Massages

Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Therapy

Lymphatic drainage massage - Book Here

A form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve body swelling by flushing away excess fluids (including those received via IV during labour or delivery) and rebalance hormones, getting the body into a healing mode and reducing downtime post-pregnancy. Lymphatic drainage works by:

Clearing: releasing lymphatic fluid in your tissues.
Reabsorption: moving your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.
Boost the immune system, helping fight infections and viruses.
Improve elasticity of tissues (including reinvigoration of skin and muscles).
Improves circulation and metabolism.

The RESTORE Scar Therapy Method

A non-invasive physical therapy developed to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions. Using specialist scar massage and fascial release, therapy tools and self-care advice to promote healthy recovery.

Reduce common symptoms, such as pain and sensitivity.
Stimulate change to scar tissue on the skin surface, and to adhesions or fibrosis in the underlying tissue.
Promote functional and cosmetic improvements after surgery or injury creates scar tissue.

Creative Healing, Pregnancy and postpartum TREATMENTS

Creative Healing, Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage

The aim of Creative Healing is to decongest and replenish the body energy flow within the body.

The light-touch treatment normally commences with a lymphatic drainage of the upper back and neck areas and then an abdominal toning and drainage and specific treatments depending on the mother's need - Book Here:

Abdominal toning - Encouraging the abdominal muscles to sit back together and healing tone the stretched skin.
Pelvic drainage - clearing away the excess fluids and congestion in the pelvic cavity.
Pelvic lifts - the weight of the pregnant uterus places pressure on the ligaments and needs to be lifted back up after birth. The massage also redirects the energy lines back to the uterus.
Bladder drainage - along with pelvic drainage, this drains the lymphatics of the bladder and can prevent cystitis. Often the urethra is bruised during birth, so Creative Healing can reduce fluid in that area and assist healing.
Heart treatment - the heart enlarges by one third percent during pregnancy to cope with the extra circulatory load, and also works very hard during birth. Just like your uterus, your heart will benefit of Creative Healing when going back to its pre-pregnant shape, size and tone.

During postpartum - It is followed up by wrapping of the belly, sometimes using astringent herbs and/or essential oils targeted to heal and restore the vitality of the body. The wrapping is done with a firm cotton cloth aimed to allow flexibility of your movements whilst temporarily holding you posture in place to give time to your organs and skeletal structure to return to their place without putting any additional pressure in your pelvic floor like waist trainers.

Rebozo Massage

Postnatal Rebozo Massage

A Massage is designed to relax and help realign and balance a new mother, as well as help her return to her centre, both physically and energetically. You can also enjoy this massage on a more complete treatment. CLICK HERE to find out more about the special traditional ritual of

Closing the Bones ceremony.

The Postnatal Rebozo Massage involves using a rebozo shawl to rock and bind the mother’s body, together with an extensive massage of the abdomen, hips, waist, ribs, chest, shoulders and arms with a special warming oil - Book Here.

"Beyond the physical aspect of closing the bones, there is an emotional and spiritual aspect to the massage, which provide a safe space/ritual for the mother to feel nurtured and release emotions associated with the birth and motherhood.

Having experienced the massage ourselves and given the massage to new and not so new mothers, we have both experienced and witnessed how powerful this ritual can be in releasing birth emotions, even many years after the birth itself." Sophie Messager.

Trained by best selling author and doula Sophie Messager and Osteopath Teddy Brookes

Contraindications and Side Effects

Further Information

Massage can reduce stress, increase relaxation, reduce pain and muscular soreness and tension, improve circulation, energy, and alertness, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and enhance immunological function. However it also can cause your body to eliminate toxins, causing a process of detoxification that may last from 24 to 48 hours. More information in the

As a therapist I will not to put any additional pressure in your body during times of pregnancy and healing from conditions that could impact your overall health. Please seek medical or physical advice from your healthcare provider for any of the following conditions before having bodywork. Some of these conditions will be fully contraindicated, others will require a waiver letter from your doctor prior to commencing or continuing treatment plan.

General (absolute) contraindications to massage therapy:

Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Acute vascular inflammatory condition
Hypertension and low blood pressure
Shock
Metastatic Cancer
Inflammation, including arthritis
Cardiovascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions, embolism, heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers)
Systemic contagious or infectious condition
Aneurysms
Open wounds
Sepsis and cellulitis
Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication
Recent operations or acute injuries
Neuritis
Skin diseases
Psoriasis or eczema
Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
Pregnancy (under three months)
Bruising
Cuts
Abrasions
Sunburn
Undiagnosed pain
Nervous or psychotic conditions

Other contraindicated conditions may include: Bells palsy, trapped or pinched nerves, gynaecological infections, chronic pelvic girdle pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction, skin conditions, recent fractures/operations, keloid scars, bruising, bleeding, certain varicose veins, back and pelvic issues, osteoporosis, diabetes, low blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidneys and liver issues, circulatory problems, breast implants, organ transplants, joint replacements, epilepsy, bronchial asthma, removal of spleen, whiplash/recent concussion, first trimestre of pregnancy and whilst menstruating.,

You can benefit from self-massage, massage from your partner or contact a massage therapist to provide you with a relaxing, oxytocin filled and recovering session.

Massage After C-section

Scar tissue, at best, has around 80% pre-injury function - as the integrity of connective tissue is reduced within the cut or damaged area.

It is not advisable to massage any fresh wound till the incision is healed and there are no signs of weeping or scabs.

From my training with the Restore Scar Therapy*, the recommendation is that you can receive massage:

Earlier than 8 weeks with written approval from the medical team,
After 8 weeks without consultant approval (as long as you have been discharged or had a medical follow-up),
Self-care can begin as soon as scabs are no longer present at the scar,
With medical consent, direct scar treatment can begin on new scars once all scabs are gone,
Indirect, decongestive, compression or tensional scar therapy may be appropriate to use earlier, as soon as you are well enough to receive treatment in addition to following any instructions from your surgical team.