A-Z of Massage

Before booking your next treatment, check out our guide below to ensure your next massage is right for you

Ayurveda:

An ancient Indian holistic medical system involving diet, yoga, massage and herbal remedies based on five elements – earth, water, fire, air and space, stressing balance through your dosha.

Ayurvedic Shirodhara:

The streaming of warm oil onto the forehead (third eye), followed by a scalp massage and depending on the treatment, another body massage.

Acupressure:

An ancient healing art using the fingers, and other parts of the body, to skilfully press key points to stimulate the body’s natural, self-healing abilities.

Balinese:

Related to Ayurveda it is an ancient technique which uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ (energy) around the body, for deep relaxation.

Deep Tissue:

This massage uses slower and much firmer strokes than other treatments and follows muscle and tendon fibres and is often used by osteopaths.

Head massage:

Often referred to as an Indian head massage, focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. The technique uses a variety of pressure that tap into the seven chakras, encouraging healing and balance throughout the body. Good for relieving tension, headaches, neck and back pain.

Hot stone massage:

Smooth, heated stones of varying sizes are placed on parts of the body – from the forehead to between the toes – creating a sensation of warmth and comfort. The heat from the stones is wholly therapeutic – helping detox the body and relaxing the nervous system.

Reiki:

A holistic treatment based on the idea of balance and ‘qi’. A gentle form of healing, originally from Tibet. Reiki aims to renew and refresh your energy flow, encouraging healing and increasing your sense of well-being.

Reflexology:

The physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands which corresponds with all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles in your body. Pressure on your hands or feet can effect a physical change elsewhere in the body.

Shiatsu:

A traditional hands-on Japanese holistic treatment that combines massage, acupressure and stretching. Known as a healing massage, regular treatments assist the body’s immune system and strengthen its ability to heal itself.

Swedish:

Normal Swedish massage techniques are specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Increases the oxygen flow in the blood releases toxins from the muscles.

Thai:

A combination of acupressure, Shiatsu and yogic stretches, Thai massage stimulates the acupressure points across the body, healing pain and releasing tension. The belief system behind it is one of complete healing, aimed at connecting body, energy and mind.

Watsu:

Often described as Shiatsu in water, Watsu is a deeply relaxing combination of water-based exercise, flotation and massage. Watsu is gentle with assisted stretching, movement and massage that takes place in a pool of warm water (around 35ºC).

Wraps:

Designed to provide therapeutic and cosmetic benefits by cleansing the body of toxins and reducing inches by firming the skin, and relaxing the muscles. Seaweed wraps are especially good – the skin absorbs minerals that are essential for restoring its tone.

Zen:

The art of letting go and of simply being at peace. Zen massage incorporates moments of stillness, long slow strokes and stretches to reconnect the body and mind. Instead of avoiding painful areas, a Zen therapist will focus attention on a body spot until the tension melts away using breathing, gentle pressure and hot stones.