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What is it?
Massage involves different types of touch, pressure or flowing movements applied to the skin and underlying tissues to release muscular tension and pain, relax the body and enhance wellbeing.
Swedish massage (also known as therapeutic massage) - uses a range of techniques applied to the skin using oils, including:
What's it used for?
Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain and to facilitate healing from injury. It also plays an important part in sports therapy.
What does it involve?
Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.
How does it work?
Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products. Massage is believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ chemicals, known as endorphins, that help us relax. It may also help "block" pain signals.
What's the evidence?
Studies have shown that massage may help relieve stress, anxiety and pain, especially back pain and fibromyalgia (a condition with painful, stiff and tender muscles and joints) and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. It's been shown to give short-term benefits to those undergoing chemotherapy, by relieving anxiety and depression, and to offer some help for certain physical conditions such as constipation and menstrual pain.
Who practises it?
Massage is practised by both conventional and complementary medicine practitioners, including nurses, osteopaths, chiropractors, reflexologists and aromatherapists. All treatments at Birds Nest Cottage are carried out by a certificated therapist.
What happens if I have it?
Diagnosis: Massage therapists do not make medical diagnoses, so if you are in any doubt about your condition you should consult your doctor. Treatment: Usually a brief medical history will be taken to determine the most appropriate form of massage for you. For many types of massage you will be asked to undress down to your underwear and lie on a massage couch, where you will be covered with warmed towels or a sheet. The room should be warm enough to allow you to relax fully. Certain forms of massage, such as Shiatsu, are performed through clothing. Oils may be used, as in Swedish massage or aromatherapy, and either the whole body or just a certain part, such as the feet in reflexology, will be massaged. Associated techniques, such as hot packs or infra-red heat lamps, may also be used as part of the treatment. Time taken: A massage can last anything from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on whether it's a partial or full massage, but commonly takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Massage is not suitable on broken, damaged, bruised, swollen or infected skin, burns, open cuts or wounds, over varicose or inflamed veins or when someone has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a fever. It's also not advised if someone has suspected broken bones, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis), advanced cancers or serious heart problems.
Are there any side-effects?
Massage is generally very safe when practised by trained therapists. Mild side-effects: slight drowsiness owing to relaxation during treatment. You are often advised to rest briefly before resuming daily activities such as driving. Occasional side-effects: some forms of deep tissue massage cause tenderness or stiffness the next day. Certain essential oils can cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions.
How many treatments will I need?
Daily treatments may be advised to treat pain or sports injuries. A weekly massage is often given for relaxation and the relief of stress and anxiety. These may last for a set number of weeks or be on an ongoing basis.
How much will it cost?
Our home page lists costs, discounts may be given for multiple treatments. It may be offered on the NHS in certain contexts such as cancer care, cardiac wards and neonatal wards.
How can I find a qualified practitioner?
Your Quiet Time practitioner is a member of a professional body and has been thoroughly trained. The General Council for Massage Therapy maintains a register of practitioners trained to approved standards.
What if I have a problem?
Massage should be comfortable and relaxing. If it is painful, or you're not happy with the way that touch is being applied, tell your practitioner or ask them to stop. If you have a more serious complaint use the formal complaints procedure of your practitioner’s professional body.
A medical opinion: Dr David Peters, professor of integrated healthcare at Westminster University, London, says: "Evidence for the therapeutic benefits of massage, from both research studies and patient reports, is very strong indeed and many doctors support its use. When practised by well-trained therapists it appears to be safe and to enhance general feelings of well-being."
What are Hopi Ear Candles?
Thermal Auricular Therapy (also known as Hopi Ear Candles) is a pleasant and non-invasive treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of conditions. These ear candles induce a revitalising heat upon the head and ears, which soothes, relieves and relaxes.
A Brief History of Hopi Ear Candles
This is an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. It is believed that the Ancient Greeks used ear candles, initially probably for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual basis, but much later on a purely physical basis. However, the practice reached the modern world via the native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona (it's interesting to note that Hopi means peaceful people). Ear candles were used traditionally by Shamen healers. Ancient wall paintings show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe. The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians.
How do Hopi Ear Candles work?
The candles are made from the natural ingredients of beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St Johns Wort, chamomile, beta-carotene and organically grown flax. A constant high quality is ensured. The candles work on a chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed. They equalise the pressure in the head and ears, making them suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and the vapour collects and removes impurities or deposits. Most of these are carried away through the candle "chimney", although some of them can be found in the condensed candle wax residue after removal from the ear, or could even work their way up to the surface 24-48 hours after.
What are Hopi Ear Candles used for?
Though results may vary from patient to patient, reports have indicated Hopi Candles to be helpful with:
Remember, if in doubt, always contact your GP.
Are there any side effects?
No contradications are known to date but as a precaution, it is advisable not to use Hopi candles: if grommets are in place; if there is inflammation or infection, in the event of an allergic reaction to the contents.
However, most clients find the treatment relaxing and regularly describe "slight relieved feeling" in the ears and head but also a relaxing and calming effect on the whole system.
Where long-term conditions are being treated, the client sometimes experiences slight headaches and occasional popping shortly after the treatment.
What a typical Treatment Session entails
You are asked to lie comfortably and listen to relaxing music. The candle is then gently placed into the auditory canal, where it is lit. I hold it in a vertical position, my hands keeping the candle steady and preventing any ash falling on to you. You will experience a pleasant crackling sound as the candle burns and a warm comfortable feeling. As the candle burns down, the residue ash (if it falls) will just turn to dust. The candle is then taken away while you lie there for a few moments before turning over to treat the other ear. Most clients find the whole experience very relaxing. Some fall asleep during treatment.
How much does it cost?
The treatment lasts ½ hr. However, costs can vary. See our home page for prices.Please contact Lynda for a brief discussion and discount options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the residue of the candle go into the ear?
No - the candles are made with a plug inside which prevents anything going into the ear.
Does it help to have a treatment before taking a flight?
Yes - if you have no ear infection and if you suffer with ears or sinus problems, it is a good idea to have a treatment prior to your flight to get rid of any excess wax
I suffer from a lot of ear wax and often have them syringed. Could I use these candles instead?
Yes you could. I have a number of clients who previously endured the discomfort of syringing but now visit me for hopi treatment instead.
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on. While LaStone continues to be popular, massage therapists and spas have also developed their own versions of the hot stone massage using heated, smooth rocks.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current. The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.
Why Do People Get Hot Stone Massage?
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation. Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure. People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions: back pain and aches, poor circulation, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, stress, anxiety and tension, insomnia and depression
How Do the Hot Stones Feel?
The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat. The stones are heated in an electrical heating unit. The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you. Cool marble stones are occasionally used during a treatment, particularly if there is inflammation.
What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back. After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin. The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time. You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.