2015 is already in full swing; and as I sit here writing this, I'm feeling pretty chuffed that I made myself do an hour of yoga this morning; and instead of having my usual cup of coffee, I'm drinking a very healthy vegetable juice that I made with my new juicer that I got for Christmas!
Of course January is always the month where we resolve to become healthier and it doesn't matter how healthy we think we are there's always room for improvement. Whether that means eating better, drinking more water and less coffee and alcohol, getting more exercise, going to bed earlier etc. etc. We all know how good we feel when we do look after ourselves but lets face it, it's not always that easy or enjoyable is it?!
After spending the last couple of months telling myself that I was simply too busy to practice yoga every morning (I really love yoga so I don't know what that's about?!) and that having a nice cup of coffee would enable me to get more done (er no!) I felt as stiff as a board this morning and whilst lying in shavasana (relaxation pose) at the end it occurred to me that massage really is one of the most easy and enjoyable ways of achieving overall good health!
The fact that massage feels like a self indulgent treat 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 is very relaxing!
A rejuvenated body
* Massage releases tension and stiffness and realigns the body. When the body is 'open' and relaxed it becomes a clear circuit for blood (oxygen, nutrients and hormones), lymph and life energy to flow thus nourishing, detoxing and rejuvenating the body.
* Any health supplements you may be taking will become more effective/ efficient and improved circulation of hormones will have a positive effect on our moods and behavior.
Supple muscles and injury prevention
* After a couple of massage sessions your muscles will soften and become less tender to work on. Not only does this make your treatment more enjoyable but being able to massage into deeper layers of muscle tissue allows for 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 tissues soft, pliable and in a healthy condition; massage will help to prevent 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 to fight off illness.
* Clinical trials have shown that massage stimulates white blood cells and that by receiving massage regularly, naturally occurring anti bodies needed to fight of infection 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 and 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
* An improvement in stress related conditions
* Reduced feelings of depression
* Better sleep
* A relief from aches, pains, stiffness in the body
* A deeper connection to our true selves
So don't feel guilty or self indulgent about having massage because it's really good for you! I offer high quality treatments at a more affordable price and don't forget if you....
Buy 5 treatments up front you'll get the 6th one for free
So there really is no excuse not to relax into a healthier new you this year!
Beth x
