Why you need to visit Spa & Massage London
Why you need to visit Spa & Massage London
About Spa & Massage
Spa & Massage was established in 2007 by Aly and Nicole Thobani, who were inspired during their travels in Thailand. The Thai approach to massage caught their attention because it viewed massage therapy not just as a lavish indulgence, but as an essential part of a well-rounded lifestyle, alongside proper nutrition and physical activity.
The first location of the Spa & Massage Clinics was established in Bayswater W2. As demand for massage therapy to treat medical concerns like stress, pain, and injury grew, more locations were opened.
In recent years, Londoners have become more health conscious, embracing healthy eating and exercise and seeking alternatives to prescription medication. Massage therapy has emerged as a popular choice for those looking to maintain their well-being and incorporate alternative medicine into their routine.
My experience
I visited Earls Court Spa & Massage for a 60 minute full body massage session. Walking into the clean and fragrant facilities instantly put me into zen mode. All staff were so warm and friendly for the duration of my stay.
Upon arrival I was offered a cup of Buddha tea which is their signature, handmade herbal infusion containing cinnamon. Filled with antioxidants reducing inflammation and blood sugar levels improving heart health it helps to fight off infections and reduce PMS and menstrual cramps.
Cardamom, which helps lower blood pressure improve breathing and anxiety fight bacteria and protect your liver. Liquorice which reduces inflammation aids digestion and boosts the immune system fennel aids a healthy digestion and treats bloating gas or cramps.
Rose petals, which boast amazing toxin cleansing properties with a lovely flavour and coriander seeds which are great as atonic for the body providing calcium phosphorus iron and vitamins such as Vitamin B and vitamin C
My masseuse was a friendly and talented therapist who performed a full body, deep tissue massage that really helped to boost circulation and get rid of the knots in my neck and shoulders.
For my treatment I choose the mood boost aromatherapy oil, which is a favourite at the Clinics. Uplifting and rejuvenating, the body is filled with positivity. A blend of Bergamot, which has positive effects on the mind, with fresh and vibrant Australian Eucalyptus oil. Wild Thyme helps stimulate the body into action and naturally a little soothing Lavender provides a reassuring base to the oil. It smelled amazing.
I started by taking three deep breaths and my massage included a range of different techniques and stretches. Beginning with me lying on my front, before turning onto my back and ending with a head massage.
Treatment options
All massages are available for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes at one of five Spa & Massage locations in London.
De-stress
The de-stress massage relaxes the entire body by rubbing muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. The light to medium pressure helps reduce pain, relieve stress, boost mood and promote relaxation.
This massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood. Increased circulation brings energy-producing nutrients and oxygen to your cells, as well as carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel fatigued.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy massages are one of my favourites. A multi sensory experience using fragrant oils. The Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends at Spa & Massage are Organic, Toxin Free, High Quality, Not Tested on Animals and Made in England.
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, Herbs and fruits to naturally enhance wellbeing. They're made up of very small molecules, which means they can easily absorb into the body.
The oils have a positive effect on the skin, penetrating into the deeper layers to encourage the process of cellular renewal, enhance blood circulation and help heal health issues such as acne, eczema and skin aging.
At spa & massage there are four different aromatherapy oil blends to choose from. Lavender - known for its calming properties. It relaxes, relieves stress and promotes a restful sleep.
Muscle care - A warm blend of black pepper, rosemary, sage and lavender will relieve muscle and joint pain by increasing circulation and tissue recovery after physical exertion.
Energy boost - An uplifting blend of bergamot, eucalyptus, thyme and lavender will energise and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Detox - A fresh and fruity blend of grapefruit, orange, juniperberry and patchouli will help eliminate toxins and improve circulation in the body.
Deep tissue
Deep Tissue Massage is often recommended for individuals who experience pain and soreness in both large and small muscle groups. The benefits of deep tissue massage come in the form of pain relief for suffers of chronic conditions. Reduction in muscle tension, lowered blood pressure, arthritis relief, the break down of scar tissue, and an increase in joint mobility.
Deep tissue massage employs deeper pressure techniques, beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension with slow, deep-guided strokes and firm pressure to relieve severe tension and reach below the superficial muscles.
Sports
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. Sports massage helps revitalise muscles and ligaments and release stored tension, helping the treated area to feel less stiff. On top of aiding recovery on a physical level, its calming effect reduces anxiety levels and improves quality of sleep.
Some of the benefits of sports massage include:
Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
Increased flexibility
Increased sense of well-being
Decreased muscle tension
Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
Decreased muscle spasms
Better sleep
Increased blood flow
Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)
Decreased chance of injury
Decreased recovery time between workouts
Reflexology
Reflexology goes deeper than skin and muscles by taking specific reflex points on the foot to induce a healing response in corresponding organs and areas of the body. Kneading the soft fleshy ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, tracing around the heel and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the many small, intense movements you’ll experience during a reflexology treatment.
Beyond the feel-good effects of the treatment, the practice and purpose of Reflexology go deeper than skin and muscles by taking specific reflex points on the foot to induce a healing response in corresponding organs and areas of the body.
Kneading the soft fleshy ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, tracing around the heel and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the many small, intense movements you’ll experience during a reflexology treatment.
Addressing anything from headaches to sinus problems to stomach issues, if sensitivity or tenderness is experienced when certain areas of the foot are stimulated it usually indicates bodily weaknesses or imbalances within the corresponding organ.
With repeated practice of applying pressure and manipulating nerve endings (traditionally in the foot), reflexology can help clear any channels of blocked energy through moving the flow of blood, nutrients and nerve impulses to ultimately improve overall health and balance.
Remedial
Remedial massage can help prevent illness and injury by calming the central nervous system, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, boosting immunity, increasing joint flexibility, removing the toxins that cause pain and stiffness and stimulating the release of endorphins (the body’s natural, feel-good and healing hormone).
Ideally, remedial massage should be used as a preventative form of treatment removing pain and dysfunction, creating balance, relieving stress and generally promoting a sense of deep relaxation and well-being.
Remedial massage is one of the most effective and readily available ways to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain and soreness. Remedial massage generally works deeper, through the muscle layers, creating a longer lasting relaxing effect.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage is specifically designed to relieve pregnancy-related muscular aches and pains, this massage is customised to the customer’s preferences and stage of pregnancy
During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you relax, but may also relieve insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping and sciatica. Additionally, it can reduce swelling in your hands and feet, relieve carpal tunnel pain, and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion – all common pregnancy problems.
Massage may also lift depression without the use of medication, according to some scientific studies.
Add ons
Aromatherapy Oils
A choice of four aromatherapy oils can be added to any massage treatment, as well as cbd oil. It is an incredible mix of organic herbs and organic plant oils, including vitamin E, lavender, rosemary, sage and marjoram, which is a special blend that has been formulated with plant-based extracts that help nourish, hydrate, and soften the skin.
CBD Oil
CBD increases the number of natural cannabinoids within the body. It binds with “feel good” serotonin receptors. Activates GABA receptors, which calm the nervous system, and has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain, any kind of body pains and inflammation.
Lavender moisturising lotion
For those seeking more moisture. A luxury lavender body moisturiser can be added to your treatment. Skin Smoothing and luxuriously moisturising Body Lotion. Omega 6 Rich English Starflower and Anti-ageing Argan with our beautiful Lavender grown Organically at Woodcote Farm Estate England.
The beautifully distinctive scent of Carshalton Lavender Body Lotion luxuriously glides across your skin. Using British Grown Starflower Oil, Starflower is rich in Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA) and Omega 6 fatty acid Linoleic acid. These naturally occurring components help fight dryness, wrinkles and skin damage, and reduce skin inflammation.
Muscle balm
Muscle balm for those times when you need more muscle pain relief. The muscle balm formula contains the strongest concentration of herbal ingredients to provide warm, comforting relief for joint and muscle pain, stiff muscles, arthritis, and backaches.
It is a cooling and refreshing Vapour Rub with menthol, eucalyptus and mint to give a refreshing sensation of cool breathing. The aromatherapy scent is 100% natural and 100% effective and the balm is made using natural plant waxes and Olus Oil for a complete natural remedy that is kind to your skin and senses.
Head massage with peppermint essential oil
Choose to help when you feel the head tensions, headaches, head stress and feelings of tiredness with a cold the unmistakable scent of pure Peppermint.
Peppermint Essential Oil has minty top notes, bright and fresh, with hints of camphor and grass. Refreshing, cleansing and cooling. Organic Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves. Country of origin USA.
Moisturising hand and foot massage with luxury moisturiser
Rich in Organic Oils and Butters for soft, moisturised skin. The natural hand cream lotion uses Organic Sunflower and Shea Butter with beautiful natural fatty acids to provide lasting moisture that will leave hands feeling soft without greasiness.
A plant based treat for feet. Ice Cold Peppermint grown in England to cool and refresh your feet with hints of soothing Lavender. Lavender and Peppermint are both naturally antibacterial and antifungal making our Foot Massage Lotion ideal for on corns and blisters
My review
I'm already planning my return! After my deep tissue aromatherapy massage I definitely felt so much more relaxed for the rest of the day and slept better that night. An hour goes by so fast when you're enjoying your massage, so I suggest going for a 90 to 120 minute session if you can. However even a 20 minute massage performed by loving hands can work wonders.
Massage benefits
Would you like to relieve Stress, Boost your Immune System, Prevent Muscle Strain or Sleep better? Massages can help the body and mind in a number of ways.
By relaxing both the mind and body. With regular massages, you may find it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
Moreover, receiving a massage allows for uninterrupted time dedicated solely to self-care. This focused attention on yourself can enhance self-awareness, mindfulness, and overall emotional well-being.
Incorporating massage therapy into your routine can provide significant mental health benefits such as reduced stress levels,
improved mood, better sleep quality, and increased self-awareness.
So why not give it a try?
How to maximise the benefits of massage therapy
Drink plenty of water as water will help keep your body hydrated and cleansed. Helping to avoid getting a headache. Dehydration fatigue and reduce soreness. By drinking water after having a massage it will help your body flush out toxins.
Avoid caffeine alcohol and tobacco
Don't drink alcohol or smoke and avoid caffeine for the next 24 hours. Massage aims to detoxify the body alcohol and smoking account to productive as they increase the levels of toxins within the body.
Keep physical activity to a minimum after massage
Allow 24 hours to pass before participating in physical activity to allow your muscles to recover from Deep work.
Perform gentle stretches
Gentle stretching in the following days after having a massage will help the overall effectiveness of your massage. Gentle stretching will help your muscles stay supple, lengthen muscle fibers that have contracted from disuse or excessive use. Restore muscle flexibility after injury, assist in removal of natural waste like lactic acid from muscles.
Increase flexibility and restore muscle balance. It is a remarkable way to improve health without wear and tear yet contribute to overall wellness.
Take extra Care
After a massage your reaction times may be slower. It is recommended not to drive or operate heavy machinery after massage.
Welcome different emotions
Sometimes if you've been experiencing lots of stress you may feel the need to cry after a massage. Alternatively you may feel relieved, blissful or full of energy. Either response is normal. Try not to suppress these emotions, allow them to come and you will feel that much better afterwards.
Rest
You may feel tired as if you want to lie down and take a nap. This is completely normal and you should listen to your body. If you can, make sure you have nowhere to go and nothing to do after your massage. Massage is not just work on the body it is work on the mind too. It helps to de-stress and relax you, this in turn may make you feel tired. Make time for yourself and your body will thank you.
Take a bath
A nice warm bath is very soothing after a massage particularly with Epsom salts Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate which is a natural muscle relaxer that's wonderful at drawing out toxins in the body, much like massage.
Book another massage for the near future
Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are accumulative, so the more often you get a massage the better you'll feel and more quickly your body will respond from one session to the next.
Relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you're getting a massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
Possible side effects
Every person reacts to massage differently, here is a list of normal and common reactions : muscle ache or headache. Frequent urination, active bowels. Body spots. Heightened emotional state, fatigue, cold-like symptoms, changed sleep patterns.
The symptoms you experience are absolutely normal and will subside within 12 to 24 hours. You may not experience any noticeable effects and that is normal too.