Ladies Only Swedish Massage

http://www.embodyforyou.com

FOR RELAXATION, EASING PAIN, FEELING GOOD, PAMPERING YOURSELF.

BENEFITS
SWEDISH MASSAGE
HISTORY
SUITABLE FOR ME?
AFTER-CARE ADVICE

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

SHORT HISTORY

Therapeutic Touch has been rooted in human culture for thousands of years.  The Chinese practised massage in 3000 BC, In India and Egypt ancient texts and paintings reveal that massage was important in their cultures.  The Greeks and Romans used massage before and after competing in their games and it was used in Roman spas to help relaxation.  Captain Cook recorded in 1779 how twelve Tahitian women massaged away the pain of his sciatica.

Mary Queen of Scots used massage to improve her health and the modern day massage techniques are based on the Swedish massage which was developed by Per Henrik Ling (1776 1839).  By the late 19th century massage was a recognised medical treatment and the chartered Society of Physiotherapy was founded by a group of professional women who banded together to form the society of trained Masseurs.  This was done to dissociate medical massage from the 'massage' used to hide the activities of the ladies of the night.

During the first world war massage was used to help shell-shock and nerve injury, but increasingly massage was replaced by electrical equipment and drugs, until today, when the therapeutic value of hand massage has again become recognised as a complement to other medical treatments to help maintain positive health.

IS MASSAGE SUITABLE FOR ME?

Massage is suitable for most people, but there are conditions where massage should be avoided.  A confidential record is kept of each client and an initial consultation shows whether massage is suitable for you.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

A full body massage lasts for about an hour and a quarter.  During the treatment towels are used to ensure your modesty.

Completely natural oils with no chemicals are used as we believe in nourishing the skin and causing no harm whatsoever.

Different strokes are used in a certain order to create different effects on your body.

Effleurage, which consists of long, smooth, flowing strokes, is used to smooth the oil on and to gently relax and soothe.  Kneading, wringing, pulling and raking are used on fleshy areas and light-to-firm kneading is used on muscles.  This improves circulation and increases the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of the cells.

Pressures are used for releasing tension in the muscles and the spinal areas and percussion (cupping, pummelling and hacking) and vibrations are used to bring blood to the surface to invigorate and give a warm glow.  Knuckling is used on the chest and shoulders and on the palms and soles, and creates a rippling effect.

AFTER-CARE ADVICE

You are advised to relax and have a warm bath, to eat a light diet and not to do anything strenuous after the massage, to maximise the benefits.  Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your body and try to avoid tobacco and alcohol for 24 hours.  If you eat a heavy meal or do exercise, your body will divert energy from your body's natural healing process to digest your meal and feed your muscles.

If you have any concerns contact us for further advice.