Nature & Nurture Therapeutic Massage

Zoe at Nature & Nurture offers therapeutic massage with a foundation in holistic healing. Treatments provided are: Aromatherapy Massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Swedish Massage & Sacred Belly Binding.

'Touch' is a very powerful sense and it is fundamental to our development. Massage has been present in societies all around the world and it is an ancient form of healing that benefits the spiritual and emotional body as well as the physical.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE stimulates another of our senses; the sense of 'smell' as it works with our olfactory system. This sense of smell can have a very profound effect for some people. A blend of pure, essential oils are added to a carrier oil. The desire is that they will benefit both the emotional and physical self. The essential oils are chosen after consulting with the client and taking into consideration how they are presently feeling.

HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI MASSAGE (also known as KAHUNA MASSAGE) is known as a Hawaiian healing practice. Its origins are from the South Pacific Islands. The hands and forearms are used to integrate flowing, unbroken soft and deep tissue techniques. These movements are designed to confuse the conscious mind, inviting the client to surrender and let go of anything that is no longer serving them. The practitioner harmonises their rhythm with that of their client's; creating a deeply relaxing treatment somewhat like being gently enveloped by the waves of the ocean.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE as a form of bodywork has numerous benefits. It is a complementary approach to pregnancy with a focus on supporting the woman throughout the body's changes (both physical and emotional). It is a great way for women to relax and become more aware of themselves and their bodies; to hopefully enable them to trust in their natural physiology so that they may approach birth in a positive frame of mind. It can be a time to slow down and prepare.
Treatments are generally provided in a side lying position to support the growing belly and surrounding musculature and joints. A range of techniques can be used to address various scenarios that may present themselves throughout the pregnancy. This style of pregnancy massage is suitable from the first trimester all the way through to labour, birth and beyond. Exercises and relaxation techniques to support pregnancy and to promote an 'active' labour can be demonstrated. It is also encouraged that partners/birth partners are available for at least one appointment to work through these things together. They too can then find their place in the experience.
In the unfortunate event that a woman may not carry a baby to full term or if she is having problems conceiving a pregnancy treatment can still be used effectively. Treatments during these times would usually have a greater emphasis on healing and relaxation. They are a brilliant aid for women who are attempting to adjust to a myriad of emotions.
In this instance the term 'pregnancy' really covers the journey from pre-conception to the post-natal period.

REFLEXOLOGY is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet using the thumbs. Areas of the feet are representative of structural areas of the body and internal organs. This is one form of treatment that is very appealing to many as the client remains fully clothed and they can freely converse with their therapist. Reflexology is one of those treatments that people will endlessly praise. It never ceases to amaze me what a profound effect it can have.

SWEDISH MASSAGE is the most common style of massage that most other skills are built upon. It aims to boost the flow of blood around the body thus increasing the transport of oxygen and elimination of toxins.

SACRED BELLY BINDING is also known as 'Bengkung' Belly Binding which originates from Malaysia. Belly binding is a method which supports physical changes the abdominal organs and muscles go through during pregnancy and after birth. Through binding those tired organs and muscles are provided a warm environment in which healing is more rapid. It is an extremely supportive and comfortable process which helps to 'close' a woman's body after pregnancy and birth. It is great for improving posture, stabilising loose ligaments and providing support to much of the back and torso.

During pregnancy a woman’s body retains water, fat, and air which cause her body to swell and expand. The water retained by cells support the amniotic fluid and the air is to cushion the growing baby; as well as the woman's internal organs and bones as her center of gravity shifts and baby grows bigger and bigger. This is why a woman gets gradually more swollen during the last months of pregnancy. After baby is born, the excess water, fat and flatulence are no longer needed.The cells naturally release and shrink back to their pre-pregnant size. The purpose of a post-pregnancy wrap is to speed up this process using constant pressure.

Unlike other wraps that can be found for purchase a Bengkung Belly Bind is a long wrap which covers a woman's body from under her chest all the way down to below her hips (sitting just above the pubic bone). This way the bind doesn’t just work on the waist it also helps the ribcage and the hips go back to their former dimensions. Women are still able to use the toilet and breastfeed while wearing a Bengkung wrap.

Binding can be performed immediately after a natural birth and approx. 6 weeks after a C-Section, depending on how the incision is healing. This treatment is also available for women who may have experienced the loss of a baby they were carrying. In such circumstances I would highly recommend receiving the 'tuck in' ceremony.

***Please be aware that I am not a trained medical professional and I can not and will not attempt to diagnose or treat an illness/disease. If you have any health concerns it is best to discuss these with me in case I may consider that they contra-indicate any of the treatments I offer. At times it is best that a G.P. or Specialist consents to a client receiving holistic treatment.
My role as a therapist is to complement lifestyle choices. I believe very strongly that the laying on of hands is a great healing tool. The time taken to be still, quiet and receptive can be a stepping stone to a more complete sense of self but I do not advocate massage as a diagnostic tool***