The benefits of massage

The Amethyst Trust's mission is to enable people who are being treated for cancer, or have been treated in the past, to enjoy the amazing benefits of massage therapy knowing that their therapist understands how to safely treat them.

Swedish Massage

Traditional massage, also known as Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage available. It can be used as a standalone treatment for the whole body or often is offered for localised areas such as the back and neck. It aims to relax you both mentally and physically and has been used for centuries.

Swedish Massage involves a combination of movements such as effleurage or stroking, petrissage involving the deeper pressure, rolling and kneading of muscles, tapotement or frictions stimulating the surface of the skin and muscles.


Hydrotherm Massage

A truly innovative concept that allows you to receive specialist Swedish and Remedial Massage therapy whilst you lie on a soothing warm water filled cushions that support and comfort the entire body. Whether you want to simply relax and unwind, treat specific aches and pains or enhance your general wellbeing Hydrotherm Massage provides a scientific approach to the ancient healing art of massage.

During Hydrotherm you are weightless; lying on your back the therapist is able to massage your full body, you are not disturbed to turn over half way through your treatment, no need to use a face hole, no pressure on the chest and your neck muscles are fully relaxed.

The Hydrotherm Massage provides long lasting therapeutic benefits from the specialist techniques that are incorporated into the treatment.


Reflexology

Reflexology involves pressure point massage therapy of the feet or hands that link to every part of your body. Evidence of reflexology being performed by physicians has been found in Egyptian paintings dating back to around 2330 BC.

It is understood that by massaging the reflex zones one can achieve a better sense of wellbeing and encourage balance and good health. It is one of the most popular types of complimentary therapies in the UK among people with cancer.


Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage uses a combination of Swedish massage techniques along with specialist massage such as neuro-muscular, reflexology, acupressure and shiatsu.

Essential oils, often described as plant hormones, are extracted from flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves, bark and roots of certain plants and provide therapeutic properties that enhance the massage experience. The most popular oils used include rosemary, eucalyptus, camomile, jasmine, peppermint, lemon, ylang ylang, marjoram and geranium. Your massage therapist selects a blend of oils that will most benefit your health and wellbeing.


Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage is based on the ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. It aims to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders using deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp and gentle stimulation of specific pressure points on the face. Indian head massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis.

The experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving you feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.


Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese, natural healing art that is thought to increase and free the unbalanced energy flow in the body. Reiki uses only light touch and sometimes merely the proximity of the healer’s hands to particular parts of the body, using 12 to 20 prescribed hand positions. It is described as a non-invasive and non-manipulative treatment.

Some massage therapists use Reiki techniques during their traditional massage treatments, which is referred to as a “Reiki massage”, to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being.