therapia

Good luck to everyone that is participating/competing on the London Marathon 2012 today! 

Raynor Massage can help restore balance after significant amount of exercise and deal with injuries, stressed or tensed muscles. 

Have your 1hr introductory treatment for only £25! 

I hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend with family and loved ones. 

There are still a few people who haven't redeemed their x-mas vouchers. As explained at the time of purchase the vouchers are expiring at the end of March. However, I am expanding the time limit up until the 10.04.12 (end of Easter period). 

Make your appointments soon! 

The Kingston Natural Health Centre has a new and updated website. 

Visit at http://kingstonnaturalhealth.com/

You can find my section on their webpage and make inquiries and bookings through the Centre's reception at http://kingstonnaturalhealth.com/therapists/serge-tampakakis

Check regularly for updates and special offers.

What is Raynor Massage?

Raynor Massage is a system of bodywork developed to identify and release residual tension, tightness and blockages within the body. It covers not just the muscles but also the skeletal system and the subtle body energy systems.

It has its origins in Eastern forms of massage such as Shiatsu, Ayurvedic Massage, Eastern Chiropractic Work, Lomi Lomi and Yoga Breathe Work. 

The practitioner works following the Myofascial and Meridian lines of the body using a variety of pressure, stretching and adjustment techniques appropriate to the individual's needs.

Raynor Massage looks at the individual holistically and does not isolate body from mind and emotions.

Residual Tension

Residual tension is muscle tension in an area of the body that is present when the specific muscles are not used (e.g. lifting, moving, supporting etc.). Residual tension could be a result of over-exercising, sports injuries, bad posture and gait habits, repetitive movements, work conditions and general lifestyle. 

Residual tension can also be a result of emotional or stress related reasons. We believe in the well accepted Eastern medical theories that the physical body is a gross manifestation of a subtle body composed of life force and emotions and other subtle energies. We refer to this life force as 'chi' or 'prana'. A blockage or disruption in the flow of chi or prana will cause an area of the physical body to become tight, blocked or forced out of position. Raynor Massage is a useful tool in the treatment of psychosomatic problems as it unblocks physical tension that is deeply rooted on emotional issues and improves a person’s overall sense of wellbeing. 

Raynor Massage and Sports Massage

Commonly sports massage focuses on a specific area or a particular injury on the body.  Raynor Massage treats the body holistically, triggering the body's own healing processes, increasing blood circulation and lymph flow, improving the release of endorphins and accelerating recovery from activity or exercise. 

The Healing Crisis

In Western societies, massage is strongly related to pleasurable, ‘feeling good’, ‘pampering and beauty treatments’. 

Raynor Massage is a therapeutic treatment that triggers the body’s natural healing processes. Accurately interpreted, it is seen as a confirmation of a successful detoxification and regeneration. On occasions, this experience presents symptoms similar to illness. 

Signs of a healing crisis include: cold and flu like symptoms, tiredness, aches and pains. 

The more toxic one's system is, the more severe the detoxification process will be. This process is characterised by  a temporary increase in the symptoms; this reaction is a sign that the treatment is working and that your body is going through a natural process of cleansing itself from impurities, toxins and imbalances. 

These reactions could be immediate or delayed (for instance, the morning after the treatment) and commonly last 2-3 days. However, no two healing crises are the same. Different people have different levels of toxicity in their systems, lead different life-styles (diet, exercise, work routines), therefore the reaction to the treatment would be different. 

Finally, the restoring/healing process is not limited just on the physical body. It has also an effect on the emotional body; emotions that have been 'anchored' on the physical body as physical tension are being released too, creating the desire to review the past, facilitate changes, new beginnings and easing transitional stages. This process is characterised by strong emotions (anger, sadness), but also with more uplifting emotional states. 

The general way of easing a healing crisis is basically to accept that it is happening and to not try to suppress it. Drink plenty of fluids (water, green tea and other herbal teas), avoid caffeine, alcohol, rich, fast foods and ready made meals, and ensure that the eliminating channels are working properly. The major eliminative channels are the bowels, the urinary system, the skin, the blood and the respiratory system. If you feel tired or sleepy, listen to your body and rest. Be kind to yourself and respond to your needs. 

More on Raynor Massage:

http://www.brandonraynor.co.uk

http://www.brandonraynor.com/

In Therapia, we use only natural, organic and cold-pressed oils, free from parabens and other petroleum based chemicals. All the carrier oils are also free from animal products and by-products. 

Sweet Almond Oil - A much richer oil, known for its high content of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and E, ideal for nourishing and repairing very dry skin and eczema.  Excellent when used for its cosmetic properties as well as an anti-oxidant. 

Apricot Kernel Oil - Similar contents and properties to Sweet Almond Oil, but with a finer texture, this oil is specifically beneficial for mature skin due to its high quantity of oleic acid, with nourishing and revitalising qualities. Ideal for head and face massages. 

Arnica Oil - A light oil with strong medicinal properties. Excellent for treating muscle aches, strains, tender feet and swelling. It also helps with dispersing trapped fluids within the muscles from bumped and bruised tissue. In addition, it is known for its therapeutic properties for arthritis and rheumatism. Ideal for athletes and people who exercise.

After your initial consultation, the most appropriate oil will be used corresponding to your needs, including taking into consideration your skin type and any known allergies. 

Also available:

Massage Oil Blends - Ready to use pre-blended oils in a Grapeseed oil base.

Essential oils of ginger, black pepper, rosemary, coriander, peppermint, lavender, vetiver and may-chang to soothe and warm aching muscles and stiff joints. 

Essential oils of lavender, yiang yiang, neroli, sandalwood, mandarin and chamomile to calm the mind and relax the body. 

Please note that in order to change or cancel your appointment you need to provide at least 24hr notice to avoid incurring a fee.