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Aromatherapy
Throughout history, plants and extracts have played a major part in our lives. For more than 4000 years flowers, seeds, leaves, fruits, stalks, roots and barks have been used in medicines. Aromatherapy is another way in which plants are used for medicinal purposes. Highly concentrated oils extracted from plants are used in order to treat both physical and emotional conditions. The purpose of aromatherapy is the controlled therapeutic administration of these concentrated plant oils. For any medicine to be effective it has to get into the body, and essential oils do this by inhalation of the aroma through the nose or by the penetration of the oil through the skin. Before applying essential oils to the skin it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil, lotion or cream. The oils will be chosen specifically to match the temperament of the client. Once absorbed into the
skin by massage, the oils access the bloodstream without being digested. This
'by-passing' of the digestive system has it's advantages over conventional
medicines as they may cause problems such as constipation and stomach
irritations. As the oils travel quickly and easily through the body, they are
able to take effect almost immediately, exerting healing and beneficial
influences on internal tissues and organs. Aromatherapy can also be beneficial
through bathing, compresses and flower waters. Reflexology
It was introduced to Western society by Dr William Fitzgerald, who was an ear, throat and nose consultant in America. He applied ten zones (or energy channels) to the surface of the body, hence the term 'zone therapy', and these zones were considered to be paths along which flowed a person's vital energy, or 'energy force'. The body's energy flow is thought to follow certain routes, connecting to every organ and gland with a pressure point on the feet or hands. When these routes are blocked, and there is tenderness on the body, then it indicates some ailment or condition somewhere in the body. The massaging of particular reflex points enables these channels to be cleared, restoring the energy flow and at the same time healing any damage. The
uses of reflexology are numerous, and it is especially effective for the relief
of pain (back pain, headaches and migraines, toothache), treatment of digestive
disorders, stress and tension, colds, asthma, arthritis and more.
The massaging effect of reflexology creates a soothing effect that enhances
blood flow, to the overall benefit of the whole body. Indian Head Massage
Based on an ancient Indian healing system, the Ayurveda, an Indian Head Massage (or champissage) is a subtle and deep treatment leaving the client feeling deeply relaxed, de-stressed and rejuvenated. The massage involves work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face and can be done with or without essential oils depending upon the client's wishes. It can also be done over clothes, or with the back area exposed if using oils. Indian Head Massage works on the physical, psychological and subtle levels and the techniques used represent a de-stressing programme for the whole body, attacking stress in an immediate way by releasing muscular tension and stimulating blood flow. It also contributes
to better relaxation and sleep, relieving headaches and eyestrain, improving
concentration, eliminating muscle tension and helps to restore joint movement.
The practice of Reiki is an original method of healing and was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th century. Reiki's natural healing works on every level, not just the physical, and promotes the body's regenerative self-healing ability. The word Reiki means 'Universal Energy'. Life force energy circulates through, in and around anything that is alive. When it flows well, the body remains healthy and vital. When the flow is disrupted in some way, health and vitality can diminish, perhaps even causing illness. Reiki energy promotes balance on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. As it flows through us, our affected parts become charged with life force again. Remaining fully clothed, the client prepares for treatment by relaxing on a massage couch, or sitting if that is more comfortable. The practitioner may then rest their hands lightly and gently on the body in a sequence of positions, each one being held for a couple of minutes. Although personal experiences differ, some people report feeling an intense heat from the practitioner's hands during the process. Reiki is a very powerful form of healing; it is
reported to have contributed well in helping to deal with many different
conditions, both physical and emotional.
Massage may be defined as manipulation of the soft tissues of the body performed by the hands, for the purpose of producing effects on the vascular, muscular and nervous system of the body. The massage mostly practiced in the West is Swedish Body Massage. In this type of massage the strokes relate to the body's circulatory and lymphatic system. Some of the benefits are that nerves are soothed and relaxed, whilst promoting a feeling of well being, reducing stress and releasing muscle tension. The skin becomes soft and pliable with an improved texture and muscle fibres are stimulated and strengthened. Depending upon the choice and combination of massage
techniques the body's system can either be relaxed or stimulated, and so it is
both a useful and enjoyable form of therapy. Hot Stone Therapy
Physically the circulation and metabolism are stimulated; mentally the client reaches a state of deep relaxation and spiritually is balanced whilst healing takes place. Hot stone therapy combines traditional massage with the use of smooth, heated basalt stones, which are applied to the body as an extension of the therapist's hands. The placing of the stones may be
followed by a massage which can be deeper and more intense as heat penetrates
the body and relaxes the muscles. The warmth of these heated stones penetrates
muscles and balances the nervous system like no other treatment. ...as well as having effects that can be of benefit to physical conditions, Holistic Therapies can help to relieve stress and tension. In general, they tend to create a sense of well-being, both physically and emotionally; balancing the mind, body and spirit.
"The above Holistic Therapies are stress reduction and relaxation techniques. As a practitioner I do not diagnose conditions, nor do I prescribe substances or perform medical treatment, nor do I interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical professional. It is recommended that any client seeks the advice of a licensed physician, or licensed health care professional for any physical or psychological ailment they may have. The body has the ability to heal itself and although I cannot promise to cure any illness, the treatments help to relax, balance and normalise the body's energies, thereby assisting the body to heal itself". |
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Stone
therapy has become one of the most requested massage treatments in holistic
practices around the world. Clients love the feel and energy of these natural
healing stones. Hot stone therapy increases circulation and leaves the client
feeling grounded, relaxed and happy. Hot stone therapy goes beyond the physical
experience of typical massage and enters deeper dimensions of relaxation, health
and well-being.
