaxing foot treatment. Much like reflexology it stimulates all the internal organs at the same time as combating stress related disorders and boosts the immune system through stimulating lymphatic drainage. The benefits are many.

Tui-Na (from September 2nd 08)

Literally meaning ‘push and grasp’, Tui-Na is a form of Chinese massage within the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine that works to bring the body into a state of balance. Also refered to as Acupressure or Chi-Gung massage the practitioner both works to move chi in the meridians and muscles, and stimulate specific acupressure points relevant to treatment. Used extensively in China for over 2,000 years Tui-Na is especially effective with both chronic and acute musculoskletal conditions and chronic and stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
The patient receives Tui-Na, fully clothed (please wear loose clothing), in a chair, on a couch and or futon, depending on the nature of the treatment- which can include stretches and soft tissue release as well as other massage techniques unique to this method.
Once a patients condition/health has stabilised it is recommended they continue treatment as a preventative measure especially useful in keeping pre-existing back problems managed.