Love Lomilomi

Lomilomi is an ancient Hawaiian holistic healing art; it is unique, flowing, nurturing and energetically vibrant yet deeply relaxing full body massage. It is also known as 'loving hands' therapeutic massage. It works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes of varying intensity using hands and forearms giving the feeling of many hands on the body at once, and allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch. The long continuous strokes of the massage are designed to help the body let go of its old patterns and behaviours which can cause as many stress and strains as muscle tension.

Every client is different and the therapist work intuitively. The massage may be at times slow, rhythmic and relaxing, or at times faster and more invigorating yet soothing, the breath is deep, and the attitude is loving and reverent as both the therapist and receiver are often transported into an altered state. Sometimes the recipient may experience an emotional release as the massage can shift and dissolves negative emotions, beliefs, patterns and memories that have been stored in the cells of the body.

The healing effects of the massage invites permanent change and can be likened to a guided meditation with a deep inner connection. It offers a uniquely empowering and inspirational experience creating wonderful feelings, visions and insights beyond your expectation and can continue long after the massage is over This massage is especially good for reducing stress, increasing circulation, and can help speed up recovery from illness; it is incredibly relaxing and powerfully detoxifying. In the end, that wonderful post-massage feeling of nurtured peace lingers opening the door for renewal, restoration and transformation.

This pregnancy massage uses the same principles and therapeutic techniques from Lomilomi; it relieves many of the common ailments associated with pregnancy, helping the mother and baby remain in a balanced and healthy state both physically and mentally. A side-lying position enables a gentle back massage to be carried out and the use of pillows, cushions and large soft towels ensures that you are fully supported and comfortable at all times.

Postnatal massage focuses on helping to restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition and aims to nourish and tone stretched skin, aid relaxation, reduce neck and shoulder tension and boost your energy levels.

It is perfectly safe and highly beneficial to have massage after the first trimester of pregnancy onwards, although it is always wise to check with your GP or midwife first in case they have any concerns. Post-natal massage is recommended from 6 weeks onwards.

Bamboo Massage is a table massage or seated massage where the therapist uses warmed bamboo tools of varying lengths and diameter to roll, knead and relax muscles with deep tissue techniques The warmth of the sticks relaxes the body, the heat penetrates the deeper layers of the skin surface, they provide drainage, relaxation and reshaping of the tissue simultaneously. Bamboo symbolizes suppleness and resilience, straightforwardness and simplicity; and the massage satisfies two major needs: relaxation and well-being

Clients who prefer to receive a deep tissue or sports massage will love this treatment, as this massage is great for the relief of overused muscle and soreness incurred in all sports and in professions that build up stress.

Deep tissue massage is sometimes referred as myofascial release and is used not only from massage therapist but physical therapist and osteopaths. This treatment focuses on releasing the deeper myofascial restrictions of the deeper muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body by using hands, knuckles, elbows and forearms through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia.

When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage, however, you should feel better within a day or two.

Chair massage uses point pressure, muscle stretching and compression, done in a rhythmic movement of gentle rocking along the SEN or energy lines of the body. It is an energy boosting massage which focuses on the areas of greatest tension within the body; namely the neck, back, shoulders, arms, hands and scalp. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used, making this an on-site chair massage a versatile form of bodywork that is ideally suited for the stressed-out corporate employee, weary conference delegate or those on the go who need a quick pick-me-up!

Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. The hot stones are smooth and flat are placed on key points on the body. They are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. 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 therapist holds the stones and uses them to massage certain areas of the body. Crystals connected to the chakra system are placed onto the energy centres of the body to rebalance the body and mind.

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.

Reiki (pronounced 'ray key') is a Japanese word meaning 'universal life energy'. This energy flows through the hands of the practitioner to the person receiving the treatment, promoting health and natural healing. The treatment is totally safe and non-invasive and can be used alongside other therapies and conventional medicine. The client remains fully clothed and there is no physical manipulation involved, as with massage. The client prepares for treatment by relaxing on a massage couch or a chair. The practitioner may then rest their hands lightly and gently on, or just above the body in a sequence of positions, each one being held for a couple of minutes. At times, when the practitioner work intuitively, the time spent on certain position may be longer.

Although personal experiences differ, some people report feeling an intense heat from the practitioner's hands during the process. Reiki may stir up emotions as part of the healing process and some people also experience a healing reaction such as a headache or mild flu-like symptoms, but any discomfort should be short-lived. Reiki may help with stress/anxiety/depression, relax the mind and body, increase feelings of well-being, improve concentration and clarity of mind, help to uplift and balance the emotions and promote feelings of happiness.

Dorn is a gentle, safe and very effective treatment designed to help alleviate the cause of back and joint pain in people of all ages. It is used to correct misalignments of the spinal column and other joints, helping relieve back pain, neck pain, headaches, hip, sciatica, jaw, knee, shoulder and many more problem areas.

Dorn consists of a range of simple exercises and techniques which aim to help joints and vertebrae slip back into their natural positions. In addition, a very gentle spinal back massage (Breuss) is given to safely stretch, align, energize and relax the spine.

It is also a true self help treatment, free of unpleasant side effects, completely safe with no medication being required. People who come for treatment are shown very simple tips and techniques to take away with them so they can help themselves to stay pain free.

More details can be found on the Dorn Method website

Quite different from conventional wax candles, a Hopi ear candle is actually a cotton tube, impregnated with beeswax, honey and therapeutic oils, that is painlessly inserted into the ear to draw out impurities, relieve pressure in the head and sinuses, and aid hearing problems. The ear candle is lit to generates a gentle heat which, when combined with the therapeutic oils, produces a light suction action. This is known as the chimney principle, and works by drawing impurities gently to the surface, where they can be removed. This is followed by a period of relaxation and a facial massage concentrating on the sinus areas. None of the candle residue actually goes into the ear, most deposits evaporate and are carried away through the candle 'chimney', but some are found in the condensed candle wax residue after it is removed from the ear.