Ripple Massage and Beauty Media Kit

Please feel free to browse through the rest of our site for lush massages.

Media Contact : Alison Shaw - Member Australian Society of Travel Writers.
P 0438 567 906
info@ripplemassage.com.au
www.ripplemassage.com.au
48 Justin Ave Mt Tamborine Qld 4272

Hi Res images available by emailing info@ripplemassage.com.au or download directly from here

Media famils also organised to Tamborine Mountain, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Brisbane. Please contact Alison Shaw at info@ripplemassage.com.au

The Ripple Name
Like a drop splashing in the water, a great massage or beautiful body product will send a lovely ripple through your day.

What is Ripple?
Ripple Massage is a mobile massage service that operates in the Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Brisbane regions.

Its focus is on giving guests in accommodation and in their homes a choice of a wide range of styles of massage, to be pampered and to give them the little extras that can turn a good massage into a sensational one.

Ripple caters not only to the tourist market in these areas but also to residents who are looking for a massage in their home at a reasonable price.

Our philosophy is to use on the best products in our massages and product range, but to keep the price of these reasonable so everyone can afford to enjoy the Ripple experience. All products used during the massage are hand made by Ripple.

What Makes Ripple Special?
▪ Ripple uses aromatherapy oils in every massage so that guests end up smelling just as great as they feel. This is like getting two massages in one (the hands on and the aromatherapy) and is powerful for relaxation and also for stimulating the body and nourishing the skin.

▪ We include free day spa extras in every package including full body exfoliation with walnut, tangerine and lime scrub and organic green clay and cucumber face masks

▪ All products used during the massage are hand made by Ripple.

▪ Ripple includes a foot polish and warm foot bath before every reflexology massage

▪ We use locally grown avocado and macadamia nut oils in all our oil blends and lotions.

▪ For every ten massage sessions booked the guest will receive a free one hour massage

▪ Ripple has a range of massage styles that are unique to us in Australia. Currently this includes Russian Massage, and in April 2008 we will be introducing Shell Massage, Himalayan Ayurvedic Herbal Ball massage and Vietnamese four hands massage.

▪ Ripple has a comprehensive website with information on all the essential oils, massages, products, general tourism information on Tamborine Mountain. www.ripplemassage.com.au

Types of Massage
Swedish massage was developed in the late 18th Century by a Swedish fencing master and included many oriental and traditional European massage techniques.

This form of therapeutic massage has many benefits including....

primary relaxation of muscles (great for those in stressful jobs or just wanting to unwind)

improve circulation and ability for the body to move (magic if your muscles feel tight and good for sluggish circulation)

it will help you feel a sense of connectedness to your body

relieve pain and tension in muscles and joints

stretch ligaments to keep them supple

stimulate the skin and nervous system while relaxing your nerves

and help reduce emotional and physical stress. It is suggested a regular programme of Swedish massages is the best cure for stress management.

A number of specific massage techniques are used in this massage. These include ...

Effleurage techniques which are long gliding strokes that heat the essential oils and allow penetration into the body, warms the body and is a soothing technique that allows you to get used to the therapists touch.

Petrissage techniques are strokes that lift, roll, or knead the tissue much like kneading dough. This brings circulation into the area, helps unwind taut muscles and is deeply relaxing.

Friction techniques are small circular strokes which press just below the surface of the skin onto the muscles below. Sometimes short straight lines are used at this level of pressure. This soothes deeper areas in muscles made tight by exercise and everyday stress.

Tapotement technique (percussion or tapping) is where the hands of the therapists are cupped or in a "karate chop" position while the wrists are loose. The therapist gently and rhythmically taps on the recipient's body. This wakes up the body, brings a tingling feeling, and a feeling of increased vitality.

And finally fingertip brushing technique is usually done at the close of a full-body massage session. The therapist uses just the tips of the fingers to gently graze the surface of the skin with very light pressure. This calms and soothes the nervous system and relaxes extra stimulated muscles after deeper massage.

All of these are done in our one hour Bliss massage.

Ripple Russian Massage - Russian massage is relatively unknown in Australia and is unique to Ripple in this country.

A beautiful and deeply relaxing style it is fantastic for letting go of stress and tension.

It is based on techniques that have been used extensively in Russia for over 100 years, and is based on the philosophy that through massage the body can learn to heal, relax and repair itself.

Russian massage uses some unique techniques such as cresting friction (where the top halves of the fingers are used to massage along the back) and also involves the rocking and movement of the body to release stress.

It is a very slow, beautiful peaceful style of massage that is perfect for those wishing to escape the stresses of modern living.

Ripple Hot Stone Massage - Hot stone therapy has been around in many cultures for thousands of years as the therapeutic qualities of the heat applied to the body have been well recognised by ancient civilisations.

The Egyptians used heated stones in their ceremonies, as well as the Native American Indians and warm volcanic stones were used at the end of lomi lomi massages in Hawaii.

In the Ripple Hot Stone massage, volcanic stones are used in two different ways. Large flat stones are heated and then placed on top of a towel along the back to heat the chakras (or energy centres) of the body. Smooth round stones that fit into the palm of the hand are also heated, coated in aromatherapy oils, and then used directly on the skin.

The mixture of the heat, essential oils and massage techniques allows for deep relaxation of the muscles and feels fantastic….like a ball of heat gliding over the body. Hot Stone massage is great for relaxation, deep tissue massage and chronic muscular pain.

Ripple Aromatherapy Massage - essential oils used in every Ripple Massage

Aromatherapy is the ancient art of caring and treating using aromas derived from essential oils. Plant essences are internally absorbed through the skin affecting the body and its systems.

These essences are derived from plants that secrete an aromatic and volatile substance (essential oil) produced in photosynthesis in very small amounts. The method currently used to extract this liquid is via distillation which usually gives higher quality oil.

Essential oils are effective for two reasons.

The power of smell is a strong one, and used either through inhalation (such as an oil burner), in the bath or directly on the skin during massages, the aromas of the oils stimulate our senses to relax, soothe, invigorate and tone.

Essential oils are also absorbed into the skin and have a direct effect on the systems in our bodies and stimulate the auto defense mechanism.

They often have properties such as detoxifying, antiseptic, sedation, regeneration and euphoria.

They help soft tissue release excess fluid and waste material, they act as a body regulator improving the blood circulation, help regulate the nervous system making it more alert to impulses and quicker to react, and some can sedate the nervous system making them great for programmes to reduce stress, tension, anxiety and insomnia.

All of Ripples Aromatherapy blends are designed with a purpose in mind - for example the Ripple Bliss blend has a mix of essential oils known for their properties to relax and soothe.

The Ripple Thrive blend has essential oils that stimulate, invigorate and are great for detoxification.

The Ripple Skin contains the powerful oils of geranium and sandalwood that are perfect for stretch marks, scarring, acne, dry skin and other skin ailments.

The Baby and Kids oil is a milder blend for use on children and mothers who are pregnant with the Mandarin being the main essential oil which is known for its properties of relaxation and is generally "friendly" oil that can be used for many reasons.

Ka Huna Style Massage
Traditionally known as 'Lomi Lomi' Ka Huna Hawaiian massage is an uplifting, spiritual and joyous massage that was practised in the ancient temples of Hawaii by priests.

This massage was often received on special ceremonial days by Hawaiian royalty.
There are different forms and until recently, KaHuna bodywork massage was only passed down through oral tradition from one generation in a family to the next.

Ripple practises the Ka Huna Temple style of body work which was developed the the ancient Kahuna Lapa' au who were the master massage practitioners.

This style of massage incorporates specific dance movements that need to be learnt to perform the massage.

This dance comes from the ancient healers observing the 'Frigate bird' which is a large sea bird known for its amazing stamina, endurance and intuition in finding its way. This dance is commonly called the 'Flying' or 'Mana Dancing".

KaHuna massage is a deep and rhythmical massage that indulges all the senses. The rhythm is intensely relaxing and works gently but deeply into the muscles using continuous flowing strokes.

Lots of oil is used during the massage and the therapist can massage your entire body, from head to toe, in the one continual flowing movement.

The energy comes from the use of this rhythm and movement, creating a continuous ebb and flow between you and the therapist.

The Ka Huna therapist uses the forearm, fingers, heel and palm of the hand in long, flowing movements over your body which is deep relaxing.

The arms sweep over the body in long movements to the pulse of the music, creating a very fluid massage like a bird flying through the sky.
It is a very beautiful, joyous, happy and lush style of massage.

Ripple Pregnancy Massage
Ripple also does pregnancy massage on those Mums who have passed their first trimester. A great way for Mums to be to relax, helpful for back ache and to promote well being.

Massage whilst you are pregnant has a wide range of great of health benefits for you, including...

* Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during your pregnancy.
* It reduces stress and allows you to relax, both important for during the pregnancy and labour
* The health of your baby enhanced by the pregnancy massage through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema and increasing cellular respiration.
* Massage makes you feel nurtured and pampered and this can then be passed onto the baby
* Pregnancy massage assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and other bone and muscle structures.
* Helps maximise breathing capacity which is needed during labour and delivery.

Ripple Seated Chair and Indian Head Massage
Perfect for office workers and others that need a little bit of pampering during their work day. Ripple will come to your work to do ten minute seated chair massages for your staff (and also for the boss!).

A little bit of time out to get rid of the tension in the shoulders, a lovely head massage to relieve stress and some pressure work down the back to ease strain. Use this as an incentive for your staff, or band together with others in your workplace to have a series of massages during the day. Ripple also offers these massages at the Tamborine Showground markets the second Sunday of every month.