Mindful Body Massages
Massages in Mindful Body Therapy:
Holistic Massage
The term ' holistic' derives from the ancient Greek word 'holos', which means 'whole'.
Holistic Massage Therapy is an ancient method of healing, that works with the body systems and releases toxins from the body.
By recognizing that illness and stress affects not only our physical body but also our emotional, spiritual and mental well- being, holistic massage allows the body's natural healing abilities to come forth and balance the entire body as a whole.
Holistic massage techniques have been used for thousands of years in Egypt, China and India. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, uses the therapeutic benefits of massage combined with plant extracts, spices and aromatic oils.
The term ' holistic' derives from the ancient Greek word 'holos', which means 'whole'.
Holistic Massage Therapy is an ancient method of healing, that works with the body systems and releases toxins from the body.
By recognizing that illness and stress affects not only our physical body but also our emotional, spiritual and mental well- being, holistic massage allows the body's natural healing abilities to come forth and balance the entire body as a whole.
Holistic massage techniques have been used for thousands of years in Egypt, China and India. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, uses the therapeutic benefits of massage combined with plant extracts, spices and aromatic oils.
Myofascial Release Therapy
MFR is a specialised treatment that releases restrictions within the connective tissue, enabling stuck, hardened and dehydrated areas to become soft and pliable and re- introduces movement within the body allowing a complete release all the way to cellular level.
Myofascial release usually starts with a gentle massage which is designed to warm and loosen muscles. This involves sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue, using a low load and gentle pressure slowly applied will allow the viscoelastic fascia to elongate; thereby releasing the restrictions within the fascia.
Sometimes MFR can be quite intense, especially in the case of muscles which are holding a great deal of tension and stress. It is a powerful method of releasing tension from problem areas such as the neck, the diaphragm, lower back and pelvis.
A Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils or creams. This enables the therapist to detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia. It works on the principle that many people hold stress in their muscles causing them to seize, tighten or lock, injuries or scarring will exacerbate this. The purpose of MFR is to access these areas of blockage and tension and release them by freeing up the muscles and allowing it to move more easily.
MFR is a specialised treatment that releases restrictions within the connective tissue, enabling stuck, hardened and dehydrated areas to become soft and pliable and re- introduces movement within the body allowing a complete release all the way to cellular level.
Myofascial release usually starts with a gentle massage which is designed to warm and loosen muscles. This involves sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue, using a low load and gentle pressure slowly applied will allow the viscoelastic fascia to elongate; thereby releasing the restrictions within the fascia.
Sometimes MFR can be quite intense, especially in the case of muscles which are holding a great deal of tension and stress. It is a powerful method of releasing tension from problem areas such as the neck, the diaphragm, lower back and pelvis.
A Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils or creams. This enables the therapist to detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia. It works on the principle that many people hold stress in their muscles causing them to seize, tighten or lock, injuries or scarring will exacerbate this. The purpose of MFR is to access these areas of blockage and tension and release them by freeing up the muscles and allowing it to move more easily.
Ayurvedic Massage Therapy
(Abhyanga)
Ayurvedic Massage is known as Abhyanga. The word 'abhyanga' is composed of two Sanskrit words abhi and anga. Abhi means 'towards' and, anga in one of it's meanings refers to 'movement'.
Abhyanga is massaging of the body towards the direction of the movement of arterial blood. In practical terms it means massaging the body in the direction of the body hair. The scientific reason for this protocol may be to increase the blood flow towards the most distal parts of the body and avoid overwhelming the heart through increased venous return if the massage is done towards the heart, or in other words, in the direction opposite to that of the hair.
Abhyanga may be done using heated oil, herbal powders, herbal pastes or ghee. It is part of the daily dinarcharya or daily routine suggested by Ayurveda. It is used for pain relief, stiffness and tiredness.
Benefits of Abhyanga Massage Therapy:
Increased circulation especially to nerve endings.
Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology.
Calming for the nerves.
Lubrication of the joints.
Increased mental alertness.
Improved elimination of impurities from the body.
Softer, smoother skin.
Increased levels of stamina through the day.
Better, deeper sleep at night.
(Abhyanga)
Ayurvedic Massage is known as Abhyanga. The word 'abhyanga' is composed of two Sanskrit words abhi and anga. Abhi means 'towards' and, anga in one of it's meanings refers to 'movement'.
Abhyanga is massaging of the body towards the direction of the movement of arterial blood. In practical terms it means massaging the body in the direction of the body hair. The scientific reason for this protocol may be to increase the blood flow towards the most distal parts of the body and avoid overwhelming the heart through increased venous return if the massage is done towards the heart, or in other words, in the direction opposite to that of the hair.
Abhyanga may be done using heated oil, herbal powders, herbal pastes or ghee. It is part of the daily dinarcharya or daily routine suggested by Ayurveda. It is used for pain relief, stiffness and tiredness.
Benefits of Abhyanga Massage Therapy:
Increased circulation especially to nerve endings.
Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology.
Calming for the nerves.
Lubrication of the joints.
Increased mental alertness.
Improved elimination of impurities from the body.
Softer, smoother skin.
Increased levels of stamina through the day.
Better, deeper sleep at night.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage combines traditional Indian massage (Abhyanga) and Yoga based stretching therapies.
The massage is given on a matress on the floor. Treatment duration varies, and involves alternation between deep tissue massage and a series of stretches covering the full body. Both hands and feet are used to massage the body.
Calamus powder is mixed with oil to help the body eliminate toxins, the scrubbing and stimulation awakens the skin, blood circulation and senses.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Benefits:
Reduces muscle tension.
Promotes circulation of all body liquids.
Increases flexibility and range of motion.
Realigns anatomical structure.
Increases energy.
Stretches fascia.
Enhances muscle coordination.
Harmonizes the flow of vital energy or Prana.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage combines traditional Indian massage (Abhyanga) and Yoga based stretching therapies.
The massage is given on a matress on the floor. Treatment duration varies, and involves alternation between deep tissue massage and a series of stretches covering the full body. Both hands and feet are used to massage the body.
Calamus powder is mixed with oil to help the body eliminate toxins, the scrubbing and stimulation awakens the skin, blood circulation and senses.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Benefits:
Reduces muscle tension.
Promotes circulation of all body liquids.
Increases flexibility and range of motion.
Realigns anatomical structure.
Increases energy.
Stretches fascia.
Enhances muscle coordination.
Harmonizes the flow of vital energy or Prana.
Ayurvedic Head Massage
Ayurvedic Head Massage focuses on the shoulders, neck, face and scalp, the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension.
The Head massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of awareness and concentration.
Ayurvedic Head Massage Benefits:
De- stressing of the whole body.
Increase of the flow of cerebrospinal fluids, thus strengthening the nervous system.
Dispersion of toxins from tense and knotted muscles, improvement of blood circulation in previously congested muscles and helps oxygenate the brain.
Helpful against eyestrain, tinnitus, jaw ache and sinusitis.
Stimulates lymphatic drainage, and aids sleep.
The massage has the effect of nourishing the hair roots and prevents hair loss.
Ayurvedic Head Massage focuses on the shoulders, neck, face and scalp, the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension.
The Head massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of awareness and concentration.
Ayurvedic Head Massage Benefits:
De- stressing of the whole body.
Increase of the flow of cerebrospinal fluids, thus strengthening the nervous system.
Dispersion of toxins from tense and knotted muscles, improvement of blood circulation in previously congested muscles and helps oxygenate the brain.
Helpful against eyestrain, tinnitus, jaw ache and sinusitis.
Stimulates lymphatic drainage, and aids sleep.
The massage has the effect of nourishing the hair roots and prevents hair loss.
Thai Massage Therapy
Thai massage is a unique and powerful massage therapy. It combines acupressure, energy balancing, stretching and applied yoga exercises.
Traditional Thai massage has its roots in India, in the Indian Yoga tradition and in Buddhism. It was introduced to what we call now Thailand over 2000 years by Indian Buddhist monks and Ayurvedic practitioners. Thai massage has been part of traditional Thai medicine ever since.
Thai massage has been practiced in Thailand for centuries as a healing art, and exchanged by family members as such.
Only recently has it become known in the West, where people are now discovering its ability to rebalance body and mind on many levels, harmonizing the physical, the energetic and the emotional bodies to give the recipient a truly holistic treatment.
Thai Massage Therapy Benefits:
Improves flexibility.
Promotes relaxation, and enhances energy levels.
Relieves headaches, tension and muscle soreness.
Thai massage is a unique and powerful massage therapy. It combines acupressure, energy balancing, stretching and applied yoga exercises.
Traditional Thai massage has its roots in India, in the Indian Yoga tradition and in Buddhism. It was introduced to what we call now Thailand over 2000 years by Indian Buddhist monks and Ayurvedic practitioners. Thai massage has been part of traditional Thai medicine ever since.
Thai massage has been practiced in Thailand for centuries as a healing art, and exchanged by family members as such.
Only recently has it become known in the West, where people are now discovering its ability to rebalance body and mind on many levels, harmonizing the physical, the energetic and the emotional bodies to give the recipient a truly holistic treatment.
Thai Massage Therapy Benefits:
Improves flexibility.
Promotes relaxation, and enhances energy levels.
Relieves headaches, tension and muscle soreness.
Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. Soft tissue is connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage and includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of Sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Sports MassageTherapy Benefits:
The release of muscle tension and pain.
Improved drainage of waste products.
Reduced disconfort from DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) as a result of vigorous exercise.
Improved flexibility.
Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. Soft tissue is connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage and includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of Sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Sports MassageTherapy Benefits:
The release of muscle tension and pain.
Improved drainage of waste products.
Reduced disconfort from DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) as a result of vigorous exercise.
Improved flexibility.
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Deep Tissue massage therapy uses similar techniques to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure applied is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage techniques use very little to no lubricant so that the muscles can be hooked or grabbed, thereby stretching and lengthening them; the strokes tend to be slower and shorter as the tension releases slowly.
Some areas may be skipped, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of need. This provides better alignment of the muscles and less restriction in the joints, thereby improving their movement and function.
It is a massage in which the main goal is not general relaxation and more about promoting change in the actual structure of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Benefits:
Relieves chronic pain.
Aids muscular healing.
Facilitates toxin removal.
Eliminates scar tissue.
Deep Tissue massage therapy uses similar techniques to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure applied is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage techniques use very little to no lubricant so that the muscles can be hooked or grabbed, thereby stretching and lengthening them; the strokes tend to be slower and shorter as the tension releases slowly.
Some areas may be skipped, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of need. This provides better alignment of the muscles and less restriction in the joints, thereby improving their movement and function.
It is a massage in which the main goal is not general relaxation and more about promoting change in the actual structure of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Benefits:
Relieves chronic pain.
Aids muscular healing.
Facilitates toxin removal.
Eliminates scar tissue.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is also known as 'classical massage', and that's what it is - an oil based massage which represents the western standard for massage.
Swedish Massage Therapy:
Improves circulation.
Promotes relaxation.
Improves flexibility while easing tension.
Reduces fatigue and stress.
Swedish massage is also known as 'classical massage', and that's what it is - an oil based massage which represents the western standard for massage.
Swedish Massage Therapy:
Improves circulation.
Promotes relaxation.
Improves flexibility while easing tension.
Reduces fatigue and stress.