Massage

While there may be almost as many types of massage as there are therapists you will find that most bodyworkers in the West stick with a few basic techniques they can blend together to create their own uniques style. It’s a competitive market overflowing with therapists and schools each promising the best techniques and results. It is easy to get confused about what all the different names mean. Don’t worry about it. Once you understand the basics you will see that most styles, with a few exceptions, are just a combination of other techniques given a new name.

The basis of all massage, Swedish consists of light, soothing strokes across the surface of the skin (effleurage). Deeper, kneading strokes that lift and squeeze the muscles (petrissage). Rhythmic, tapping that helps to invigorate and awaken the treated area and the client (tapotement). There are many other and a good Swedish massage will be a blend of all the styles the therapist finds most effective. It can be as light or as deep as required but usually for deeper work we use other methods.

Deep Tissue massage is characterised by a full motion with enough pressure to penetrate deep into the belly of the muscle. The main benefit of deep tissue is to squeeze all the old fluid out, allow fresh blood and break up the clumps of stuck tissue. The therapist will use harder, bony parts of the body (elbows, knuckles, heel of the hand,) to get deep and minimise strain on their body. Deep tissue work can use light or deep pressure to suit the client’s preference.

Trigger Point Massage (Neuromuscular Therapy) is used when we encounter a particularly stubborn point of stuck, knotted muscle tissue. The therapist uses a lot of pressure with a variety of techniques. Cross fibre friction moves across the fibres of the muscle rather than along them for a more aggressive application. Static pressure is when the therapist leans hard on the knot, usually with an elbow or sometimes a specially made tool. The sensation can be something akin to a pleasurable pain since the sense of relief is so pronounced. As with deep tissue work the pressure is suited to the client’s tolerance.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is the non-pyschoactive compound of Cannabis and has recently been hailed for it’s myriad of medicinal benefits. CDB oil can be applied topically to the area that needs help or taken internally prior to the session for a full mind and body relaxation. Our full spectrum CBD is from GMO free organically grown hemp that is below the legal THC limit of 0.3%. For more info see our blog post.

We offer our clients sublingual CBD at the beginning of each session or apply drops along the spine at no added cost. If you have any questions then please ask at the beginning of your session.

Chair massage allows the client to fully relax while leaning forward and being supported by a special chair. The benefit is that it can easily be packed down small for ease of transport and takes up far less room when set up. Chair massage is great for events and public gatherings, workplace health programs or any situation where a full massage table would be too big. Chair work is done with the client fully clothed and is typically no more than 15-20 minutes. Work is focussed around the back, shoulders, neck, hips and arms. It is possible to treat a large number of people in a short space of time since each session is only 20 minutes. There is no undressing, oil or clean up involved. A very powerful and relaxing massage can be done in 20 minutes in a chair if the therapist is skilled.