Massage Therapy

Types of Massage offered

Swedish/Relaxation Massage is a form of massage that originated in Sweden in the 18th century. Every stroke and movement is directed toward the heart. This type of massage has two major benefits: it increases circulation of blood and oxygen flow around the body and enhances the flushing of metabolic waste from the body.

Remedial Massage/Therapeutic Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and the associated connective tissues. Connective tissue and fascia cover and support all the internal structures of the body. The aim of this therapy is to remove deep muscular and connective tissue tension caused by poor posture, stress and acute or chronic injury to the body. The slow deep pressure used in this method assists the elimination of many bodily toxins.

Aromatherapy Massage is a form of therapy that combines essential oils and relaxation massage. It is non-invasive and very effective in rejuvenating cells and promotes relaxation of the body. The essential oils are pure extracts from aromatic plants which have unique and highly complex chemical properties to help restore balance in your body.

The benefit of using such oils in combination with massage produces -

• Stimulating, soothing and calming benefits to the sense of smell and touch which help relieve stress-related disorders.
• The distribution of the oils throughout the circulatory and lymphatic systems via skin absorption. This distribution in combination with massage techniques gives a deeply relaxing treatment to ease physical and nervous tension.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle whole body treatment which relaxes the nervous system and stimulates the body's immune system. It involves gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move skin and muscles in the direction of the natural lymph flow. This movement increases the elimination of congested lymphatic fluid and promotes wound healing and relief from stress.

Massage and Cancer

Massage is one of the most popular complementary therapies for cancer patients. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with the conventional interventions of mainstream medicine and ARE NOT USED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIOTHERAPY AND SURGERY. Although massage is not a cure for cancer, it may help diminish the side effects of conventional treatments and improve quality of life.

Some people worry that massage can spread cancer cells throughout the body via the lymphatic system. It is well documented that comfort-oriented massage does not contribute to the spread of cancer. Lymphatic circulation occurs naturally and gentle massage does not increase lymphatic circulation any more than activities such as shopping, gardening or exercising.

Scientific research shows that massage can reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea. This information can be confirmed by the Cancer Council N.S.W. Contact them on HELP LINE 13 11 20.

At ATUNE our Therapists specialize in massage for people with a cancer diagnosis.

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