What is a catch the breath treatment?
For the Head, Back and Shoulders using slow meditative movements and gentle rhythmic techniques to melt away tensions and stresses and to help the mind drift away into a deep state of relaxation. Slow Tui Na Chinese massage techniques aim to calm the upper body.
How does a catch the breath treatment work?
Allow plenty of time for your treatment; arrive 10 minutes early so there’s time to relax in our waiting area. If it is your first time, you’ll be asked to complete a pre-treatment client questionnaire. Avoid drinking alcohol prior to the treatment. Our skilled therapist will guide you into the holistic suite and ask some questions to establish your needs. This will help to identify any areas or aspects of your body or skin which may require more focus during your treatment. Once your needs have been established your therapist will start your sensory experience by asking you to take 3 meditative breaths at each of our massage oils to determine which aromatherapy fragrance suits to enhance your treatment experience. Your therapist will then leave the treatment room to give you time to undress privately and lie down on our comfortable massage table, where you may cover yourself with towels. You will not be completely exposed at any point during your treatment; your therapist will uncover one little bit of you at a time depending on the area she is focusing on. The catch the breath treatment is performed whilst lying face down on our comforting memory foam couch, if comfortable to do so. If lying face down is uncomfortable, we can adapt your treatment so you are most comfortable in a way that suits you. Using your chosen massage oil your therapist will ‘rain drop’ the warmed oil onto the skin and start to perform a specially designed back, shoulder and scalp massage using slow meditative movements and rhythmic techniques. Gently combing ‘head and hair oil’ through the scalp and hair. Your treatment will finish with a mindful moment where you are encouraged to take 3 deep meditative breaths, followed by a glass of water and some tailored aftercare advice.
Is the catch the breath treatment right for me?
These treatments have been specially designed for people living with and beyond cancer. The gentle nature of these treatments means that they suit anyone that may have a medical condition that is usually contraindicated as they are fully adaptable to suit, using ‘touch’ instead of usual massage techniques. However, if lymphedema is present, the application of usual massage therapy is contraindicated in the affected extremity and the truncal area bordering the extremity. Massage therapy is also contraindicated in in these areas in patients who have undergone surgery involving the lymphatic system or have undergone removal or radiation to the lymph nodes. But ‘touch’ can still be performed, and treatments adapted to ensure full safety and comfortability. We understand that sense of smell and olfactory senses may be affected by current treatments or medications and change daily, which is why we aim to create a sensory experience that is personal to you. Giving you the choice of aromatherapy that you enjoy on that day! We are committed to ensuring your full comfort in positioning, sense of smell, down to the sounds that you can hear.