Massage therapy offers a host of physical and mental benefits, from pain relief and reduced anxiety and stress to enhanced circulation and sleep. At the same, it can make you more flexible, boost your immune system and improve wellbeing generally.
At A Little Enhancement, our award-winning, Exeter clinic, we specialise in wellness treatments including a number of different massage therapies:
- Deep tissue massage
The deep tissue massage technique works on the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscle. Thanks to its use of slow, deep strokes and sustained pressure, it relieves pain and tension. But it does more than merely apply greater pressure than a standard treatment to enhance motion and flexibility. This targeted approach addresses particular muscle issues and knots. It reduces inflammation while boosting blood flow. But while having a massage like this can certainly be a relaxing experience, relaxation isn’t necessarily the main priority.
Those who can particularly benefit include athletes and anyone recovering from injury, people with chronic muscle pain and tension, those experiencing stress or issues with posture, and patients with fibromyalgia or similar chronic pain conditions. Finally, if you haves scar tissue, a deep massage can help break it down.
At A Little Enhancement, each session lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.
We’d recommend a course of treatments so that you really feel the benefits, but many clients start to feel significantly better after just one treatment.
- Indian head massage
Indian head massage is a holistic therapy based on Ayurvedic healing principles and concentrates on the head, neck, shoulders and upper arms. (It may also include the face.) The idea is to rebalance energy flow, enhance circulation, improve general wellbeing and reduce anxiety and depression, while relieving tension and stress and promoting relaxation via techniques including acupressure. Others are gentle strokes and kneading, as well as circular motions, stretching and some deep tissue work. You should also find hair and scalp health improve, as will your ability to relax and sleep. Finally, Indian head massage helps balance the body’s natural energy pathways.
There are a number of people who may find this treatment particularly beneficial, including those who are feeling rather stressed or anxious, or who are having trouble sleeping or relaxing. Equally, it may be for you if you’re experiencing frequent headaches or neck or shoulder tension.
Our Indian head massage treatments typically last for 30 or 45 minutes, making them the ideal quick escape, leaving you feeling calm and revitalised.
- Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, also sometimes called Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is a specialist technique which improves the body’s natural detoxification process by stimulating the lymphatic system or the network of vessels, nodes, and organs which help protect the body from infection and disease. This treatment also helps conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and some auto immune diseases like fibromyalgia.
Massage strokes are gentle and light, while hand motions are specifically designed to guide lymph fluid towards lymph nodes for filtration and waste removal. And while this massage can be relaxing, that’s not generally the main reason for having one.
It could be an ideal massage for you if you have particular swelling or skin conditions, frequent headaches, digestive issues or, in some cases, are recovering from surgery. Lymphatic drainage massage can also help with fluid retention and may lessen post-injury swelling while potentially improving the appearance of the skin.
Our lymphatic drainage massages are typically 60 to 75 minutes in duration.
- Relaxation massage
Also sometimes called Swedish massage, this gentle, soothing therapy works to encourage relaxation while reducing stress and muscle tension. With long strokes and mild kneading, it gently manipulates the soft tissues to promote calm, boost circulation and relieve minor aches and pains. Its whole-body approach allows the therapist to target all the major muscle groups. Tightness and soreness ease, while blood flow and sleep quality also improve. Equally, the break from daily stresses and strains should enhance emotional balance and mental clarity.
This massage therapy is often given in a peaceful room with soft lighting, soothing music, aromatherapy and essential oils to create a tranquil ambience, and in particular it helps those who are experiencing anxiety, depression or sleep problems, or significant muscle tension or pain.
Our relaxation massages are available as 30, 60 or 90-minute sessions.
We’re here to prioritise your comfort, safety and satisfaction, whatever the treatment you’re having. Email info@alittleenhancement.com or call 01395 225224 to learn more. Alternatively book your appointment now.