Holistictreatments
At the Bodywork Centre Hexham we offer many different types of massage and holistic treatments:
Aromatherapy Massage ~Bowen Therapy
Holistic Facial ~ Hot Stone Massage
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice based on the use of pure essential oils which are extracted from plants, flowers and other natural sources. The essential oils are massaged into the skin and can give a relaxing treatment covering “stress” areas such as back, shoulders, face, legs. Essential oils can also be inhaled, using an oil burner or breathing in an infusion and can also be very beneficial when added to baths. Essential oils can be used in a number of ways but an aromatherapy massage will introduce you to the most effective method of using the oils. The essential oils penetrate the skin and are absorbed into the blood stream; this has a direct effect on the systems of the body giving balance to mind, body and spirit.
Holistic Facial
Using face massage techniques this wonderfully relaxing treatment tones and improves the complexion and releases stress and tension. Holistic facial massage uses high quality products and pure plant essential oils individually blended to meet the needs of your skin. A deep cleanse, exfoliation and tone are followed by a wonderfully relaxing face, neck, shoulder and scalp massage which will improve circulation and texture of the skin, as well as encouraging cellular activity and rejuvenation.
Facial pressure point massage will gently stimulate and balance body energies, encouraging relaxation and stress relief and promoting a wonderful sense of well-being.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones. They are basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The warm stones glide over your body in smooth therapeutic strokes, hot stones are then placed on specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hands, and even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. The stones are of various shapes and sizes and the pressure applied can be varied depending on the preference of the client. The heat of the stones penetrates deeper into the tissues than the pressure on the skin helping tight muscles release more quickly than in traditional therapeutic massage.
This is a totally rejuvenating experience for the body and mind. The stones balance your energies and leave you feeling grounded and deeply relaxed.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage dates back to around 3000BC and comes from the Indian form of Ayurvedic Medicine
The treatment is very effective at relieving tension from the upper half of the body and is excellent at promoting relaxation. It can be soothing for aching muscles and will also stimulate lymphatic drainage and help the body expel unwanted toxins.
Treatment can either be carried out over the clothing or with the use of oils directly on the skin. The massage works on the face, ears, neck, shoulders and upper arms and head relieving mental and emotional stress. In Western culture today we spend much of our time in our heads, so this treatment can really help to calm the mind and is surprisingly deeply relaxing. Working with a firm and gentle rhythm it helps to relieve muscular discomfort and tension as well as calming the spirit and aiding relaxation. It also improves circulation in the head, enhances the senses and promotes clear thinking.
Reflexology
Reflexology massage is a treatment applying steady pressure to the feet that can produce relaxation and encourage healing in the entire body. The body is divided into ten ‘zones’ that run from head to toe. The feet are a mirror of the body and as treatment is carried out it is working on the whole body.
By applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers to the reflex points and zones this stimulates the nerve impulses and helps to clear away congestion; whilst promoting a balance within the whole body. Reflexology massage improves blood and lymph circulation and cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. Reflexology massage eases pain and is an excellent preventative healthcare. Advanced reflexology is also known as zone therapy. There are millions of nerve endings in our feet. By using skilled manipulation, the connections in the nervous system can be used to redistribute tension and restore the natural flow of chi (the invisible life force) around our body. This treatment also finishes with a relaxing foot massage.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a physical therapy that supports and strengthens the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself. It works on the whole person - not just with the physical body, but also with the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of being.
Shiatsu originated in Japan from traditional Chinese medicine, with influences from more recent Western therapies. Although shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese, in practice a practitioner uses touch, comfortable pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body’s physical structure and balance its energy flow. It is a deeply relaxing experience and regular treatments can alleviate stress and illness and maintain health and well-being.
Thai Yoga Massage
Thai yoga massage uses dynamic, flowing movements using joint manipulation, stretching, compression work and Thai acupressure. Therapists apply deep, effective pressure, working with the body’s energy line system, the ‘Ten Sen’ through which the body's natural life force flows. The treatment incorporates gentle stretching of the body, similar to some stretches used in Hatha yoga, to further release blocked energy, stimulate the body’s healing potential and restore balance.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness teaches awareness for one's physical and mental state. In the moment, mindfulness allows for more adaptive reactions to difficult situations, it also allows us to open up and accept our emotions.
Meditation aims to relieve stress and anxiety by settling into a relaxed meditative state and focusing on a particular problem through guided visual meditation. Metta Meditation translates to Love and Kindness. This particular meditation incorporates the spiritual inward focus of traditional meditation along side the Visual meditation and specific affirmations focused on love, kindness, acceptance and peace with yourself and the world.
The Emmett Technique
The Emmett Technique is a unique form of body relaxation therapy involving the application of light finger pressure at specific points. It is based on the belief that light touch can trigger a relaxation response in the soft tissues of the body, and that the therapist may thereby help relieve feelings of tension. Many people find they feel more at ease within their body and their emotional well being is enhanced.
Reiki
Reiki treatments help promote the consistent and unlocked flow of energy throughout the body. This promotes deep relaxation, the release of stress and encourages physical healing. The therapist uses their hands to scan the body and direct energy to needed areas. There is some physical touch on the head, back of the neck and feet, but most of the therapy is done holding the hands above the body. Clients may feel physical sensations during this time such heat or coolness, pins-and-needle tingling, vibrational buzzing, electrical sparks, numbness, throbbing, itchiness, and sleepiness! These are all normal and verification that the energy is being welcomed.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen Therapy is a rebalancing treatment for the whole body which aims to trigger an internal healing process. The nervous system begins relaxation which allows this rebalancing to occur. Fingers or thumbs make rolling type moves over muscle, tendon and other soft tissue. Specific breaks are made during the treatment which allows the body to relax and aid rebalancing. Bowen Therapy treats the whole body not just specific conditions. It cannot worsen or cause any harm to the body. Plus, it is a fully clothed treatment.Most clients find that they are able to fully relax - some even go to sleep! Many feel less stressed and have improved posture after treatments. Relief can be immediate but at other times it may take further treatments to gain relief, especially if the condition has been longstanding.
Treatments may include
• Structural assessment
• Fascial release
• Lymphatic work
• Scar release
• Cranio sacral therapy
• Work using vagus nerve to create safety for the nervous system.
Bowen Therapy is for all ages. It may help with pain management, sports injuries, acute and chronic back pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, digestive issues, whiplash, stress and relaxation, asthma, sciatica, post operative rebalancing etc. It can even help us with the aging process as we become less mobile. Babies and children may be helped – colic, ADHD, autism, difficult births, restricted neck movement etc.