A little bit about deep tissue/remedial massage

It is helpful to imagine a muscle in the body as being composed of individual muscle fibers or 'strings'
For a muscle to function properly, the fibers need to be able to glide smoothly alongside one another, much like the strings on a stringed instrument.

Over time or as a result of bad posture, emotional stress, injury or overuse, a local area of muscle fibers can mat together into a hard lump or 'knot'.

These knots or adhesions together with muscular tension affect the nerves governing vital organs and represent blockages in blood and lymph circulation.  Fresh blood is prevented from flowing to the local area, toxins build up and we begin to feel those troublesome aches and pains.

Adhesions can also form between different structures, such as between a ligament and tendon or a muscle and bone; leading to stiffness or a significant restriction in movement.  All in all we begin to feel the need for a massage!

The aim of deep tissue/ remedial massage is to relieve the body of tension and 'break down' these knots and adhesions so as to separate and realign the muscle fibers, thus allowing the muscle and the body's systems to function properly again.

 It may take a few sessions to break down large fibrous knots that have formed  over a long period of time but to feel your muscles relaxing and realigning to where they should be is always deeply satisfying.  The body becomes open and clear encouraging a healthy blood, lymph and energy flow; and thus stimulating healing of the body's systems.

You may at certain points feel discomfort but this is more of a 'feel good pain' and I will never work outside of your comfort range. This is not to say that this work is not pleasurable, in fact many people report an increased degree of relaxation, alleviation of pain and longer lasting benefits when compared to regular 'relaxation' massage.

The more regularly you enjoy massage the healthier and more pliable your muscle tissue becomes and the less painful they are to be worked on.  When muscles are in good condition there is less risk of injury which is why massage is so good for people who regularly play sports.

In fact a short (10-15min) massage before exercise increases blood flow to the muscles; warming them up and so helping to keep ligaments,tendons and muscles loose and flexible.  Whilst a post exercise massage (again 10-15min) allows the mind and body to relax and improves recovery time by flushing toxins (metabolic waste) away from the muscle tissue.

In general this treatment is especially helpful for people suffering from chronically tense and contracted areas of the body such as stiff necks, lower back tightness and sore knotted shoulders. There is an  improvement in many stress related conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia and digestive problems; the mind relaxes and the body returns to its natural balances state.

Over time your muscles learn what it feels like to be relaxed; this helps you become more in tune with your body and conscious of your posture and alignment as well as any tension you may be holding.  Postural problems are improved and there is a positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation and connection to self.

We become 'in tune' with ourselves.

A deep tissue session may be spent working solely on problematic areas of the body such as the back, neck and shoulders or for a longer full body massage, deep tissue techniques can be combined with more traditional Swedish strokes so as to work deeply when the need a rises without becoming too over whelming. So....

Look forward to seeing some bodies soon!

Spring clean massage

Detox, De stress, Relax and Re align with a Really good spring clean massage...

Well it’s been a long time coming but I think spring may finally be here.  The days are certainly longer and lighter and the occasional burst of sunshine has had me outside freshening up old paint work and cleaning windows; albeit with a big winter coat, scarf and hat on!

It’s amazing how just cleaning out a cupboard or a drawer can make us feel so much better; the process of throwing away things we don’t use or need anymore, creating space and freshening things up is certainly good for the soul.

So if like me you’re enjoying a good sort out this Easter then spare a thought for your body and mind which may also be in need of a good spring clean!   

Here’s how a spring clean massage can help....

Let go of what you don't need

1. Improved effectiveness of the lymphatic system flushes out toxins from the body helping you to feel lighter and invigorated.  

2. Physically working into areas of the body releases all that stress and tension you've been collecting.

3. A sense of relaxation will leave you feeling like your thoughts have been De-cluttered!
 

Clean inside those hidden places

1. Stretch out all those muscles that have been scrunched up from the cold and release all that tension your bodies been holding onto.
2. Physically working into tight, congested muscles allows built up toxins to be released thus easing aches and pains.  

Create some space

1. Releasing tension allows your shoulders to drop and space to be created around your head, neck and shoulders which allows for a better posture.
2. Stretching, lengthening and realigning the muscles to where they should be creates space in the body enabling better circulation of blood and lymph, greater mobility and freedom of movement.
3. Relax, breathe and empty your mind!

Freshen up

1.  Breaking down knots. adhesions, stretching and realigning muscle fibres allows fresh nutrient rich blood to flow unimpeded around the body thus improving the health of internal organs
2.  The life force energy known as 'prana', 'Chi' or 'Ki' in different traditions such as yoga and martial arts is encouraged to move freely around the body as stagnant trapped energy is released.  This brings life and balance back to the body, mind and spirit.