Overview

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It aims to alleviate discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse, and many chronic pain conditions. This therapeutic practice is an ancient one, with roots in cultures all over the world, including China, Egypt, Greece, and India, reflecting its universal value in healing, relaxation, and well-being.

Massage therapy offers numerous health benefits that extend beyond simple relaxation, including:

  • Pain Relief: Helps alleviate pain in muscles and soft tissues, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
  • Improved Circulation: The pressure created by massage techniques moves blood through congested areas, enhancing blood flow.
  • Stress Reduction: Encourages relaxation, decreases levels of stress hormones, and generally reduces stress.
  • Enhanced Immune System: By stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system—massage therapy can improve immunity.
  • Increased Mobility and Flexibility: Helps to relax muscles, making it easier to maintain flexibility and range of motion.

Other considerations

Massage therapy can be a powerful asset in one’s healthcare regimen, but it’s important to choose a qualified therapist.

Individuals should also consider their health history when opting for massage therapy, as certain conditions may contraindicate massage. It’s advisable to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new therapy.

Indian Head Massage

An Indian Head Massage may be carried out with or without oils – therefore, you can remain clothed. Indian Head Massage focusses on the muscles of the upper back, neck, upper arms, scalp and face. By relaxing these muscles, tension and stress are released, thereby enhancing the client’s health and well-being. It also works on the upper chakras (energy centres) and helps to rebalance energy fields.

An Indian Head Massage may help with the following: Pain and stiffness in muscles, to help enhance energy levels, relief from sinusitis, migraines, headaches and jaw ache. It may also help with increasing mobility of the joints in the neck and shoulders, sleep quality, improving concentration, improving skin conditions and in enhancing the immune system.

Swedish Massage

This is a therapeutic massage aimed to bringing balance to the body and mind. Gentle techniques include long, calming strokes and kneading the muscles. This creates pure relaxation, resulting in a soothing, almost meditative, state.

A slightly deeper treatment involves varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements. This helps to ease stiff joints and reduce muscular tension.

Lymphatic Drainage

A gentle massage technique called ‘lymphatic drainage’ greatly improves the circulation of blood and lymph. It works as a detox, aiding the general health of the tissues and enhancing the removal of waste products.
Holistic massage stimulates the production of endorphins. These chemicals, often referred to as ‘happy hormones’ result in a feeling of well-being and function as a natural painkiller.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a very effective technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the body’s connective sheath). Massage treatments involve varying degrees of deep finger pressure and slow strokes on and around the area of tension. This style of massage encourages the muscles and the tendons to release tension.

The application of pressure and movement during massage encourages the blood and oxygen to circulate properly. Muscle tension and spasms are alleviated, discomfort is relieved and healing is promoted. 

When to see a Massage Therapist

Regular massage helps to reduce physical and emotional tension. It helps to restore vitality and promotes healing.

Massage can help the following issues:

  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Arthritis & Rheumatism
  • Cellulite & Skin Tone
  • Depression
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Fluid Retention
  • Headache & Migraine
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Inflammation
  • Insomnia
  • Muscular Aches & Stiffness
  • Relaxation & Mental Clarity
  • Renewed Energy & Vitality

How to prepare for an appointment with your Massage Therapist

As your Massage Therapist may ask you to undress to your underwear, please ensure you are wearing something that you are comfortable with.
For females, we recommend sports shorts and a sports bra.

Before your first consultation, there will be a GDPR and Consent Form emailed to you. Please fill this in before the consultation.

Practitioners

Massage-therapist-New-Malden

Carol Melrose

Massage Therapist

Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic based in New Malden and serves the local areas of Kingston, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Hampton Court, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Morden, Richmond, Putney, Teddington, Twickenham and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.