Iridology
Iridology is the study and analysis of iris of the eye. It is a map of the individual constitution of a person and can often signify underlying health conditions as give direction to returning and maintaining good health. It is more than just a diagnostic tool as it gives a window into the persons individual strengths and weaknesses. A special magnifying tool is used to take a photo of the iris during a consultation as used as part of a broader diagnostic reference.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda - The Science of Life - is the ancient traditional medical system of India. It has been in practice for over 5000 years and is still incorporated into medical school in India today. The knowledge was well preserved in Sanskrit scripts and has been passed down through the generations. A properly qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner can study for up to 7 years and learn Sanskrit as a compulsary subject. Diagnostic tools as well as other understandings from Ayurveda is used as part of your diagnostic and treatment plan.
TCM
TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine was used across Asia and is still practiced widely today. It dates back to pre-1000BCE. The basic theories have changed little in the last 2000 years since they were written down in the "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. Principles and diagnostics of this ancient medical system are used within a consultation.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is the connective tissue in and around muscles. It is a "clingfilm-like substance that wraps around all our muscles and organs, offering support and reducing friction during every day movement. When this becomes tight, blood and nutrients are restricted and the facia hardens and dehydrates, causeing decreased elasticity which results in pain and discomfort. Myofascial release is applied to relieve this tension and restriction, helping to restore the balance and function.
Myofascial release is applied in a hands-on approach within a massage treatment as well as the optional use of dry cupping.
Lymph Drainage
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The majority of the lymph system is just 1mm below the surface of the skin, so the treatment is very gentle.
During manual lymphatic drainage massage, the therapist works to encourage the flow of this lymph by light rhythmic pumping motions.
Deep Tissue Massage
Lighter techniques are always blended with the deep tissue massage as the muscles need to be relaxed and warmed before deeper application is carried out. The body has various layers/depths of muscle tissue and the deep tissue massage is aimed at the deeper skeletal muscle tension.
Deep tissue is done within the treatment by using slow, firm and deep pressures.
Myofascial Dry Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative therapy which dates back to Egyptian, Chinese and middle Eastern cultures. In Sports Massage, the cups are placed over several areas, a vacuum is then applied which lifts the soft tissue providing an upward stretch within the muscle and associated fascia. The cups are then either left in place for a few minutes, or moved along the muscle for a deep tissue massage effect.
PLEASE NOTE: The use of cupping may leave "love bite" type marks on the skin which usually disappear after a day, but can last up to 10 days.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are specific points in the body which cause or defer pain. These points can either be painful or you may only feel them when your therapist applies pressure to the affected area. Trigger points, sometimes referred to as "knots" are areas of excessive muscle tension.
Trigger point therapy is applied as a deep pressure to a given area for a sustained time using thumbs, fingers, knuckles or even elbows.
Infra-red Heat Therapy
Muscles are sometimes in hard to reach areas or are extremely tight and therefore need to be warmed up and relaxed before deeper techniques are applied. The infra-red heat lamp can heat either a general or focused area of muscles tension, it can also be used within a treatment to keep an area warm post treatment to sustain the increased blood flow which aids healing as well
Soft Tissue Release
This technique is used to help correct muscular imbalance, including areas of injury or scar tissue.
A strong focused pressure is used to lock into an area of fibrous adhesions or scaring in the soft tissues, stretch is then applied away from the lock which creates a strong local stretch and releases areas of scar tissue and adhesions, restoring elasticity to the area.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape and its technique was first developed in Japan by Dr Kenzo Kase. The tape and techniques used assist with the support of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, but not restrict the overall motion of the body. It also provides benefit to the lymphatic system and decreases pain severity and healing time of many different sports injuries.
The tape is usually applied after a treatment, but can also be applied in the acute stages of an injury or to a weak or tender area prior to activity, such as sport.
PNF Stretching
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching is used post treatment when needed targeting a specific muscle group that needs stretching and strengthening. It was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation as it increases flexibility and improves muscular strength.
The therapist will stretch the muscle group while you contract your muscles.
Manual Muscle Testing
Manual muscle testing is used to design a treatment plan as well as monitor effectiveness of the treatment plan.
Depending of the affected area, specific test will be used. This will be explained at time of assesment.
These tests can include range of movement (ROM), active or passive movement evaluation, pain scale and strength tests.