Bowen Therapy of Manchester also offers Swedish Body Massage, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage

Full Body Swedish Massage

Soothe the spirit with our signature full body massage. The ultimate in relaxation, designed to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and promote an overall sense of well-being. Ease your aching muscles as light to medium pressure strokes ease and relax your mind.

  • Five techniques are incorporated during the massage sessions to enhance your comfort:
  • Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips.
  • Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers.
  • Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers.
  • Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body.
  • Percussion (Tapotement): Brisk hacking or tapping.

Available in 30 and 60 minute sessions

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology, when performed by a trained reflexologist, who skillfully applies a sequence of learned thumb and finger-pressure techniques to reflexes found on the feet, hands and outer ears, provides a discernible response within the body. This response is the body “becoming aware” of the message it receives from the nervous system as the feet, hands and outer ears are being addressed during a reflexology session. These reflexes connect, through our nervous system, to all systems, organs and physical aspects of our body. This usually results in deep relaxation or even sleep.

I say “usually” because reflexology is all about achieving homeostasis, or balance, in the body. As such, when someone receiving reflexology is significantly out of balance, it is possible for this person to experience what is called a “healing crisis.” A healing crisis is the body’s response in its attempts to achieve balance. The most common symptoms of healing crises are: diarrhea, excessive urination, food cravings, sleeplessness and vivid dreams. Depending on who you are and what the cause of your particular imbalance is, will be dependent on how your body responds. For the record, I have had clients become very talkative during a treatment, as well. It seemed as if they became more energetic and were inspired to interact and engage with their world, as opposed to relax and disengage. Everyone’s experience will be uniquely their own.

It’s a fact that our bodies are always attempting to achieve balance on their own. It is a constant dance as we live our lives and encounter stressful situations. Stress is the greatest challenge our body faces. While it can be and is useful to draw upon stress for the purpose of dealing with an immediate need – fight or flight – unfortunately, when it becomes a way of life, it manifests as an imbalance our body continually attempts to correct. Our body will constantly struggle in its attempt to achieve balance and will suffer. The symptoms of stress-induced imbalances can vary, however initially present in the form of headaches, sleeplessness, heartburn, neck and shoulder pain, short tempers and impatience, road rage, digestive issues and the list goes on. If left untreated or unaddressed, medical complications associated with stress can ensue.

Reflexology To The Rescue!

Reflexology is a viable and proven approach to reducing stress and, I heartily suggest that everyone incorporate it into their lives. I am not saying you should pay for a reflexology session from a professional reflexologist on a regular basis. Conversely, I am an advocate of giving yourself reflexology or having a loved one provide it for you. The beauty is, it doesn’t have to be perfect. The key is not to over-complicate or over-emphasize technique versus concept. In truth, virtually everyone can “do” reflexology. And, while giving reflexology to a loved one is simply awesome, giving reflexology to yourself is wonderful, too! And is REAL easy to do! This is the beauty of reflexology.

This being said, there is much to be gained by experiencing a professional reflexology treatment. Lying down on a table or taking advantage of a zero-gravity chair and having someone who really knows what they are doing playing your feet like a finely-tuned musical instrument is a pleasure words cannot describe. You must experience it for yourself. However, not all reflexologists are created equal and you must do your research in order to increase your chances of experiencing bliss. Consult your state’s reflexology association for a list of qualified, professional practitioners.

Why Should I Consider Reflexology?

First and foremost: our daily lives are full of stress. This is a irrefutable fact of life. It is also a fact that most health problems begin as stress. Receiving regular Reflexology sessions is an excellent and affordable way to reduce stress and bring balance back into your life. Once balance is undertaken, the body has a remarkable capacity to heal itself and continue its journey toward balance.

Reflexology is also an ideal complement to an already healthy lifestyle. Making the choice to include reflexology in your wellness program will pay physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dividends.

Benefits From Regular Reflexology Include:

  • Stress Reduction – as stated, many health problems begin as stress
  • Increased Energy, Motivation and Enthusiasm
  • Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus
  • Improved Circulation and Digestion
  • Detoxification

Reflexology and Energy

On a more esoteric note, our bodies contain our life force. If our life force flows unrestricted, we experience good health, abundant energy and are better equipped to make choices that lead to a more productive, prosperous and happy life. If this flow is restricted or shut down, the physical body and the energy associated with it becomes compromised and some form of dis-ease occurs. This is the precept and theory of Eastern Medicine

The techniques performed in a reflexology session facilitate the clearing of these restrictions resulting in energy flowing more freely.
Simply stated, Reflexology encourages and inspires the body to balance and subsequently, heal itself..