Massage involves manipulating the body's soft tissue.
As an approach to health care it dates
back to ancient times. In the early 1800s Per Henrik Ling developed a healing
art which he based on ancient oriental practices. With his knowledge of
physiology and massage skills acquired in China, he developed what was then
known as Ling's Swedish System, a combination of therapeutic massage with
stretching exercises for muscles and joints.
Originally developed as a medical treatment, Swedish Massage emphasises several basic strokes -
effleurage, kneading, petrisage, friction, percussion and joint mobilisation.
Each manipulation is applied in a specific way for a particular purpose.
Nowadays the focus has shifted from the purely physical to a more
holistic
approach which involves treating the mind and spirit as well as the body.
Here, at Rosebay House, you will
experience a unique blend of traditional Swedish therapeutic massage
movements, relaxing Californian style full length
body strokes, passive gentle stretches, joint mobilisations, body rocking,
featherlight connecting and drainage strokes and subtle energy techniques such
as pressure point therapy and energy balancing. This has the effect of
strengthening organs, increasing blood and lymph circulation, releasing areas of
long standing muscular tension and blocked energy and providing greater
flexibility and range of motion to limbs, the overall aim being to restore inner
strength, emotional balance and self confidence.
Aromatherapy oils
enhance the massage and stimulate the body's natural healing
response.
A truly satisfying full body
massage should be integrated in such a way that it makes the body feel like a
unified whole. My unique style of Californian Massage utilises long flowing transition
strokes over the whole body which results in a massage that is a whole body
experience rather than a segmented routine.
The client lies face down on
the couch and the session opens with a light two handed contact on the back so
that the therapist can feel the breathing and sense when to begin the
Californian full length body strokes. A blend of warm, light aromatic oils is
applied to whole of the back of the body. This allows the client to focus
attention to his body and away from habitual thoughts. As the long strokes grow
deeper areas of tense, knotty muscles are identified and treated.
After
about 40mins. the client turns over and the body will be completely oiled again using
Californian style full length body strokes. The couch may
be lowered to allow an arm or a leg to be gently lifted, mobilised, rocked or
stretched. There may be a pause where the body feels hot or cold to allow
healing energies to reach deep into problem areas. The client will be encouraged
to focus on pleasurable feelings and away from long standing negative mind /
body holding patterns.
The
massage concludes after 1hr 30m and the client relaxes while the body
is completely cleaned of oil with a warm towel.
Note:
Because Californian massage utilises long flowing connecting strokes over the
whole length of the body the client should feel at ease with being completely undressed.
Tight fitting underwear can also
be obstructive when working the lower back or buttocks area.
Please
take a warm bath or shower before coming to your appointment. Apart from obvious
reasons of hygiene, this will relax the muscles and help you feel more receptive
to the massage. It will also eliminate the possibility of any reaction between
the aromatherapy oils and deodorants or perfumes.
For maximum
benefit from Californian Massage you should quiet your mind, try to relax and focus on the experience.
Do not hesitate to discuss any apprehensions either before or during the massage.
Individual concerns will always be taken into consideration.
