Therapeutic Swedish Body and Acupressure Massage

As well as providing acupuncture at La Pagode, I am also a qualified massage practitioner and provide an acupressure massage using my knowledge from Traditional Chinese Medicine and my combined skill and knowledge of human anatomy. Many people come to see me to alleviate muscular tension of the back, neck and shoulders, stiff neck, trapped nerves and lock jaw. An acupressure massage is particularly good for enhancing the overall feel good factor and general wellbeing of a patient.

To start the treatment, I will firstly assess your posture and observe the curvature of your spine. We will complete a patient form before commencing, in order for you to detail any problems or complaints that you specifically would like me to address and I will ask a series of questions about your health and what you hope to obtain from your treatment session and to avoid any contraindication.

The body massage can be vigorous or relaxing depending on your requirements, age and general overall condition and tone.

You will be left to undress down to your underwear in private in the therapy room and you will lie on a couch under warm towels. During the body massage I will use the towels to ensure that you are always covered. Only the part of your body being massaged will be uncovered at any one time.

With Swedish body massage techniques, I will use an organic homemade body butter made from raw shear butter, bees wax, coconut oil and rapeseed oil to lubricate and nourish your skin. The body butter is applied directly onto your skin and I will use various Swedish massage techniques.

The aim of the massage is to warm up the muscle tissues and nourish the skin so that toxins are drained away and fresh blood flows into the muscles, increasing healing and breaking down adhesions and fatty tissues.

There are five classical Swedish massage techniques that I will use:

1. Effleurage: Moves the blood, speeds up the removal of waste products and lactic acid. Relieves pain and stiffness, increases arterial blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This warming action helps relaxation and reduces pain.
2. Petrissage: A deep kneading which presses the tissues against the bone, increasing blood supply to the periosteum. Stretches and releases adhesions. Increases extensibility and flexibility of the tissues. Increases fresh blood bringing nutrients and oxygen more quickly and waste products will be flushed out through the lymphatic system.
3. Friction: Small deep and localised movement will be applied in tense areas in order to break adhesions and fibrositic nodules. It is good for joint structure, mobility of the joint and through an invigorating effect, it stimulates the spinal nerves. Because of the localised increase of circulation, joint structures are nourished and possible arthritic conditions are prevented.
4. Percussion: Hacking/cupping/ponding. Hacking Increases the metabolic rate, stimulates and softens the area of adipose tissues, tones up the muscular and circulatory system throughout the body. Cupping increases the blood flow (respiration), increases the immune systems response and loosens mucus in the lung. Pounding: Stimulates cell activity and helps sluggish digestion, stimulates the nerves in the sacral area, improving peristalsis.
5. Vibrations: Fine trembling like movements for loosening scar tissue. Has a sedative effect and is used over nerves and the nerve centre to relax the patient. Relieves flatulence in the abdominal organs. Aids absorption of tissue fluid and if used down the spinal column will create a feeling of alertness and refreshment to the client.

The benefits of a Swedish body massage

More than just a relaxation, studies continue to prove the physical and emotional benefits of massage therapy.

• Relieves Stress (lower heart rate, cortisol and insulin levels) and tension from the modern lifestyle.
• Improves posture.
• Improves the condition of the skin and promotes tissue regeneration.
• Improves circulation and moves blood through congested areas.
• Lowers blood pressure naturally.
• Relaxes muscle, neck, shoulder, back.
• Improves joints flexibility and range of motion, alleviates lower back pain.
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing.
• Improves digestion and peristalsis (constipation).
• Relieves headaches.
• Strengthens the immune system by stimulating lymph flow.
• Enhances post-operative rehabilitation.
• Decreases anxiety, depression and fatigue. Enhances sleep quality. In fact, with massage given for any reason the benefits are cumulative as your body learns to re-create the sensation of relaxation.

Body massage has been found to release natural endorphins in the brain creating a feeling of wellbeing and positivity.

Rates:

Full body massage (75 minutes)   £70
(includes: back. legs, arms, abdomen, upper chest, face and head)
Upper back, shoulders and neck (30 minutes)   £45
A combination of massage and acupuncture is highly recommended (allow 90 minutes)   £85

The treatment can be tailored according to your specific complaints.
Concessions will apply for children, students and OAP’s.