Treatments
Therapeutic Massage
My massage treatments consist of swedish massage strokes with varying degrees of pressure, deep tissue strokes and pressure, lymphatic drainage and stretching techniques, and acupressure points. The deep tissue strokes are beneficial to help release chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia.
Champissage™ (Indian Head Massage)
Indian Champissage™ is an extended form of Indian Head Massage developed by Narendra Mehta that works on physical, mental and subtle levels. It works on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, head and face and the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension.
It is a wonderfully relaxing therapy which is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system and Chakra balancing. The massage is safe and very effective, without the need to undress.
Treatments are carried out with the client seated and fully clothed, with the removal only of outdoor coats, ties, necklaces and earrings (where possible). The use of oils to benefit the hair and scalp is optional.
About Chakra Energy
The chakras are seven centres (or wheels) of energy located in the astral body, that is to say about one inch away from the physical body. They are traditionally thought of as spinning vortices of energy and are located at different levels starting at the base of the spine and ending at the crown of the head, each with a specific function. An imbalance in one charka can lead to an imbalance in one or more of the remaining charkas and therefore an imbalance in the body. Through the stresses of modern life, the chakras can sometimes lose their ability to synchronise with each other and can become unbalanced. Narendra discovered as part of his research in India that they can often be re-balanced by working with the three high charkas (located in the throat, forehead and crown of the head); energy is realigned and harmony is restored in the whole body.
On-site Seated Acupressure Massageback to top
The client remains fully dressed and is seated on an ergonomically designed portable chair to fully support their body in comfort. No oils are used.
It is based on an ancient Japanese technique known as Anma, a meridian-based massage where a sequence of acupressure points along the back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck and head are stimulated by thumb, finger, elbow and knuckle, combined with friction pressures, squeezing and rolling movements to break down tensions, and stretches. This press and release technique is intended to stimulate and balance the flow of energy or life-force throughout the body. In turn this may stimulate the circulatory, muscular, nervous, immune and lymphatic systems and therefore may promotes the release of endorphins and important mood-regulating neurotransmitters, leaving the client feeling good in a relaxed, but energised and clearly focused frame of mind.
Although this treatment is not available in Putney Bridge Clinic, I often incorporate aspects of this treatment into a therapeutic massage treatment
Aromatherapyback to top
Aromatherapy is the ancient art of using concentrated plant essences (essential oils) for their therapeutic properties to support a healthy mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy Massage is a common and enjoyable way of using the plant essences to be easily absorbed into the body through the skin, as well as by olfaction, or smelling. Aromatherapy can also be used in a number of other ways safely and effectively in your own home following advice from a qualified Aromatherapist. I am happy to advise on ways in which to use these, including blending personal massage/bath/skin care products (creams or oils) for clients to purchase.
Essential oils have been used for over 4000 years to heal the body and the mind. They are highly volatile fluids that occur naturally in aromatic plants around the world; seeds, flowers, trees, herbs, plants and fruits. Commonly used essential oils in Aromatherapy are Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Geranium and Bergamot, but a wide range of oils are selected from to make a bespoke blend for each client’s individual needs. Many are well known to/have been proven to have antibacterial, antiseptic or cicatrisant (wound healing) properties for example, the most well-known being Lavender for it’s ability to heal burns to the skin.
They each have their individual distinct therapeutic properties, due to their complex chemical compositions (typically circa. 100 chemical constituents in each single essential oil).
Oils are carefully selected and blended in different ways, each for their synergistic effect and benefits.
Oriental Aromatherapyback to top
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on understanding not only symptoms of ill health, but their relationship to deeper imbalances, and treating the disharmonies and the 'root of' symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. It integrates the ancient theories of yin & yang, the five elements, or phases, and the concepts of Qi (also known as Chi, Ki, Prana, or universal energy). TCM is the most common form of acupuncture practiced in China, and the same concepts are applied in Oriental Aromatherapy.
Oriental Aromatherapy combines therapeutic massage with the diagnostic techniques of oriental medicine (TCM) and the aromatic energetics of essential oils.
The oils are blended according to their energetics and philosophy of oriental medicine to balance yin & yang (e.g. dryness and moisture, heat and cold, strength and weakness) to regulate Qi (energy), and balance the five elements, thus restoring harmony of the physical state (body), emotions (mind) and spirit (soul).
I incorporate oriental aromatherapy concepts into my Aromatherapy Massage treatments. This may include tongue, nail and other visual and sound aids.
Reflexologyback to top
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feed corresponding to all parts of the body. A reflexologist will use thumb, finger and knuckle pressure on these reflex points around the feet as well as general foot massage to warm and relax the feet and provide an opportunity to relax and unwind.
It is believed that the roots of reflexology go back thousands of years, depicted in ancient Egyptian cave paintings. Modern day reflexology is based on ‘zone therapy’ as developed in 1913 by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American Ear Nose & Throat Specialist. In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham, an American Physiotherapist, observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body, and from this created a map of the feet corresponding to the whole body, and devised the precise massage techniques that are practiced in reflexology today. Of course the profession is forever evolving and new techniques are developed based on research and results, including combining reflexology with zone therapy and meridian body work.
Reflexology helps relaxation, improves moods, aids sleep, helps to relieve tension and improves one’s sense of wellbeing.
Furthermore, Reflexology is increasingly being recognised by medical practitioners & is covered by many Private Medical Insurers. Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.
www.aor.org.uk/index.php?page=what-is-reflexology
Home Blends
I am happy to provide holistic advice and to prepare bespoke blended products for clients to purchase for limited home use, using, as much as possible, natural & organic bases and ingredients.
note: aromatherapy should not be used at home without advice from a professional aromatherapist