Move 2 Health

Massage, T'ai Chi Chuan & Chi Kung

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Massage

Massage is thought to be one of the oldest forms of manual therapy. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, skin and body fascia. Deep tissue techniques work on the deeper muscles of the body and on specific problem muscles. Softer techniques, work on the superficial muscles to aid with relaxation. Percussive techniques help energise and warm the area of treatment.

There are physical and psychological benefits associated with massage:

Physical

Psychological

The massage that you personally receive incorporates a variety of techniques according to your individual requirements.

What should I expect during my first massage treatment?

When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire; which will take an additional 15 minutes. This assists the therapist in providing the best treatment for you. If you have an existing medical condition that you are having professional medical treatment for, you may need to written permission from your GP before you receive massage.

Come to your appointment with a relatively empty stomach; if you have just had a large meal you may find it hard to digest properly.

After the consultation the therapist decides the best treatment and techniques for you. I mainly treat through clothing, however, depending on the techniques to be used, you may be asked to remove some clothing. You will be given privacy for this and will be covered in towels while on the couch. Only the area that is being massaged is exposed. Your modesty is respected at all times during treatment. Oil is used to allow the muscles to be massaged without causing friction on the skin. I personally use coconut oil as it is a light and odourless medium. An oil massage takes 1 hour and 15 minutes so ideally you should book this in advance to allow for the extra time.

Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that another approach or technique can be used.

After your treatment you will be given some time to yourself and offered a glass of water to drink.

Massage Techniques

The techniques I use are Classic Swedish Techniques and Deep Tissue Techniques. Additionally, I like to use movement rhythm and postural awareness as part of my treatment sessions. I can also adapt my techniques so that they can be suitable for people who may have difficulty keeping still, lying down, or prefer to remain in a chair.

Swedish massage:

Effleurage (stroking techniques) used for relaxing and warming the treated area and as a diagnostic tool to assess the condition of the area. It can be used both superficially and more deeply and should be carried out in a direction towards the heart.

Petrissage (kneading techniques) deeper and more focussed movements to squeeze the tissue being treated to warm, relax and soften the treatment area.

Tapotement (percussive techniques) a rythmical hitting technique used to energise and warm the area being treated. It includes hacking, cupping and beating with loose fists.

Deep Tissue Work:

STR (Soft Tissue Release) A gentle, yet very effective, muscle specific technique that releases tight muscles and fascia with a stretch.

MET (Muscle Energy Technique) A stretching technique used to assist with muscle relaxation.

NMT (Neuro-Muscular Technique) is a soft form of massage therapy where gentle pressure is used to release the tension in a problem area. NMT is often used in conjuction with Trigger Point Therapy, which I have recently studied at a workshop

Friction A very deep and specific technique used for breaking up scar tissue and realigning tangled muscle fibres. I use this technique infrequently and only when I deem necessary, it can be painful for the client and may cause bruising. After frictioning an area I always go back to more gliding and gentle movements.

Other Techniques I also use rocking and shaking techniques and gentle joint mobilisations. This will aid the body to move in a more effective way.

Pulsing - Massage's Rock and Roll!

Pulsing or "The Tai Chi of Massage" is an holistic movement based bodywork technique and a type of shared playful meditation. Pulsing has the following benefits:

What happens in a pulsing session?

Similar to massage treatments, a health questionnaire is filled in and discussed for new clients. Pulsing sessions are conducted through clothing and usually on a massage couch. Accommodations can be easily made for people who have disabilities.

The session takes one hour and consists of rhythmic rocking, rotating, shaking, swinging and stretching movements. The movements may be conducted with the client supine, prone or side lying. The type of movements that are used are dependent upon the needs of the individual. If deemed appropriate, an individual may be given exercises to do at home to assist with their progress. Pulsing is equally beneficial to both adults and children. For children aged 4-15 sessions are for 30 minutes, and for children aged 16-18 sessions are for an hour. A parent or guardian needs to be present during the session for children under 18.

For more information on Pulsing please look at Guy Gladstones website.

Where I practise

Unfortunately both Arjuna clinic and my home clinic are not accessible for people with physical disabilities. However, I do offer a home visit service for wheelchair users, or people who may have difficulty travelling due to a health condition, for which I charge additional petrol fees. I cover Cambridge, Linton, St Ives, Papworth and Huntingdon for home visits. Contact me to discuss treatment programs and times that are convenient for you.

Arjuna Clinic
12a Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AD
Tel 01223 566122.
Google Map.