# data[].attributes.body
Lava Shell Massage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is a Lava Shell Massage? | Good Spa Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lava Shell massage is a type of heat treatment that uses Tiger-striped clam shells as a massage tool. The clams have been harvested for food in the Philippines for hundreds of years. Here's what to expect when you book one on your next spa day.

# data[].attributes.body
Thai Massage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have another fantastic workshop with Tanja coming up on the 15th July 12pm-4pm. Open to everyone. Read this article and learn all about Thai massage.

A massage that is more like yoga; performed through your clothes, Thai Traditional Massage leaves you in a state of sublime relaxation.

Our upcoming Thai Massage workshop will teach you simple and effective massage techniques. Read on to find out more about Thai massage and why this workshop is great for you...and for your friends and family!

What is Thai Massage?
More and more tourists are returning from Thailand with lasting impressions of a massage that is more like yoga. Performed through your clothes, Thai Traditional Massage leaves you in a state of sublime relaxation. Its mechanics show a strong Indian Ayurvedic and yogic influence, but a very disciplined emphasis on energy channels betrays a link with Chinese Traditional Medicine. Thai Traditional medicine has existed for over 1000 years, in pretty much the same form that is used today. Its recent world-wide spread has been quite phenomenal. What happens?
You lie on a mat on the floor, fully clothed except for shoes and socks. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, feet knees and even shins to press and stretch your body. Thais believe that good health and freedom from pain result from the unhindered flow of vital energies through the body's tissues.

The main 'channels' for distributing these energies are called 'Sen'. There is no general agreement as to the exact number of Sen but those who know something of Chinese Medicine quickly recognise that the Thai practitioner is effectively working along the Chinese Qi meridians.

Pressing is the mechanical process used to stimulate energy flow in the Sen, and to release blockages or stagnation which result in pain. This part of the massage is very thorough.

Each Sen channel is pressed repeatedly from every direction, with the relative positions of the limbs and trunk being constantly changed. The process is very thorough. When the practitioner is satisfied that all soft tissues have been adequately pressed, stretching begins.

This will be subtle at first but gradually progresses to the elegant, large scale stretches for which Thai massage is renowned. Every muscle and joint is treated.

What does it do?
Thais have long recognised that most musculoskeletal pain and lack of mobility of the joints is the result of muscles shortening under the influence of repetitive strain.

The pressing techniques of Thai massage prepare muscles for stretching by increasing their permeability to the flow of Sen energies. The manipulations are designed to stretch the muscles a little more than would be possible unaided. Even advanced yoga cannot compete with the stretching capabilities of Thai massage when applied by an expert.

Tension and spasm in a muscle are the result of a vicious circle of events involving the muscle and its sense organs; those muscles that are antagonistic to it and the brain. The more tense the muscle the shorter it gets, and the brain interprets this as contraction, so inhibiting the function of the antagonistic muscles, which weaken as a result. Regular Thai massage stretches the muscles back to their normal resting length, which deceives the brain into 'thinking' that all is well and it stops inhibiting the antagonists. Before long, tension disappears and joint mobility is restored. Muscles are the masseur's ultimate target but fibrotic connective tissue and weak circulation are also treated during the massage.

How does it feel?
Different from other forms of bodywork - smoothness, rhythm and flow are three words that come to mind. Nothing is hurried; there are no sudden changes of rhythm or speed. Every technique melts into the next with total economy of motion; it looks like a beautifully choreographed performance. First time recipients of the massage react differently; some find the pressing techniques - particularly those done with the thumb - a little uncomfortable; others are shocked at the degree of stretching their stiff body can achieve. Almost all feel relaxed, refreshed and much more flexible afterwards, and those who have regular Thai massage come to enjoy the deep pressure techniques and spectacular manipulations

And the effects ...
There are many, all of them positive, provided of course, that the massage is applied expertly. For the Thais this is not surprising. They regard balance and unimpeded flow of Sen as vital for good health. A good Thai massage achieves this and can correct emotional problems as well as physical ones. Here are 8 Provable Benefits of Thai Massage:

1. Unbeatable Stretching
Thai massage has been linked with Muay Thai for as long as the art has been around. Why? Well, the robust massage is excellent for limbering up limbs for athletic performance and relieving deep muscle tension afterwards Useful for both martial artists and stressed out civilians.

2. Improved Mental Well-Being
It may seem obvious but having a physically relaxing experience is good for the mind. A 2004 study found significant improvement in the mental well-being of patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain when treated with massage compared to treatment with relaxation tapes. Like Tai Chi and Yoga, Thai massage is as much a moving meditation as it is a massage.

3. Decreased Cortisol Levels
Most likely a contributing factor to the post-massage sense of well-being is the boost to serotonin and reduction in cortisol found in people who have received massages. Cortisol being a stress hormone, serotonin being the happy hormone. A clear positive result.

4. Improved Circulation
Although not medically researched, it has long been held that Thai massage benefits the circulation of blood in our bodies. This is said to aid in the reduction of migraines through the use of acupressure. While the invisible energy lines that are supposed to move through our bodies are hotly contested by medical research, there is significant anecdotal and experimental evidence to support the claim.

5. Behavioural Treatment for Autistic Children
I found this study illuminating. Autistic children generally experience much higher levels of anxiety and stress. Traditional Thai massage has been shown to provide some degree of improvement to stereotypical behaviours in autistic children.

6. Pain Relief
Patients suffering from scapula costal syndrome (SCS) showed a reduction in the pain suffered and overall patient satisfaction when compared to ultrasound therapies.

7. The Human Touch is Language
We instinctively respond to human touch from birth, and are attracted to it (or repelled from it, depending on circumstance) our entire lives. The touch of another human in a relaxing scenario devoid of the pressures of the real world is priceless. "touch strengthens relationships and is a marker of closeness," he says. "It increases cooperation but is also an indicator of how strong bonds are between people," - Michael Kraus, University of Illinois

8. Reprogramming the Mind
Massage increases delta wave frequency in our brains. This particular brain wave is closely associated with deep rest and sleep- I'm sure with less strenuous forms of massage you have experienced the sensation of nodding off on the table, as I have.

Although there has not been an EEG study conducted on Thai massage, I would hypothesise that brainwave activity changes through different stages of Thai massage and indeed different styles. The more relaxing the more theta and delta waves would be released, and the more active the more alpha and beta waves would be released.

We see then that from the deepest part of our minds to the tips of our toes, traditional Thai massage can relieve pain, stress and improve the functioning of the only body we have. Admittedly, the medical evidence for much of what has been claimed is sparse, but essentially there are very few downsides and many potential benefits. What do you have to lose?

Who can have it?
There are some contra-indications to this kind of massage - very much those that apply to massage in general. For those in reasonably good health - regardless of age, lack of flexibility and obesity - Thai massage is highly beneficial.

So much of feeling 'old' comes from what is often regarded as the inevitable stiffening of joints with advancing years. Regular Thai massage quickly proves that this is not so as it restores long lost mobility to the joints.

Book onto our Thai Massage here: #3ZiCZ@%k@5COHAr3p$0SJMl

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Thai massage and is it good for you? - Theyogaspace

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have another fantastic workshop with Tanja coming up on the 15th July 12pm-4pm. Open to everyone. Read this article and learn all about Thai massage. A massage that is more like yoga; performed through your clothes, Thai Traditional Massage leaves you in a state of sublime relaxation.

# data[].attributes.body
Sports Massage v Deep Tissue

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether you're an ultra-marathon finisher, or a fair-weather gym-goer, it's likely someone, somewhere, has told you to book a sports or deep tissue massage.

After you've nodded profusely and said the standard "yes, yes, I should!" line, you've probably wondered what the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage actually is...

It's really common to lump the two together, as they share similar techniques, traits and end goals. However, there's some important distinctions between them both. Read on to discover wha they are, so that when you come to book, you're fully informed.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is pretty much what it says on the tin. Your therapist will use firm pressure to manipulate the deeper tissues in the body, including the muscles. Unlike Sports massage, this treatment focuses to reduce newer, smaller areas of tension across the entire body rather than the larger, older knots or any previous injuries you might have.

Just like a workout, this treatment has the same effect on the body, promoting increased blood flow and breaking down of muscle mass that has adhered. It is therefore not unusual to be a bit sore and achy after this treatment, but this should ease off after a 72 hours.

Sports Massage

Sports massage on the other hand, will help to break down the larger and older knots and also help with recovery from injuries. This is because your therapist will use passive stretching techniques alongside other techniques that will manipulate and stretch the tissues to increase range of movement and prevent injuries.

A therapist that is qualified to perform a sports massage treatment will have a more extensive knowledge of the anatomy than those qualified only for deep tissue treatments. You can therefore expect the treatment to begin with a postural assessment and run through of any injuries you may have.

During the treatment your therapist will use a combination of techniques including trigger point release, joint mobilisation and passive stretching such as soft tissue release and myofascial release. This is not a relaxing massage and you should be aware that you might feel some discomfort due to the nature of the treatment. However, the therapist will always ensure that you feel comfortable at all times and don't feel any pain.

So, there you have it! In a nutshell, Deep Tissue massage is the best option for newer complaints like minor aches and pains, whereas Sports massage is more appropriate for the treatment of injuries or of knots that have built up over time in the muscles. We hope that this had made choosing which treatment to have a little easier for you.

Who are we? We're Urban Massage - on a mission to make wellness rituals convenient and accessible without compromising on quality. So, from just £49 an hour, you can enjoy a range of massages from an expert therapist at a time to suit you. Download the app or go to urbanmassage.com to book 60 minutes of restorative me time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Deep Tissue vs. Sports massage - Urban Clarity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you're an ultra-marathon finisher, or a fair-weather gym-goer, it's likely someone, somewhere, has told you to book a sports or deep tissue massage. After you've nodded profusely and said the standard "yes, yes, I should!" line, you've probably wondered what the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage actually is...

# data[].attributes.body
Hand free Massage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Federation of Holistic Therapists Directory Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Massage involves working the soft tissue of the body, to ease day-to-day stresses and muscular tension, and promote relaxation. It helps to increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the treated areas and can also be used in support of other therapies to assist in the rehabilitation of muscular injuries.

There are many different types of massage. Some of these - such as Indian head massage and remedial/sports massage - concentrate on specific areas of the body, or problem areas. Others might use different massage 'tools' to enhance the treatment, for example, heated stones, shells, or bamboo. With all massage treatments, the therapist will adapt the pressure and techniques used to suit the client's individual needs and preferences.
What to expect
Before treatment, your therapist will provide a full consultation, asking you various questions about your health and lifestyle, to ensure treatment is right for you. Most full body massage treatments take approximately an hour, though a 'back, neck and shoulder' massage may take between 30 to 40 minutes.

Treatments usually take place on a massage table or coach, though some may require you to sit in a chair or lay down on a futon-type mat on the floor. If the treatment involves the therapist directly massaging your skin, a nourishing oil or cream-based product will generally be used to provide a free-flowing massage, and towels carefully placed to ensure your modesty and keep you warm and comfortable throughout the treatment.

Whatever type of massage you are having, your therapist will advise you of what to expect before the treatment begins.
Benefits of massage
Massage is used by people for a variety of reasons. Some use it to simply relax and unwind, while others have regular massage to help them manage or cope with specific physical, mental or emotional problems. Many aspiring and professional athletes have massage before and after training and competing, in order to stay in optimum condition and aid recovery.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that massage can be effective in helping to treat certain chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and low back pain. In guidelines produced in 2009 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), manual therapies - including massage - are recommended for the early management of persistent, non-specific low back pain.

To read more about the potential benefits massage has to offer as a form of complementary healthcare, click here >>

Massage should not be used in place of conventional medical care. Always consult a GP or other health professional for medical attention and advice.
Choosing a therapist
It is important to choose a qualified massage therapist who has undertaken the necessary training to understand the theory and practice of this particular therapy.

By choosing a massage therapist who is an FHT member, you can be confident that they are professionally trained, qualified and insured. They will also be listed on our Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register, as massage is considered a form of complementary healthcare.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Massage involves working the soft tissue of the body, to ease day-to-day stresses and muscular tension, and promote relaxation. It helps to increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the treated areas and can also be used in support of other therapies to assist in the rehabilitation of muscular injuries.

# data[].attributes.body
Aromatherapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils).

During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to influence the nervous system.

Why Do People Get Aromatherapy Massage?

Each essential oil used in aromatherapy is said to have different properties. For example, some calm and make you feel relaxed while others energize. Here are some widely used essential oils and their purported properties:

Calming: chamomile, lavender, and geranium oil

Uplifting: ylang-ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli oil

Energizing: rosemary oil

Decongesting: eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oil

Since aromatherapy massage techniques are often the same as those used in Swedish massage (the most common type of massage in the US), people often get it for sore back, neck, and/or shoulder muscles or to ease stress.

Use of therapeutic essential oils in massage is being explored for the following conditions:

Anxiety

Dementia symptoms

Depression

Insomnia

Menstrual pain

Supportive care for people with conditions such as cancer

The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage appears to reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps, a 2015 study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests. Participants did a self-massage with rose essential oil, an unscented almond oil, or no oil on the first day of menstruation for two menstrual cycles. By the second cycle, aromatherapy massage reduced the severity of pain compared to massage therapy with almond oil or no oil.

Massage with aromatherapy may also ease menopausal symptoms. In a study published in Menopause, researchers compared 30-minute aromatherapy massage (twice a week for four weeks) to massage with plain oil or no treatment and found that both massage and aromatherapy massage were effective in reducing menopausal symptoms (with aromatherapy massage being more effective than massage only).

Other research suggests that aromatherapy massage may not relieve symptoms in people with cancer. For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2016, for instance, researchers analyzed previously published studies and concluded that "this review demonstrated no differences in effects of massage on depression, mood disturbance, psychological distress, nausea, fatigue, physical symptom distress, or quality of life when compared with no massage."

When comparing aromatherapy massage with no massage, they found that "there was some indication of benefit in the aromatherapy-massage group but this benefit is unlikely to translate into clinical benefit."

What to Expect During an Aromatherapy Massage

Although you can find aromatherapy massage at almost every massage clinic or spa, the style of treatment, degree of customization, and the quality of essential oils varies widely.

Many massage therapists have one or more premixed blends and will select the blend based on your health concerns. A massage for relaxation and stress relief would likely include lavender essential oil, while an uplifting massage may include rosemary essential oil. Your therapist may involve you in the selection process by asking you to smell various blends.

Some massage therapists may add essential oils to massage oil immediately before each massage based on your unique condition or health goals.

The quality of the essential oils varies widely. Essential oils are different from oils made with synthetic scents which don't have therapeutic effects. Massage therapists who are highly knowledgeable about aromatherapy tend to use quality essential oils in their massage oils.

You will usually be asked to lie face down under a sheet. When the massage therapist begins the massage, you may notice the subtle aroma of essential oils.

After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.

Precautions

A licensed massage therapist should take your health history before the massage.

Essential oils may cause an allergic skin reaction. Essential oils are highly potent and can be absorbed through skin, so it's important to avoid excessive use of aromatherapy oils and to only use oils that have been properly diluted by a carrier oil. If you're sensitive to scents, aromatherapy may not be right for you.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor to see if this type of massage is safe for you. If it is, your doctor may also be able to recommend a licensed massage therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage.

Massage shouldn't be done directly over bruises, skin rashes, inflamed or weak skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or fractures. If a massage is painful, tell your massage therapist immediately.

If you have a health condition, you should consult your doctor before getting an aromatherapy massage. People with certain conditions, such as cancer, may need to avoid essential oils and/or massage at certain times during their treatment or avoid it altogether.

Final Thoughts

Aromatherapy with essential oil-scented massage oils and lotions may help to ease stress and anxiety. If you're considering trying aromatherapy massage, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider first to discuss whether it's appropriate for you.

Some additional tips on making the most of your massage:

Avoid eating a meal right before a massage.

If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive early so you can complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, you may want to give yourself some time to rest and relax before starting the massage.

Thanks for your feedback!

What are your concerns?

Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Aromatherapy Massage Can Do for You

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to influence the nervous system.

# data[].attributes.body
Types of Massage

# data[].attributes.body
Anxiety

# data[].attributes.body
Arthritis

# data[].attributes.body
Fibromyalgia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

As well as widespread pain, other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

increased sensitivity to pain

muscle stiffness

difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, which can make you feel very tired (fatigue)

problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog"), such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

feelings of frustration, worry or low mood

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are changeable - for example, they can sometimes suddenly improve or get worse.

See a GP if you think you have fibromyalgia. Treatment can ease some of the symptoms, although they're unlikely to disappear completely.

How fibromyalgia is treated

Although there's currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

Treatment tends to be a combination of:

In particular, exercise has a number of important benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including helping to reduce pain.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.

It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents.

In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by things that are physical or emotional like an injury, an infection or stress.

Who's affected

Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, but it's more common in women than men.

The condition typically develops between the ages of 25 and 55, but people of any age can get it, including children and older people.

It's not clear exactly how many people are affected by fibromyalgia, although research has suggested it could be a relatively common condition.

Some estimates suggest nearly 1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree.

One of the main reasons it's not clear how many people are affected is because fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose.

There's no specific test for the condition, and the symptoms can be similar to a number of other conditions.

Support groups

If you have fibromyalgia, support groups can provide an important network for talking to others living with the condition.

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a charity that offers information and support to people with fibromyalgia.

If you have any questions about fibromyalgia, call the charity's helpline on 0300 999 3333.

Fibromyalgia Action UK also has a number of regional co-ordinators who can put you in touch with a support group near you.

Another organisation you may find useful is UK Fibromyalgia.

Help us improve our website

Can you answer some questions about your visit today?

Page last reviewed: 12 October 2022
Next review due: 12 October 2025

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.