MASSAGE PRACTICES
Ancient Greece was the birthplace of therapuetic massage as we know it in Western medicine today. Hippocrates is quoted as saying that massage -- along with fresh air, good food, baths, music, rest, and visits to friends -- is key to treating disease. In keeping with his philosophy, many spas perform massages outdoors, in the fresh air, with music, after a restful muscle-relaxing bath and sometimes before or after a light lunch of salad and fruit. Bring a friend to the spa, and the prescription for good health from Hippocrates himself is complete.
A smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension.
This is a paramedical treatment that helps to restore function to injured "soft tissues" (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Therapy may involve the use of various types of massage, as well as a range of other physical treatments to assist in recovery from injury.
Combining different massage techniques can enhance sports performance and speed recuperation from injury.
Combining the therapeutic properties of essential oils with specific massage techniques can promote health and well-being, physically and emotionally.
Using thumb and finger pressure on the reflex points of the feet (which correspond to all areas of the body) reflexology assists in achieving balance within the body.
Oriental-based systems of finger pressure massage, such as acupressure and Shiatsu, treat points along the acupressure meridians, aiming to release discomfort and rebalance energy. Watsu is Shiatsu massage performed in a warm pool of water. These techniques can be remarkable at relieving muscular pain.
Reiki is an alternative healing technique offered in may spas. Practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to balance what is referred to as the human energy field, Reiki is used to restore and balance the energy field surrounding the body that may have become unbalanced due to stress, emotional or physical trauma, or prolonged illness. This technique is believed to bring about deep relaxation, move blocked energy, and clear emotional blockages that can manifest later as physical ailments.
Hot stone massage is a specialty treatment that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. The massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 to 150 degree water. The therapist then applies traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. Heated stones are placed in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones, usually made of marble, are sometimes used.
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