Benefits of Acupressure Massage
- Helps to reduce pain from long term chronic auto immune conditions
- Increases blood & fluid circulation and releases energy flow.
- Balances out your Qi and helps to balance your mood & mindset.
- Working with the autonomic nervous system it can help to regulate your heart, digestion, and breathing functions.
- It promotes a relaxed state of mind and can relieve symptoms of anxiety & depression
- Improved range of motion in body function & helps to reduce RSI.
- Can help with hypertension & high blood pressure, improve libido & aid fertility.
Acupressure, Deep Tissue & Myofacial Massage
Maintenance Massage 30 minutes from £35
Full Body Acupressure 60 minutes from £70
The nature of acupressure therapy can make these sessions of similar depth & intensity to a good sports massage, depending on my clients specific therapeutic goals. I'm normally working on a specific condition or 'pain issue' and with the help of a 20 minute medical consultation on your initial visit, I'll be working to get to the root cause, naturally reducing or eradicating the pain associated with it. Clients can feel the benefit immediately from an initial treatment but for longer standing more acute issues it's normally beneficial to have follow up appointments. Conditions I'm currently working with clients to manage pain with are:
Head & Facial Acupressure
From £35 for 30 minutes
This very gentle and soothing acupressure session that will let you drift away into a serene restful peace as I work on your face, head & neck to gently soothe any tension in the jaw, cheeks, forehead, cranium and neck. It's a beautifully gentle way to introduce yourself to acupressure as all the holds are quite light and this session is all about relaxing, resting and recovery.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure massage is closely related to acupuncture with the difference being; acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points, whereas acupressure achieves similar effects using the hands. It’s a therapeutic technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation, balance energy flow, and is very beneficial in alleviating chronic and acute pain for various health conditions, or used simply to relieve a build up of tension and stress from work, every day life, emotional stress or sports training.
This practice is based on the concept of meridians, which are believed to be channels through which vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi," flows. Acupressure targets specific points on the body where energy is believed to be concentrated (acupoints). These points are often located along meridians, which are pathways that correspond to different organs and systems in the body.
Current conditions being treated
- Polymyalgia / Fibromyagia
- Rheumatoid arthritis & other inflammatory conditions
- Sports injury
- Kyphosis (rounded thoracic spine)
- Long term neck, back and shoulder pain
- Persistent headaches / migraines
- Joint issues (soft tissue issues not structural)
- Frozen shoulder
- Lower back pain / sciatica
- Low mood / anxiety
- Upper cross syndrome (rounded & lifted shoulders & 'tech neck')
- Tennis elbow
What happens in an Acupressure Massage treatment?
In a session I will use my fingers, thumbs, palms & knuckles to apply firm pressure to the acupoints that feel 'triggered or activated'. The pressure is typically applied in a rhythmic and gradual manner, and the intensity can vary depending on the individual's comfort level and the specific therapeutic goals. This can be an intense therapy so it’s adjusted to each individual and can be paired with deep tissue massage which is long, sweeping, intentional strokes across the skin & into the muscle to relieve tension along the muscle fibers. Myofasical massage is also used if appropriate, focusing more on the 'fascia' & connective tissues surrounding the muscles, these are gentler, longer 'light pressure palm holds' that slowly let the muscles release.
Disclaimer: Acupressure is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners or used for self-care. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications should consult with a healthcare professional before trying acupressure.
Self Acupressure
One of the things I love most about acupressure is it's simplicity and that it can be used anywhere, at any time by anybody. In my sessions I teach clients how to use very simple acupressure holds at home, so you can continue to benefit from Acupressure every day.