Holistic Massage

This is a therapy which has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and better health for the recipient – both physically and mentally.

It can be combined with various other complementary therapies and modern medicine itself. It can also be used in a number of settings such as sports and pain relief clinics, and is regarded as a preventative measure against illness.

Massage involves touching by the hands (which can be therapeutic in itself) utilising a range of movements such as stroking and kneading to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, especially the muscles. This can be performed on the outer skin in a gentle fashion, stimulating and vigorous, or a combination of both.

Instead of – or combined with – their hands, some therapists will also use their elbows, knees and forearms.

Because the skin is the largest organ in the body the whole process can have positive effects on much of the body’s functioning such as the blood circulatory system, lymphatic system and channels of elimination. It can trigger a sense of well-being through releasing endorphins – the body’s feel-good chemicals. As a result it lifts the recipient’s mood, greatly reduces stress and brings the body into balance and harmony.

The term holistic means whole or ‘all encompassing’ and therefore in a holistic massage the entire body receives attention.

Prior to the massage the therapist will chat to you about your general health, take a medical history and explain the massage process. You will be advised that certain medical conditions such as those related to the cardiovascular system, cancer, osteoporosis or are in the first trimester of pregnancy are unsuitable for massage therapy. It is also not advisable to perform massage if you have an area of unexplained pain, an open/healing wound or areas of skin infection. Those taking blood thinners such as Warfarin should also avoid.

The therapist will leave the room, which should be warm, and you will be expected to strip down to your undergarments. There should be a bath robe available with which you can swathe yourself. (Occasionally therapists are happy to perform a massage with the recipient in loose fitting clothing but this is more the exception than the rule).

Once alerted the therapist will re-enter the room and you will be expected to climb onto the massage table and lie either face down or facing the therapist. He or she will then place towels over your body.

During the massage the therapist will stroke your body in a variety of ways including gentle stroking and invigorating rubbing. The only part of your body which will be exposed during the actual massage is the part that he or she is working on at that time. The therapist may use aromatherapy oils, cream or even talc. Often the lights are turned down and scented candles left burning in the room to aid relaxation.

A typical holistic massage can be anything from one hour to 90 minutes. During this time the therapist will use a range of techniques such as kneading, stroking, tapping and causing the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and joints of the body to vibrate (your therapist will probably ask beforehand whether you would like a gentle or more stimulating massage).

Usually a massage begins with long, flowing strokes down large parts of the body such as the back, legs and arms. It is only when time has passed that your therapist will gradually localise on particular parts of the body using, for example, kneading and acupressure techniques. Depending on your need, you could receive a deep tissue massage or lymphatic drainage, acupressure, Swedish massage or some Shiatsu.
Following your massage you will probably feel relaxed then invigorated with a heightened sense of awareness. You may even feel relief from long-term aches and pains which have been caused by a build-up of tension or repeated movements.

Toxins will have been released by the massage so it’s a good idea to keep drinking plenty of water in order to allow the body to flush them out. Some therapists also recommend a hot bath using Epsom salts (again to rid the body of toxins).

As you would expect a holistic massage has many benefits, not least the relaxation aspect. It is not only a way of improving blood circulation and increasing both oxygen and nutrient flow to the cells, it also relieves stress and improves sleep. Other benefits include:

• Eliminates toxins from the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage
• Improves the condition of skin by removing dead surface skin
• Relieves tension headaches and has a positive effect on migraines
• Helps with pain, especially in the back, shoulders and neck
• Relaxes muscles and leads to improved tone
• Helps relieve conditions related to anxiety
• Soothes carpel tunnel syndrome and sciatica
• Helps with muscle spasm
• Improves energy and general sense of well-being by releasing endorphins
• Can help with concentration and focus
• Help with breathing problems by resulting in more regular and deeper inhalation
• Speeds up the rate at which the body digests
• Promotes speedier recovery from injury
• Can improve self-esteem

Other more specific conditions which can benefit from the application of massage include – asthma and allergies, IBS, teeth grinding, Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression/anxiety in general, heavy and painful periods, infertility and whiplash injuries.