Following previous blogs, I’ve talked about the Importance of Positives and How to Self-Care. In this blog I highlight another side of my business, and explain the benefits of Therapeutic Massage for Self-Care. Massage is so much more than just a special treat, or an extravagance, and goes beyond simply relaxation. By undertaking regular Massages, you reap the benefits of physical, mental, and emotional Well-Being. Therapeutic Massage for Self-Care should be considered a necessity in our lives.
Self-Care
‘The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health’– Oxford Dictionary. Taking responsibility in looking after our whole being, both physically, mentally, and socially.
When we learn How to Self-Care, then practice daily, we remain healthy, happy, and resilient. I explain more in my blog How to Self-Care.
Having regular Beauty or Holistic therapies, gives us that time to relax and improve our confidence. I’ve been helping people find care and confidence as a beauty therapist for over 30 years. The feeling you get after taking some time and attention for yourself, is something I’ve always been pleased to offer.
I personally have monthly Massage and Reflexology treatments. These keep my body working efficiently, and helps my mind relax.
Benefits of Having a Therapeutic Massage
Soothes Muscle Aches and Pains
With the current pressures of long work hours, sitting looking at screens on various devices, repetitive motions, can all lead to poor posture and tension headaches.
Exercise can also create muscle aches and pains, especially when working new muscle groups. As a result, our muscles become knotted up, painful and tense. When the muscles are tense due to strain or injury, this can cause inflammation. In other words, pain is telling us there’s a problem and we need to protect the area. Meaning the nerves become constricted and the muscles can’t function as they should.
Massage releases muscle tension, by the therapist applying pressure to the muscle knots. Consequently, this increases blood and lymphatic flow to the area, reducing inflammation, releasing and relaxing muscle fibre tension, providing myofascial release. The nerves become free to move and perform as they should.
By helping the muscles to work more efficiently, will improve our overall physical performance and posture.
Improves Your Blood Circulation
Due to muscle tension and knots, circulation becomes sluggish and congested.
Using the different Massage techniques, the tension is released, and your blood flow is improved by encouraging the flow back to the heart. This in turn improves our cardiovascular health, and regulates our blood pressure.
Boosts our Immune System
Our lymphatic circulation is improved too. Our lymph nodes filter out toxins, bacteria and waste products from the body. White blood cells are created to fight infection. When sitting for long periods of time, we can get puffiness in our extremities, a sign of sluggish lymphatic system.
Massage stimulates the lymph flow, boosting our immune system, reducing inflammation, and above all, helps prevent illnesses.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
In conjunction with reducing our Physical Stress, Therapeutic Massage can reduce our Mental Stress. With the soothing touch of Massage, our body, and subsequently our mind can relax. Therefore, reducing anxiety. Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine, and Oxytocin are released. Consequently, reducing Cortisol, our stress hormone.
Serotonin stabilises your mood, wellbeing, and happiness.
Endorphins are our bodies natural pain killer, working similarly to the class of drugs, opioids. The name Endorphin comes from the words “endogenous,” which means from the body, and “morphine,” an opioid pain reliever.
Dopamine is a natural feel-good neurotransmitter, and contributes to feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and reward.
Oxytocin is important for building trust, sustaining relationships, and has an important role in reproduction.
The Importance of Positives delves into more about the neurotransmitters.
If you Can’t Get to Sleep easily, Massage increases our mood enhancing chemicals which supports a good night Sleep.
In Conclusion
By building in regular Therapeutic Massage for Self-Care, we can successfully:
- manage aches, pains, and tension headaches,
- improve our circulation,
- boost our immunity,
- alleviate physical and mental stress.
Ultimately, enhancing our overall Well-Being and improving our quality of life.
Remember that massage should never be painful. Do tell your therapist at the time, as they can adjust the pressure either lighter or firmer.
Finding the Right Massage Therapist
Making sure your Massage Therapist is accredited should be your first concern. Knowing that your therapist is qualified, verified, and insured, will give you the reassurance to begin therapy.
I first registered with BABTAC (British Association for Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) back in 1990 and they provide my insurance. One of the pre-requisites of becoming a member and having insurance, is to ensure that the therapist has the correct qualifications and skillset to practice.
BABTAC have launched the T.I.M.E initiative to educate the consumer to check a therapists qualifications and insurance. I can safely say yes to all the points.
- Training: Firstly, I am fully qualified, and accredited through BABTAC. My certificates are on display in my therapy room and qualifications listed on my websites.
- Insurance: Secondly, my insurance for all the therapies I offer, is through BABTAC.
- Monitoring: Thirdly, I carry out a full consultation on every client before we undertake treatments.
- Evidence: Finally, I have certified proof of training and insurance displayed in my therapy room as well as on my website. I have client testimonials on both websites.
My personality and approach may be what you’re looking for, it might not. But I am passionate about helping my clients receive the high standard of therapy they deserve.
Hypnotherapy
In addition to having Therapeutic Massage for Self-Care, Hypnotherapy is invaluable for keeping your mind in check. Sessions guide you to focus on a future which is positive, without stress and anxiety. Gaining strength and confidence in yourself, with better sleep patterns. Educates with neuroscience to help understand pain and the effects of Fibromyalgia. Clears your mind from worries, so that you make better decisions about the future. A fresh perspective on life.
As a bonus, having an occasional booster session of Hypnotherapy is like having a Massage for the Brain!
Beauty & Holistic Therapy
Therapeutic Massage for Self-Care gives your body a chance to relax, unwind, and repair itself.
When you visit my private treatment room, my focus is completely on you and what brought you to this space. The safe and calm environment, allows all of my clients a chance to take that peace home with them.
I offer Massage treatments in many forms. Swedish, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Bamboo Massage, Luxury Back Treatment, Facial treatments, Manicure and Pedicures.
Do visit my website for full treatments and prices.
There is something for everyone to be able to carve out that all important Self-Care.
