WELCOME TO THE ZEN DEN
An independent bodywork practice based in Tunbridge Wells, run by me - Bex! I came to bodywork in 2016 via the world of acting, having discovered a knack for and interest in massage during drama school voice classes. An actor’s body is their instrument and it functions best from a ‘neutral’ place: open, relaxed, ready to receive. My aim is to help you create space and relaxation in your body so you can find YOUR neutral, free from the discomfort and inhibition of tension, pain, unhelpful postural habits, and emotional stress.
In 2016 I qualified in bodywork with Michael Gibbons at the College of Classical Massage, Brighton, going on to gain diplomas in deep tissue massage and onsite chair massage. In 2018 I returned to the College of Classical Massage to qualify in Structural Rebalancing; a unique combination of bodywork techniques that help bring the body back to its natural alignment. I love witnessing the change in my clients’ bodies and overall wellbeing as their conditions improve with regular treatments.
Drawing on a range of bodywork disciplines, I work holistically to release tension, iron out tight muscles & make space in the body. Whether you’re here for relaxation, recovering from injury or need deeper, more remedial work to address a specific issue, I’ll work with you to tailor a treatment that leaves you feeling relaxed, realigned and reconnected with your body.
Rebecca qualified with the College of Classical Massage, Brighton and holds an ITEC Level 3 qualification in bodywork.
She is a fully accredited and insured member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
NOT YOUR AVERAGE MASSAGE…
Treatments at The Zen Den are pretty unique. I draw on a variety of techniques from a range of bodywork modalities including classic/Swedish massage, yoga massage, deep tissue, myofascial release and passive stretching / mobilisation work. There are no set treatments here! I use this toolkit of techniques plus my massage therapist’s detective skills and a splash of intuition to tailor a treatment for you based on what you need. We always work with what you need on the day.
The (body)work
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is slow, intentional work focusing on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and congested areas, such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
During a deep tissue massage, firm, steady pressure is applied mindfully to encourage the soft tissue to soften and ‘melt’. From there, we can access deeper structures and realignment.
Deep tissue treatment is much more than just “firm pressure”. The pressure is determined by how much your body is willing to receive. We can’t, and won’t, bully the body into softening (it doesn’t work!).
Structural Rebalancing
Rebalance postural habits, make space in the joints, address the root causes of chronic pain/impingement, and come back to your natural alignment with this subtle, advanced bodywork.
Structural Rebalancing a system that supports the body to heal and rebalance itself through the application of gentle manipulation techniques and therapeutic massage techniques.
This treatment taps into the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems, creating space in the joints and muscles so that the body can settle back into its own natural alignment. Techniques used include gentle mobilisation, myofascial release, soft tissue release and breathwork to create space in the body and stimulate blood flow to congested areas, thus creating the conditions in which the body can heal and realign itself.
This is a holistic approach to bodywork that is especially effective at addressing acute or chronic pain. Recommended for conditions involving muscular or skeletal issues, recovery from injury caused by trauma or physical activity, or as part of an ongoing preventive treatment plan to alleviate stress and rebalance postural habits.
Particularly beneficial in addressing:
Sciatica
Lower back pain
Tight neck & shoulder conditions including ‘frozen shoulder’
Chronic tension
Structural Rebalancing can be offered as a stand-alone treatment as well as being incorporated into a deep tissue/holistic massage. In fact, I use a few SR techniques in all of my treatments.
Multiple, frequent sessions are recommended to feel the full benefits of this work as we work to unravel postural habits and patterns that have built up over years.
Pregnancy Massage
Also known as pre-natal massage, pregnancy massage promotes relaxation and bonding, soothes nerves, and relieves strained, tired muscles in expectant mothers.
The body undergoes fundamental transformations during pregnancy, including postural changes, an enormous influx of hormones, weight gain, enlarged breasts, increased plasma and blood volume and the shifting of organs.
The Zen Den pregnancy treatments are a bit special, so they have a special page of their own: