HOLISTIC MASSAGE FACTFILE

Massage therapy relieves pain from injuries, stress and muscular tension through the manipulation of soft tissues of the body.  Massage treatment enables the body’s recovery and healing process from some acute and chronic conditions.  Additionally it enhances lymph and blood circulation, supplying fresh oxygen and nutrients to the recovering tissues as well as flushing out the body’s toxins.

Holistic massage assists the body to heal on many levels including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, this is due to the foundation of the therapy treating the ‘whole’ person, whereas other treatments may just focus on the symptoms of disease, excessive stress or anxiety.

Holistic massage therapy is a strong and often reflective therapy, brought about by the calming effects of the healing, which engage the power of touch, energy and movement.  The deep sense of relaxation is triggered by; the calming effects upon the neuromuscular system, which also in turn restores the body’s energy levels.

It is the rhythmical nature of the massage strokes, that unwinds muscle tension and tension in the mind, enabling the body to regain harmony and balance and feel refreshed.
Furthermore, Holistic Massage has been known and used for thousands of years as one of the most beneficial ways of keeping the body free from stress and illness.

Holistic Massage may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

Sessions typically last between 45 minutes and 1 hour although you should expect the first session to be longer as your therapist will ask you about your medical history along with other relevant health and lifestyle details. They will also examine your body for any muscular imbalances.  From this feedback the therapist can then put together a profile for you and tailor your massage to suit.

The massage will take place in a warm, relaxing and informal environment.  Soothing music is normally played to calm the mind and help your body to fully unwind.
During treatment, the massage therapist will focus on releasing tension from taut muscles and helping them to relax.  Gentle rhythmical stroking and kneading of the body's soft tissues help to promote lymphatic circulation as well as release built-up toxins within the muscle.

Typically, the massage therapist will initiate a series of long-slow type movements over affected areas by using the base of their palms. This technique warms the muscles, whilst spreading the oil over the limb evenly.  In addition to the slow strokes over the muscles, other techniques, which are commonly applied is lifting, thumb pressure, kneading; with both palms, hacking, rolling and cupping; an alternate ‘chopping’ motion up and down the body.  Each stroke employed by the therapist has a specific healing objective attached to it.

Following treatment people commonly feel a heightened sense of wellbeing and calm, together with an improvement in joint mobility.  The massage therapist will advise you to drink plenty of water after your massage, as the treatment releases toxins and will dehydrate the body.  Further treatments and other recommendations will also be discussed at this point.

FINDING A QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Most people find Holistic Massage Therapy deeply relaxing and enjoy the tension it releases throughout the body.  It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the Massage Association of New Zealand (MNZ).  Holistic Massage Therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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