Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.

Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.

Swedish Massage

The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling.

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many medical uses.

Lomi Lomi

The word Lomi Lomi simply means massage. What it is, is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii.

To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage, it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna, and how the philosophies of Huna relate to bodywork and healing.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a therapy that works on the feet, hands, ears and body - enabling the body to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or diseases, the body is in a state of "imbalance" and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Restore and maintainthe body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.

A Reflexologist, for example, uses hands to apply pressure to the feet. For each person, the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and by working on these points, the Reflexologist can relase blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.
Tensions are eased and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage, is based on the traditional form of Champi, an Indian word denoting a particular massage technique. The English word "shampoo" is derived from the Hindi. Head massage is commonplace in India - the techniques have been passed through the generations over thousands of years and is featured in the earliest Ayurvedic Texts which date back nearly 4000 years.

In India today, whether as a tourist or resident, it is quite common to be offered a head massage on street corners, in the marketplace and on the beach.

In our modern society, stress, poor eating habits, pollution, lack of exercise and fresh air all contribute to a variety of ailments settling on the head and shoulders. Indian Head Massage is a simple, effective technique that can be practised anywhere.

Shiatsu

It is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on anatomical and physiological theory and is regulated as a licensed medical therapy with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan. Shiatsu is an evolving form. Various styles (called Derivative Shiatsu) incorporate (to differing degrees) aspects of Japanese massage traditions, Chinese Medicine practice, and Western anatomy and physiology.

The characteristic of Shiatsu is to practice using only the fingers, palms and especially the thumbs, but the essence of Shiatsu is “Diagnosis and Therapy combined.”

“Diagnosis and Therapy combined” is the ability of the practitioner to use his sensory organs (palms, fingers, and thumbs) to detect irregularities, such as stiffness of the surface of the body, and to promptly correct or heal these problems. To acquire this skill takes considerable experience. The defining difference between Shiatsu therapy and modern and Kampo medicine (also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and moxibustion) is this “Diagnosis and Therapy combined”; the fact that Shiatsu does not always require previous diagnosis before commencing treatment.

Couples Treatment

Couples massage is a massage that takes place in a suite. This is a room large enough for two people. Couples can enjoy a massage together and experience the pleasure of relaxation and calmness that will permeate into their relationship.