Craniosacral Therapy; Swedish Massage; Reflexology 

Healthworks Practitioner: Pavel Skapa MA CST-T MCHP

Email: handsnfeet@pm.me 
Phone: 07495 633919

About me 

I studied Swedish Massage and Reflexology at Scottish Massage School in Edinburgh, and I hold a certificate in both. I also completed two levels of hands-free massage at KnotStressed Institute in Edinburgh. I hold a certificate in Craniosacral Therapy from Upledger Institute in Brighton.

Previously I studied and have a degree in Psychology.

I train with a teacher of Esalen massage and Scaraveli yoga and I'm implementing the skills and techniques into my practice. 

I've been studying and practicing Buddhist mindfulness and insight meditation since 2010 and tai chi since 2016. 

 I am a member of Complementary Health Professionals.

Craniosacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral therapy

Using gentle touch and awareness we offer a safe, mindful space, in which the body and mind can unwind and release stagnations and blockages. 

In his work, Dr. Upledger describes the structures and mechanism of the cranio-sacral system which is based on cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) being produced by specialised cells in our brain. As CSF circulates inside the meningeal membranes of the brain and the spine it produces a specific rhythm. 

CST requires detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and especially of the nervous system and its associated structures. At the same time, CST provides a safe space for discovery and experience on a journey towards wider awareness and feeling freer in our bodies and minds. 

Somato-emotional release

Sinking into a deeper state of relaxation and widening our awareness during the craniosacral session might lead to remembering feelings and sensations of which we haven't been aware. Process of recalling and integrating these ''forgotten'' parts of ourselfs we call somato-emotional release. It can involve tears, laughter, sudden realisations or experiencing new and surprising sensations. 

Vectors, chacras and meridians

Dr. Upledger was familiar with the ancient system of chakras and meridians and invented his way of balancing them. These techniques are part of craniosacral treatment. He also discovered energy lines laying deep in the body and called them vectors. These lines can be out of alignment as a result of trauma or injury. During the session, we bring them back into balance.

What happens during the session

CST is a hands-on therapy, the client is usually laying on a couch in a comfortable position. Using gentle touch with our ‘listening hands’ and gentle mobilisation we free up painful, restricted areas of the body. In the case of somato-emotional release, gentle dialog and holding of the space can be part of the treatment.

How can CST help you

There is a wide range of issues on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level where CST can help. It enhances tissue and fluid motion, relaxes connective tissues throughout the body, and restores flexibility of the autonomic nervous system. The enhancing function of the nervous and endocrine systems has a beneficial impact on the other parts of the system and their functions. 

For more details or if you have a specific condition and you are not sure if massage can help, feel free to contact me for consultation.

For more information about CST, please visit: https://www.upledger.co.uk/

Swedish Massage

What is a Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a whole-body therapeutic massage treatment that works the soft tissues and muscles to help restore health - creating a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system. It uses classic massage techniques to manipulate soft tissue for relaxation and holistic therapeutic purposes.

Holistic approach

The holistic approach stems from the idea that living systems can restore their balance (homeostasis) once hindrances are removed. Relaxation is an important factor in allowing our system to restore its balance. The therapist is there to help promote the client's health by removing blockages and inducing relaxation and self-healing processes. The holistic approach treats an individual as a whole being, paying attention to all its aspects (biological, psychological, social, and spiritual). 

Hands-free massage, deep tissue, and other techniques

Being trained in hands-free massage allows me to use my forearms and elbows. Using forearms enhances a nourishing touch of the massage, and using elbows enables me to target deeper layers of muscles and other connective tissue such as fascia (type of connective tissue which holds other structures of the body together). 

I also use some other techniques to release soft tissue such as regional tissue release or fascial glide. Regional tissue release involves gentle manipulation of extremities aimed to release tensions or stagnations. During fascial glide gentle traction is applied on the fascia to find and release restricted areas. These techniques are part of my CST training. There is more detailed information on CST in the section about CST.

How can massage help you

These are some of the positive effects of massage:
Reduced muscle tension
Improved function of the musculoskeletal system
Improved circulation
Reduction of pain
Anxiety reduction
Relaxation effects
Enhancing energy levels

What happens during the session

Each session begins by discussing the client's needs. The first session is initiated by filling in a consultation form. Swedish massage traditionally takes place in a lying position with the use of massage oil although performing massage without oil over clothes is an option.

I can either do whole-body massage or focus on specific areas of the body and usually, I combine Swedish massage with other modalities (see the section about reflexology and craniosacral therapy).

For more details or if you have a specific condition and you are not sure if massage can help, feel free to contact me for consultation.

Reflexology

How does Reflexology work

Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain and improving pathological symptoms by stimulating predefined reflex points on the feet and hands. Using controlled pressure on the reflex points, the therapist can alleviate the source of discomfort and help restore the body's natural balance. Reflexology is based on the same holistic principles as massage or CST. One of the main effects of the reflexology is deep relaxation which allows the healing process to take place. 

What happens during the session

Each session begins by discussing client's needs. The first session is initiated by filing a consultation form. The treatment itself starts with a foot massage to warm up and loosen the tissue. The next step is mapping during which all the reflex points are checked through a gentle touch and press on the specific reflex points. After mapping, I discuss the findings with the client and decide which systems of the body will be treated.

What conditions can be treated by Reflexology

Reflexology reduces stress by relaxing the body and mind. It improves circulation and promotes toxins elimination. More efficient circulation increases energy and vitality. Thus, the flow of energy is restored, which empowers the self-healing capacity of the individual. There is a wide range of issues on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level where reflexology can help. 

At the moment I only offer combined treatment with Craniosacral therapy.

For more details or if you have a specific condition and you are not sure if reflexology can help, feel free to contact me for consultation.

Pricing 

£ 45 per 1-hour treatment

£ 65 per 1.5-hour treatment

I offer up to 20 % discount for students and low income.

Healthworks is a charity-based organisation and clients can apply for financial assistance.

Please give 24hrs notice of cancellation. Failing this half price of treatment will be charged. 

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact Pavel as above.