How does it work?

The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders.

What does it involve?

The client, fully clothed, sits in a massage chair for the treatment. The therapist uses a range of different movements including application of deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas. In addition, the therapist will also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face. The session will usually last from twenty to forty-five minutes, and most therapists like their clients to sit quietly for ten or twenty minutes once the massage has been completed.

What is it good for?

Indian head massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.

What are the benefits?

Indian head massage helps increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, frees knots of muscular tension, relaxes connective tissue, and aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products. It is particularly good for reducing the effects of stress and tension.

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Following a treatment some clients experience tiredness, dizziness, an increased desire to urinate (as the body eliminates toxins and waste materials) or aching muscles. All of these side effects usually last for no more than a few hours, after which clients generally experience increased energy and alertness. Indian head massage should be avoided if you have had recent surgery, or a head or neck injury; a history of thrombosis or embolism; spondylitis or spondylosis. If you have high or low blood pressure, diabetes, Indian head massage is particularly good for reducing the effects of stress and tension epilepsy, any kind of heart condition, cancer or osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before arranging a treatment. Always make sure that you avoid alcohol for at least five hours before the treatment.

Massage is a relaxing, therapeutic treatment that has been around for thousands of years. In fact, the word “massage” comes from the Greek root “masso,"

Many people consider massage a pampering experience, but it has important health benefits. In fact, you get the greatest benefit when it is part of your regular wellness routine.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

Swedish massage employs five different movements:

* long, gliding strokes

* kneading of individual muscles

* friction

* hacking or tapping

* vibration

The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth,  heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

*Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones
and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.

* The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage
while holding a heated stone. As the
stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

* The therapist might also leave heated stones
in specific points along your spine, or in the
palms of your hand, or even between your
toes to improve the flow of energy in your
body.  If you have inflammation or muscle
injury, cold stones are sometimes used.