Australian Kodo Massage
The ancient Aboriginal Kodo massage does more than just relieve tired and aching muscles. It is like a massage for the soul, releasing negative energies and enhancing positive energy flow as well as releasing niggling knots and muscular tension.
WHAT IS IT?
Kodo means Melody and melodic is a perfect way to describe this rhythmic massage. Inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques, the massage is intended to tone and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body balance and wellness. A combination of pressure point manipulation, gentle stretching and spiralling movements, ground and uplift to balance the body's energies. Prior to the treatment, the client selects one of three LI’TYA native aromatic oil blends – selected to address individual needs – whether they be to rejuvenate, reharmonise or detoxify.
THE TECHNIQUE
The Kodo massage uses LI’TYA products – whose natural ingredients are based on the beliefs and knowledge of indigenous Australians, and therapists are trained by Aboriginal elders in ancient techniques of indigenous healing massage. “It’s really quite a different massage,” claims one massage therapist. “It’s uncomplicated, but effective. When you’re taught massage you’re taught to massage towards the heart from the outside in, but in this principle it’s the other way around. All the negative energy is released.”
THE EXPERIENCE
The therapist leads you into the massage room and she produced three scented oils and a hand carved wooden Coolomon dish containing dried lemon myrtle leaves. Seated with your eyes closed, the therapist asked you to smell the three different scented oils. She tells you that you would be instinctively attracted to the one that resonates most with the bodies needs at this time, whether the need be to rejuvenate, reharmonise or detoxify. After you choose the oil, the therapist performs an Aboriginal smoking ceremony with the lemon myrtle leaves. This is performed before the treatment to bring your mind into the ‘here and now’ and to connect you to the therapist and ground your senses. The smell is quite unique, almost like a woody bonfire infused with lemon myrtle and moss.
Then you get onto the bed face down and the therapist drapes a towel over your lower body. A generous amount of oil is applied to your back with medium pressure in large sweeping strokes. Focusing on the knots around shoulder blades for a few minutes before moving on to arms, then legs and finally moving onto your neck, head and face. As well as kneading the muscles of my limbs, she also performed gentle stretches to loosen the joints.
By the end of the one-hour massage, you will feel relaxed from head to toe. Unlike some types of massage that can leave you a little tense because of the anticipation of pain, the Kodo is pure relaxation. It is a massage that goes deep enough to alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness, yet not so deep that it is in any way uncomfortable.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The Kodo massage is a treatment designed to suit everyone – even pregnant women can be accommodated. It is wonderful relief for stress and tension, leaving the recipient uplifted, more balanced and with a sense of improved wellbeing.