Massage is an ancient and popular form of therapy known to improve physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Benefits include reduced stress levels, improved mood, better immune functioning, better digestion, lower blood pressure, and increased metabolism – to name but a few. By minding the body, massage can help to relax your mind, which again will have a profound effect on the physiological processes of your body.

One of the great things about massage is that it can be used not only as a means of stress relief, a brilliant tool for body maintenance, or simply to pamper. On a deeper level, it may raise your awareness of your own body and promote sense of well-being and self-appreciation, while providing you with a possibility to relax, unwind, de-knot mentally and physically. There are many more things that can be said about massage, but one thing holds true: it simply feels good!

Massage, the antidote to stress

It is commonly estimated that about 70% of visits to the GP are motivated by symptoms of stress, and that many conditions are caused or aggravated by stress – some even suggests more than 80%. One more reason to make sure that you take time out for yourself!

Relaxation can take many forms, such as yoga, meditation, or a hot bath – or massage. Nurturing touch stimulates the release of natural pain-killers and ‘happy hormones’ (endorphins, serotonin, oxcytocin, etc). This is one of the reasons why people might feel ‘blissed out’ during or after a massage, but these hormones also play a major role in the complicated balance of body systems. A relaxation massage also stimulates the ‘rest and digest’ branch of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to lower stress-hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can have a very adverse effect if high levels are sustained over a period of time. Click here to read more on the effects of stress.

The types of treatment offered by me are all designed to be relaxing, but do each place an emphasis on different aspects: for example, the primary goal in a therapeutic massage would be to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, whilst a deep tissue massage would be looking at releasing structural restriction. Hot stones work at releasing tension through the application of heat, whilst a face massage looks at achieving relaxation and well-being in a different manner yet again. But there is nothing better than experiencing for yourself what it feels like!

Last but not least, regular massage does remind muscles and mind of how it feels to "let go", and can help retrain neurological pathways.

I am also a strong believer in the therapeutic power of yoga, and have teamed up with experienced yoga teacher Susanna Grace to offer yoga within the framework of a series of massage sessions – a truly integrative and holistic approach! Check out the individual treatment pages to learn more.

Therapeutic massage • Hot stones massage • Deep tissue massage • Tsuboki® Japanese Face Massage • Yoga one-to-ones

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