Archive for the ‘Reflexology’ Category
What are Complementary Therapies?
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
Complementary Therapies available at La Spa Therapie Malahide are designed to help you restore your body’s balance, relieve stress and improve overall wellbeing. But what exactly is meant by the term ‘complementary therapies’ and just how do these treatments work?
The term ‘complementary therapy’ can be defined as the use of non-pharmaceutical techniques as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, traditional medicine, with the aim of improving health and wellbeing. Complementary therapy takes a holistic approach to health, combining mind, body and energy systems, and is beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as asthma, migraine, eczema, insomnia, fatigue and stress.
So what does complementary therapy involve?
This will depend on the complementary therapy treatment you choose. For instance your therapy may involve stimulating pressure points on the head, feet and hands (reflexology), or palm-healing to align energy channels throughout your body (reiki), or the use of fine needles placed in key areas to encourage healing (acupuncture). For almost every common ailment there is a complementary therapy, with its own unique techniques, that can assist with the specific healing of that ailment while providing overall improved wellbeing.
Below are some of the popular complementary therapies available at La Spa Malahide, demystified…
- Indian Head Massage
Massaging of the head, neck and face manipulates energy channels (or chakras) with the goal of clearing blockages. Blockages mean a build up of negative energy that can be the cause of ailments such as stress, aches and pains, and even hair loss.
- Reflexology
More than just a foot massage, reflexology accesses nerve endings in the feet that are linked to every organ and nervous system of the body. Through manipulating certain points in the feet, your reflexologist can rebalance your body’s energy and promote healing.
- Reiki
Using a technique called palm-healing, reiki promotes self-healing and restoring of your body’s sense of equilibrium by using various palm techniques to transfer energy (or ki) to where it is needed.
- Hopi Ear Candle
Named after a Northern American Indian tribe called the Hopi, this treatment involves safely and gently rotating a candle composed of special healing ingredients in your ear. Absorption of the candle properties helps to regulate pressure within the ear and head and can relieve sinus, headache, and tinnitus problems.
- Cranio Sacral Therapy
This gentle “hands-on” therapy involves monitoring your body’s rhythms and pinpointing sources of obstruction to aid the movement of that blockage. It’s very beneficial for neck, shoulder and back pain, and sciatica and mobility problems, and also works well for tinnitus, migraines, vertigo and sleep apnoea.
- Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese holistic therapy relieves pain and discomfort and promotes healing. Fine sterilized needles are inserted into predetermined points on your body in order to stimulate that zone and restore health.
These are just a handful of the therapies available at La Spa. See our full list of complementary therapy services on our website.Other treatments include stress management, integrated energy therapy, hypnotherapy & psychotherapy, as well as sessions to help you quit smoking, lose weight and improve emotional wellness.
We hope this brief introduction has helped your understanding of what complementary therapy is all about. We’ll take a closer look at each of these treatments in future blog posts and answer any questions you might have.
Over to you… have you experienced a complementary therapy treatment? How did it improve your wellbeing?
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.
Reflexology available in Dublin Day Spa
Thursday, September 1st, 2011Rachel here from La Spa…
A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or left hand represents the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half.
In reflexology practice, pressure and specific techniques are applied to the relevant reflex areas to stimulate that related part of the body. Research has demonstrated beneficial effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body.
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt, China and Japan.
Here at La Spa Therapie, Malahide, you will be welcomed into a warm, tranquil atmosphere where the relaxation begins as soon as you walk through the door. Reflexology appointments usually last 1 hour, and courses are available.
The course of treatment will vary depending on your body’s needs. Your experienced reflexologist will discuss this with you at the first session in La Spa Therapie.
After the first couple of treatments you may experience feelings of well-being and relaxation or you may feel lethargic or even nauseous. This is transitory, but does provide your reflexologist with vital information on how your body is responding to treatment.
At our Dublin Day Spa, we use Reflexology to treat and alleviate the symptoms of
- Stress
- Migraine
- Sinus problems
- Back problems
- Breathing problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Digestive disorders
- Circulatory problems
Reflexology- An Overview
Friday, March 4th, 2011
Katie here from La Spa…
Reflexology available at our day spa is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilising specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion. Reflexology is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands which stimulates a physical change in the body.
It can be used to: (to name just a few)
• Create Relaxation
• Reduce Pain
• Improve Blood Flow
• Impact on cholesterol
A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or left hand represents the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half.
In reflexology practice, pressure and specific techniques are applied to the relevant reflex areas to stimulate that related part of the body. Research has demonstrated beneficial effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body.
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archaeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt, China and Japan.
In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980s and have spread throughout Asia and the rest if the world, creating today’s reflexology-rich environment with reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners, businesses and research.
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.
