Archive for the ‘Massage’ Category
Cupping Massage at La Spa
Friday, April 13th, 2012What are the Benefits of Cupping Massage?
Cupping massage is a complementary therapy that relieves bodily ailments such as muscle aches, cold and flu symptoms, asthma, high blood pressure and menstrual pain, as well as relieving stress and improving overall wellbeing. At La Spa Therapie Malahide we offer cupping massage customised to suit your individual needs.
Here in Ireland any kind of therapy which involves cups also typically involves lots of tea and biscuits and good a chit-chat with friends. So the idea of placing cups on our body to relieve bodily aches and pains may seem a bit strange at first. But after you’ve experienced the benefits of a cupping massage you’ll understand why this complementary therapy is practised and praised around the world.
So what is Cupping Massage and how does it work?
Cupping has been used in cultures around the world for centuries. This unique deep tissue massage treatment has its roots in ancient Greece where the holistic benefits of this non-invasive treatment eventually spread around the world.
There are many styles and techniques of cupping, all of which use specially designed suction cups to draw energy, blood, and fluids to the surface in order to promote circulation, break up scar tissue and ease muscle spasms and tensions.
The heated cups can either be placed in one specific area on your body or a sliding technique may be used in conjunction with a massage oil. Alternatively, during “flash” cupping, a cup is repeatedly applied to one area for less than a second. The various cupping movements may be long with the intention of draining fluid, or quick and circular to stimulate stubborn knots and areas of rigid tissue.
The suction comes from a vacuum created by heating the air in the cup and placing the cup flush against the skin of the back, or whatever area of your body requires healing. The intensity of the treatment varies, and will be adjusted according to your comfort level.
How does a Cupping Massage feel during and after treatment?
Most people find cupping to be a relaxing and comfortable experience. The cupping technique has a sedating action on the nervous system, which often results in a state of deep calm. People often feel a warming sensation during the session and a pleasant tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.
During the treatment the cupped areas on the skin will turn red, indicating that blood circulation has been brought to the surface, but this redness does not last long and the cupping technique causes no irritation to the skin.
People often use cupping massage to relieve muscle spasms, back aches, common colds, flu like symptoms, coughs, asthma and pre-menstrual symptoms. Like massage, cupping can also be used to relieve stress, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep and restfulness.
Cupping massage is often used in conjunction with other massage treatments. Here at La Spa we recommend rounding off your cupping treatment with a luxurious honey massage. The nutritional benefits of honey can be more easily absorbed into the skin after the circulation-boosting cupping technique and is a real treat for your skin!
To find out more, contact our resident cupping massage expert, Virginija, on 01 8548000. Take a look at some more of our complementary therapies here.
What Can Massage Really Do For You?
Friday, February 17th, 2012
Have you been thinking about getting a massage but don’t really know much about the various benefits or which type of massage will best suit your individual needs? Then it’s time to ask us here at La Spa, just what can massage do for you?
Got aches and pains? Feel generally run down? Just don’t have any get up and go? Have you thought about getting a massage? If you answered, “Well, we all have aches and pains but you just have to take a couple of paracetamol and get on with it, sure massage is only for athletes and couples on holiday,” then we’d like you to think again.
For example, did you know that massage not only helps you relax and de-stress, but actually lowers blood pressure, boosts your immune system, alleviates pain and improves flexibility? And that’s just for starters.
Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of massage.
Massage can:
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Alleviate bodily aches and pains and improve the range of motion in your joints,
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Relax and repair injured, tired or overused muscles,
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Improve the elasticity and youthfulness of your skin,
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Promote tissue generation, reducing the visibility of scars and stretch marks,
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Improve circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients around vital organs,
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Enhance the immune system by stimulating the lymph flow – the body’s natural defence system against cold and ‘flu,
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Relieve migraine,
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Reduce spasms and cramping,
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Ease dependence on medication as massage releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer, into your bloodstream,
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Assist with shorter and more comfortable pregnancies.
In addition to these very powerful physical benefits, massage can also be used to help manage stress. After a massage session you can expect to feel a sense of mental wellness and clarity. Massage has been shown to help decrease anxiety and fatigue and increase energy and concentration, meaning you’ll feel mentally as well as physically improved by your massage experience.
Best of all, after a therapeutic massage session, you’ll have the best night’s sleep you’ll have had in a long time!
Understanding the different types of massage treatments can help you decide which massage is right for you.
Here is a brief overview of the main types of massage available at La Spa.
Holistic Massage
Is the name given to all massage treatments; these break down into sub-categories of different massage styles from around the world. Each has its own unique benefits.
Indian Head Massage
Reduces stress and sustains mental wellbeing
Swedish Massage
Encourages circulation in the body and stimulates muscles
Hot Stone Massage
Provides positive energy and deep heat penetration to muscles
Aromatherapy Massage
Treats the body for specific ailments using essential oils
Lomi Lomi Massage
Is a Hawaiian massage using sweeping movements to relax the mind and body
Ki Massage
Is a light touch massage encouraging positive energy and wellbeing
Reflexology Massage
Uses specific pressure points on the hands and feet to stimulate bodily organs and the nervous system
During a massage, your massage therapist uses their hands and fingers to press and manipulate your skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The strokes gently move your blood, oxygen and lymph to various tissues and organs to support healing wherever your body needs it. The result is a level of physical and mental rejuvenation that leaves you feeling stronger, healthier and happier.
For a full list of our massage treatments visit the massage page on our website.
11 signs your body needs Holistic Healing Therapy
Monday, October 31st, 2011
Signs. We rely on them to help us through every day. From telling us what speed to drive to telling us how long to cook a chicken, signs tell us when we need to pay attention to something important.
Did you ever notice your body also gives out signals? It tells you when you need food, rest or stimulation. And, most of the time, you do pay attention. You eat, you sleep, you go for a walk.
But sometimes your body needs more. What it really needs is a holistic healing massage.
So what are the signs you need a thorough top-to-toe intensive massage to soothe, nourish and restore mind, body and soul?
Take this quick survey of tell-tale signs your body is in need of a complete therapeutic massage and see for yourself. Do you suffer from:
- Stress and anxiety?
- Low energy levels?
- Lack of mental clarity?
- Muscular tension or stiffness?
- Decreased mobility or flexibility?
- Poor circulation?
- Shallow, inefficient breathing?
- Poor skin elasticity?
- Low immune system?
- Imbalance in your digestive system?
- Trouble sleeping?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions your body is clearly showing signs that it’s in need of Holistic Healing Therapy!
Holistic therapy combines Swedish oil based massage, a technique encouraging circulation within the blood stream and stimulation within the muscles, with Reflexology, where specific pressure points in your hands and feet are massaged to stimulate the organs and nervous systems of your body.
Highly trained therapists at La Spa Therapie, Malahide tailor each Holistic Healing massage for you personally, taking the time to understand your specific ailments, the causes of your tensions, and working to heal your whole body from top-to-toe.
This blissful treatment restores and repairs the body as well as the mind, healing the individual as a whole, restoring balance and natural harmony.
So are you in need of Holistic Healing Therapy?
Just one session at La Spa Therapie, Malahide with a La Spa Holistic massage therapist will give you an instant boost, promote long-term improvement of any ailments you may have, and greatly improve your general sense of well-being.
Try it for yourself and see! Contact us today to make an appointment.
Or book your holistic healing message therapy session in Malahide now at www.laspatherapiemalahide.ie
Please note: Holistic Massage is a totally safe complementary treatment but does not replace medical treatment. You should always consult your GP if in need of medical advice.
You, your baby and reflexology
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
There are over 7000 nerve endings in the feet. Often mistaken for a foot massage, the ancient art of reflexology accesses these nerve endings which are linked to every organ and system of the body. Through skillful manipulation a reflexologist can help to unblock the flow of energy in organs and rebalance entire systems.
Reflexology is a wonderful therapy which can be used safely during pregnancy and labour. It is best to wait until you are 12 weeks or more before you avail of this treatment. Reflexology is recommended by Holles Street Hospital in Dublin for pregnant women.
The purpose of reflexology during pregnancy is
- Relaxation
- Alleviate symptoms
- Support the mother to be healthy
- Prepare for birth
- Assist in the prevention of a variety of pregnancy related conditions
Relaxation is the goal for the mother as it is equally good for her developing baby. Relaxation is the antidote to stress. Many women find that pregnancy in addition to their normal day to day activities can put them under pressure and stress. Reflexology throughout pregnancy is appropriate for relaxation and stress reduction.
Many common pregnancy symptoms can be alleviated with reflexology, for example: Oedema, Headaches, Constipation, Tiredness, Morning sickness, Heartburn, Backache and sciatica, Breathlessness, Sleeplessness. Throughout pregnancy a reflexologist can support the mother to maintain health. Regular treatments and aftercare advice can help the mother cope with many physical or emotional burdens she may be carrying. Pregnancy is a time of great hormonal changes and this often stirs up emotions such as fear and apprehension. Physical and emotional support from a professional during this time can turn an ordeal into a pleasure.
Any questions or looking for more information do not hesitate to call us on 01 8548000 where you can speak to one of our reflexologist.
Back Honey massage procedure 30 min
Saturday, October 15th, 2011The detoxification secret of a honey massage lies in the healing powers of honey in combination with the effects of a ‘pumping out’ massage technique and the powerful stress-relieving reflex therapy.
Honey is poured over the area that is being massaged (usually the reflex points on the back) and then massaged until it becomes sticky.
Using a special technique, it is worked until white pellets appear on the surface of the skin. These pellets contain toxins and salts and are gently washed away. By stimulating the back, the neurons carry impulses from the central nervous system to the sensory and the motor nerves of the peripheral nervous system, thus affecting the whole body. Honey massage warms and tones the skin, and has wonderful effects on its condition. After being massaged, the skin becomes smooth and soft, smells sweet like honey, leaving you relaxed and re-energised. This is a unique and extremely effective detoxifying therapy.
The frequency of detoxification is individual. However, once a month is enough for a lasting cure. In the case of intensive detoxification, l would recommend three times a week.
Indications of honey massage
Those who suffer from:
- a stressful environment, overwork,
- emotional stress and all kinds of pressure and negative emotions
- excessive fatigue
- insomnia
- vegetative-vascular dystonia
- osteochondrosis
- migraines
- intestinal and stomach disease
- arthrosis, rheumatic troubles
- problems with blood circulation
- chronic diseases of the respiratory system
- civilisation diseases (e.g. scoliosis)
- regeneration after hard diseases
Contraindications of honey massage
This massage cannot be used on someone with allergies to honey or any other bee products.
- open wounds, broken skin eczema and spots
- tumours, lung cancer
- bleeding inside the body, e.g. stomach pamphegus, bleeding stomach
- eye hypertension
- congestive heart failure
- kidney failure
- advance osteoporosis
- thrombosis, fragile capillaries
- infectious diseases, AIDS
- fevered diseases
- acute inflammatory diseases
- pregnancy
- thyroid function abnormality
- some dermal and venereal diseases
- all contraindications that apply to circulatory massage
Massage Therapist – What Makes a Good One?
Monday, November 29th, 2010
I recently read a blog on a hot stone massage that went wrong that completely shocked me. The article was on a man that got burned during a hot stone massage in a spa. The stones had been heated in a microwave and placed on his back, shoulders and legs without any protection on the skin. This caused the man third degree burns and in turn resulting in scarring.
The reason i decided to write about this article is to emphasise now important it is to have a good experienced massage therapist on board in a spa.
A hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable of massage treatments and it is essential a highly qualified therapist carries them out. The stones must be maintained at 120-130 F. If the stones are ever too hot for the therapist to hold then they are too hot for the client!!
All the movements must be explained to a first time client, that they will feel therapists hand first and then the heat of the stones to ensure the client does not get a shock. Feedback regarding the temperature and the pressure is essential during this massage. Only when the stones have cooled slightly may they be tucked in strategic areas such as behind the shoulders, on the back or legs.
It is so important to have a good experienced massage therapist in the spa to provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and a high standard of treatment for the client. Many things combine to make a good massage therapist whether it is their ability to create a rapport with their clients, or the little touches they add to their treatments, ultimately each persons style and energy is unique.
A good masseur is fully trained and qualified. Attention to hygiene and cleanliness is a critical aspect of their role. They need to understand what pressure is required based on the physicality of the client. The massage therapists intention is to make the client feel better, relaxed and at ease. Caring for the client is expected and is the minimum requirement.
A masseur also needs to be a brilliant communicator, building rapport and trust, has genuine interest in the client’s wellbeing and understanding what they need. They leave their own personal issues at the door and YOU are their main priority. Every massage therapist must have a high qualification in anatomy and physiology, this is so important as the client may have areas of concern that need work or areas that are contra-indicated, therefore the therapist must have the knowledge of how to handle these situations and giving the correct treatment and highest quality of client care. The power of touch is an amazing thing and is a critical part of being a good massage therapist.
Here at our Day Spa we pride ourselves on our highly qualified massage therapists, who give exceptional treatments and client care, each therapist will tailor a perfect massage to suit every clients needs.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Swedish Massage – 7 Benefits & Background Guide
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010Katie here from La Spa…
The Swedish Full Body Massage is the most popular massage
offered by our therapists here at La Spa Therapie day spa. This 60 minute treatment will be sure to leave you feeling relaxed and pampered. This massage is prized above all others as it offers total relaxation which frees the mind and body from anxiety and tension.
The purpose of this massage is to bring relaxation to the body by manipulating the muscles with long gliding strokes that follow the direction of the blood returning to the heart. This massage uses a combination of 6 classical movements.
These include Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Hacking, Cupping and Kneeding.
These movements are used depending on the effect desired. They are a means of inducing relaxation or to invigorate the system.
- Effleurage is a light stroking movement, this stimulates the sensory nerve endings, increases lymphatic flow, and relaxes contracted muscles.
- Petrissage are compression movements of kneading or friction, these are performed with intermitted pressure. They remove lactic acid from muscle tissues, relax contracted muscles, aid absorption of fluids to help take down swelling and prevent fibrositis in the muscles.
- Tapotement is percussion movements they are carried out by clapping, beating or pounding, they stimulate the circulatory system, nerve paths become clearer, these movements are very relaxing on the body and the muscles are left relaxed.
- Hacking, this is a much lighter faster movement than the others, it is performed with the hands at right angles to the wrists, the palms facing but not touching. It is always performed across the muscle fibres, it is very stimulating both to the circulation and to the sensory nerve endings. This movement improves tone and muscle response.
- Cupping, this is performed with the hands formed into loose cups, which rhymatically strike the body. The hands form a vacuum like effect on their palmar surfaces, appearing to draw up the bulky tissues, creating immediate erythema reaction.
- Kneeding, this provides immediate effects and long term benefits to the muscle. Compression and relaxation of the muscle tissue causes the vascular and lymphatic vessels to be emptied and filled, thus increasing the circulation and increasing the removal of waste products. This in turn eliminates fatigue.
The main benefits of Swedish massage are as follows:
1. Relaxes and pampers the client
2. Repairs and relaxes overworked and injured muscles
3. Stimulates the lymphatic system which helps to rid the body of a build up of toxins.
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Increases blood oxygen levels
6. Increases flexibility and reduces tension.
7. Relieves fatigue.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Massage Types Guide
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Rachel here from La Spa…..
Understanding and knowing the differences between different massages can help you to choose the best suited massage for you and for your needs. Here is a brief overview of the main massage types available at most day spas.
Holistic Massage is the name given to all massage treatments; these are then broken down into sub categories of different types of massage styles from around the world, which give different benefits to different ailments.
Indian Head Massage – originated in India and used by people to help reduce stress and sustain mental well-being
Swedish Massage – massage to encourage circulation in the body and stimulate the muscles.
Hot Stone Massage – massage to encourage positive energy and deep heat penetration to the muscles.
Aromatherapy Massage – treating the body for specific ailments using essential oils.
Lomi Lomi Massage – a Hawaiian massage using sweeping movements to relax the mind and body.
Ki Massage – light touch massage encouraging positive energy and well-being.
Reflexology Massage – using specific pressure points on the hands or feet to stimulate organs and systems of the body.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
