Treatments | Therapy Room NI

Mar 21, 2017

Hot Stone Massage

There is evidence that the Chinese used heated stones more than 2,000 years ago as a means of improving the function of internal organs. Stones were also used for healing work in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt and India. The use of heated stones in massage was reborn with the introduction of LaStone Therapy, created by Mary Nelson, in 1993. Hot Stone massage has since then blossomed into a huge industry.

Hot Stone Massage, done correctly, is one of the most relaxing forms of massage a person can receive and has become popular around the globe once again. The full-body, hot-stone massage has evolved to include deep tissue-specific work, hot-stone facials, hot-stone pedicures and manicures, and hot-stone meridian therapy. There are many therapists who use their own variation of stone massage, from just placing stones on the body, to using them in any complimentary therapy treatment.

The use of the hot stones makes this style of massage unique. Typically made of smooth volcanic basalt, the iron-rich stones retain heat. River rocks are sometimes used because they have become smooth over time from the river's current.

To prepare for the treatment, the stones are heated in water, using an electric heater, until they are within a precise temperature range (typically between 52-54°C). The therapist will use oiled stones to massage areas of the body and the localised heat warms and relaxes the muscles, allowing a more effective pressure to be applied. The stones are placed on specific points on the back, and while the points may vary depending on areas of muscle tension and the client's health history, they are generally placed along both sides of the spine, in the palms of the hand, on the legs or between the toes to aid relaxation.

While many therapists use anatomy to guide the placement of the stones, some massage therapists will also place stones on points thought to energetically balance the mind and body. Hot stone massage has continued to evolve, with many massage therapists and spas offering their own versions of the massage.

People find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and deeply relaxing.
The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist work the muscles using a more effective pressure. The stones themselves have great healing properties and can help with severe back pain and sciatic pain.
Hot stone massage is one of the best ways to give the body a break and is now seen by many people not as a luxury, but as a necessity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are the main benefits of having a hot stone massage.

A good way to manage stress. Studies show that stress is the number one root of a lot of diseases and disorders. Whether it’s stress from work, home or daily activities, the result is the same: too much stress can lead to health problems.
Highly effective in muscle relaxation. The heat in the stones is effective in enabling the muscles to loosen up and relax. This makes it easier for deep tissue manipulation.
Improves health conditions. More and more doctors are beginning to recommend this therapy as part of medical treatment of a lot of health problems such as Arthritis, Fibromylagia, Hypertension and Musculoskeletal problems.
Improves sleep. It’s really hard to get a good quality sleep when you’re over fatigued. With the relaxation you get from this therapy, it makes it easier for you to drift off into a deep sleep where your body can recuperate from daily fatigue. This is why people who have Insomnia are often advised to try this therapy.
Relieves pain. Manipulation of muscles can significantly reduce muscle spasm and give comfort to painful muscles so those who suffer from back pains or muscle aches often go for this therapy.
Improves blood circulation and flow of energy. The stones are placed on key points of your body known as energy centers which are sometimes clogged or blocked.
Allows for easy rehabilitation. Massage can facilitate easy recovery from injuries such as sprains.
Releases toxins from your body. When muscles are massaged, toxins that are clogged within are released. This is why, it’s advised that clients drink plenty of water after a session to help flush out those unhealthy and unwanted toxins.
Gives you a happy feeling. A calming and soothing massage can do wonders in giving you an emotional boost, leaving you with a happier and more positive outlook in life
Taking a break from work and from life is truly a necessity that most people overlook and take for granted. No, you don’t need to fly and have a vacation once a week. Just being able to give yourself some down time to unwind and relax is a healthy habit indeed,and one we should all maintain.

Mar 04, 2017

Reflexology

What is Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that certain areas on the soles of the feet or hands known as reflex zones, correspond to other parts of the body. Because these areas are rich in nerve endings, it is believed that when pressure is applied, the body’s natural ability to heal itself is stimulated and health is restored.

'The Chinese believe that reflexology stimulates the body into healing itself by improving circulation, reducing stress, pain and restoring natural balance'

Everyone can enjoy the benefits that reflexology offers.

Induces a deep sense of relaxation

Relieves stress and tension
Encourages the body to heal itself
Improves circulation
Balances blood pressure
Creates an incredible feeling of wellbeing Gives more confidence
Deepens sleep and reduces insomnia
Eases aches and pains by relaxing the musculature
Improves the mobility of joints
Detoxifies and cleanses the body of impurities and toxins
Balances the hormones, helping disorders such as P.M.T and the menopause
Improves the condition and tone of the skin.
Relieves indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive disorders.
Slows and deepens breathing
Encourages the expulsion of mucus. helps urinary problems such as cystitis.
Prevents illnesses form occurring.
Stimulates mental function and helps concentration.
Seeks out the cause of an illness
Adjusts emotional imbalances.
Calms over activity or stimulates under activity in any part of the body.

The most obvious effect of a reflexology and one of the reasons this treatment is so successful, is that it helps with stress reduction. The techniques of reflexology include finger or thumb walking where the reflexologist walks the finger or thumb over different areas of the feet in a set sequence and massage and kneading of the foot using the whole hand. The experience is generally firm, but gentle, and should never cause discomfort or pain.

According to "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology," people of any age or sex, the elderly, women, men, teenagers, children and babies can derive positive benefits from reflexology."

What to Expect

'On your initial consultation you will be asked about your medical history, health issues, lifestyle and diet. This usually takes about 15 minutes.

You will then be asked to remove your shoes and socks only.

Painless pressure will be applied to your feet using thumb and forefinger to help identify which areas of your body are not functioning properly.

A Reflexology Session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and focuses on the soles of your feet, unless you are very ticklish, in which case your hands can be used to the same effect.

Usually five or six sessions to treat specific health conditions are required.

After Treatment

• Increase your water intake ,as this will further enhance the treatment by
encouraging the flow of toxins towards lymph nodes
• Relax at least 5/10 minutes after massage.
• Do not do any strenuous exercise for at least three or four hours after treatment.
• You may feel a little stiffness in the muscles, so you should do some gentle
stretches to loosen the muscles –i.e. neck /shoulder area.
• Any dry skin / cellulite i.e. recommend creams ,lotions, loofah, body brushing
• Further treatments advice recommended client to return in one week for body
massage or other treatments i.e. aromatherapy massage
• If essential oils are used advise client to leave on the skin as it is absorbed into the blood stream and will stay working for at least 36 hours
• No other heat treatment for the day i.e. uv sauna infrared
• Advise on Epsom salt bath for muscle relaxation
• Advise on diet i.e. wholemeal food plus your 5 fruit and vegetable a day.
• Advise on stretching and posture exercises
• Drink herbal tea
• Do not eat a heavy meal after treatment

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition which either prevents or restricts a treatment from being carried out.

It is essential to establish any contraindications prior to carrying out a massage treatment. The client can then be advised to have a different treatment or where appropriate seek medical advice.

Please note a reflexology treatment in no way replaces the need for Proper Medical Treatment. With any condition the first contact should be with your G.P or Health Centre

For a full list of Contraindications please click here

Contra-Actions

A contra-action is a rare reaction that can happen after a treatment. The symptoms usually have rapid onset. Initially the client can feel worse before their condition gets better. Symptoms can last anywhere between 3 and 4 hours to 3 to 4 days. This is perfectly normal and is known as the ‘Healing process.’ Usually however, reactions to the treatment are pleasant and the person experiences a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Clients may also find that they have increased levels of energy and feel rejuvenated. Severity of the reaction depends on the degree of imbalance and the body should take heed of what is happening and adhere to it.

Mar 04, 2017

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage can help

Relieve Tension Headaches
Reduce Stress
Promote better Sleep Patterns
Ease Sinus problems
Increase Energy Levels
Improve circulation
Boost Immune system

Indian head massage has been practiced in India for almost three thousand years. It can provide us with deep relaxation and healing on a daily basis. We tend to view the scalp as independent from the rest of our body, and we treat it in a different way. When in actual fact, our head holds the key to the rest of our body.

Indian Head Massage helps you achieve a balance of mind, body and spirit, in order to promote physical, Emotional and spiritual well- being

What does a treatment involve?

The client can be fully clothed if preferred, the treatment is a sitting treatment, but for a deeper and more relaxing experience you can choose to be treated on a massage couch. (The client will get a much deeper therapeutic effect, if they receive the treatment using therapy oils, combined with essential oil

A wide range of massage movements are used, including the application of deep kneading and compression movements over mid back, neck, shoulder and scalp areas, in order to relieve tension and promote a greater sense of well being.

When to avoid Treatment

Indian head massage should be avoided if you have had recent surgery, or a head or neck injury; a history of thrombosis or an embolism.
If you have high or low blood pressure, please discuss this with the therapist, if your Blood pressure is under control there isn’t usually a problem. If you have any kind of heart condition, cancer or osteoporosis, you must talk to your doctor before arranging a treatment. A therapist will be able to treat you without the consent of your GP.

Mar 04, 2017

Holistic Body Massage

Holistic massage is an individual treatment which is specifically tailored to your individual needs. As a Holistic Massage therapist, I treat you as a whole person, which takes into account your emotional needs as well as physical requirements.

This type of massage uses different massage techniques, as well as subtle energy work which includes the use of Aromatherapy, Colour Therapy and Deep pressure pointing.

Every Treatment is unique, therefore giving you a totally relaxed yet energised feeling. A Holistic massage differs from normal massage as it gives you an overall feeling of well being & helps restore inner balance.

Holistic Body Massage has many benefits and can help with many conditions:

Promotes Deep Relaxation
Helps release endorphins - the body's feel good chemicals
Helps to reduce stress & anxiety
Promotes better sleep patterns and improves symptoms of insomnia
Increases energy & improves mental clarity
Helps to relax muscles, aids flexibility and improves circulation
Improves breathing & respiration
Helps to strengthen the immune system
Improves lymphatic drainage & helps to remove lactic acid & toxins
Can help reduce blood pressure
Relieves eye strain, headaches, and migraine

During a Holistic Body Massage I will use various relaxation techniques to help you totally "switch off" in combination with soothing music, lighting and scents.

With the use of warm Aromatherapy oils and warm towels this massage will leave you feeling totally relaxed and rejuvenated. Holistic Body Massage is a deep therapeutic massage and you will expect to leave feeling totally de-stressed as tension is released

A Holistic Full Body Massage gives you 90 mins of total pampering.

Introductory Price £35.00 for 90 mins

Book an appointment with Therapy Room NI using SetMore

Mar 04, 2017 Post a Comment

Ante Natal Reflexology

Reflexology, Fertility and Childbirth

An increasing number of women are turning to reflexology to help them with many aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Sheila Sortwell of Therapy Room NI is now trained in Ante Natal Reflexology.

Because the soles of the feet are like a mini map of the inside of the body they link to our inner organs and systems, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Some points on the foot are associated with a woman’s egg production and by manipulating these areas Reflexology may help correct the imbalances which can hamper pregnancy.

Likewise reflexology can help with inducing labour as pinpointing the correct pressure points of the feet will stimulate the uterus to contract and can help get things started. Sheila has been helping many women through their pregnancies and is now also receiving referrals from local midwives.

'The Chinese believe that reflexology stimulates the body into healing itself by improving circulation, reducing stress, pain and restoring natural balance'

Reflexology in Pregnancy is now being considered by many Dr's & Midwives as an excellent way of reducing stress, aiding relaxation and assisting with a number of Common Ante Natal ailments

Obviously when you discover that you are pregnant you want the best for both your baby and yourself. Reflexology is considered a perfectly safe complementary therapy during pregnancy as long as you are healthy, there are no problems with your pregnancy and you have discussed having the treatment with your midwife.

According to The Association of Reflexologists (AOR) there is a misplaced patient fear that reflexology may cause a miscarriage.

“There is no evidence to even suggest that this may be the case,” the AOR says. “However, as miscarriages are more common in the first term of pregnancy, clients may prefer to wait until the second trimester before commencing treatment”

There are many benefits to having reflexology during pregnancy, which include.

Reduced Morning Sickness/Nausea
Helps relieve Heartburn, Indigestion & Constipation
Reduces Back pain
Boosts energy levels
Aids Relaxation & Reduces Stress
Helps with fluid retention & swelling
Prepares the body for Labour by balancing the bodies own systems especially the Hormonal system which governs the labour process
The length of labour can be greatly reduced by having regular reflexology treatments in the weeks leading up to your due date
During labour Reflexology can help with Pain control by stimulating the production of endorphins.
After birth, encourages the bodies own natural balance to resume.

Reflexology is a wonderful tool to use during Pregnancy & Labour, however there are some conditions during all stages of pregnancy when Reflexology should be avoided.

Threatened Miscarriage
Any Bleeding
Pre-eclampsia
History of Blood clotting
Unstable Diabetes
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Placenta Praevia
Placental Separation
Hydroamnios – if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation

To discuss any aspect of Ante Natal Reflexology or to book an appointment, please call Sheila Sortwell

Tel: 028 7744 5050

Please contact me on the above landline number or you can send an email by clicking the button below

Mar 04, 2017

Thai Foot Massage

Thai Foot Massage is a combination of massage techniques applied to the lower legs and feet.

It takes it’s origins from Shiatsu, Reflexology, Chinese Massage & Indian Ayurvedi yoga and has been used throughout Thailand and the Far East for over 2000 years to help promote relaxation and wellbeing.

This treatment involves hands on stretching and massage to open "Sen" energy lines and restore balance. It is both very relaxing and a very invigorating treatment that helps with a number of symptoms and conditions.

Thai Foot Massage is a hands on treatment that uses both the hands and a traditional Thai Massage Stick to apply pressure to certain areas of the feet and lower legs. It also involves stretching the muscles in the lower leg to aid relaxation.

Our treatment also involves the use of an Infra Red Heat Lamp and Hot Stones to aid both the relaxation and rejuvenation process.

Thai Foot Massage is a excellent treatment for anyone who is on their feet all day at work. It is also beneficial to athletes, cyclists etc to help the body recover from the stresses of exercise.

Mar 04, 2017

Baby Reflexology

The Gift of Reflexology

I have come to the conclusion, that if we want generations after us to lead happier and healthier lives, we must begin with our children.

I discovered the power of reflexology when I was the main carer for my parents. I knew nothing about the treatment, but I followed the principle, and just by massaging my dads feet, and applying light pressure to certain areas, the results were truly wonderful.

Now almost 6 years on, I can proudly say I am now a qualified reflexologist.

When I was a new mum (17 years ago) like all mums, I played silly games & sang silly rhymes with my son. Take for instance the rhyme “round and round the garden” the foot movement used in this rhyme from a refloxology point of view is working on the solar plexus, which helps to aid relaxation. Similarly ”This little piggy” works on the head, teeth, sinus areas, an interesting thought indeed.

There is no greater power, than the power of touch between a mother and baby, in fact it is a bond for life. You would do anything for your child, so you can help them when they are in pain.

Reflexology is the greatest gift you could give your baby. They will be lifetime advocates to world of Alternative therapy.

As a Mum and also a Complementary therapist, being able to pass on the benefits of touch therapies to our youngest generation is important to me. Informed children are our future, and I want to contribute to helping build that future.

Category: Treatments

Hot Stone Massage

The Origins of Hot Stone Massage

How does Hot Stone Massage differ from other types of massage?

What are the benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Available Treatments

Reflexology

What is Reflexology

What to Expect

After Treatment

Contraindications

Contra-Actions

Indian Head Massage

How does it Work?

What does a treatment involve?

Main Benefits

After your Treatment

When to avoid Treatment

Holistic Body Massage

What is Holistic Body Massage?

Benefits of Holistic Body Massage

What to expect

Ante Natal Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Is Reflexology in Pregnancy Safe?

Benefits of Reflexology in Pregnancy

When Reflexology should be avoided

Thai Foot Massage

What is Thai Foot Massage?

What to Expect?

Benefits of Thai Foot Massage

Baby Reflexology

The Gift of Reflexology