Kathryn Griffin
Massage is an ancient healing art. It is often quoted as being the oldest form of medicine and has certainly been in use for thousands of years. The instinct to ”rub it better” might well be the origins of massage and the therapy was referred to as rubbing until relatively recently.
In the first half of the 20th century, most hospitals had massage departments and patients were prescribed massage as the mainstay of their treatment for all kinds of ailments from respiratory difficulties through to “rheumatic” complaints and arthritis.
Massage influences blood flow in the arterial and venous systems and the flow of lymph in the lymphatic vessels. It encourages healing by ensuring that the building blocks for repairing tissue are delivered to those tissues in need and that waste products, produced as the body functions, are carried away and eliminated.
In doing this many symptoms can be relieved. Tight muscles and tendons are relaxed and muscle balance is restored. Joints are supplied with nutrients to stay lubricated and their functioning is facilitated by gentle mobilizations and exercises.
Most people find massage relaxing though its not always comfortable. If a muscle has been contracted for a long time it might just take a little persuasion to release.
However, my aim is always to work WITH you, not against you so that the therapeutic easing of those long standing tensions will benefit you.
When I retired from “the day job” 4 years ago, I pursued my passion for dogs and their well being. I qualified with diplomas in Canine Massage and Acupressure. Having seen good results in many of my canine clients I decided to extend my massage practice to treating those on the other end of the lead!
I researched the courses available and chose The Northern Institute of Massage as they have been treating patients and training practitioners since 1924. I like The Northern’s no nonsense, yet compassionate approach to the pain and discomfort that clients may present with. I have attained my Diploma in Remedial Massage and intend to follow this with further study at “The Northern” in order to offer the very best care I can to those who chose to come to me for massage therapy.
I have been interested and involved in complementary medicine for the past 30 years. I experienced Five Element Acupuncture treatment and went on to study under Professor Worsley at The College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture UK, obtaining my Licentiate in Acupuncture. I practiced for a number of years but then changes in my personal life required a change of direction in terms of employment.
I have always maintained a keen interest in health matters, exploring and experiencing many different therapies over the years. No one therapy has all the answers for everyone so I fell very privileged to work as part of the team at Healing Thyme where finding a solution to your discomfort and restoring you to the best health your body will allow, is the goal of all the practitioners.
