Massage with Rieko Oshima-Barclay DipPhyto, MNIMH, MCPP, MIFPA, MAR

Rieko is an experienced massage practitioner and has studied both massage and aromatherapyin Japan and in the UK, where she obtained the ITEC Diploma in Aromatherapy and Holistic massage.  She also obtained an Advanced Certificate in Aromatherapy and Massage in pregnancy.  Rieko is also a fully qualified Western Medical Herbalist.

Therapeutic Massage  This is a very effective healing massage.  Massage can help speed up the body's recovery from physical and mental fatigue, stress and general aches and pains.  Various pressure and massage strokes are applied according to the client's need.  Gentle gliding strokes give a relaxing and soothing feeling, while a firm pressure massage involves penetrating strokes using the fingers, thumbs and heels of the hand.  This is particularly effective on areas which suffer from chronic muscle tension, including stiff necks or sore shoulders.  I use appropriate plant oils (carrier oils) for the massage according to the client's condition.

Deep Tissue Massage (DTM)  is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It helps to release the chronically tensed and contracted areas in the body, such as stiff necks, sore shoulders and lower back tension. DTM employs slower strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia. DTM works to unlock the fibres of muscle by breaking down and eliminating toxins, at the same time relaxing and soothing muscle. DTM usually focuses on specific areas of tension and pain. It may cause some soreness during or right after the treatment, however, the client should feel better within a day or two. Rieko also incorporates DTM with Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release technique. 

Trigger point therapy  is a bodywork technique that involves the application of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Rieko often incorporates massage and trigger point therapy together. Trigger point therapy is also called myofascial trigger point therapy. Dr. Janet Travell in the United States developed it in the 1940s. A trigger point is defined by Dr. Janet Travell as: “A hyper irritable locus within a taut band of skeletal muscle, located in the muscular tissue and or its associated fascia. The spot is painful on compression and can evoke characteristic referred and autonomic phenomena”. Trigger points may be associated with myofascial pain syndromes or fibromyalgia. Trigger points are very common. They are also referred to as muscle knots. Trigger points can result from a variety of issues such as:  birth trauma;  injury sustained in a fall or accident; poor posture; over exertion; common hereditary factors, such as arthritis and rheumatism; stress; chronic illness.

Trigger points can bring on headaches, neck and jaw pain, lower back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome – etc. It is a type of massage therapy involving manipulation and stretching, which examines and treats muscles and muscle attachments in layers. It addresses surface muscles and the connective tissues and deeper ligaments and the connective tissues. The practitioner applies a firm, digital pressure in order to find the specific points causing pain and restricted movement. Trigger points can cause referred pain in specific areas. These areas have been charted and are predictable and consistent, and usually the pain is experienced in areas located away from the trigger point. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins and the lessening of pain in the muscles. After several treatments the stiffness of neuromuscular pain is relieved and the range of motion and circulation are improved.

Pregnancy Massage   During pregnancy a woman goes through major changes such as structural, physiological, spiritual and social changes.  Massage and aromatherapy can help her to prepare physically and emotionally for these changes.  Some of these changes may produce discomfort and emotional problems.  Treatments can ease these discomforts and bring a feeling of warmth and well-being.  It can also help a mother to prepare physically and emotionally for these changes which occur during the time of pregnancy. Possible benefits include: reducing physical discomfort e.g. muscle spasm, cramp, tired legs, tension, back ache etc.; reducing stress and promoting relaxation; helping emotional-related problems e.g. anxiety, depression, fear, restlessness and insomnia; it can also be beneficial in both labour and post-natal care. In the first trimester no essential oils are used and no abdominal, lower back or foot massage is given.  There are some conditions during pregnancy where aromatherapy massage is contra-indicated, so I suggest that you obtain a referral or advice from your medical doctor or midwife before your first appointment. I can offer combination treatments of herbal medicine and massage.

For more information or to make an appointment contact the Sunflower Centre on         020 8694 2714 or e-mail info@thesunflowercentre.co.uk

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Deep Tissue Massage with Dahnen Murdanaigum

I have been a qualified complementary therapist since 2004, my area of training being predominantly in massage-based therapy. My work takes its cue from the principle that “a relaxed body inspires a healthy body”, and it is to this end that I continue to strive for both myself and my clients. We only have to think about the fact that around 75% of all illnesses are stress-related and suddenly it becomes clear that in order to help improve and maintain our health we really need to be actively engaged in managing our stress. And I believe that the field of complementary health can play a very important role here.

Stress comes in all shapes and forms, mental and physical. My approach when treating someone initially involves looking at different aspects of that person, such as posture, health and lifestyle in order to help identify what it is that may be causing the presenting complaint and then tailoring the treatment accordingly. Where necessary, this may involve referring the client to another specialist whose skills I feel are more suited to their needs. I would then proceed to work in a way that helps bring the body back into a state of balance, thus encouraging an alleviation and eventual removal of the complaint.

Whenever possible I like to provide my clients with aftercare help to supplement their treatment and further enhance its benefits. These may include exercises, nutritional tips or advice on changing improper postural habits. I treat a wide range of people and complaints including those who seek better athletic performance, more flexibility, and alleviation of pain as well as those who simply want to stay healthy and see massage-based therapies as an important component of their routine for a healthy pain-free life.

I am fully insured and registered with the Complementary Therapists Association. 

Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) is a powerful form of remedial massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, but unlike classic Swedish massage the movements are generally slower and the pressure deeper and more focused on specific areas of tension and pain. Working within a client’s comfort zone is integral to the effectiveness of how I work, so even though you may at times feel a little discomfort, the treatment should not be a painful experience. In fact, once having experienced DTM, many people continue to choose this form of massage over Swedish massage for the increased degree of relaxation, alleviation of pain, and the generally longer lasting benefits that it provides.

Deep Tissue Massage can help treat various conditions including:  

Chronic pain (e.g. fibromyalgia) 

Limited mobility (e.g. stiff neck/shoulders)

Recovery from injury (e.g. whiplash, sports injuries)

Repetitive strain injury (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow)

Painful joints (e.g. osteo-arthritis)

Lower back pain

Muscle strains or spasms (e.g. from poor posture, improper lifting) 

I offer deep tissue massage as well as Reflexology and Indian Head Massage at the centre on various days.  Please contact me on 07890 318492 or at dahnen@thesunflowercentre.co.uk for more information, or reception for an appointment.

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