Alternative Natural Therapies

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a type of massage that is specifically tailored to sporting injuries or ailments. It is not meant to be a relaxing massage and, indeed, can become quite vigorous at times. Contrary to its name, sports massage is not only utilised by professional sports people or people that exercise heavily. It is of benefit to anyone that exercises, even if it is only mild exercise such as regular walking.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is ideal if you are experiencing pregnancy-related tensions and pains, swelling, insomnia, muscle cramps or back pain.

During this massage, Marion uses a combination of Swedish and Remedial Massage techniques, to assist with the tensions and pains experienced during pregnancy. These are often caused by the extra weight and shift in the centre of gravity. There are many physical benefits to Pregnancy Massage, in addition to the nurturing and emotional support provided by Marion. Massage reduces peripheral swelling, soothes the nervous system, helps to prevent insomnia, muscle cramps and back pain.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been around for some 6000 years and involves the use of pure essential oils (fragrant plant extracts), through massage. As a holistic treatment, aromatherapy can have a profound effect on physical and psychological well-being. There exists the belief that scent, as the most enduring of our senses, has the power to transform our emotions, and heal our bodies.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle whole body treatment that relaxes the nervous system and aids the body's immune system. It is highly recommended for those prone to and recovering from sore throats, colds, infections, ongoing tiredness, excess fluids, low immunity, swollen node and also for the physically inactive.

Reflexology

Reflexology has been well documented by science to relieve symptoms of stress, tension, anxiety and depression.

Reflexology works on the belief that illness manifests itself when vital energy (qi or prana) in the body is blocked, stagnant or low. Applying pressure to particular points on the feet stimulates the meridians (invisible pathways along which vital energy flows) and helps the vital energy to circulate in the body more freely.

Another way of thinking about how reflexology works is that it stimulates nerve endings that send signals to the body's glands or organs to release chemicals such as endorphins to help balance the nervous system and promote healing and relaxation.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu literally means finger pressure and as such describes part of the therapy whereby natural body weight (finger, thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees) is used in applying pressure to special points on the body. This is combined with stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation to give an all-over treatment, which aims at treating the patient on a holistic level.

Shiatsu incorporates pressure, holding, rubbing, heating or stretching techniques which can be deep and firm, but which are applied with sensitivity.

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress. Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include: back pain, headaches, whiplash and neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced mobility, menstrual problems, digestive problems, asthmatic symptoms, sports injuries, depression and stress.

Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage (OM) is 'mindful massage' focusing on eliciting the relaxation response in clients who have cancer, are in treatment for cancer or who have a history of cancer.

A trained oncology massage therapist can work safely with the tumour site as well as devices positioned around the body. OM can improve bowel movements and modify the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Medical research also shows that the benefits of oncology massage continue for several days after the massage experience and, in conjunction with meditation, can create moments of stillness and peace in the midst of the emotional chaos of a diagnosis of cancer.