Massage
Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. The first known written reference to massage comes from ancient Chinese texts. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine (about 2700 BCE) describes therapeutic methods including massage, acupuncture, and herbal treatments. In China, massage was often linked to traditional Chinese medicine , with an emphasis on balancing the flow of "Qi" (energy) throughout the body.
Massage is essentially the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. This is typically done with the hands, but can also involve other parts of the body, like the forearms or elbows, or even specialised tools such as hot stones or warm bamboo.
It's done to promote relaxation, relieve tension, improve circulation, and support healing. Depending on the style or technique, massages can be calming and gentle or more intense and focused on deep tissue.
"Touch is the first language we all understand. Massage speaks this language and soothes the soul." — Unknown
In essence, massage is a therapeutic practice that can contributes to both physical and mental health.
There are many types of massage , all of which may offer similar benefits but are practiced differently.
The treatments that I offer are:
- Swedish Massage
- Warm Bamboo Massage
- Lomi Lomi Massage
- Holistic Massage
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the most popular and widely practiced types of massage therapy. It’s all about relaxation, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension—perfect if you're looking to unwind or you're new to massage in general.
A Swedish massage will involve:
- Long, gliding strokes (called effleurage) to warm up the muscles and promote blood flow.
- Kneading (called petrissage) to release tension in deeper muscle layers.
- Rhythmic tapping (called tapotement) to stimulate muscles.
- Friction to break up muscle knots or adhesions.
- Gentle stretching or joint movement to increase flexibility and mobility.
Common benefits of a Swedish massage are a reduction of stress and anxiety, reliving muscle tension or tightness, a boost to circulation , improved sleep and promoting overall relaxation.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Warm bamboo massage is a unique and deeply relaxing form of massage therapy that utilizes heated bamboo sticks of various sizes to manipulate the body's muscles. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
- Heated Bamboo:
The core of this massage is the use of smooth, heated bamboo sticks. The warmth penetrates deep into the muscles, promoting relaxation and easing tension.
- Deep Tissue Work:
The bamboo sticks allow a trained therapist to apply deeper pressure than they might be able to with their hands alone, making it effective for targeting tight muscles and knots.
- Varied Techniques:
There a a number of different techniques , including rolling, kneading, and gliding the bamboo sticks over the body.
- Relaxation and Therapeutic Benefits:
The combination of heat and pressure promotes deep relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and improves circulation.
In essence, warm bamboo massage offers a powerful and soothing way to relieve muscle tension, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
Lomi Lomi Massage
Lomi Lomi massage is a traditional Hawaiian healing practice that's as much about spiritual and emotional well-being as it is about physical relaxation. The name "Lomi Lomi" means "to knead, to rub, or soothe" in Hawaiian, and it reflects the flowing, rhythmic style of the massage. It aims to release tension and restore energy flow. It is thought that memories are stored within the cells of the body, and a lomi lomi massage can help to release those memories.
“The body keeps the score: If the memory of trauma is encoded in our senses, in muscle tension, and in anxiety, then the body must also be involved in the healing process.”
Bessel van der Kolk
What makes Lomi Lomi unique?
- Flowing, wave-like strokes: The therapist uses their hands, forearms, and elbows in long, sweeping movements, often gliding over the entire length of your body in a continuous flow—almost like an ocean wave.
- Full-body connection: Unlike massages that work on isolated areas, Lomi Lomi often treats the whole body
- Intuitive and nurturing: It’s not rigid or structured like some Western styles; the practitioner usually works intuitively, adjusting to what your body needs in the moment.
- Mind-body-spirit approach: Traditional Lomi Lomi incorporates prayer (pule), breathwork (ha), and intention, aiming to release not only physical tension but also emotional or energetic blockages.
A session might also include Hawaiian music, chanting, prayers or elements of nature (like essential oils or tropical scents) to enhance the experience. A common opening prayer or pule in Lomi Lomi is a silent or spoken expression of gratitude, intentions, and a call for guidance. It's a way of connecting with the divine and setting the intention for a healing and harmonious session.
Lomi Lomi Prayer:
E ke Akua mana loa,
We call upon the Divine,
The source of all life and healing.
E nā kūpuna, e nā ʻaumākua,
Ancestors and spirit guides,
Walk with us in this space of aloha.
Cleanse and clear this body,
Release what no longer serves.
May love flow freely like the ocean,
Ke kai hoʻōla, the healing waters,
Wash through every cell, every breath.
Let this work be guided by compassion,
And rooted in pono—balance and righteousness.
Mahalo ke Akua. Mahalo nā kūpuna.
Thank you, Divine. Thank you, ancestors
Holistic Massage
Holistic massage is a type of therapy that focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing physical symptoms. It’s based on the idea that emotional and mental well-being are just as important as physical health, and all of these aspects are interconnected.
Key Characteristics of Holistic Massage:
- Whole-body approach: The therapist considers the whole person, not just a specific area of pain. They may work on multiple areas of tension or imbalance to promote overall harmony.
- Focus on energy: It often includes techniques that aim to balance the body's energy flow (sometimes inspired by practices like Shamanic Energy Medicine or Sound Healing).
- Personalized treatment: The therapist takes into account your specific needs, including emotional or stress-related factors, and tailors the session accordingly.
- Relaxation and healing: The goal is not just to release muscle tension, but to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and restore balance to the body’s energy systems.
- Integrating various techniques: It might combine elements of Swedish massage, deep tissue, aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, or even sound healing, depending on what’s best for the person.
Holistic massage is ideal for anyone looking for a more mindful, restorative experience that goes beyond just “getting rid of muscle knots.” It's perfect for someone who’s dealing with stress, emotional blocks, or who just wants a more integrative and healing approach to their health. In essence, holistic massage is a comprehensive approach to massage therapy that aims to promote overall well-being by addressing the individual as a whole
As a shamanic energy medicine healer I may include aspects of shamanic healing or other energy medicine techniques in offering holistic massage. I have noticed a correlation with past lives and the energetic body. A back injury can link to an energetic connection and working at both the physical and the energetic involves a whole body approach. If you want to know more about shamanic energy medicine please see shamanic healing.
Working Together
I have been practising Massage since 2004 and hold an ITEC National Diploma, which is recognised worldwide for its high standard of qualification. I am also a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and adhere to their code of ethics. https://www.fht.org.uk
I hold a DBS and I am fully insured for all treatments that I offer.
I offer massage and treatments locally in the New Forest and can offer mobile massage depending on a client’s location.
All my treatments are usually done on a massage couch with massage oil, I use a generic grape seed massage oil but can use blended oils based on a clients requirements. I may use other massage tools such as warm bamboo.
I treat all my clients as an individual and tailor a massage treatment to my clients requirements using a combination of different techniques and the pressure can be light or medium depending on a clients requirements.
I require all new clients to complete a consultation to determine their overall health as there are certain conditions are not suitable for a massage and in some cases a doctors permission may be required for example a heart condition.
A massage treatment will generally last an hour but I can provide shorter (30 mins) or longer treatments (2 hours max) . During a treatment a client will be covered by towels and only the area that is being massaged is uncovered but a clients comfort is very important and a client can wear as much or little clothing as they feel comfortable.
I feel its important to create a safe comfortable environment so that my client can relax into the treatment. As a an experienced therapist I will be monitoring my client during treatment and seeking feedback as well.
A massage session cost £55 per hour and I can tailor a massage to a client’s requirements using a combination of different techniques.
I have a flexible working schedule and offer late or early appointments as well in the week and weekends.
Please use the contact form or you can email me on thewoodhead@proton.me for further information.
After a treatment I recommend a client to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol in the hours immediately after the treatment.
Massage should not be used in place of conventional medical care. Please consult a GP or health professional for medical attention and advice.
©2021 Tim Woodhead
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