shiatsu     Shiatsu is a Japanese style of massage which originated around 1800 years ago. Unlike the more common "relaxation" or "Swedish" massage, no oil is used, and the receiver remains fully clothed during the treatment, except for shoes which need to come off. Ideally the receiver should wear loose light clothing with nothing in the pockets. Shiatsu is normally given on a futon mattress on the floor. Rather than rubbing, shiatsu involves mostly direct stationary pressure all over the body in a continuous rocking wave like motion in rhythm with breathing. Direct thumb pressure is also applied to specific "pressure points". The result of a shiatsu treatment is usually a very deep level of relaxation, and a wide variety of positive health outcomes. In the four years I have been practicing shiatsu massage, I have observed shiatsu having a significant positive impact on the following health conditions: insomnia, migraine headaches, constipation, chronic neck and back pain, sinus head colds, lethargy, and much more.      Shiatsu is based on traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, where all health is dependant on the flow of life energy or “Chi” throughout the body along pathways called meridians. All ill health is caused by blockages of Chi which cause points, (acupressure points) of excess or deficiency in the body. Chi energy is balanced out by contact with the masseur, bringing about free flow of Chi, and hence health and well being. The majority of these points happen to coincide with junctions in the nervous system. The effectiveness of acupressure is established by western medicine research, but not clearly understood. Click here for further information.   remedial/deep tissue     As the name suggests, remedial massage is aimed at fixing a specific problem. The treatment will begin with assessing what the problem is and determining what can be done about it, which will generally involve a series of tests. The client will need to strip down to underwear, and the treatment is usually done on a massage table using either oil or special wax on the skin. While I aim to achieve the result with as little discomfort as possible, this style of massage is often painful. I always keep any pain within the boundaries of what the client is willing to accept. After a remedial treatment it is common for the client to feel sore around the area massaged for up to 48 hours after the treatment, but after that period the original condition is improved. Most muscular conditions need three treatments in three weeks to be effectively dealt with. Often I will advise some stretches or exercises to compliment a remedial massage treatment. After a treatment you should avoid doing anything strenuous for three hours at least, because your muscles will be in a vulnerable condition until they have settled down. Remedial massage is for people with serious on going pain or some type of sports injury who are looking for relief.   therapeutic     Therapeutic is a step down from remedial massage, in that is partly meant to relax the client, and partly to sooth stiff muscles or “knots” using some deeper or firmer pressure at times. This is oil on skin style of massage performed on a table, generally over the whole back of body.   relaxation     Relaxation massage is gentle and flowing over the body, often putting people into a dream like state of semi consciousness that they don’t want to come out of. It is best for people who are under stress and want some soothing down time to “recharge their batteries”. Relaxation massage is oil on skin over the whole body in calming rhythmic stokes. I often accompany these treatments with some guided meditation and aromatherapy oils. Clients often report feeling drunk or “high” after a treatment, and you should allow at least 15 minutes before driving afterwards. It is best if you have a nap for a while when you get home.   reflexology     Reflexology is a style of massage mainly applied to the feet. It is based on the principal that there are areas, or "reflex points" on the feet that correspond to each organ, gland and structure in the body. By working on these points, the masseur reduces tension all over the body. The main benefit of reflexology is relaxation. But by reducing tension you also improve blood supply, bring about unimpeded nerve function as well as a feeling of overall wellbeing. Since most of today's diseases stem from the effects of stress, a reflexology can be of enormous benefit for a wide range of conditions.   cupping     Cupping is usually used as a component of either shiatsu or remedial massage in the last part of a treatment. Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced by suctioning out air, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.  In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping). Cupping over acupressure points brings about a feeling of deep relaxation, and is especially useful for calming chronic muscle tension between the shoulder blades. I will usually leave the cups on for about three minutes on each place. You should stay completely still when they are on for best results. It is normal to have some superficial bruising after a cupping treatment. This is nothing to worry about, as it goes away after two of three days.    tendino      Tendino refers to tendon flicking (similar to Bowen therapy), and is only used at the end of a Shiatsu or Remedial treatment. Thumb and forefinger are used to flick across muscle and tendons at specific points. Usually it is painless but sometimes it can give a similar feeling to a small electric shock that reverberates up and down the body with a pleasant vibration for a few seconds afterwards. The effect of tendino carries on for up to 48 hours after the treatment and you should avoid any strenuous activity for a few hours. It is common to have intense dreams on the night after a treatment, and clients often report sleeping in the day afterwards, so I advise going to bed early.     Back to Healesville Massage home page

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