Massage is a form of therapeutic touch that has been used for healing for thousands of years all over the world. We have a natural instinct to rub a sore spot or ache on our bodies, or to give someone a hug for comfort. Massage has developed from this instinct and is recognised as one of the most effective ways to relax, revive, and heal the body, mind, and soul.
There are many styles of massage, and many different techniques. At Human Touch Therapies we use a range of strokes, holds, stretches, mobilisations and movements combined with intuition and sensitivity. There are no fixed routines with Human Touch Therapies. The client's needs, input and feedback are very important: the therapist works together WITH you, and does not “do massage TO you”!
Massage works in various ways. Physically it stimulates the skin, muscles and other bodily tissues, which relieves pain, relaxes muscles, improves circulation, removes toxins, and promotes digestion. Therefore massage is very suitable to treat many physical problems.
At the same time massage lifts the spirit and calms the mind. A treatment can be deeply relaxing, or reviving and stimulating, depending on your needs. Massage is very effective in treating stress-related problems.
Of course massage can also simply be a treat!
At Human Touch Therapies we take the holistic approach and can offer you gentle, relaxing massage, deep-tissue massage, and anything in between! All our massages now cost the same. This means you don't have to decide in advance what type of massage you want. If you're not sure, just book a massage session with Jenny and we'll discuss your needs and wishes on the day.
Relaxation Massage is generally fairly gentle. It can be a full-body massage for example, or cover particular areas. It is aimed at the more superficial muscles and skin, as well as the mind and soul, supporting your lifestyle & and wellbeing. It is suitable for almost everyone, including pregnant women.
Some conditions that may benefit from Relaxation Massage: muscle tension, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, digestive or respiratory problems, low energy levels, fatigue, toxins, low immunity.
Deep Tissue Massage is firmer than Relaxation Massage and aims at the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is particularly suitable to treat muscle tension, pains and “knots”. Of course releasing the physical tension also increases your sense of Wellbeing.
Some conditions that may benefit from Deep Tissue Massage: injury & rehabilitation, back pain, shoulder pain, (chronic) muscle or joint pain or restricted movement, headaches & migraines, neck pain, Repetitive Strain Injuries (e.g Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, Tennis & Golfer's Elbow.
Both Relaxation Massage and Deep Tissue Massage can be beneficial for sports performance, e.g. for pre- and post event treatment, or in general to maintain muscle suppleness, and circulation (supply of oxygen and nutrients, removal of waste products).
Of course if you would like a Relaxation Massage with some deeper work in a specific area, or a Deep-Tissue Massage which also includes some gentle, relaxing strokes, this is all possible. We tailor all massages to your individual needs and wishes.
When you come for a massage, you do not need to bring anything (except any medication you may need) and you can wear your normal clothes. It is best not to have a heavy meal shortly before the session, but do make sure your stomach isn't completely empty either.
Your first treatment will start with an initial consultation, the aim of which is to give you the best possible treatment. It is therefore recommended to book at least 1 hour for this first session.
After the consultation, the therapist will leave the room, for you to dress down as far as you're comfortable with, lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the available sheet. During the massage we use a neutral, non-greasy, hypo-allergenic base oil.
At the end of the session the therapist reviews the treatment with you, and you discuss the "way forward" together.
Christmas closure: 24 Dec - 04 Jan
The Berkeley Centre 3 Berkeley Square Clifton Bristol BS8 1HL Appointments at: 0117 370 1177 Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel or change your appointment, please phone as soon as possible. If less then 24 hours notice is given, the full fee will be charged.