Massage Therapy
Massage therapy aims to support clients in balancing mental, emotional, and physical needs. A variety of techniques and styles of massage therapy can be utilised depending on the principle goal of the massage therapy session.
There are three basic types of massage: Acupressure, where the focus is on pressure points and the movement of energy through the body; Swedish, focusing on improving circulation of blood and lymph, whilst relaxing superficial tissues; and Deep Tissue, focusing on connective tissues with the aim to cause changes in movement and posture.
Massage may be useful for a range of injuries and illnesses including chronic lower back and neck pain, tight muscles from increases in activity levels as well as stress management, immune support and reduced inflammation. Regular massage can assist in long term management and maintenance of common complaints. It is a great complement to many other therapies including physiotherapy, and personal training!
** Massage therapy appears to have few risks when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, Massage Therapists should take some precautions in people with certain health conditions. If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with our qualified Massage Therapist.
Our Massage Therapist
Andrea Graves
Massage Therapist
Born in the United States to a Kiwi mother and US father, Andrea and her family have lived in New Zealand since 1985.
Andrea originally trained as a secondary school teacher, however a lifelong passion for wellness became a career when she started her massage training in 2018. Since then she has graduated from SIT with a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic and Sports Massage, and is now pursuing a Master’s in Applied Health Science (also through SIT). Andrea has spent her years in training with boots on the ground, working in clinics in Christchurch, Invercargill and now in Blenheim.
Massage is, however, not just a career for Andrea. For her this is a modality where art, evidence-based practice and intuitive skill can come together. Working in massage is a means by which she can offer her own best skills, and the best this ancient but ever-evolving healing art has to offer.
When not in clinic or studying, Andrea enjoys strength training at the gym and walks out in nature. She loves plants, animals and the healing benefits that come with a strong relationship with the natural world. Andrea also enjoys rowing and cooking hearty meals for loved ones. Astrology is another passion that she connects to in her spare time.
Andrea can offer hot stones, manual lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, muscle energy technique, pregnancy massage and reiki. Techniques can be blended in a single session, based on the client’s requirements.
Registered Massage Therapist (Level 7)