Reflexology produces a variety of physical changes in the body. Overall relaxation is evident, which in itself is beneficial for health and well-being. Reflexology has also been shown to improve circulation and assist in the removal of waste products from the body. The increase in blood flow also enables vital nutrients to reach the cells of the body, which greatly improves oxygenation. The pressure and physical contact of reflexology offers many of the same benefits as other forms of massage therapy.

Keeping the hormones balanced during pregnancy is as important as before pregnancy, as this enables the body to support the pregnancy to it’s maximum.

Reflexology can reduce these symptoms to enable freer movement.

Pregnancy can cause it’s own emotional stresses for the woman and therefore regular reflexology is helpful to relax and create a feeling of calm for the woman to look forward to the forthcoming event.  Using lymphatic drainage techniques reflexology will drain excessive fluid from the feet and help the lymphatic system to flow better and work more efficiently throughout the body.

Massage may help to address many common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Your centre of gravity changes as you grow through through your pregnancy putting additional stress on your shoulders, back, hips and abdominal muscles. Sciatic nerve pain is often commonly experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back.

Ligaments relax and your pelvic joints become less stable, pulling your pelvis forward, resulting in lower back pain and sometimes pelvic instablity, otherwise known as SPD. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is caused by a misalignment or stiffness of your pelvic joints at either the back or front of your pelvis. Pelvic pain or SPD can occur from around the 12th week of pregnancy onwards, but it is also recognised as a postnatal issue.

Studies have indicated that a pregnancy massage performed during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and help improve labour outcomes and newborn health.

The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Pregnancy massages are not offered during the first trimester. The reason is the potential for miscarriage.

In Sweden, “Swedish massage” is simply known as “classic massage”.  The five main techniques used in Swedish massage — stroking and gliding; kneading; rubbing; tapping or pounding; vibration — are probably what spring to mind when you think about a “typical” massage.

Regular therapeutic massage sessions provide significant benefits beyond the immediate relaxation we enjoy. People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more than others. Combine stress with lack of sleep and poor nutrition, and our immune system’s ability to naturally protect itself against bacteria and infection is greatly reduced. So the question is: What are the benefits of massage on immune system?

Clinical studies have indicated that regular massage not only helps alleviate stress, but can naturally increase the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body’s natural “killer cells”) and decrease the number of T-cells, which improves the body’s immune functioning overall. In one study by Gail Ironson, M.D., HIV positive men were given 45 minute massages five days a week, for a month. They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase in cells that are viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system.

Benefits of Strengthening the Immune System

• Increases the body’s natural killer cells
• Aids in the fight against bacteria and infection
• Naturally enhances the body’s ability to get nourishment to important areas

After a vigorous personal training session we all know there is nothing better than a good massage for easing out those aches and pains. Whilst it is often seen as a ‘luxury’, massage plays an important part of any health and fitness plan, enhancing your recuperation, regeneration and recovery. Sports massage is especially helpful where realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue becomes necessary.

From a clinical perspective there are many other times massage can also be useful: for those suffering from hyper, or altered sensitivity; during or after a pregnancy (pre and post natal); for specific pathologies such as fibromyalgia; post surgery; or after limb removal.

Amputation is a physical and psychological trauma that has a profound influence on the life of an amputee. Providing comprehensive rehabilitation services and programs to individuals recovering from amputation is, therefore, a complex process, generally utilising a multidisciplinary team approach to address an individual’s functional, emotional, social and psychological needs.

The massage starts at the upper back, the Indian Head masseuse begins by applying pressure to points that massages away knots and relax the muscles. The masseuse moves to the shoulders and upper arms to release areas of tension, and then onto  the neck and head to release headache-causing blockages and to encourage better circulation of the cerebral fluid. The massage then progresses to the scalp, relaxing the entire head, encouraging circulation and stimulating hair growth. Lastly, the masseuse may choose to perform a gentle face massage that may relieve symptoms of sinusitis & headaches, and encourages good circulation and a glowing complexion.

An Indian Head Massage may prove beneficial by:

• Relieving built up tension that can often result in headaches, migraines, neck and back pain..
• Detoxifying the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage
• Boosting overall immunity
• Improving circulation, which in turn increases energy levels.
• Promoting clarity and increased concentration.
• Soothes symptoms of asthma by calming the respiratory system.
• Relieves Mandibular Joint Tension.
• Increases muscle tone.
• Relieves symptoms of sinusitis.
• Boosts cerebral spinal fluid circulation.
• Relieves sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia.