Nature s Retreat Holistic Therapy We offer a choice of Swedish Massage, Swedish Massage with Aromatherapy oil and Indian Head Massage on site for ladies only. The massage is performed by a fully trained VTCT Level 3 massage therapist who is a member of and fully insured by the International Federation of Holistic Therapists. You can talk to the therapist about why you want the massage and they can work in such a way that will attend to your specific needs. Swedish Massage - a brief history and what it is Unlike the more spiritual disciplines associated with Eastern types of massage, Swedish massage is based entirely on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology. Swedish massage is probably the most common and widespread massage technique in the West. It is the foundational technique on which many Western styles of massage are based, such as deep tissue muscle massage and aromatherapy massage.
Swedish massage was invented by Peter Henrik Ling in the early 19th century when he developed a system called Medical Gymnastics which included movements performed by a therapist. These became known as Swedish movements in 1858. Today such techniques are called Swedish massage, except in Sweden, where they are simply called massage! Dr Ling was heavily influenced by his Chinese friend Ming, who had taught him some Eastern martial arts and Tuina. These disciplines became disassociated from their oriental origins when Johan Georg Mezger developed a reduced set of manoeuvers and techniques based on Ling s system. The techniques were effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (lifting and kneading the muscles), friction (firm, deep, circular rubbing movements), tapotement (brisk tapping or percussive movements), and vibration (rapidly shaking or vibrating specific muscles). All of these techniques are also present in tui na and Chinese massage. In typically Swedish style, the massage techniques have taken on a purely practical and logical application, without any associated mysticism or spirituality Swedish Massage the benefits Swedish massage is often thought of as a luxury, a pampering experience. It can certainly feel that way but the benefits go far deeper than that. Like regular exercise, massage benefits all of the various systems in the body, not just one, promoting physical as well as mental well-being in a variety of ways and everyone can benefit from a treatment. Physical Benefits Significant improvement noticed with Stress related disorders Insomnia and disturbed sleep Joint tension
Suppleness and flexibility Increase of oxygen and glucose supply to muscles Stimulation increasing blood circulation, promoting healthy skin Increases cerebral spinal fluid circulation Improves muscle tone Calms the respiratory system, helping asthma Asthma Digestive disorders Fatigue and low energy Frozen shoulder Gastrointestinal disorders Headaches and migraines Irritable bowel syndrome Joint pain, sprains or stiffness Lower back pain Muscle tension and strains Postural imbalance Scoliosis Skin conditions Sports injuries Stress Sciatica Water retention Mental Benefits Swedish Massage promotes: A sense of calmness, peace and tranquillity Release from anxiety, stress and mental stain Relief from depression Relaxation Sound sleep and relief from nightmares Renewed energy
Indian Head Massage - a brief history and what it is Massage has always played an important part in Indian life. It features in the earliest Ayurvedic texts, which date back nearly 4000 years. These ancient texts describe that, when used in conjunction with herbs, spices and aromatic oils, massage had an important medical function and could not only strengthen muscles and firm skin, but also encourage the body s innate healing energy. Today, Indian infants often receive a daily massage from birth until they are three years old to keep them supple and in good health. From three to six years of age, they are massaged once or twice a week. After six years of age, they are taught to share a massage with family members. Massage occurs across the generations in India as an integral part of family life. Indian Champissage springs from this rich tradition of family grooming. Head massage has been practised for over a thousand years. The concept was originally developed by women who used different oils according to the season (coconut, sesame, almond, olive oil, herbal oils, buttermilk, mustard oil and henna) and individual needs to keep their long hair Indian Head Massage works on areas affected by mental and emotional stress. In Western culture today we spend much of our time in our heads, so this treatment can really help to calm the mind and is surprisingly deeply relaxing. Working with a firm and gentle rhythm it helps to relieve muscular discomfort and tension as well as calming the spirit and aiding relaxation, it also improves circulation in the head, enhances the senses and promotes clear thinking. The massage usually begins with the upper back, where a combination of deep massage and pressure points help to relax the muscles and to loosen and melt knots. Moving through the shoulders and upper arms further releases the common
spots for holding stress and tension, and then working deeply into the neck where tension accumulates relieves headaches and improves cerebral spinal fluid circulation. Moving up to the scalp, techniques are used that stimulate, relax and revive the whole of the head, increasing circulation and promoting healthy hair. Finally the treatment may include a gentle face massage with techniques that help circulation, skin tone, and sinus and headache problems. This therapy can be performed without oils with the client sitting and fully clothed, so it is ideally suited to the workplace as well as more traditional situations. A full hour to one hour and fifteen minute long massage is normal. Indian Head Massage what are the benefits?. Indian Head Massage will soothe away stress and tension, leaving you relaxed, revitalised and re-energised. This is a very popular treatment, perfect for promoting a calm mind, a stress-free body and for maintaining optimum health. Physical Benefits Significant improvement noticed with: Migraine and headaches Sinusitis Stress related disorders Insomnia and disturbed sleep Temporor Mandibular Joint tension (TMJ) Suppleness and flexibility to head, neck and shoulders Increase of oxygen and glucose supply to the brain Scalp stimulation increasing blood circulation, promoting healthy hair Increases cerebral spinal fluid circulation Improves muscle tone Calms the respiratory system, helping asthma Mental Benefits Indian Head Massage promotes: A sense of calmness, peace and tranquillity Release from anxiety, stress and mental stain Relief from depression High levels of concentration Clearer thinking and focus
Relaxation Sound sleep and relief from nightmares Renewed energy Aids memory Chakra balancing and energetic healing To book one of these fantastic massage treatments, just select the package you would like and notify us at time of booking your holiday. Once you are ready let us know your desired days and times for treatments and they will be reserved for you to enjoy! PACKAGES 1 X 1 Hour Massage 35 2 x 1 Hour Massage 65 3 x 1 Hour Massage 95 1 X 1.5 Hour Massage 50 2 x 1.5 Hour Massage 95 3 x 1.5 Hour Massage 145 A wide variety of essential oils are available at a supplement of 5 per massage