Indian Head Massage has been performed in India in families for generations and was called Champi (the origin of the word shampoo). Today it has been adapted to help with many of the health issues arising in our Western Civilisation.

By concentrating on various pressure points and massage techniques, blood circulation is improved which encourages detoxification and a better oxygen supply to the cells. The immune system is stimulated and joint mobility encouraged.

The massage concentrates on the scalp, upper back, neck, shoulders, arms and face which releases tension and addresses many issues including:

• Hair Loss and hair vitality
• Sleep Disorders
• Poor Concentration
• Anxiety and Stress
• Mental Health Problems
• Scalp Problems
• Ear Problems
• Eye Problems
• Muscular and Joint Pain
• Circulation Problems

What does Indian Head Massage involve?

The massage concentrates on the scalp, upper back, neck shoulders, arms and face which may release tension.

Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue and is especially beneficial for chronically tense areas.

Adhesions or bands of painful, rigid tissue are usually present where there is chronic muscle tension or injury, which can cause pain, inflammation and restricted movement. Deep pressure or friction is used to break down the adhesions, which can block circulation, to relieve pain and restore mobility. As the name suggests this is a deeper form of massage and tends to be more vigourous. Some soreness may be experienced during or after a deep tissue massage, however, if this does happen, it should go within a day or two. Deep Tissue Massage helps loosen muscle tissue, release toxins from the muscles and gets blood and oxygen circulating. Water helps eliminate toxins from the body so it is important to drink plenty of water after a treatment. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on a specific problem

Conditions deep tissue massage is used for:

• Chronic Muscle Pain, Tension or Spasm
• Limited Mobility
• Joint Problems
• Postural Problems
• Recovery from Injuries (Sports, falls etc)
• Diminished Muscle Strength or Movement

What does deep tissue massage involve?

After a consultation, review of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, you will be left to remove all jewellery and clothing down to your under garments before lying on the couch, face down and covered with a towel. Only the part that is being massaged will be exposed at any one time. A hand held massage machine may be used for the first few minutes, through a towel, to warm the muscles and prepare them for the deep tissue work. Gentle music will be played to aid relaxation and candles and essential oils with be burned if the client wishes.

It is best to eat only a light meal after treatment and drink plenty of water to help eliminate toxins. It is also best not to do too much after a massage to gain full benefit from the treatment.

Hot stone massage is a wonderfully warming treatment that uses heat to create very deep relaxation. Hot stone is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated, smooth flat stones are placed on key points of the body between towels at the start of the therapy session so the client is cocooned in a heated towel wrap. More stones are then used to perform the massage along with oil. The stones are basalt (volcanic rock) which contains iron and this helps to retain the heat. The warmth of the stones calms the nervous system as well as improving the circulation and relaxing the muscles. It is a very comforting therapy, an exceptional stress buster!

Conditions Hot Stone Massage is used for:

• Stress Related Issues
• Sleep Issues
• Musculoskeletal Problems
• Joint Problems

What does Hot Stone Massage involve?

After taking a consultation which reviews any symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, you will be left to remove all jewellery and clothes down to your under garments and you will start by lying face up on the couch covered with a towel. Hot stones will be placed on key points between two towels underneath your body and more stones wil be placed on top of the towel covering your body. Whilst these stones are in place the massage will begin with different hot stones and oils on the arms, then legs and so on depending on the areas being worked. You will then be asked to turn over and more stones will be placed on the back over a towel and small stones will be placed between the toes. This extra laying on of the stones ensures the muscles get plenty of warmth which really helps them loosen up before they are massaged. Gentle music, candles and essential oils all add to the calming atmosphere.

Is the name for classic massage and is great for those wanting a deeply relaxing massage. Swedish massage is a soothing type of massage using oil and various strokes are performed to release tension and break up muscle ‘knots’. Swedish massage starts and finishes with relaxing effleurage strokes and then petrissage movements are performed which include kneading, picking up and wringing. This aids circulation and works deeper into the muscles. Percussion movements include hacking and cupping which is very stimulating, warming for the tissues and stimulating for the muscle fibres. Friction movements can be applied to small areas to work deeply into muscle tissue. This is a wonderful de-stressing therapy that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

Benefits Of Swedish Massage

• Blood circulation is improved
• The nervous system may be soothed or stimulated depending on the techniques used
• Easing of muscular strain by flushing out toxins
• Helps keep ligaments and tendons supple
• Easing of emotional and physical stress
• Skin is softened and nourished depending on the medium used
  

What does Swedish Massage involve?

After taking a consultation which includes a review of any symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, you will be left to remove all jewellery and clothing down to your under garments, before lying on the couch, face down, covered with a towel. Only the part that is being massaged will be exposed at any one time. Gentle music will be played to aid relaxation and candles and essential oils with be burned if the client wishes.
It is best to only eat a light meal after a treatment and drink plenty of water to help eliminate toxins. It is also best not to do too much after a massage to gain full benefit from the treatment.

Ear candling (thermo-auricular therapy) is a gentle non-invasive therapy that gives revitalising heat to the ears and head which is both relieving and relaxing. The candles used for ear candling are a hollow tube made from organically grown flax impregnated with beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St John’s Wort, and chamomile. When lit the candles create a gentle heat and smoke is produced. A vacuum is created which helps dislodge impurities from the ear.
Only Biosun Ear Candles are used at The Sanctuary as they are made from pesticide-free, untreated woven cloth and are free from paraffin and other synthetic ingredients. They are the only ear candles that are a certified medical product class IIa according to medical device directive 93/42/EEC.

Conditions that might be helped by Ear Candling

• Excessive Wax in Ears
• Discomfort in Ears and Sinuses
• Regulatory effect on ear, nose and throat system
• Poor or muffled hearing
• High Stress

EAR CANDLING SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED WITH GROMMETS OR PERFORATED EAR DRUM

What does Ear Candling involve?

After taking a consultation which reviews any symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, the client lies on their side,, on a couch with their head supported by a pillow. The candle is placed gently into the outer ear passage and is supported by the therapist’s hands. The other end is alight and a pleasant crackling sound is produced, which feels warm and comfortable as impurities are drawn from the ear. When both ears have been treated the client receives a gentle face massage which encourages drainage from the sinuses and ears before the candles are opened to see if anything has collected in the tube.