All about Massage

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most effective methods of healing. There are many different methods of massage from many different cultures – some of them ancient.

Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and soft tissue, to deeper manual techniques. Massage therapists may use their hands or other carefully selected implements to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body to improve health and well being. Massage has been practice as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and evoke feelings of relaxation and calm. Although massage benefits on both a physical and emotional level, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems.

HOW MASSAGE WORKS

The healing power of human touch has been employed for centuries for physical and emotional healing. Different massage techniques either stimulate or calm the body’s muscles and tissues, depending on the desired result. When a massage therapist massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals, together with the healing benefits of touch, help to heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming affect. Massage may also bring about a feeling of well being by stimulating the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators), as well as reducing the levels of certain stress hormones.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION
The massage therapist is likely to ask you about any symptoms you have, and question you about your medical history. He or she will then leave the room to allow you to undress and make yourself comfortable on the massage table. You may retain your underwear if you feel more relaxed that way. A sheet is draped over your body during the session, and moved to expose the part of your body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is used to reduce friction between the therapist’s hands and your skin, and also for the healing benefits of the oils and lotions.

The room is kept warm and free of distractions, and soft relaxing music is often played in the background. The manner in which the therapist massages your body depends on the problem being treated, and a massage session may last from half an hour to one and a half hours. Follow-up sessions may be suggested to treat acute problems.

THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage is generally believed to support healing on many different levels, including physical, emotional and spiritual, which makes it an ideal holistic healing therapy. Not only does it support healing, but it also helps to boost energy levels, increase mental alertness, reduce recovery time after injury or surgery, ease pain, enhance relaxation, mood and well-being. Massage therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of many musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and sprains and strains. It may also be beneficial to those suffering from depression as a result of chronic fatigue syndrome, ease constipation, alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self-image.

The A-Z of Massage at Amani Spas

African Rungu Massage
The African Rungu is a smooth, club-shaped tool carved out of Eucalyptus wood – originally an emblem of the Masai Warrior, but also used as a massage tool in Rungu massage. The African Rungu massage is a long stroked, deep tissue massage that reduces muscle aches and pains, improves blood circulation and lymph drainage, while toning the muscles and immediately releases stress.

Available at Amani Spa: Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Bush Lodge, Earth Lodge, Simbambili Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.

Aromatherapy
The use of fragrant oils for healing purposes was prevalent in many of the ancient civilisations, and the tradition continues today. Inhalation of the scent of essential oils and the absorption of the oils through the skin allows the different plant and flower essences to affect the body mind and spirit in a positive way.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Waterfront Cape Town, Thesen Island, Knysna, Simbambili Game Lodge.

Head and Scalp Massage
Based on the Indian Ayurvedic form of healing and relaxation, Head and Scalp Massage is effective for reducing tension, relieving sinusitis, and for treating insomnia, fatigue, headaches and migraines. It is even reported to slow down hair loss by improving the blood circulation.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Bush Lodge, Earth Lodge, Simbambili Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.

Lefika Hot Stone Massage
The LaStone massage method, on which most hot stone massage is based, was developed by Mary Nelson of Arizona, and has its foundation in the ancient use of smooth heated stones for healing in massage. Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The heat of the stones warms and relaxes the muscle, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure if desired. The warm stones also improve circulation and calm the nervous system.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Bush Lodge, Earth Lodge, Simbambili Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.

Indian Head Massage
An Ayurvedic form of healing and relaxation, Indian Head Massage is effective for reducing tension, relieving sinusitis, and for treating insomnia, fatigue, headaches and migraines. It is even reported to slow down hair loss by improving the blood circulation.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Bush Lodge, Earth Lodge, Thornybush Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.

Maternity Massage
A soothing massage for the expectant mother, the main focus of maternity massage is to relieve lower back pain, muscles cramps and spasms and fatigue, improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet. Maternity massage is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mama Mio treatments available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank.

Mom-to-be massages available at Amani Spa: Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.

Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the belief that there are acupoints on the soles of the feet that represent each part of the body, and are interconnected through the nervous system. Through pressure-point massage, the acupoints or reflexes are stimulated, promoting relaxation and restoring balance throughout the body.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Waterfront Cape Town.

Sports Massage
Designed for people who are physically active as well as for the professional athlete, sports massage focuses on the prevention and treatment of injury, as well as on enhancing athletic performance.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton.

Swedish Massage
The most popular and widely used of all massage therapies, Swedish massage consists of five different massage movements and forms the foundation of many types of massage. Firm, but gentle pressure is applied to ease muscle tension and improve circulation.

Available at Amani Spa: Sandton, Rosebank, Thesen Island, Knysna, Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Bush Lodge, Earth Lodge, Simbambili Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Lodge, Walkersons Hotel.