Massage is 'hands on' treatment involving manipulation of the soft tissues e.g., muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. Generally oils or creams are used on the skin while some styles are practised without oil or through clothing.

As well as promoting relaxation and a general feeling of wellbeing there are many added benefits of massage. These include improved circulation of blood, lymph and elimination of toxins, calming of the nervous system reducing stress and anxiety, improved immune system functioning, energy flow, skin condition and reduced muscle pain and spasm.

Different types of massage can also be used in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, depression, joint pain or stiffness and sports injuries etc. Massage is also very beneficial during pregnancy.

Types of massage available at Paddington Acupuncture and Natural Therapies Clinic are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Pregnancy massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Shiatsu.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is often referred to as relaxation massage, it is a gentle relaxing massage involving techniques to sooth the nervous system, relieve muscular aches and revitalise the body. Long, flowing strokes called effleurage are used alternately with kneading of the muscles, tapotement or percussion type movements and some gentle mobilization of joints.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is used to work deeper into muscles and tendons and usually involves slower movements and firmer pressure working on specific areas of tightness. It can release deep emotional blocks, which can be trapped in the muscle layers and is sometimes referred to as "emotional release massage".

Sports Massage

Sports Massage can be used as a pre-event or post-event treatment as well as injury management and prevention. Although the basic techniques are the same these massages are tailored specifically to the clients individual needs at the time of each massage.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage during pregnancy helps support the body through a time of change. The massage given is appropriate to the stage of pregnancy and can help with conditions such as fluid retention and muscular aches and pains. We have a special Pregnancy massage table that allows the client to lie face down comfortably during the massage.

Lymphatic Drainage

Our lymph system is the way we clear waste from the tissues of our whole body. Lymphatic drainage is a system of massage, which assists the body to rid it of excessive waste in the tissue therefore supporting our immune system. It can be used for fluid retention, chronic coughs, colds, asthma and any condition in which the immune system is under functioning.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu originated in Japan and has very strong links with oriental ideas of healing. It uses deep pressure along meridian pathways to encourage the life force in those meridians to flow. Joint rotation or mobilization is also used as the "qi" energy has a habit of becoming stuck in these areas.