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

Don't let the Christmas rush tie you up in knots...This year take care of your Christmas shopping whilst at the same time relaxing with a soothing massage...Sorted!

Yes, this year why not avoid the hustle and bustle of busy shops, the queues and the worry and anxiety over whether or not online presents will arrive on time (Ar humbug!); by taking care of your Christmas shopping at the same time as enjoying a relaxing massage?!?!

Aha, I can sense your shoulders dropping already! 

Well last week I was feeling very creative and came up with these hand made (well computer made) gift vouchers.  

They can be purchased for the price of a treatment or for £5, £10, £15, £20 towards the cost of a treatment.

A massage treatment really does make an excellent gift idea for somebody you care about, It's a gift of relaxation and something for them to look forward to in the new year (can be redeemed at any time).  It may even set them off on a healthier way of being for the new year ahead.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

Beth xx

A new heated massage table + 10minutes extra free massage = just what you kneaded to relax this winter!

Yes, you are in for a special treat this winter as I have just bought a warming pad for the massage table...Yeah!

Heated before you arrive and temperature controlled for your comfort during the treatment; this warming pad provides a soothing heat and an added bit of luxury to your much needed autumnal/winter massages. 

How the colder weather effects our muscles and joints....

• We tend to hold ourselves differently; In an attempt to keep warm we try to make ourselves smaller by hunching our back and shoulders and bringing our head down.  Such bad posture enivitably leads to aches and pains in our upper back, neck and shoulders.  
• The colder months also bring lower air pressure which can cause the soft tissue around our joints to expand. Joint movement is infringed and pain radiates into the surrounding muscles.
• For this reason conditions such as fibromylagia, arthritis and chronic aches and pains may be exacerbated.  
• Our muscles automatically tighten up in cold weather and high speed involuntary muscle contraction (or shivering) makes us more prone to muscle cramps and spasms. 

So don't let your body rust this winter....
 
''Come and melt into the warmth of my new heated table + enjoy an extra 10min free massage work as a great reason to not get up straight away!''
(offer includes all treatments except hot stone work and ends 20th December 2013)


Enjoy!

Mellow your mind and boost your immune system with a massage!

Well folks I think that may be the end of our lovely, long, hot summer; it's certainly starting to feel a little chilly and the nights are drawing in fast.

I admit there is a part of me that still longs for just a bit more sun; but at the same time I do love this time of year for it's the season of change and new beginnings.

Even if you're not involved with the rhythms of the new school year, September is the month where we settle back down into life, work or study after the summer break.  It's the season we feel inspired to learn something new, take up a new hobby or breath life into an old project as we return feeling refreshed and energized.

Unfortunately though the sudden drop in temperature also means colds, coughs and flu and being struck down by such seasonal bugs can really put us out of action before we've even begun.

Whilst eating plenty of antioxidant rich foods and getting enough sleep and exercise is essential for staying healthy; did you know that massage is also a great and enjoyable way of warding of those seasonal bugs?!

How massage strengthens the immune system.....

• Clinical trials have shown that levels of stress causing hormones such as cortisone are reduced after massage and levels of serotonin, our feel good hormones are increased.

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

• Clinical trials have shown that massage stimulates  white blood cells or killer T cells (the bodies army) by decreasing levels of cortisone which destroy these natural killer cells, thus giving the immune system a boost.

• Receiving massage on a regular basis also increases levels of naturally occurring antibodies  that are needed to fight of  illness.

• Massage reduces the production of cytokines which encourage inflammation and pain in the body.

• Circulation of blood and lymph flow is improved thus improving the overall health of the body and flushing nasty bugs from the body more effectively.

Interestingly....

The essence of immunity, is the ability for the white blood cells to distinguish self from non self.  A weakened immune system not only results in us being more susceptible to illness but it also increases our attraction to negativity and bad food choices.

Emotional symptoms of a poor functioning immune system include poor self esteem, lack of self care, lack of order in personal life and an attraction to junk food.  Improving the function of the immune system not only helps us fight illness but it may also help in resolving some of these emotional issues.

So mellow your mind and boost your immune system with a massage!

Feeling rested and with my batteries fully charged I look forward to treating you all again soon.

Beth x