Holistic Massage

What is Massage?

Massage is a hands-on therapy. There are many different types of Massage from various parts of the world and employing specialized techniques. They all have the same overall goal of promoting wellness.

What is ‘Holistic’ Massage?

When a Massage is called ‘holistic’ it comes from the idea that physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs all affect your health. They are all interconnected. When you feel under par in one, this affects you in others.

Muscle tension can be the body’s way of expressing emotional stress or worry. Stress is a factor in both illness and health.

When a therapist starts massaging, the client usually responds by physically and mentally relaxing.

Research suggests that being touched can lower blood pressure, heart rate, reduce anxiety and depression, boost your immune system, and relieve pain.

Touch acts as a reminder to sense your body, to become more aware of your physical presence. When we are ’embodied,’ we are grounded, confident, and happy.

The benefits of Holistic Massage

• relaxing tight muscles
• boosting blood circulation
• calming the nervous response
• helping you to sleep better
• reducing stress

What Clients have said about it:

• soothed my busy mind and agitation
• mentally and physically refreshed
• at ease, comfortable in my body
• the shoulder stiffness has gone

What to expect during your Holistic Massage with Pippa

The consultation will ask you about your aims and goals for the massage therapy session/s. I will also chat about lifestyle, exercise, and dietary habits.

Everybody goes through various states of health, physical fitness, and emotional stability. Each client is unique. I adapt and customize all treatments to support each person.

Preparing for treatment

I will create a calm surrounding for you, with low-level lighting, the candles lit, and music on low.

I generally use almond oil or a massage creme on your skin, so you will need to undress to your underwear. You will be draped in towels apart from the area I am massaging.

I also have a variety of pre-blended aromatherapy oils for you to choose from should you wish. These range from ‘Sound Asleep’ which helps to calm and relax, via ‘Heaven Scent’ every woman’s dream, to ‘D-Tox’ to boost a sluggish system. I usually carry 13 different blends from SalonServe, so you can find one that’s just right for you.

The massage process

Once you are snuggled in and settled on the couch table, I will begin.

My touch will vary in depth, speed, and intention. I may use my hands, forearms, or elbows with light or medium pressure.

I will check that the pressure and techniques are to your liking. The treatment should feel comforting and nurturing so that you can drift off and let the cares of the day float away.

Holistic massage techniques may include gliding (Effleurage), kneading, wringing, and skin-rolling (Pettrissage). Friction and percussive hacking, cupping, pummelling, and brushing stimulate the deeper tissue.

The Holistic Massage will pamper you back to a relaxed state.

At the end of your Massage

You will have time to gently stir and sit quietly on the couch before getting dressed. If you have brought water, this is a good time to drink it.

I may make some suggestions of things you can do at home to consolidate your treatment. These may be a movement pattern or a step towards a lifestyle change.

We usually get diaries out and plan a future treatment at this time.

After-care

Massage has a detoxifying effect on the body. I advise clients to drink extra water and avoid alcohol for 24hrs.

Use the remainder of your day to eat lightly, balance rest with gentle exercise, and breathe fully.

The Science of Touch

Hugging and other forms of nonsexual touch cause your brain to release oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Oxytocin stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin while reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine. These chemical changes make you feel happier. Research suggests that being touched can lower blood pressure, heart rate, reduce anxiety and depression, boost your immune system, and relieve pain.