Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a gentle form of holistic massage to support all body wellbeing. The therapist uses a combination of techniques using hands, thumbs, knuckles & forearm to warm up muscles & soft tissue to ease tension.  Motions such as gliding, kneading, vibration, tapping, and friction all help to loosen tight muscles & fascia when applied with an appropriate massage medium, such as grapeseed oil. 

Massage can be used to ease tension over lower & upper limbs, back & shoulders, abdomen, neck, face & scalp. A variety of packages are available to suit each client’s individual needs.  A 30/40/60/75min Swedish massage session fosters a sense of being held & nurtured, ideal for times when life feels overwhelming.

What are the benefits of a Swedish Massage? 

Massage of muscles & soft tissue may help; 

• Improve blood circulation 
• Improve lymphatic flow 
• Aids detoxification of metabolic waste stored in tissue 
• Improve mobility & flexibility 
• Soothe tension & pain 
• Ease stress 
• Boost mood 
• improve sleep quality

Clients who attend regular massage sessions report finding relief from discomfort associated with chronic conditions such as:  

• relief from stress & tension headaches
• improved sleep quality
• improved circulation in the scalp & face tissues
• reduced upper body tension
• reduced anxiety
• reduced brain fog

What to expect during a Swedish massage session

Contact with skin & use of massage oil is essential for all holistic massage sessions. You will only be required to expose areas of the body that are to be worked over & your modesty will be maintained at all times.

Swedish massage is suitable for most health states but there may be some circumstances where this technique may not be suitable, or you may be required to provide consent from your GP.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialist therapeutic massage to encourage healthy function throughout the lymphatic system. A sequence of light touch massage strokes & pumping actions is applied over soft tissue to gently stretch the microfilaments at the start of the lymphatic vessels. These light touch moves are followed by gentle pressure to encourage the flow of interstitial fluids through lymphatic vessels towards lymph nodes, where metabolic waste is filtered before returning to the blood.

The lymphatic system plays an important role in detoxification of metabolic waste from the body, clearing of excess fluid from tissues & healthy immune function, aswell as being intricately linked to the circulatory system.

What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage works with superficial layers of soft tissue to stimulate lymphatic flow, rather than target deeper structures. However, poor lymphatic flow can contribute to tight fascia, resulting in stiffness & pain, so stimulation of the lymphatic system (especially when combined with other more structural bodywork) may help release tension, pain & restrictions in soft tissue.

Some of the most common benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include:

• prevention of lymphoedema
• reduced swelling
• reduced fluid retention & puffiness
• recovery from injury
• recovery from surgery
• recovery from infection
• immune system support

As a result of an initial course of sessions & follow-up maintenance appointments, clients frequently report:

• reduced fatigue
• reduced brain fog
• improvements in chronic sinusitis
• reduction in frequency or intensity of headaches
• improved sleep patterns & sleep quality
• reduction in stiffness or tension

Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be especially beneficial when combined with McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release to restore lymphatic flow that has been affected by scars caused by injury or surgery.

What to expect during a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Depending on you needs, during a typical session the therapist will work over your abdomen, legs, arms, neck & back, with the added option of facial lymphatic massage for longer appointments.

Skin to skin contact is essential for this technique. You will only be required to expose areas of the body that are to be worked over & your modesty will be maintained at all times.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is suitable for most health states but there may be some circumstances where this technique may not be suitable, or you may be required to provide consent from your GP or consultant.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a non-invasive, hands-on holistic therapy to help balance all body systems & promote deep relaxation. Based on  the theory that different areas on the feet correspond to different areas  of the body , the therapist uses pressure with thumbs or fingers to stimulate reflexes & nerve receptors in the sole of the foot. 

What are the benefits of Refexology?

Pressure applied over reflexes in the feet encourages greater balance in the body, enhancing harmony within all systems. Clients often report improvements in symptoms when experiencing;

• Digestive issues 
• Frequent infections. 
• Sinus issues. 
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Hormonal imbalances 
• Headaches & migraines 
• Skin issues  
• Sleep issues 
• Stress, anxiety & emotional issues 

What to expect from your reflexology session

You will have the choice of remaining seated, reclined or fully supine depending on your preference. The therapist will begin with some gentle massage & ankle mobilisations to warm up the feet. All areas of the feet will then be worked with pressure in a specific sequence to target all body systems.

It’s normal to feel sensitivity in some areas during the session – it’s important that you communicate this so pressure can be adjusted to maintain your comfort levels. By the end of your session you will likely feel deeply relaxed.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages & most health states but there may be some circumstances where this technique may not be suitable, or you may be required to provide consent from your GP.