TREATMENTS

Pregnancy puts a lot of demands on a woman's body. It has to cope with the extra weight and it is normal for some muscle systems to react with pains and aches, especially in the legs and lower back, while the whole body can experience unusual tensions. Not to mention annoying body fluid retention.
Then there are the emotions brought about by the physical change... often resulting in a need for extra care or even just a bit of pampering. Pregnancy massage differs in several key areas from standard remedial massage and that is why not every therapist is qualified to work on a pregnant woman. The paramount consideration is the safety of both the mother and the yet unborn baby: so there are areas which are not massaged. Luckily, all our therapists are specifically trained in pregnancy massage. The pregnant woman may be positioned semi-inclined on her side to work safely on her back, while women who prefer to lie on their tummy can use our pregnancy cushion, which has a large cut-out for the belly.

Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia.

This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles.

Deep tissue massage is therapeutic and very specifically targets a particular muscle or muscle group. Sometimes it’s used to mean “sustained pressure”, when clients want to indicate their preference for a stronger massage.

Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is quite different from remedial or similar forms of massage - it does not attempt to reach into the muscle tissue: it just brushes on the skin over the main lymph ducts in the face, neck, armpits etc. No oils or creams are used.
Its main applications are in the aftermath of a surgical procedure and in the treatment of lymphoedema. But it's also effective in boosting the immune system, which helps fight viral infections such as Covid-19.
MLD is recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic liposuction. This specialised form of massage is believed to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
Manual lymphatic drainage also plays a key role in the treatment of lymphoedema - again, often an unwanted consequence of a surgical procedure. MLD moves excess fluids away from the swollen area so that it can drain away normally.
MLD also stimulates and improves drainage in the healthy lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage is also a cleansing and re-energising treatment that uses gentle, repetitive massage techniques to specifically stimulate the function of the body's lymphatic and circulatory system. As such it has a therapeutic effect on the immune and nervous systems and is deeply relaxing, making it an effective treatment for stress. Lymphatic drainage can also improve congestion and pain associated with colds, flu, and blocked sinuses. It can help in the treatment of headaches, acne skin conditions and immune deficiencies. It should be mandatory in any detoxification process.

Hot stone is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage which uses smooth stones, moderately heated. The stones we use are basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. Ours come from Hawaii.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, and this allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure when required. The heat also improves circulation and calms the nervous system. In this sense the hot stones are not different from a heat pack, made of cotton and filled with grain... except that the skilled therapist actually uses the stones to work on your muscles.

It's a unique sensation. Many who try this technique don't want anything else. Worth a try!

Reflexology is a powerful therapy that involves techniques using fingers and thumbs to stimulate areas on feet, hands, and ears using massage, stretching and kneading. At the Balmain Massage & Wellness Centre, Blanca can work on feet.
Reflexology is used as pro-active health care tool to maintain physical, mental and emotional health. Promoting a state of total relaxation, it stimulates energy flow throughout the body, strengthens the immune system by improving blood flow and encourages hormonal balancing.
There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; some believe the pressure received in the feet may send signals that 'balance' the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce stress and pain. A unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health.

Scalp massage is a therapeutic technique focusing on the head, promoting relaxation and various health benefits. By applying gentle pressure and circular motions on the scalp, it can stimulate blood circulation, which may encourage hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. Scalp massages can also alleviate tension headaches, reduce stress, and help in the exfoliation of dead skin cells, leading to a healthier scalp environment. Additionally, the act itself is deeply relaxing and can provide a sense of well-being, making it a favoured choice for holistic self-care. Additionally, Blanca can include jaw releasing. This is a therapeutic technique aimed at alleviating tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. The jaw, often a repository for stress, can become tight and cause discomfort, headaches, and other related issues. A jaw release technique involves gentle manual manipulations and stretches to the muscles and ligaments of the jaw, which can help in reducing tightness, improving range of motion, and alleviating pain.