Paraffin Hand Treatment
Paraffin Wax is a therapy that is intended to moisturise, soften the skin, improve blood circulation and reduce pain of joints. It is a soft wax that melts at a lower temperature than normal, therefore it does not cause any burns or blisters.
A wax bath has many wonderful benefits for both your skin and your overall health. Paraffin Wax has a long history of treating all kinds of ailments naturally and it is still beneficial today.
Your hands will be dipped several times quickly into a small tub of heated paraffin wax.
After several layers are added, the wax will be covered in a plastic bag, wrapped in mitts and you can relax as the benefits kick in. The wax will trap the heat against your skin as it hardens, opening the pores. Once the wax is completely cooled it will be pulled away, taking dead skin cells along with it.
Whether you are looking to maintain your healthy skin or heal dry and cracked hands, the cosmetic and healing benefits of a paraffin treatment are numerous.
The opening of pores and removal of dead skin cells will rejuvenate the appearance of your skin and make your hands and feet feel silky and smooth.
Paraffin is a natural emollient so it adds moisture to the skin while the wax is applied, but it also helps create moisture in your skin long after the treatment is complete. A paraffin treatment creates a sort of barrier on your skin that helps retain the oils that your body naturally produces.
A wax bath can also aid in healing problems with the skin. Paraffin wax can be effective in soothing and softening calluses on hands and feet and healing dry cracked skin, especially on heels. A paraffin treatments have many therapeutic benefits for internal ailments as well. Paraffin wax has been shown to treat conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia among others. A wax treatment acts as a type of thermotherapy, or heat therapy, that helps treat these conditions by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles and reducing stiffness in joints.
Paraffin wax therapy can be particularly effective for those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular paraffin hand treatments can help relax joints and relieve pain in hands before physical therapy and exercise. They can also help with lowering fluid retention and flushing toxins, which can reduce swelling.
Ayurvedic Foot Massage
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system, meaning ‘science of life ‘the art of harmonious healthy living. Ayurveda explains that human beings, like the universe, are made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth and space and focuses on the maintenance of physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
The marmas (vital energy points) are an important part of Ayurvedic anatomy. As with reflexology, these points correspond to internal organs and systems of the body and are worked on in all Ayurvedic treatments. There are 107 marma points, which form vital energy channels running throughout the body; some of these points are located on the legs and feet.
Ayurvedic foot massage is carried out with the use of a small three-metal bowl (vatki) or a wand, comprising a bowl with a handle attached. The metals used are copper, zinc and tin, and this sacred metal alloy (kansa) is known in Ayurveda as the ‘healing metal’. It is thought that copper may help in reducing pain and inflammation, zinc in aiding the digestive and immune systems, and tin in improving digestion and reducing headaches and insomnia.
What to expect
The treatment begins by cleansing the feet and legs. This is followed by specific moves to release tension in the feet and legs. Then, slowly and methodically, the entire feet and lower legs (toes, feet, ankles, calves and knees) are encouraged to relax through the application of massage techniques carried out with the aid of oil.
The treatment incorporates special moves performed using the kansa bowl or wand.
Ayurvedic foot massage is a wonderfully relaxing holistic treatment that can help balance body, mind and spirit.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing; by reducing stress in people’s lives can be key in optimising good health and building resilience. It is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas.
Is reflexology suitable for me?
Reflexology is a therapy which can be received by anyone at any age, from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and everyone in between. However, there may occasionally be times when it is not suitable to provide a treatment. The best advice we can give you is to give your local reflexologist a ring and ask! Please note: reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
Will reflexology help me?
Well trained reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. Reflexology is a very individual treatment which is tailored to you as a whole person, taking into account both physical and non-physical factors that might be affecting your wellbeing. Some people find it works for them – some don’t. The best way to find out is to try it!
The theory is that reflexology helps the body to restore its balance naturally. Usually, after a treatment your tension may be reduced and you might feel relaxed. You might also notice yourself sleeping better and find your mood and sense of wellbeing improving. You may also find that other aspects improve too; however, this happens on an individual basis.
What happens when I go for a treatment?
A full medical history will be requested on your first treatment, and you will be asked to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential. Reflexology is a very easy therapy to receive; depending on the type of reflexology, the most clothing that will have to be removed for a treatment to take place will be your socks and shoes.
The therapist will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet, lower leg, hands, ears or face, depending on the type of reflexology chosen. You may feel areas of transient discomfort during the treatment, but generally the experience should be relaxing.
How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?
It is useful to give feedback to the reflexologist as this may show the response of your body to treatment. This in turn might help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very noticeable way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; however, sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is usually transitory and reflexologists believe that it is part of the healing process.
