*Note: Please read more information and the benefits of each message treatment below.

Back, Shoulder and Neck Massage
Recommended to relieve tension and stress that builds up around the back, neck and shoulder area and leads to overall discomfort, back, neck and shoulder massages stimulate the nervous system, increasing blood flow to the head and easing stress through the release of endorphins, which, in turn, help in relieving pain .
This massage is designed to concentrate on tension built up in the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders, so the benefits can be achieved in a shorter period of time. Using pressure points and stretches to target the source of the pain you will notice the difference from the first treatment.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage therapy is the most well-known and widely practised type of therapeutic massage  treatment that works the soft tissues and muscles to help restore health – creating a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system. This type of massage focuses on muscle relaxation, targeting superficial muscles (rather than the connective tissues targeted in deep-tissue massage) and increasing blood circulation.

What are the benefits of Swedish massage?
The various Swedish massage techniques, created by the Father of Swedish Massage, Per Henrik Ling, are designed to improve your circulation, soothe your muscles and make you feel more relaxed.
Unlike deep tissue massage, Swedish massage therapy uses softer strokes on the bonier and more delicate parts of the body, and stronger strokes where there is thicker muscle coverage. This adjustment of pressure makes it an ideal massage for relaxation.
Best known for soothing tight muscles and boosting well-being, Swedish massage also offers a whole host of other health benefits, including:

Physical benefits

There are numerous physical benefits associated with the use of Swedish massage:
loosening tight muscles and stretching connective tissues
relieving cramps and muscle spasms and decreasing muscle fatigue
loosening joints and improving range of motion
increasing muscle strength
calming the nervous system
stimulating blood circulation
firming up muscle and skin tone
relieving symptoms of such disorders as asthma , arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome , chronic and acute pain syndromes, myofacial pain, headache , temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and athletic injuries
speeding up healing from injury and illness
improving lymphatic drainage of metabolic wastes

Psychological Effects Massage

Deep relaxation of the mind and body
Reduce stress
Reduce anxiety
Increase in energy levels
Improves alertness levels

Digestive system:
Massage increase peristalsis

Circulatory system
Massage increases blood flow which helps flush out any metabolic waste

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is the type of Swedish massage that uses essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils).  Its main focus is relaxation and mindfulness.
During an aromatherapy massage, you both inhale these essential oil molecules and absorb them through your skin.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy massage?
The main benefits of the aromatherapy massage are reduction of stress and anxiety, decrease in muscle tension and pain relief. It also helps to reduce the symptoms of depression, control the inflammation and help with headaches.
Moreover, it can help to manage the pain of many conditions such as fibromyalgia, which is a condition that causes increased sensitivity to pain all over the body, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lower back pain, insomnia , which is a sleep disorder, and more.
Each essential oil used in aromatherapy is said to have different properties. For example, some are calm and make you feel relaxed while others are energised.

What are the best aromatherapy massage oils?
There are lots of different essential oils and with many properties. All depends on what you want to achieve with the essential oil massage.
For example, if you want to improve your sleep a therapist may recommend using a lavender oil as it is known for the ability to reduce the symptoms of insomnia. If you have a stressful daily routine and feel anxious about anything at all, you may be offered to try rose, chamomile or Bergamot orange oil.

Type of oils
Calming:  Chamomile, lavender, and geranium oil
Decongesting:  Eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oil
Energising:  Rosemary oil
Uplifting: Ylang-ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli oil
Sandalwood oil helps with focus and calm down nerves.
Tea Tree oil is used to fight infections and boost the immune system.
Lemon oil is mainly used to help with headaches, digestion and mood.
Jasmine oil is used to help with libido, childbirth and depression.
Wintergreen oil is used to help alleviate joint related pains and aches.
Marjoram and Balsam Fir oil is used to try and improve muscle tone.
What happens during an Aromatherapy massage session?
Your therapist will conduct a medical history to determine the appropriate essential oil for you. A therapist will choose an oil depending on your needs and expectations. You need to let your massage therapist know if you have any allergy and smell preferences.
The pressure during the treatment may vary from light to strong, but that depends on your reason for seeing a therapist. For example, if you are having difficulties relaxing or sleeping, light pressure is probably the way to go whereas, if you have muscle tension and some aches, deeper pressure should do the trick. How often should you have an aromatherapy massage?  It  depends on what you want to achieve with your treatment, sometimes it is recommended weekly or monthly but this varies from person to person.

Indian Massage
Indian head massage originates from a hair treatment incorporating massage. Used by Indian women to maintain the condition of their long dark hair and to protect it from the drying effects of sun.  Oils such as olive  almond, coconut and henna were massaged into the scalp and pulled through the hair.  Herbs, and spices were often added to the oils to improve the smell of oil and to add to the overall therapeutic effect of the treatment.
It is interesting that our word shampoo originates from the hindi word champi which means head massage!

The upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face are worked on during the treatment using a variety of massage movements.

The treatment can be carried out using dry hands with the client fully dressed, sitting on a low-backed chair ( making this a good treatment to offer as part of a stress-management programme during a client’s working day.)  Alternatively oils can be used, in which case clothing on the upper body should be removed and you should know  that your hair will be oil following the treatment.

The effects and benefits of Indian massage
Indian head massage works on the whole body and is classified as an holistic treatment, resulting as a de-stressing programme for the whole body.

Many positive effects are achieved through physically working on the neck, shoulder and scalp:

Blood flow is improved to the head and neck bringing with it oxygen and nutrients to nourish the body’s cells and promote healing.
Lymphatic drainage to head and neck is stimulated and increased therefore waste materials from the body are eliminated more efficiently.
Relieves muscular tension and improves muscle tone.
Improves mobility and joints.
Greatly helps to ease headaches and migraine.
Relieves mental strain and aids concentration.
Scalp massage relieves tension from the scalp and increases blood supply to the area, thereby improving the condition of the hair and increasing the rate of hair growth
Revitalises the whole body.
Psychological benefits:
Alleviates stress, anxiety and depression
Helps the body to achieve a state of equilibrium – a balanced feeling of peace and harmony
Clears the mind.

Subtle Benefits:
Re-balances the flow of energy through the body
Stagnant energy is released.