Corporate and clinical services available at the Gaia Centre

There are many styles of massage around, so try a few and find the one that is best for you. A
few styles to look for that are good for people involved with an exercise programme are Sports
massage, Clinical/Remedial massage, Body or Swedish massage, Thai massage and Shiatsu. Each
is very different. Our therapists use the different styles and gear their massage treatment toward
your needs.

Massage (see additional article ):

Centre Opening Hours:

We aim to offer our clients the best care and most effective treatments available in this field, and
to provide a team who can assist with treatment to aid recovery whether you are an International
athlete, regular, occasional or even a non-exerciser. In fact, not all Gaia clients take part in sport
or exercise. Although many of our clients are athletes or serious exercisers, many of our clients
who come in for treatments to back, neck and shoulder, legs, whole body, or even just relief from
general stress, fall into the non-exercising category

Gaia practitioners can provide a portfolio of therapeutic treatments to alleviate problems that
range from back pain, through to RSI, postoperative recovery, and sports injury, to stress
reduction and general relaxation, whatever your age.

Note: We are proud that all practitioners who work from the Gaia Centre have full qualifications,
and regularly attend further training workshops. All have extensive experience and up to date
knowledge in their chosen therapy.

Our Service
Gaia Centre practitioners provide services for everyone; from over worked business executives to
everyday housewives, from non-exercisers to World Class sports performers, indeed anyone who
may be exposed to repetitive stressful work or physical exertion during the course of their daily
routine. Whether you need to 'wind down' from everyday stresses, relieve the tightness caused by
work or training sessions, or recover from soft tissue injury, we provide the perfect solution, from
deep tissue manipulation to gentle Indian Head massage.

Gaia Therapies

To book any of the treatments call us now on 01509 551513
or email us via bookings@gaiaholistics.co.uk
or use our Enquiry For

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WESTERN FORMS OF MASSAGE
Most deep tissue forms of massage are based on traditional Swedish massage. Swedish massage
uses light gliding strokes to warm up the muscles and tissues, and then employs a variety of
kneading actions to improve muscle tone, ease joints, and smooth out restrictions in muscle
tissue. The idea is to push blood into the muscle and tone up muscles to protect against injury.
These actions on the muscular tissue triggers the lymphatic drainage system into flushing out
metabolic waste products (and other toxins) formed by the various chemical reactions that take
place in our your body’s cells.

What's it best for? This kind of massage is particularly good for conditions brought on by
various forms of muscular exertion (exercise, sport, manual occupation, and muscle tightness
brought on by mental or physical stress). Although it can target the whole body, it is particularly
effective for relieving tension in the neck†, shoulders and back, because practitioners use a
kneading and pulling action that stretches the ligaments and tendons, helping to keep them
supple. These forms of massage are frequently rounded off with quick hacking/pounding strokes
(as seen in films and associated with ‘Turkish Sauna’ massage).

Includes: Any form of Deep Tissue Massage - Clinical Massage, No Hands Massage, Remedial
Massage, Seated Massage, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage.

EASTERN TECHNIQUES
These forms are routed in techniques developed from the principles of Ayurvedic (India) and
Traditional Chinese Medicine. Eastern massage tends to focus on techniques that manipulate your
body's energy system known as 'chi'. As with Acupuncture, from which many of these techniques
are derived, it is claimed that energy flows along meridians - or energy pathways - found in
various places around your body. Practitioners state that when the meridians become blocked,
illness occurs. In order to unblock energy, pressure is applied on (Acupressure), or needles
inserted in (Acupuncture) certain points located along these meridian lines. According to the
theory, each point corresponds to specific internal organs in your body.

What's it best for? It is said that Eastern Massage techniques can improve digestive conditions,
menstrual problems, and asthma. The techniques also stretch muscles and loosen joints, so they
are especially good for treating back pain, shoulder tension, and headaches†.

Includes: Ayurvedic massage, Indian Head/Face massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai
massage, and Do-in, a technique developed by Chinese Taoist monks.

HEAT MASSAGE
Hot stone (or hot towel) therapy is a treatment that involves heating stones and placing them on
the body or using them in the massage strokes. This 'thermotherapy' boosts your circulation, by
creating an aerobic effect in the blood – i.e. making it speed up and slow down (if cold stones are
also employed). Increased circulation brings fresh blood to your skin, muscles, and soft tissues,
warming them up. The process also helps the body to rid itself of toxins more efficiently, providing
relaxation and stress relief.

During the treatment the therapist applies massage oil, then places hot basalt stones heated to
about 60°C on your chakra points. These are seven areas of the body that are considered
crossroads for energy meridians. Warm stones may also be placed underneath the hands and
between the toes.

What's it best for? All kinds of tension-related problems particularly in the area of the neck and
shoulders, which can be a root of headaches.

Includes: LaStone therapy, Healing Stone Massage, Lomilomi (Hawaiian), and Balinese massage.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
The focus in aromatherapy is not the massage per se. Rather the therapy focuses on the
properties of ‘Essential’ oils. These are base massage oils containing the essences of certain plant
extracts. Aromatherapy practitioners blend oils to address specific health problems. For example,
Lemon and Pine are used for relaxation, Marjoram is often used for stress, whereas Eucalyptus
targets respiratory conditions. The kneading and pummelling movements used in other Western
forms are seldom used. Instead, this style of massage employs light, gliding strokes.

It is believed that Essential oils work in two ways. When used in massage, they are absorbed by
the skin, pass into the blood stream and move on to work on different organs in the body. If
evaporated in special ‘burners’ and the fragrances inhaled, then they pass through the nerve
endings in the nasal passage and pass directly to the limbic centre of the brain, which controls
your emotions.

What's it best for? Flu, colds, asthma, bronchitis, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, and
menstrual complaints.

Includes: Deep-working and light touch Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic Body Massage.

† See news report about Massage and High Blood Pressure/Heart conditions.

© Copyright 2008 - Active Recovery - All Rights Reserved.
The Gaia Centre for Holistic Therapy, 17 Frederick Street,
Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3BH
email: admin@gaiaholistics.co.uk Tel: 01509 551513

So What is Massage?
Massage refers to the use of a collection of techniques whereby manipulation, pressure, or friction
is applied to your muscles and other soft tissues of your body. These therapies are based on the
fact that your soft tissues respond to touch. Manipulation of these tissues can result in relaxation,
increased circulation, and faster and more effective removal of metabolic waste products.

Massage stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple, and stimulates the skin and
nervous system. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and boosting your
immune system.

There are a wide variety of types of massage, many of which can be interwoven with techniques
that might more properly be called "bodywork", as they incorporate manipulation of whole body
segments. Below we present a brief guide to the various forms of massage.

At one time receiving a massage meant having a relaxing Swedish massage. Today, there are
over 50 different types of massage to choose from - ranging from Western Deep Tissue
techniques, through Oriental and Indian massage styles, to heat treatments and techniques that
target postural malalignment.

With so many massage modalities on offer, how do you know which one to choose?

Well, you know, massage can feel sinfully good. The truth is, it can be one of the best 'healing
through relaxation' therapies for you, especially during times of change and stress such as
changing jobs, moving house, menopause, post op, and sports recovery. This soothing therapy
has been shown to lower blood pressure†, reduce muscle pain, improve joint flexibility & range of
movement, and alleviate headaches, just to name a few of its healing powers.

Most people think of massage in terms of muscle aches, but it's much more than that. It increases
blood flow to your muscles, other soft tissues, and every cell in your body that brings oxygen and
nutrients to these critical areas.

Did you know there are more than 50 ways to massage?

But which one is right for you?

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Gaia Massage

What Therapies are available at Gaia?

Mon to Fri 09:30-19:30

Sessions outside these hours are by special appointment only

Listed below are all our current treatments
(For further in depth information about each therapy just click on the link)