Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of ‘essential oils’ to improve health and promote well-being. Treatment involves applying these oils to the body through massage, bath or simply through inhalation.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are volatile oils found in a variety of aromatic plants and trees, and although called ‘oils’, they are very different from ‘fixed’ cooling oils such as olive and sunflower. They are volatile, meaning they evaporate easily, when left in the open air. Rub your hands on some rosemary or lavender bush and you’ll know what I mean…

They may be found in flowers (rose, lavender), leaves (peppermint, patchouli), wood (sandalwood, cedarwood), gum resin (frankincense & myrrh), seeds (cardamom, fennel) and citrus rind (lemon, orange).

Each oil comprises a unique combination of biochemical components which have different therapeutic properties, ranging from anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibiotic to stimulating, to name a few. Being complex substances, essential oils often have numerous properties and one single oil is likely to have many beneficial actions.

How does Aromatherapy work?

When used in aromatherapy treatments – diluted in a base oil and massaged into the skin or added to a bath – essential oils are absorbed by the body in two different ways: through the skin and by inhalation. The tiny aromatic molecules of an essential oil pass though the hair follicles and into the blood stream or are taken up by the lymph and interstitial fluid (liquid that surrounds all cells). Once breathed, in they arrive in the lungs from where they diffuse across the tiny air sacs into the surrounding blood capillaries. Having reached the bloodstream, an essential oil may have a pharmacological effect upon the body, even though the amount absorbed is very small.

At the same time, there is the emotional and psychological benefits of aromatherapy. On breathing the aroma, the essential oil molecules connect with the olfactory receptors in the roof of the nose. These are linked to the limbic system, an area of the brain associated with our instinctive drives: emotion, intuition, memory, creativity, sleep patterns, sex drive and so on. If the aroma is liked, the brain releases neurotransmitters that either relax or stimulate the nervous system.

From this, it may be easier to understand how aromatherapy can have a profound effect on our physical and emotional well-being.

Evidence of stone massage dates back to over 5000 years ago. This therapy originates in ancient India and China, and more recently to the North American Indians living in the southwest states. The traditions and healing rituals, in which the stones were used, included laying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or during ceremonies such as sweat lodges or in medicine wheels. Some native healers used heated stones to ease the discomforts experienced during menstruation, or applied cold stones to impede blood flow after giving birth.

Hot stone massage combines the benefits of Hydrotherapy and ‘Thermalism’ or ‘Thermotherapy’ (the use of heat applications) with massage strokes, using stones to create a deep, relaxing and healing treatment. The heat of the massage stones warms the skin, which allows for the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while simultaneously preparing the musculature of the body so the massage therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers.

The stones are placed into a purpose-built Stone Heater which is filled with water. The water is typically heated to 50-55 degrees Celsius.

Basalt stones were formed millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions that took place mainly near coastal areas. Basalt stones are used in hot stone massage because they contain magnetic or titanic iron which retains heat. The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range.

Some of the health conditions that are treatable with this kind of massage are back pains and aches, insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety and even arthritis pain. With the heat and pressure of the stones tailored to suit your needs, you will receive beneficial results.

Some of the benefits of thermotherapy include:

Deep muscle and tissue relaxation

Decrease in stress, tension, and fatigue

Release of toxins

Pain relief

Improved circulation

Hot stone therapy is a wholistic and grounding treatment that focuses on the whole Self, balancing mind, body and spirit.

“Oncology Massage provides supportive caring touch throughout YOUR cancer journey”

What is OM:

Oncology Massage is mindful, intentioned and gentle massage for anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life.

It is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely and effectively work with the special challenges of cancer and cancer treatment.

The practitioner shows informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body, such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, depression, reduced bone density, lymphoedema, scar tissue and sensitive skin.

It is not treating lymphoedema, like e.g. complex lymphatic drainage, however it keeps areas with compromised lymph nodes safe, as to not trigger or increase lymphoedema. Lymphoedema can occur 20 and more years after surgery or radiation and can be triggered by tissue trauma to the affected limb or area of the body.

How it works:

OM is a light touch massage, which was found to be the most effective form of massage therapy for reducing side effects experienced from conventional treatment of cancer (Cassileth and Vickers, 2004).

It elicits the ‘relaxation response’, a deep relaxation which allows normalisation of body chemistry and stimulates the immune system. This effect is facilitated through the fascia and the nervous system. When the gentle warmth of the therapists’ hands softens the fascia, the fascia is able to rehydrate which in turn influences the mechano-receptors and contractile nerves embedded in the fascia. This leads to a cascade of physiological and neural events. Ultimately the body chemistry is normalised and the body is at rest, the autonomic nervous system and other metabolic functions of the body, such as stem cell production in the bone marrow, are increased.

More information:

www.s4om.org

www.oncologymassagetraining.com

A combination of advanced massage techniques that go beyond the superficial muscle layer to realign muscle fibres, break up adhesions and increase range of motion and flexibility.

Ideal for alleviating repetitive strain injury, postural imbalances and sciatica.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a very gentle and meditative treatment which can be undertaken for many different reasons including detoxification, boosting the immune system and removing fluid. Our lymphatic system is located in the superficial parts of the skin, light pressure is combined with gentle circular upwards movements, starting at the top of the bottom and working downwards.

The treatment includes gently stimulating the major lymph nodes, vessels and organs which are mainly found on the front of the body. Throughout the treatment you feel relaxed, tired, a reduction in any swelling, reduction in pain, reduction of head and facial pressure associated with sinus and migraine. The session can also increase bladder or bowel movements, reduce blood pressure and move of toxins which at first can cause nausea or headaches as the toxins make their way out of the body.

A metaphysical massage is aimed to help clear any overlaid energy from past relationships and childhood traumas. The aim is to clear away any negative energy from the chakra’s and revitalise all the chakra points within the body. The massage is a relaxation massage with an amazing head massage to help relieve tension within the body. Crystals and essential oils are used within the massage.



This massage is great if you have been feeling emotionally flat or can not seem to move past a relationship break up, also to help to look forward in your future, not looking backwards and dwelling on your past.



Please note this massage cannot be offered to pregnant women but a 1 hour healing or crystal healing facial appointment can be offered.

The fascia is connective tissue that surrounds, infuses with and interacts with every bone, ligament, muscle, nerve, blood vessel, gland and organ, down to the cellular level.
Long overlooked by anatomists, we are only beginning to understand its role in the body.

The fascia provides biological infrastructure; strength and support ensuring structure and integrity to the body while facilitating freedom of movement.

The fascia is an intelligent self-regulating system that responds to the body's needs. Nerves and blood vessels travel within the fascia, allowing connectivity of the nervous and circulatory systems, ensuring communication between all the systems of the body. As well as the removal of cellular waste through the lymphatic system.

Fascia is the largest sensory organ, rich in sensory fibres called mechanoreceptors. Considered by some to be the sixth sense, contributing to interoception (internal perception or sense).

Myo (muscle) fascial (connective tissue) Release

Stress, repetitive strain, trauma, injury and postural misalignment can cause the fascia to become denser, tighter, shorter and constricted, causing tension and inflammation along the fascial planes. A restriction in one area can refer pain and tension to other areas. Compromising circulatory systems and affecting the muscles and physiology. Over time this can lead to skeletal misalignment and structural imbalances as well as referred discomfort and pain.
For example, a lower back injury may develop into upper back and neck pain and headaches. Visualise a fascial sweater being pulled in one direction causing postural distortion in another.
Myofascial Release is a whole-body approach. Slow sustained pressure is applied to restricted areas, lengthening and softening the fascia. Releasing adhesions, rehydrating tissues, restoring fluidity and postural balance. Improving nerve signalling (muscle coordination and proprioception (perception of movement and position of the body)). Realigning tissue fibres and stimulating tissue repair.

The fascia is rich in parasympathetic nerve fibres. Myofascial release increases parasympathetic activity (rest and digest) supporting the body's innate healing process. Regulating blood pressure, reducing heart rate and increasing vagal tone (rest and digest). While decreasing sympathetic tone (fight or flight).
Fascia’s ground substance can become dehydrated due to injury, immobility etc. Myofascial Release applies slow sustained pressure improving fascial continuity, ensuring stability and freedom of movement while reducing fascial and muscle tension.

Myofascial release can support chronic pain related to recurring injuries, poor posture as well as neurologic and movement dysfunction and help with the following conditions:

- Sciatica
- Hip and knee pain
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Repetitive strain injury
- Poor posture

Gentle, nourishing, restorative. Nurture for mums to be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester, Ayurvedic Massage is adapted for extra care, with a comfortable pregnancy massage table. Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) is an ancient healing modality which is still traditionally practiced in the east. With a focus on the lymphatic health of the body, it provides restoration and revitalisation to the physical, mental and emotional body while bringing balance to the body, mind and spirit. It uses a deep yet relaxing, flowing method of oil massage.

Remedial massage is an effective treatment for sports and work related injuries, tendonitis (including tennis and golfer’s elbow), headaches, tight, sore muscles, conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder and carpel tunnel syndrome. As well as treating musculoskeletal problems and injuries remedial massage can help prevent them by maintaining length and suppleness of muscles and tendons.​​

A holistic relaxation massage to help balance mind, body, and spirit. Tailored to your preference of light, medium or firm pressure. Highly recommended for those seeking a nurturing, holistic and pampering experience, or as an introduction to bodywork for those who are new to massage.