Natural Therapy Massage

Many natural therapists including Naturopaths and Acupuncturists offer various styles of massage.  These may be offered as part of a normal appointment or as a stand alone treatment.  One of the most popular styles of treatment offered is Bowen Therapy but remedial, relaxation and aromatherapy massage are very popular as well.  Massage is an integral part of the health process whether performed by a natural therapist or a massage therapist.

Remedial massage courses would be the most popular courses undertaken.  The are the easiests to get healthfund and workcover accreditation.  Remedial Massage takes a clinical approach to massage therapy. A full patient history and an assessmemt of the complaint is made using observation, palpation and range of movement - then the soft tissue related to the complaint is massaged and usually stretched. A good understanding of bio-mechanics in remedial massage is a must.  Conditions such as RSI, Frozen Shoulder, sports injuries all fall under the conditions treated by Remedial Massage Therapy.     More on remedial massage

Aromatherapy massage is mostly associated with relaxation styles but can be remedial as well.  Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils (distilled plant volatiles) for emotional and physical well being.  Aromatherapy literally means fragrant therapy.  Although thought of as an olfactory therapy, aromatherapy can also be used orally and by absorption through the skin (aromatherapy massage).     More on aromatherapy massage

Hawaiian massage is frequently taught as a short course or as an add on to previous studies although some full courses may be on offer.  Lomi Lomi is an ancient massage performed by Hawaiians. Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian massage free the energy blocks in the body. Hawaiian massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Under body and full body strokes help to free the energy, make the body soft, promoting free and abundant flow of life energy in the recipient.    
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Most shiatsu courses offer more than one style as several forms are on offer.  Shiatsu is a traditional form of bodywork from Japan.  Shiatsu which means ‘finger pressure' and has evolved from Oriental meridian theory and traditional Japanese massage techniques. Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.  There are several forms of shiatsu including at least two that do not follow meridian theory.  Shiatsu massage is an offshoot that combines shiatsu techniques with traditional massage styles.     More on shiatsu