Massage could be said to date back as far as the existence of humankind given touch is elemental and instinctive to us. For centuries we have been rubbing aching muscles, stroking the backs of our children to soothe them and holding each others hands. Massage is probably the oldest form of medical treatment and has been used throughout history by all cultures. The earliest written material regarding massage appears in a Chinese book dating about 2700BC in which "Stroking with the palm of the hand is advocated to alleviate the symptoms of a number of ailments.
Massage, as it is practised today, improves circulation, relaxes muscles and speeds up the elimination of waste products by stimulating the lymphatic system. Massage affects both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, reducing the symptoms that cause negative sensory input and increasing positive input. It is an excellent complement to other medical treatments and a powerful means of maintaining a sense of wellbeing. Massage involves the systematic application of a variety of strokes including stroking, kneading, pressing and 'tapping' the soft tissue of the body.
Remedial massage involves the use of a more extensive range of techniques including friction and transverse stroking techniques to address fibrous adhesions or adhesions between ligaments and tendons, or muscles and bones, by literally pulling the adhesive bond apart. Massage is also able to stretch localised area of tissue not easily stretched on its own.
All these techniques are an effective means of breaking down what are commonly referred to as 'knots' in the body's tissue, and by doing so, free muscles to function without impediment. Massage is also hugely beneficial on physical, emotional and psychological levels, providing a calming respite from the rigours of daily life and an opportunity to explore and affirm the connection between mind, body and spirit.
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Deborah Harris: BTSM (Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage), RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)
With over seven years' experience working as a massage therapist, Deborah brings her skills to Wellington. She specialises in fixing long-standing pain brought on by postural imbalance and stress in the workplace or at home, using a combination of deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy.
She also enjoys giving an excellent relaxation massage with the amount of pressure you want, using the Tui and Aurora aromatherapy massage balms.
Deborah efficiently assesses postural and movement patterns so that she can treat the whole person for the best results.
Deborah is one of few therapists who has earned the three year Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage.
Prices are:
30 mins $40
45 mins $60
60 mins $75
90 mins $105
Sharlene McInnes: Dip. Tuina, Dip. Acupuncture
Sharlene qualified as an acupuncturist and Tuina massage therapist at the New Zealand School of Acupuncture. She describes herself as a down-to earth practitioner whose passion lies in medicine. Over the years her focus has been directed more towards complementary medicine. Her treatments cater to your individual needs. She is able to treat a wide variety of ailments or simply provide regular maintenance treatments for optimal health & wellbeing.
Gareth Powdrell:
Gareth treats a wide variety of health concerns using Acupuncture and various Traditional Chinese medicine modalities including Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), Cupping and Qi Gong and also gives recommendations on lifestyle and dietary advice to suit your specific needs. He has a special interest in treating insomnia, anxiety, addiction, stress related conditions, pain, and long standing conditions of any nature.
BHSc.Acup., Dip. Tuina, Dip. Qi Gong, MNZRA, ACC Treatment Provider
Gareth’s interest in health began ten years ago during months of intensive meditation practice in various retreat centers through out asia. During this time he also began practicing Qi gong and Taiji and draws on knowledge gained through these practices to enhance his approach to treatment.
More information is available at www.wellingtonacupuncture.co.nz