"Are you moving poorly because you are in pain, or are you in pain because you are moving poorly?" - there will be an element of both!  So, why consider complementary therapies?

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Complementary therapies have been used for thousands of years to promote, reinstate and maintain the homeostasis (balance) of the body using natural methods.  Records show that certain roots stretch back to over 6000 years BC.

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So many chronic pain conditions are caused by dysfunction in our soft tissue (fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments).  These can arise from an injury or direct trauma, but equally from poor posture, repetitive movements, lifestyle and  stress.  By identifying and improving/resolving soft tissue dysfunction we can make many significant differences such as reduction/elimination of pain and associated symptoms, improved mobility and range of movement.

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Massage is based on our natural instinct to rub areas of the body that hurt to try and comfort, soothe and heal them.    It is an intuitive healing method, with  the oldest written records relating to massage being approximately 4000 years old.

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Acupuncture was credited to a chinese emperor in 2500 BC, however evidence suggests it is likely to date back to the Neolithic Period 5000 - 6000 BC.

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Myofascial cupping has recently become more popular, particularly after athletes performing in the 2016 Olympic games  were seen with the distinctive circular marks on their skin.  However, it is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical treatment originating in Eastern China and Africa and practiced by numerous different cultures.  There are reports relating to the use of cupping in Chinese, Egyptian and Hindu scriptures.

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Aromatherapy also dates back thousands of years, with evidence showing that plants and herbs have been used for centuries by civilisations (including the Egyptians and Ancient Greeks) for medicinal purposes.  China and India both have a long history of using plants and herbs as medicine, which is still in use today worldwide.  

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Experts believe that Hot Stone Massage is a practice that has been in use for more than 5,000 years, originating in India and used by the Hindus to improve health and relaxation.  There are written historical accounts dating back more than 2000 years relating to the use of heated stones by the Chinese, as a means of treating certain diseases and improving the function of internal organs.

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Whether used individually or collectively, these complementary therapies have huge benefits for all systems of the body, assisting to maintain our health overall.  Treatments are appropriate for anyone in need of soft tissue work, regardless of age or level of fitness and can be a very effective way of helping to treat and relieve many different conditions and pathologies.