Home Holidays About us  Booking Transport Calendar Contact You are here: Marmot tours > About > Massage

Marmot Tours Massage Therapy

What is massage?

General massage techniques have been used in a therapeutic way for centuries.  As long ago as 5000BC the Chinese were using massage therapy for healing, and their techniques continued to be developed into the different practices that exist today (eg shiatsu, thai, manual lymphatic drainage etc).

Swedish massage represents a 'general massage' approach that focuses on increasing circulation, releasing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.  It uses several specific techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibrations (shaking) which were originally developed by Per Henrick Ling, a Swedish physiologist and gymnast instructor in the 19th Century.  

Why get a massage on your holiday?

Marmot Tours feels that Massage is the perfect partner to the activity holidays it provides.  Whether you have been cross country skiing for the day, cycled up some grueling Pyrenean cols, rapidly descended some local single track or climbed to the top of a local peak, your muscles will benefit from an increased blood flow to help remove the metabolites left after exercise, and to help the muscles return to their relaxed state. A massage also helps with general relaxation of the mind and body, and after all, you are on holiday!

Benefits of Swedish massage are widespread, but the most common ones are as follows:

• Increase muscle flexibility through stretching/relaxation
  Increase circulation to the muscles to remove metabolites of exercise
  Decrease the formation of muscle adhesions 

• Increase joint range of movement and promote production of synovial fluid
  Increase posture through working on the muscles

• Promote deep breathing (stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System)
  Decrease blood pressure by reducing muscle constriction and decreasing the heart rate

• Increase lymph drainage and the production of lymphocytes (stimulates immune system)

• Increases digestion via stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
  Abdominal massage acts as a mechanical aid to peristalsis and elimination

• Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System allows for slowing down of metabolism and repair/renewal of tissues
  Promotes well being and relaxation through production of endorphins
  Can replace impulses of pain with positive sensory impulses

My qualifications

This year I qualified with both  BTEC and ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Swedish Massage from the London Based 'Essentials for Health' School. Previous to this, in 1996 I qualified with a BSc (Hons) in Biology, and in 1999 with a Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy. I am a qualified First Aider (2008)

Who can get a massage?

Holistic Swedish massage is suitable for a very wide number of people, of all ages, and both men and women. The only restrictions on you getting a massage is some medical/health issues, as there are some situations where massage is contraindicated, or where approval from a GP is advised before undertaking a massage session. Please check the table below to see whether this applies to you, so that you could chat to your GP before the trip.

At the start of your first massage session, I ask all clients to fill out a brief consultation form prior to their treatment.  This takes under 10 minutes, and allows me to ensure that massage is not contraindicated in any way. All consultation forms are kept confidential, under the Data Protection Act (1998)

Please note that I reserve the right to cancel a treatment if information given to me at the start of the session indicates that massage is contraindicated, or should further medical information be needed prior to massage.  I am not trained in sports massage, and as such am not qualified to massage a sports injury. 

How does the service work?

The massage service is completely mobile, and I will be able to set up my massage table in a suitable room in the hotel where you are staying.  I provide clean towels and a selection of massage oils (carrier oils) that are suitable for a variety of skin types, so I can ensure the best choice for you. 

Having filled out the consultation form, I ask all clients to remove any jewellery and tie up long hair at the start of the massage session.   

I am able to massage any of the following areas of the body:

Upper back, shoulders 
Neck and chest
Lower back and gluteals
Legs and feet
Arms and hands
Abdomen
Face

Prices

1 hour: 35 Euros
30 mins: 25 Euros

Booking: please discuss an appointment time with me at the start of the trip if you are interested, or at another suitable point in the holiday. Feel free to email me prior to your trip if you would like to ensure that you can get an appointment.

Cancellation policy: Unfortunately, if no one else is available to take your 'spot' or fill the appointment, and you cancel an hour or less before your treatment session, then there is a 15 Euro cancellation charge. 

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email on cathy@marmot-tours.co.uk