Oh it's beginning to smell a lot like christmas!

Well the countdown to Christmas has begun and the recent drop in temperature signifying that winter is now here, has me feeling a little more festive as I rush around with my present buying head on.

I miss being a child though when Christmas felt like such a magical time; from the build up of opening advent calender windows every morning, to believing it really was Father Christmas who left all those presents under the tree!

If you're feeling the same then there is a way of inviting that sense of enthusiasm and child like excitement, which is the spirit of Christmas back into your lives this season; and that is with aromatherapy.

Our sense of smell is our most primal sense and exerts surprising influence over our thoughts, emotions, moods, memories and behavior.
The reason for this is that unlike our other senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste) which deliver sensory input straight to the thalamus in the brain (think switch board) ready for processing and necessary action; smells first wind their way through other areas of the brain, including areas controlling memory and emotion. 

Scents that we associate with Christmas such as orange, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and pine can therefore be very helpful at evoking memories of past traditions and thus putting us in the festive mood as well as being full of other benefits for this time of year........

Orange: Also known as the 'happy' oil orange is refreshing, uplifting; and commonly used to treat anxiety, stress and depression.  It's an Anti inflammatory and has detoxing and cleansing properties..  Orange essential oil helps break down and eliminate cellulite, promotes the production of collagen, soothes dry, irritated, chapped skin and  is essential to looking and feeling good this party season!
Cinnamon: A great brain tonic as it boosts the activity of the brain, helping to aid concentration. It is extremely useful in combating anxiety and soothing the nervous system as well as stimulating the immune system against colds and flu.  Cinnamon is also known to help with digestive problems (a good thing with Christmas's overindulgence's!) and lower blood sugar levels.
Nutmeg: A very relaxing aroma that removes mental exhaustion and stress.  Commonly used for culinary purposes, nutmeg tastes and smells gorgeous so add some to those biscuits!  Also an important active ingredient in many cough syrups and cold rubs and is beneficial for treating muscular aches and pains.

Clove: Very useful at refreshing the mind, relieving mental fatigue and stress; and giving you a good nights sleep.  Clove can also act as an aphrodisiac (great for all that mistletoe toe snogging) and when used in an aromatherapy massage clove essential oil improves blood circulation and is a powerful pain reliever.  Commonly used to relieve tooth aches, clove doesn't always evoke the fondest of  memories but when combined with the orange and cinnamon it really does smell  a lot like Christmas!

Ginger: Feels like a gift at this time of year; when it's cold, ginger warms the body and soul.  Not only does it provoke childhood memories of ginger bread but it also soothes a sore throat, eases the symptoms of a cold and boosts the immune system.  When used in a massage it brings warmth to the body , improves circulation and keeps those fingers and toes nice and warm!
Pine: If you have a real Christmas tree up this year then you will already be benefiting from the aroma of pine; so take some deep breathes because pine is excellent for respiratory problems such as seasonal coughs and colds.  It is also a great mood elevator and invigorates you if you're feeling tired and sluggish.
Frankincense: A gift from one of the three wise men; Frankincense encourages a spiritual connection by centering the mind and balancing the emotions.  This is a good oil to burn if you want to create a harmonious environment and prevent those family arguments!  Frankincense is also considered to be very anti aging and so is a great oil to use when massaging the face :)

A lovely way to infuse your  home with the smell of Christmas is by adding aromatherapy oils to an oil burner or a small bowl of water on the radiator.  Try 5 drops clove 5 drops orange 5 drops frankincense.  It's what I'm burning now and it smells gorgeous!

But of course the best way to really benefit from aromatherapy this season is through massage  So don't let the Christmas rush tie you up in knots!  Feel tension and stress just melt away in the warmth of the heated table and oils; sooth your soul and allow your favorite scents of the season to reconnect you to that childlike joy which is the spirit of Christmas.

Enjoy x 

Massage for Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a broad term used to describe pain, stiffness or numbness in the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments.
It is caused by frequent and repetitive movements of a certain part of the body and mainly affects the upper body such as the forearms, elbows, wrists, neck and shoulders.

In the world of holistic therapies the word 'balance' is used a lot and this probably has more relevance to RSI than any other injury because it's not something that just suddenly happens like an injury from a fall for example.  RSI is a slow cumulative build up of strain caused by the overuse of the same muscles with little or no variation, poor posture and stress that eventually tips the balance of the body into dis-ease.

Hairdressers, painters, musicians and certain sports people are all prone, although one of the most common examples of RSI is in the forearms from computer work; and this is no surprise when so many of us use the tiny muscles in our hands and slim muscles of the forearms for periods of seven to eight hours at a time.

However it's not just about dealing with the over use of the arms and the hands, rather the whole issue of  tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders caused by stress and poor body awareness that needs to be addressed when preventing and treating RSI. 

The start of RSI
 

When we hold our arms out in front of our body for long periods of time such as when we're typing, painting, or in my case massaging; our chest muscles shorten which in turn pulls our shoulders forward.

This then shortens and tightens our neck, rounds our back muscles and gives us that C shape appearance.  Before long muscle imbalances occur; placing unnecessary strain on the tendons, ligaments and joints of the upper body.

The chest 'caves in' putting pressure on our diaphragm and constricting the natural expansion of our chest.  Breath is life; and when we're only shallow breathing there is a  decline in spirit and a tendency to feel stressed, anxious and less able to cope.

In this state of mind our bodies become tense and our muscles more prone to injury from the repetitive work we are doing. With our shoulders up to our ears, posture often becomes a reflection of how we're feeling inside; feeding back to us a sense of deflation. 

In trying to get more breath/ oxygen into the body, accessory muscles in the front of our neck have to work harder which creates further tension in the neck and shoulders and a restriction of movement of the head.

There is a compression on the neurovascular structures impeding the flow of blood and lymph to the arms.
With a lack of oxygen and a build up of toxins, the long slim muscles of the arms are unable to function properly and become susceptible to repetitive strain injury.


Unfortunately RSI by its very nature means that by the time the balance tips to a point where we notice it and experience enough pain or discomfort to not want to put up with it or physically can't continue doing what we were doing; it is already a long term issue.

Making sure we have good ergonomics at our work place, taking regular breaks, developing good postural awareness with whatever we are doing and learning how to cope better with stress are therefore key in preventing RSI in the first place.

Massage for repetitive strain injury

Regular massage is a great preventative for RSI because of the de-stressing effect it has on the mind and body.  It helps us stay on top of things emotionally, prevents muscular tension from building up and corrects muscle imbalances.   Massage teaches us good body awareness which crosses over into our daily lives, improving the way we sit, stand and move.

Muscular tension and knots are released from the upper body and space is created around the head, neck and shoulders.  The body is realigned and blood and lymph are encouraged to flow unimpeded to the muscles of the arms; nourishing, detoxifying and keeping them healthy.


Like most chronic conditions, the more 'set in' the repetitive strain injury has become the longer it will take to treat and therefore tackling RSI with massage can require several treatments all aimed at dealing with the pathology.

Massage for RSI is of course dependent on the individuals needs; but like preventative massage, will involve relaxation and working to release tension, knots and restrictions in the neck, shoulders, arms wrists and hands. 

A rolled up towel/ bolster between the shoulder blades encourages the shoulders to roll back, the chest to open and for deep abdominal breathing to take place.

Cold stones are used to flush the arms of toxins and bring down inflammation whilst hot stones work to increase oxygenated blood to the injured tissues.  More advanced massage techniques such as soft tissue release, myofascial release and trigger point therapy are used to further release tension and ease symptoms.

Passive stretching techniques are also incorporated into the massage as well as advise on stretching exercises to do at home between sessions; thus encouraging greater movement, flexibility and energy flow around the the upper body.   

Some exciting things coming up!

 
Hello,
it's the last week of summer (well the last week before Kiya goes back to school) and I'm feeling incredibly rested, recharged and ready for Autumn and I hope you are too!

Even if you're not involved with the rhythm of the school year, September is the time where we settle back down into work or study, feel inspired to learn something new, take up a new hobby or breathe life into an old project as we return feeling refreshed and energized.

Well in the spirit of Autumn I'm really looking forward to getting back into my work and treating you all again; and hoping you'll enjoy some of the new things I have planned for you over the coming months.....

A new face cradle
It's really important that you feel comfortable when lying on your front, especially when it's for a long period of time and so I have been on a quest to find the most comfortable face cradle there is for my massage table.
I think I found it!  Well everyone is telling me that this new one (made of memory foam) is much softer then the previous one with less pressure on the sinuses; so come and try it out!

A bigger treatment room!
Don't worry I'm not going anywhere, just making my treatment room bigger.  Yes I'm really looking forward to this as it means I will have a lot more space to do consultations, postural analysis and yoga stretches (on and off table) which will help transform the way I work.
Not only this but the room will open out onto my back yard (lovely in the summer) and will be a more spacious and tranquil place for you to enjoy treatment....so watch this space!

A really nice treatment for repetitive strain injury
With so many of us spending increasing amounts of time slumped over a computer it is little wonder that we suffer from stiff necks and aches and pains in the upper back and shoulders. With muscular tension building in these areas, Repetitive strain injury becomes a concern; as blood circulation becomes impeded and muscles in the forearms lack the oxygen they require to function properly.

This combined with Bad posture, stress and the Continual use of the same muscles with little or no variation such as such as when we're typing, using smart phones, playing an instrument, knitting or playing certain sports; and we have all the ingredient needed to tip the balance into repetitive strain injury.

The treatment routine I learned for RSI (which is also a great preventative treatment) involves working to release tension in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, open the chest, flush the arms of toxins and increase oxygenated blood to the tissues, with the use of hot and cold stones.  More advanced massage techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release are also included as well as home care advice on correct posture and self stretching exercises.

Kinesiotaping
I will be writing a more in depth article explaining what kinesio taping is all about soon; but in very simple terms, when kinesiology tape is applied to the skin over an inflamed injured muscle, the stretch in the tape gently lifts the skin creating space between the skin and the muscle below.

This improves blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue, drains away fluid and thus bringing down inflammation and accelerating the healing process.  Pressure on the pain receptors is relieved and there is immediate pain relief.

Kinesiology tape can be worn for 4-5 days after application and is very beneficial for joint pain, soft tissue injuries, overuse injuries, swelling and oedema, postural problems and foot pain.              

New essential oils
I recently did an essential oil order and now have some lovely new additions to the old favorites; and I must have been feeling a bit christmassy at the time (sorry) as there is mandarin, cinnamon, myrrh, clove and nutmeg to name just a few!  They all smell gorgeous with their own unique properties and benefits and will be lovely to use during your winter massages.

Heated table
Speaking of winter massages the heated blanket will be coming out again soon (although hopefully not too soon) so get ready to melt that tension away!  

I look forward to treating you soon

Beth x

Introducing a new holistic facial treatment....

Whether as a stand alone treatment or combined with more substantial massage work;  facial massage is one of the most relaxing treatments available.

When you think we largely live from inside our head and that a large part of our brain is occupied with our face which contains all 5 sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin).  A facial massage enables the brain to switch off because when involved with the massage it doesn't have time to think of much else.

This allows for a deeper level of relaxation, often more so than when other parts of the body are massaged and with deeper relaxation comes a deeper level of healing within the body.

Clients often report that their is a letting go and a lightness to their whole body after a facial massage and this is true in that nerves originating from the face, neck and head communicate with other areas of the body.  In the same way that working on the feet internally treats the whole body, the same is true of a facial treatment.

Feeling inspired to add a little bit of beauty and pampering to this very holistic and therapeutic treatment....

We all want to look our best as looking good helps us to feel good.  With this in mind I attended a holistic facial workshop last month and learned how to incorporate a simple beauty routine of cleansing, exfoliating, applying a mask, massage, toning and moisturizing into a really nice holistic facial treatment which also includes a head, neck, shoulder and decolletage massage.

During the mask (20 minutes) a hand massage, reflexology, or ear candling treatment can be given. Hot stones can also be used and the whole treatment (1 hour) can either be a stand alone treatment or incorporated with other massage work. 

A short consultation and skin analysis at the beginning of treatment will determine what type of skin you have and the best treatment/essential oils to use.  The products I have chosen to work with are from green people.  They are organic and contain only natural ingredients; thus free from harsh detergents and other chemical nasties.  Here is a link to their page if you wanted to check them out.  http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/

The benefits of this added bit of beauty and pampering...!

Every day stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smoke/polluted environment and not enough sleep can all cause blood flow to slow down, toxins to build up and the skin to look dull and lifeless.  The aim of this treatment is to create a clean fresh and youthful looking appearance!

Cleansing creates and maintains healthy and clear skin as well as removing dirt and sebum from the pores.  The green people cleanser contains Shea butter to soften and sooth; calendula and rosemary, well known for their antioxidant and protective properties and jojoba oil to restore moisture balance.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a younger more vibrant skin tone.
The green people exfoliator contains skin softening squalane which promotes elasticity, apricot kernels to gently and effectively exfoliate skin and witch hazel to help tone and condition the skin.

Massage releases the stress and tension that we carry in our 43 facial muscles and this automatically makes us look younger!
Massage plumps up the appearance of the skin, improves blood circulation to the cells, brings life, colour and freshness back to the face and helps to soften lines and wrinkles.
Facial massage also stimulates lymph circulation aiding in the elimination of waste and bacteria; thus helping to tone and reduce puffiness and is great for congested and problematic skins. 

Facial Masks are deep cleansing and nourishing.
The green people mask contains avocado which is rich in vitamins A, D and E; and seaweed extract which  contains a rich source of minerals and trace elements.

Toner freshens, cools and tones the skin.
Rose water or green tea can be used.

Moisturizing hydrates the skin and keeps it supple and youthful looking.
The green people 24 hour moisturizing cream contains evening primrose oil and high levels of omega 6 essential fatty acids to keep the skin soft and supple; and extract of baical skullcap which help to maintain the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.

So treat yourself this summer! x

Spring clean your body with a massage

Yeah spring is here, the sun is out and everything feels brand new.  It's that time of the year where we instinctively feel the need to sort through a cupboard, drawer or pile of paper work; bag up unwanted items for charity, clean under and behind furniture and open windows and doors to let fresh air in.

In the same way I love to potter about in my back yard; clearing away old debris and compost, disinfecting pots, letting go of lost plants and enjoying the green shoots and colors of spring.  There's something very therapeutic about being in the flow of letting go, creating space and allowing life and energy to flow.

I think this is why I love practicing massage therapy (and yoga).

A healthy body is like a circuit or a series of channels in which energy, blood, lymph, fluid and solid matter moves freely.  Daily stress, poor eating habits and bad posture create blockages in the body resulting in ill health.  Massage spring cleans the body by releasing harmful toxins, re aligning muscles, creating space and improving posture; it nourishes the body with fresh blood and allows everything to flow. 

Feeling sluggish, tired, bloated, head achy, irritable, low in mood and uncomfortable in your body are signs that your body needs a good spring clean and here's how my special spring clean massage (including optional dry skin brushing, table yoga stretches and cleansing essential oils) can help.... 

Let go of what you don't need 

• Massage is great for letting go of stress!
• Massage stimulates the lymphatic system - our body's main system for eliminating waste.
• A combination of different massage strokes and alternating pressure gently compresses and stretches the muscle tissue enabling toxins to be released.
• A 1/4 of all toxins released daily are through the skin- the largest organ of elimination.  Dry skin brushing when combined with massage greatly enhances detoxification.
• Incorporating yoga stretches (on the table) into the massage routine further releases tight muscles, aches, pains and stiffness in the joints.
• Cleansing essential oils such as lemon, cypress, geranium, grapefruit, juniper and rosemary aid in cleansing the body of harmful toxins. 

Create some space 

• Releasing tension allows the shoulders to drop and space to be created around the head, neck and shoulders which improves our posture. With our head up and our chest open we not only feel better but we can breath better.
• Stretching, lengthening and re aligning 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.
• Relaxation de-clutters our minds and creates a feeling of space within.

Clean inside those hidden places

• Physically working into chronically tight, congested muscles allows trapped toxins to re released thus easing aches and pains. 
• yoga stretches nourish and de-tox the body by increasing blood and lymph flow to internal organs and deeper layers of the body.
• Cleansing essentials oils help to detoxify the body and clean out the harmful toxins that have been laying stagnant in our bodies.

Let life and energy flow

• Breaking down knots and adhesions allows nutrient rich blood to flow to the local area and heal injured muscles.
• Massage and yoga stretching opens up the body, creating a clear circuit for blood, lymph, fluid and waste to move freely.
• 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.

So spring clean your body with a spring clean massage!   

 

Enjoy x

With only 4 days to go untill the Brighton half marathon now is the time to book in for those pre and post run massages!

Massage is a great way to prepare your legs and help them to feel 'fresh' for the big race and also reduce muscle soreness and facilitate healing afterwards.

I have purposefully  left a few slots free for pre event massage this Friday and Saturday and post event massage on Monday and Tuesday next week but be quick in booking because these slots won't stay around for long.

If you are running for charity then you will receive a complimentary £5 off your massage.

Good luck if you're taking part!

Beth x

Discover the benefits of regular massage

Wow its the end of January already.   I hope the new year is going well for you all so far! 

I've had a very busy month in my little treatment room; I've been doing a lot of reflexology, deep tissue massage and more relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage.  You all seem to be loving the heated table as more and more of you keep falling a sleep during treatment! 

I love treating you all and I hope you forgive this months price increase; please talk to me if you would struggle to pay for treatment and don't forget you can save £5 on each session by either buying a block of 6 or by setting up a standing order for regular treatments.

The benefits of having regular massage....

Any one who has ever had a massage knows how good it is for them.  You turn up for a treatment feeling stressed out, over tired and fraught with tensions, aches and pains to leaving an hour or two later, feeling completely relaxed, rested and at peace with what feels like a new body!  

Regular massage is great for our overall health and with our  'try to be healthier' new year resolutions to keep, massage is actually one of the more enjoyable ways to achieve good health!   

The fact that massage actually feels like pampering doesn't take away any of its therapeutic benefits which are.....

Relaxation and stress relief

• It doesn't matter how well you eat and how many times you go to the gym, if you're always stressed out with a mind full of worry and anxiety then you're aging your body fast.       Taking time out to just relax is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and massage/ body work is very relaxing!

A rejuvenated body 

• Massage improves blood and lymph flow which nourishes and detoxifies the body keeping it healthy.  

• Massage releases tension and stiffness and re aligns the body.  When the body is 'open' and relaxed it becomes a clear circuit for blood (oxygen, nutrients, hormones), lymph and energy to flow. 
•  Improved circulation of hormones also has a positive  effect on our moods and behavior; and any health supplements you may be taking will become more effective.

  Supple muscles and prevention against injury

• After a couple of sessions the muscles soften and become less tender;and  this makes the treatment more enjoyable and relaxing.                                                                           
• Being able to massage into deeper layers of muscle tissue allows for a deeper treatment and a deeper level of healing within the body.  

• If you play a lot of sport or go to the gym a lot then regular massage is a very good idea.  By keeping the muscle tissue soft, pliable and in a healthy condition, massage helps to prevent against strain or injury from over use.

 Improved immune system.

• The negative effects of stress on the immune system is one of the biggest reasons why massage/reflexology is so beneficial at helping us fight off illness. 

• Clinical trials have shown that massage stimulates white blood cells and that by receiving massage regularly, naturally occurring anti biotics needed to fight of illness are increased.

 A positive body awareness 

• With regular massage the effects of bad posture are reversed and we become more in tune with our body and more conscious of the way we hold ourselves and the way we look after ourselves.

• A good posture with our chest open and our head up enables us to breath better and feel better! 

 An overall sense of well being.

• Improvement in stress related conditions. 
• better sleep. 
• Free from aches, pains and stiffness in the body.
• A deeper connection to our true selves.

''Massage is one of the best things we can do for our body, mind, soul; without actually having to do anything except be pampered for an hour or so!'' 

Beth x