THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT: LIZZIE BURROWS
INTRODUCING OUR NEW SERIES - THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT
WITH
LIZZIE BURROWS - SENIOR MASSAGE THERAPIST
Welcome to our new series, where we take an in-depth look into our wonderful therapists at Eucalyptus. Learn about their stories, inspirations and what drives their practice….
Lizzie, when and how did you begin your massage journey?
Around 25 years ago, I took an introduction to Swedish massage course. I found that manually palpating muscles came very naturally to me and I loved helping people to feel good in their bodies. Since then, I have continued to extend my knowledge and experience and I’ve taken lots of courses and workshops to add to my skills. I never stop learning. Massage teaches me something new every day.
How have your travels expanded your understanding of the significance of massage in your life?
I first fell in love with the art of massage when I travelled to Thailand and experienced the incredible Thai massage techniques first-hand. I was inspired to learn these techniques, and I still integrate them into my massage treatments now.
After that, I lived in Melbourne, Australia, for nearly 5 years. Frequent, spontaneous massages after work became a way of life for me. In Melbourne, I found there were many types of massage available, and I have been inspired in my professional practice through experiencing all these different styles.
Receiving massage has helped me profoundly, through some very difficult times in my life. It has supported and nourished me emotionally as much as it has physically. I strongly believe that massage is one of the most helpful and enjoyable well-being treatments there is and that everybody would benefit from having a regular massage!
“ I intend to study and practice massage for as long as I possibly can – it is a fascinating and limitless subject and I feel a true vocation in helping other humans through my massage practice. It’s so satisfying. and often a very emotional experience.”
Having received one of your massages myself, I noticed that you have a technique which is unique and powerful. What would you say is your biggest influence?
I am a regular at the prestigious Jing Massage College in Brighton. They teach a fusion of high-quality massage techniques that can precisely pinpoint injuries and treat them with appropriate healing techniques.
Over the years I have completed professional training courses in techniques such as Indian head massage, Thai and Slavic massage techniques, acupressure, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and many more.
I continue to add more skills year on year, I am always studying!
I intend to study and practice massage for as long as I possibly can – it is a fascinating and limitless subject and I feel a true vocation in helping other humans through my massage practice. It’s so satisfying. and often a very emotional experience.I'm also currently studying kinesiology, which is essentially a form of therapy using muscle monitoring, or “biofeedback,” to observe and relieve imbalances in the body. I am finding that this fits perfectly with my therapeutic massage style, and I look forward to bringing this new skill to clients once I complete my training
I'm constantly developing my skills year on year and I'm always wanting to learn more.
How would you describe the difference between relaxation, restorative focus and deep tissue techniques?
These descriptions give me a general idea of what the client wants from a massage, but as we delve deeper into the consultation, I begin to piece together a unique and bespoke treatment. No two massages are the same. It can depend on injury, inflexibility, tension, or energy stagnation. It can also be linked to emotional tightness and releasing those feelings in various techniques.
The best massages I've given are those with in-depth personal consultations and where we both completely let go, to intuitively tune into the client’s needs. I have professional relationships with clients who have been coming to me for massage for a long time, and we have grown to know each other well, which all adds to the effectiveness and precision of the treatment.
YOU CAN FIND LIZZIE AT EUCALYPTUS ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.