What is Massage?
Massage is an ancient form of healing; its power lies in the deep and natural use of therapeutic touch and its benefits in improving both physical and emotional wellbeing. The importance of massage was recognised as early as the founding of western medicine itself, by Hippocrates, who believed that the 3 determinants of health were: Massage, Diet and Exercise – he believed that regular massage prolonged life.
Our bodies are 90% fluid. The demands of modern day life are such that we spend more time sedentary than ever before. Our bodies have been designed to depend on movement, particularly the older we get, to maintain good blood and lymphatic activity. Our pattern of exercise tends to be in short sharp bursts without sufficient time spent stretching, typically followed by a return to work where we hunch over a computer or in car, both of which lead to the build up of lactic acid in muscles and muscular tension.
Massage works on breaking down fibrotic knots within muscles that contributes to tension. In doing so, massage also stretches shortened postural muscles and works on flushing away lactic acid build-up from exercise. The importance of massage is probably most well recognised amongst sports professionals, the reliance on their body and greatly value the need to maintain good muscular health.
Massage is an extremely useful therapy in counteracting the effects of stress. Often we get wired into a stressful response and/or become sensitised to a particular stressor. Our body responds by releasing adrenaline and tightening the muscles, ready for the ‘flight, fight and fear’ response, but as much of today’s stress does not require a physical response, the adrenaline and tension build up can over time lead to fatigue, tiredness, lack of lustre in the hair and skin and burn-out. Massage breaks into the ‘wiring’ of stress and helps dissipate the tension and adrenaline over-activity.
Massage Testimonial Star
"Claire was able to break down the tension in my neck and shoulders allowing me to sleep at night. Towards the end of my 5th session I found the space in my life to focus on deeper emotional issues working towards more balance. I enjoy my sessions and look forward to continuing this as a part of my life."
Linda Julious
Shepherds Bush, West London