Deep Tissue Massage Therapy - A Must For Long Term Health and Wellness

You may want to consider deep tissue massage therapy if you’re looking to eliminate or minimize the stress and tension in your life and the effects it has on your body.  People are just beginning to realize that psychological issues have a very real and physical effect on their bodies.
Not all therapists are alike.  Finding a suitable therapist can be like playing the lottery.  Many clinics offering deep tissue massage treatments, although may be certified, cannot provide the level of experience necessary to produce the results that we would expect from a deep tissue massage treatment. Therefore, it is also important to find a licensed and certified deep tissue massage therapist that has the required experience and expertise.
Deep tissue massage therapy helps put your body into homeostasis. This is the optimal state of health and wellbeing in the body.  When you are under the effects of stress and tension (aka daily life) your body produces hormones in response to the stress and tension. This release of adrenalin causes your body's engine to accelerate again and again to prepare you for the usual onslaught; eventually you will have problems being able to relax, sleep or remove yourself from that heightened state of awareness (fight or flight) or stress. This will inevitably cause you bigger health problems in the long run. ‘Prevention’ is always much better than ‘cure’ – leading to less medical attention and prescription drugs.  It is much better for you to bring your stress levels down naturally.
Deep tissue massage therapy is the working of muscles in long deep motions that reduces and eliminates muscle tension. Both mind and body will relax during a treatment. Nico Tailored Therapies works on both deep and superficial muscles in the chosen area for a particular treatment. Some techniques will work the upper muscles while others work deeper muscles. Almost any form of massage therapy will have favourable affects on the body, however deep tissue massage effects muscular knotting, tension, and tightness due to the level of pressure and techniques we use.
Massage therapy helps bring stress and tension into check which results in an overall sense of calmness and relaxation.  For the person with a tight schedule, a 30 minute deep tissue treatment once or twice a week will keep you feeling less stressful, pain free and ready to take on your day-to-day life.
Deep tissue massage is just one style of massage offered by Nico Tailored Therapies; but it is the preferred treatment by 90% of our clients.  As well as Reflexology, the other styles of treatments are totally different to deep tissue but are just as effective when used appropriately.

Nico Austin is the founder of Nico Tailored Therapies in London.  Nico is dedicated to improving the quality of health and wellbeing through her remedial and holistic healing therapies. For more information about Nico Austin or Nico Tailored Therapies and its services you can visit the web site at http://www.NicoTailoredTherapis.com.

Deep Tissue Massage - Is it Worth the Pain?

This massage definitely NOT for relaxation; gentle sweeping effleurage is replaced by forearms, elbows and fists – producing dramatic results – and is a great way to release tension long run.  There is often some soreness after a session but benefits are worth it!  Nico Tailored Therapies specializes in this style of massage therapy.  If you’re near central London, check us out!
Deep tissue massage is a style of massage that relieves tension from muscles that are deep under the surface of the top muscles.  It requires a lot of strength, skill and attention to release the tightness and tension from the connective tissue (fascia).  The successful release of muscular tension enables the body to realign – resulting in better posture etc.
The mark of a good therapist is one that does not need the use of props or other massage ‘tools’ and still produce the required deep tissue massage results.
Regardless of the activities you participate in (such as sports, office work etc.), day-to-day life can cause a build-up of tension.  This results in knotted muscles, poor circulation, lactic acid build up, restricted movement, and pain & soreness.  Deep Tissue Massage and it’s use of long, smooth strokes stretches out the muscles, releasing knots and tension, removing lactic acid build-up and encouraging the body’s natural circulation.  Having regular deep tissue massage can assist in preventing injuries and illness.
Who Would Benefit from Deep Tissue Massage?
Generally, deep tissue massage is used for a specific problem that the client is experiencing.  However, in today’s busy lifestyles and work-related stresses, many more people are now turning to regular deep tissue massage treatments in order to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.
If you are a sufferer of chronic back and neck pain, for example; if you have restricted range of movement, or you are subject to over-training in sports, or sit at a desk all day, experience muscle spasms, headaches etc. Deep tissue massage may be for you.
Whether you are an office worker, athlete, gym-junky, full-time mother… this treatment could be for you.  If you are in the central London area, visit Nico Tailored Therapies for a free consultation about what we may be able to do for you.
What Kind of Results Might I Expect?
There’s no getting around it, if you find a ‘good’ deep tissue massage therapist, you will most likely experience some discomfort (we like to call it ‘good pain’). 

After your session you may experience soreness for a couple of days post treatment.
Many people find their back goes into immediate alignment straight after a deep tissue massage treatment.  The same is also true for shoulder-stiffness or soreness, neck pain… many of our clients experience relief immediately after a 30 or 60 minute treatment.
The discomfort or pain from a deep tissue massage is beneficial to your long term health.  Thankfully, that soreness or stiffness will generally subside in a day or so.  Generally, your body should feel better than ever!
Once you become a ‘Deep Tissue Veteran’ other massages will most likely seem like a waste of time.

Nico Austin is the founder of Nico Tailored Therapies in London.  Nico is dedicated to improving the quality of health and wellbeing through her remedial and holistic healing therapies. For more information about Nico Austin or Nico Tailored Therapies and its services you can visit the web site at http://www.NicoTailoredTherapis.com.

Can Reflexology Get Rid of Gout

Hydrotherapy is commonly known for assisting in the elimination of gout.  Hydrotherapy is the use of water to achieve therapeutic benefit and relaxation. Hydrotherapy can include jet massages, steam baths, mineral springs, seawater soaks (see Thalassotherapy), and various types of shower experiences.  Gout is a disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis in joints – most commonly the big toe.  The uric acid crystallizes and builds up in and around the joints.
There are other effective and alternative treatments used to treat gout.  A very popular option is Reflexology.  Reflexology has been very effective to sufferers of gout.  Reflexology treats the whole body through the feet.  In cases of gout there is often a compromised circulation and poor kidney function.  Reflexology assists the body to metabolize the uric acid in the body’s system as well as improve circulation and kidney function.
So what is reflexology? Reflexology, is an alternative therapy that involves the stimulation of specific points on the feet, hands and ears, for the purpose of promoting positive healing effects on other parts of the body.  Medical science agrees that this treatment can work due to the fact that there are several thousand nerve endings on the soles of the feet.  During a treatment, the nerves are stimulated and send signals to the brain which send the relevant message to the corresponding organ – so there is no mystery or magic involved.  At our clinics it’s the feet that are most commonly treated; as we find the feet display the body’s internal health much more clearly than the hands, ears or face. You don’t have to have a health issue or be unwell to have a Reflexology treatment as it can be used for maintenance as well.
As Reflexologists we understand that the foot is made up of various reflex zones that correspond to all the organs in the body. The theory is that the use of pressure through massage will stimulate a reaction within the body via the nerves in order to trigger self-healing.  When your body has a problem, there are signs of the problem that show up on your feet in the form of tiny crystals.  Points of tension, hard or dry skin and possibly aches or pains felt by the client and are indications of illness or imbalance within the body.
Reflexology treatment has been known to –

·         Reduce or eliminate migraines or headaches

·         Improve posture and alleviate back & shoulder pain

·         Improve circulation

·         Help with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne

·         Improve chemical function in the body

·         Remove toxins

·         Calm nerve endings

·         Aid in conception

·         Encourage overall relaxation

·         Reduce stress

·         Encourage normal body functioning

·         Help with IBS, colitis, diverticulitis

·         Many others…

What benefits does reflexology offer gout sufferers?  In the battle against gout, reflexology is used to assist the kidneys to function more efficiently.  There are many things in daily life that can cause our kidneys to product uric acid or stop normal function.  During a reflexology treatment the therapist will work on the kidney point and the adrenal glands as well as circulation.  Also, particular attention will be paid to the urethra, bladder and any other organs that indirectly support the kidney function.
The kidneys are the organs that are in charge of uric acid production. Therefore, if the nerve endings related to the kidneys are is stimulated through the corresponding points in both feet (both feet need to be involved as there are two kidneys) and can help the kidneys lower uric acid production.  Reflexology can also be used to break up uric acid crystal deposits that are found in the area of the foot that relate to the kidneys.  Also, the therapist will talk to you about your diet and lifestyle in order to find some small workable changes that may need to happen in order for you maintain your health.
Of course, you will experience effects during, directly after, or 24-48 hours following a treatment. These may not always seem positive but they ARE a very good indication that your body is responding to treatment.  Some people may experience nausea, headaches or sinus congestion.  These are affects that we commonly refer to as a healing crises, due often to a massive toxin release and extra energy spent by the body’s attempt to balance internal organs. On the flip side a client may experience relief from pain, have more energy and vitality.  The less desirable side affects are often very short lived, lasting from one hour to one day after treatment.

Following a treatment we recommend clients drink plenty of water, eat a light meal and rest.  We want you to avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, fatty processed foods, over exertion and taking any medication – other than those prescribed by your GP.

Nico Austin is the founder of Nico Tailored Therapies in London.  Nico is dedicated to improving the quality of health and wellbeing through her remedial and holistic healing therapies. For more information about Nico Austin or Nico Tailored Therapies and its services you can visit the web site at http://www.NicoTailoredTherapis.com