Aromatherapy Massage With Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

What is Aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy is the art of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonise and promote well-being and health. Aromatherapy massage has been used for thousands of years for relaxation, beauty care, home cleaning, medicine and ritual.

Where Do Aromatherapy Essential Oils Come From?

Essential oils are extracted from the root, bark, flower, fruit, leaf or seed of a plant or tree using a process of steam distillation, cold pressing or resin tapping. The resulting essential oil carries the concentrated, characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. When using essential oils for aromatherapy it is best to avoid oils that are extracted using chemicals or solvents and choose only high quality, naturally extracted, organic essential oils.

What effect do they have on us?

When we smell these fragrances they are received by the part of the brain called the limbic system. As well as receiving smell, the limbic system is also responsible for emotion, behaviour, motivation and long term memory. This is why certain smells have the ability to trigger memories or impact on a person’s mood.

What can Aromatherapy be used for?

Aromatherapy is most commonly used to ease stress and anxiety, however it may also be used to relax your body and soothe sore muscles, reduce nasal congestion and fight cold and flu symptoms, stimulate circulation and improve detoxification, aid in concentration and focus, improve sleep and help heal some skin conditions.

How does my massage therapist make the oil?

When using aromatherapy during massage a few drops of concentrated essential oils are added to your massage oil. Several essential oils can be combined together to form blends that are relaxing, stimulating or balancing, depending on what effect you are looking for. Aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of massage with those of the different oil blends used. It is a wholistic approach, encompassing body, mind and spirit.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL MASSAGE OIL BLENDS USED FOR AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE AT CASTLE HILL REMEDIAL MASSAGE

Relax and Unwind

A soothing and uplifting blend to relax the soul and soothe the spirit. Be prepared to slip into a deep sleep while you are massaged with this oil blend

Peace and Wellbeing

A balancing and uplifting blend to ease tension and anxiety. Feel stressed? This oil will help to relieve those stresses and put everything into perspective.

Energising

An energising blend of oils, great to use before sport of work. Helps to invigorate you and get you up and going!!

Muscle-ease

A great blend for easing muscle aches and pains and speeding muscle recovery after exercise. Been to the gym or out running? This is the one for you, your achey muscles will love you for this one.

Calmant

An anti-inflammatory blend to ease inflamed joints, muscles and tendons. Feeling some long term chronic aches and pains? This will relieve the joint and muscle pain you have been suffering from.

Circulation booster

A toning and stimulating blend, to improve circulation and aid in detoxification. How good is that, a great tonic for you arteries and blood.

Nurture

A deeply nourishing blend, great as a facial oil or for use on scars or stretch marks. Let this one hold you in its palms as your body lets go its ancient history.

Conclusion

For a great experience come and have an Aromatherapy Massage where we use the best essential oils for body massage according to your needs. You will feel better than ever, more relaxed, less stressed, less muscle pain and joint pain. Call us now!!

Call now for an appointment on 9659 0515

The Best Pregnancy Massage

Janelle Benefits of Remedial Massage, Is Massage safe, Pregnancy Massage May 29, 2019December 14, 2019Benefits of remedial massage, Castle Hill Remedial Massage, Pregnancy Massage

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pregnant Women

Human touch conveys love, awareness, comfort, and various other sensations. It has the power to alleviate pains and aches in the body and these are just some of the reasons why people love getting massages. People think of a massage as something lavish that can only be had on occasion. However, not a lot of people know that one of the best times to have a massage is when you are pregnant. Pregnancy is an exciting time not just for the expectant mother but for the whole family but it can also be stressful with all the changes that are happening to a mothers body. It is a demanding time for the expectant mother both physically and emotionally and she needs all the support she can get to make life a little easier for her.

Can I have a massage during pregnancy? This is a question that is commonly asked by women who are pregnant or women who are hoping to be pregnant. Is it really safe to have a massage while pregnant? Are there any risks? What are the precautions that should be taken?

What is pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is a term loosely used to describe hands-on massage on pregnant women. It typically lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Different practitioners use a variety of techniques to work on the woman’s body. Pillows may be used to position pregnant women comfortably on her side and some therapists use a table particularly designed to accommodate a pregnant woman’s belly, although this is not common.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is healing and restorative bodywork that puts attention on the unique needs of mothers-to-be as their body goes through various changes. The noninvasive and gentle approach of prenatal massage can do wonders on the body and has numerous benefits to offer. These include;

Reduce anxiety

Studies indicate that getting a massage while pregnant can lessen symptoms of depression, lower anxiety, improve labor outcomes and the health of the baby, as well as relieve joint pains and muscle aches.

Less swelling

Swelling of the joints or edema is very common during pregnancy. It is one of the things pregnant women primarily complain about. Edema happens because there is increased pressure and decreased circulation on the major blood vessels because of the additional weight on the uterus. Pregnancy massage helps stimulate soft tissues reducing swelling in the joints through the reduction of fluid collection. There is also the additional benefit of removing waste tissue from the body easily through the body’s lymph system.

Hormone regulation

Various studies done in the past decade show that hormone levels associated with stress and relaxation are significantly improved when massage therapy is incorporated into a woman’s prenatal care. Women who received biweekly prenatal massages had lower levels of norepinephrine and cortisol. They also had higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. This shift in hormone levels led to fewer problems during birth and a reduced number of difficulties in newborns, such as low birth weight.

Improvement of nerve pain

Late pregnancy is often the time when pregnant women complain of sciatic nerve pain as the uterus lies on the muscles of the lower back and the pelvic floor leading to swelling of the upper and lower legs. Inflamed nerves are relieved by releasing the tension in the muscles of the back, upper legs and buttocks through massage.

Relieve back pain

Pregnant women experience back pain during any point of their pregnancy but it is more common during the later stage as the baby grows. Back massage during pregnancy has been known to reduce back pain.

Other benefits of massage therapy include:

Enhances the pliability of skin and other underlying tissues
Helps new mothers with the physical and emotional strains of being a mother
Promotes tranquil relaxation
Reduces stress
Promotes better sleep
Improves oxygenation of muscles and soft tissues
Improves sleep due to less muscle tension and discomfort

Precautions for prenatal massage

If you have any health concerns out of the ordinary, see your doctor first. In the event that you have had pregnancy related health issue, then before booking your session of pregnancy massage, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. Do not forget to discuss any existing medical conditions with them.
Only go to experts. Only book your pregnancy massage sessions from experts in the field who understand your condition and know how to work on your body.
Refrain from using substances. Pregnancy massage is supposed to help expectant mothers relax and any discomfort or stress is not going to help the mother in any way.

How is pregnancy massage different from regular massage?

It goes without saying that pregnant women are very different from regular people. Pregnant women are expecting a baby and their bodies are different from the rest. Knowledge of pregnancy and a woman’s anatomy are vital. Positioning during a massage is vital to the well-being and safety of both the mother and the baby in the womb. There are also various parts of the body that should not be massaged.

The massage table should set up so as to allow pregnant women to lie in a semi-reclining position. This is not only comfortable, but it is also very safe for the baby. Various other instruments such as wedge pillows, body pillows, and extra padding are also used to make pregnant women more comfortable.

Are there any areas that should be avoided during pregnancy massage?

Recent advice suggests that there are stimulatory areas in the ankles and palms which may cause contractions in the uterus. Although everyone is different and the effects are random, care should be taken in these areas.

Who should avoid prenatal massage?

Although prenatal massage is generally safe, there are certain situations when it should be avoided for the safety and health of both the mother and the baby.

The American Pregnancy Association says women can start getting massage while pregnant at any point. However, most prenatal massage therapists will not cater to pregnant women until they are in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is because the first trimester has the greatest risks of miscarriage and there is a concern that increased blood flow might be harmful to the baby.

Women with certain medical conditions such as the following must avoid prenatal massage:

Recent organ transplant
High blood pressure that is not controlled by medication
Recent surgery or injury
High-risk pregnancy concerns

Conclusion

Massages do wonders for everyone, especially for pregnant women, and it can be one of the most delightful and helpful things to experience when anticipating the birth of a baby. There are a range of aches and pains which can be relieved, including low back pain, upper back pain, neck pain and headaches, then also fluid retention and muscle strain. In addition it is the perfect time for stress relief and if nothing else, it is a fabulous pamper which makes the pregnant mum feel the best she has for ages!!

Call now for an appointment on 9659 0515

The best massage therapy in Castle Hill

Janelle Benefits of Remedial Massage November 24, 2018June 15, 2019Benefits of remedial massage, Does massage have risks, Reducing pain

All about massage therapy in Castle Hill.

What is massage therapy?

Massage is the movement of the soft tissues of the body including the muscles, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues. It can reduce pain and discomfort, increase mobility and improve the well-being of an individual. People will come to a massage therapist for many reasons. These include; relaxation after stressful work situations or home stresses; relaxing and relieving pregnancy massage; to reduce pain and discomfort or for injury rehabilitation. Sometimes its to pamper themselves and improve their sense of health.

Can anyone be a massage therapist?

Massage Castle Hill To practice as a massage therapist, it is a requirement to have done a recognised course of training. This will include certification at the end of the training period. The standard level currently is a Certificate IV in massage therapy. This is a nationally recognised qualification. This is an important consideration.Would you want someone who isn’t qualified giving you a pregnancy massage?

When a high enough level of training is achieved the massage therapist is able to get insurance, without which they cannot practice. This also then allows their clients to obtain private health fund benefits. For instance Medibank private or HCF, will all give a rebate towards a massage. At Castle Hill Remedial Massage Janelle prides herself on having been working as qualified massage therapist for twenty years. And if you turn up for a massage with Janelle and have private health cover then you will get a rebate on the cost of the treatment.

What are the qualities of a good massage therapist and what can you expect from them?

A good massage therapist will have a number of skills at their fingertips so that they can help you. First, through observation of your posture, functional asymmetry and by palpation they will be able to assess soft tissue dysfunction. Massage therapists are constantly feeling what is going on in the muscles under your skin. They are able to assess the quality of your tissues and health of your muscles. You may not know what is really going on in your back or shoulder, but a good massage therapist will work it out. They will then be able to provide a massage which will contribute to improved function, reduced discomfort and enhanced well-being. They will then be able to provide information on how you can maintain your health and improve the condition of the pain producing tissues.

What is the benefit of massage therapy?

The benefit of massage You may think that massage is easy but a good massage therapy involves more than the simple application of massage techniques. It can be used as a complimentary therapy combined with other treatment modalities, such as osteopathy. An osteopath might recommend that in addition to the specific soft tissue techniques they use, that the patient go to a qualified massage therapist.

Most of Janelle’s’ patients though are seen on a stand-alone therapy basis. Massage therapy is held within the framework of the wellness model. During a consultation with Janelle at Castle Hill Remedial Massage she will work on many different levels. For instance, she will aim to support patients by balancing their mental, emotional and physical needs. Janelle has a thorough knowledge of the human body and a variety of massage techniques. Janelle recognises that it is an intuitive profession and blends art and science in a physical process. It allows Janelle and other massage therapists to provide both physical and compassionate care to their clients. In fact, Janelle is a driven to improve her client’s health and overall sense of well-being.

What techniques are used at Castle Hill Remedial Massage to achieve this?

Treatment is aimed at the individual, not in a one-treatment-fits-all approach as in the medical model. The techniques that are applied will depend on the requirements of the patient and the aim of the massage therapy session. When you come to Castle Hill for massage, treatment can be part of an ongoing process. The practitioner works with the patient towards an ultimate goal of recovery and life fulfillment.

The techniques used to achieve this goal during a massage session at Castle Hill Remedial Massage includes employing a range of massage strokes. Massage may be long strokes down the body, deep tissue massage, frictions or kneading. For a full therapeutic treatment other methods might be used. For instance, trigger point therapy, myofascial release or stretching of the tissues.

What are the dangers of massage therapy?

The evidence suggests that massage therapy has almost no risk if conducted by a qualified practitioner. Having said that, some conditions need extra care by a therapist. For instance if you suffer from osteoporosis (brittle bones) you should let your therapist know in advance, so that they can regulate the pressure used. If you have a heart condition you should also advise your therapist. For everyone’s safety, if you have a condition which is contagious, such as a skin disease, chickenpox or shingles, you must advise the massage therapist. And whether you have come for a pregnancy massage or not, if you are pregnant, you must inform the practitioner. They can make an informed decision regarding both your safety and the safety of others in the massage clinic.

Is massage painful?

Qualified Pregnancy massage While massage is generally relaxing, it is also a therapeutic way of working. Some techniques are designed to change specific dysfunctions in the body. Because of this it is possible to feel some discomfort either during or after a massage. For instance if you go to a massage therapist in pain or discomfort, or with an injury from sport or trauma, or very tight muscles from stress. Then its possible that there might be subsequent tenderness. This is normal and will pass within a few days. However, massage should not be too painful. If it does give you more pain than you think is appropriate be sure to mention it to your therapist immediately. Sometimes, on rare occasions, there may be bruising. If this does happen be sure to mention it to your therapist at the next visit.

Massage therapists may have training in particular ways of working, for sports injuries, for pregnancy or for remedial massage. At Castle Hill Remedial Massage instant for you can be treated for any of these issues by our qualified therapist

What’s the evidence for the benefit of massage therapy?

Research has shown that massage may be beneficial for improving the symptoms of chronic low back pain and neck pain and headaches. It help with knee osteoarthritis. Have a look at the benefits of massage therapy here.

There are many other effects and massage. Through the therapeutic touch it may help with depression, and even some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. See chronic pain and fibromyalgia relief for more information.

Conclusion;

Massage therapy is a way of easing pain and discomfort. Many would argue that it is a more powerful and permanent benefit than painkillers. Massage will often address the problems underlying your pain in a way which improved mobility. There are different types of massage for differing conditions. If you have a pulled muscle it will be treated one way, if you are pregnant you need a pregnancy massage.

Castle Hill Massage If you receive treatment by someone who has received proper training there is little risk of side-effects. If there is a side effect such as discomfort, don’t expect it to last more than twenty four hours.

Massage is a powerful way of reducing pain, discomfort, injury and reduced mobility in the human body. If you haven’t tried it yet, pick up the phone and give us a call at Castle Hill Remedial Massage and experience a therapeutic massage with Janelle.

Call for an appointment now on 9659 0515

The benefits of massage therapy on muscle pain

Janelle Benefits of Remedial Massage July 23, 2018June 15, 2019Benefits of remedial massage, chronic pain relief, fibromyaligia relief

The benefit of massage therapy for muscle repair and pain reduction.

Researchers have discovered what happens to your muscles when you have a massage. They investigated the effect that massage can have on muscle pain such as low back pain, neck pain or pulled muscles. What they found was that massage may suppress inflammation and enhance cell recovery.

Method.

A study was undertaken in which researchers examined the cellular effect of massage on muscular repair. The found eleven volunteers who were each prepared to have one of their legs biopsied, that is, a tiny piece of muscle removed for microscopic examination.

Remedial Massage Castle HIll — Chronic neck pain relief

This was done before they undertook any exercise and was the ‘control’ for the cellular health of each individual. On another visit, the volunteers exercised for over an hour on a bicycle, up to the point of exhaustion. The researchers then massaged just one thigh of each of the volunteers for ten minutes, not doing anything to the other. Immediately after the massage they biopsied both legs, and then after a further 2 ½ hours of rest, they did a third biopsy.

Discusssion;

With vigourus exercise you get tiny tears in muscle fibres, leading to an immune reaction, seen as inflammation, which leads to repair of the injured cells. The researchers compared the effect of massage on these biochemical functions to determine if there was a different response. What they found was that massage reduced the production of cytokines, important in the production of inflammation. It also stimulates the mitochondria, which you may recall from school science lessons are the production cells which convert glucose into energy – which is essential for cell function and repair. It is likely that for chronic pain sufferers with upper back and neck pain or low back pain, even general back pain, massage will do the same thing, stimulate the healing process. Not only that but the physical compression of muscles by the massage process will also remove toxins from the muscle cells, which may have built up as a result of long term suffering, such as in individuals with Fibromyalgia. This alone will reduce the level of discomfort an individual feels.

Dr Tarnopolsky, a professor of paediatrics and medicine at McMaster University in Ontario says that massage has a different effect from Nsaids (Non-steroidal anitinflammatories) and other such pharmacuticals, which reduce inflammation and pain, but actually retard the healing process. Massage can supress inflammation and enhance cell recovery whereas theoretically there may be a maladaptive response if you are constantly using pharma medication.

Result;

This study is the first to show that massage can ‘reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines which may be involved in pain’, said Tiffany Field of the University of Miami Medical School.

As well as the biochemical effects of massage there is also the benefit of interpersonal touch which mediates the release of oxytocin and endogenous opiods which can result in reduced reactivity to stressors and improved effect. (Ellingsen DM, et al. The Neurobiology Shaping Affective Touch: Expectation, Motivation, and Meaning in the Multisensory Context. Front Psychol. 2016 Jan 6;6:1986.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26779092)

And of course input from somatosensory receptors can inhibit ascending nociceptive processing and activate descending inhibitory mechanisms. (Bialosky JE, et al. Unraveling the Mechanisms of Manual Therapy: Modeling an Approach. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jan;48(1):8-18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29034802). This means that neurological function is altered by human touch; massage results in more messages being sent to the brain so pain messages don’t get through. These are just some of the benefits of massage.

Massage may be a better form of treatment for muscle tenderness post exercise than popping a pill. And it’s safe too. According to the New England Journal of Medicine in a 1999, study Nsaids kill 16,500 people in the USA each year.

The overwhelming evidence shows that the benefits of massage are enormous in inflammation reduction, neural moderation, cellular change, emotional improvement and general pain reduction. It may also relieve chronic pain. And of course massage is safe.

Reference;

Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. (Justin D. Crane¹, et al. Science Translational Medicine 01 Feb 2012: Vol. 4, Issue 119, pp. 119ra13

DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002882

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/4/119/119ra13

Call now for an appointment on 9659 0515