I talk to lots of people about massage, my friends and family, people on facebook, my guests and their families and friends.

Because it is my passion, I’m really keen to understand what it is that makes some people NEVER get a massage?

My research has led me to come up with 5 key reasons why people don’t book a treatment.

1. Body Image

Firstly, some people are not ok with their body image. Both men and women of all shapes and sizes may not choose massage therapy, because they don’t want to undress. Can I take a minute to alleviate these thoughts?

You can have a seated, clothed massage. It is still wonderful and treats all sorts of areas. Back, head, neck and shoulders, legs and feet and arms and legs. If you are not sure you want to strip off for your massage, ask for a seated massage.

Massage therapists work with people of all ages and shapes and sizes. We are advocates of massage and know how much it can help people. I work with people with eating disorders, fluid retention, post operative, gym bodies, wobbly tummys, the whole works…

In fact we are interested in your whole wellbeing so we will understand.

2. Because my partner wouldn’t approve.

Massage has a rich and varied history and although people have been massaging for centuries, the term  Massage Parlour has been used to describe certain adult services. The key thing to look for in a legitamite establishment are the words Massage Therapist .  A massage therapist will have learnt anatomy and physiology, and have studied at least one discipline of massage. Their certification should be available if asked for.

Men sometimes don’t take a massage because they associate them with beauty treatments rather than health practitioners. Indeed some massages are given by beauticians and tend to be lighter and generic. Massage therapists are muscle specialists and work with you to help improve your over wellbeing, as well as specific ailments. Some men have also reported that they didn’t want a sports massage because it was too painful. Sports Massages are exactly what they say, specifically for sportspeople. When a muscle has been worked really hard in a sport, it needs a specific treatment to release it. However Deep Tissue Massage is also effective.

Some Women are resistant to spend money on themselves because  they think their partner sees massage as another beauty treatment and a luxury. A way forward in this could be to re-educate both parties. Regular Massage therapy should be as commonplace as regular dental trips. It keeps all of your 13 Systems in the body working in harmony. A solution Ive found works is if both partners have massage, then they aren’t jealous of each other

3. Because I can’t spend the money on myself.

An age old problem, is that of guilt at taking time for yourself or spending money on looking after yourself. Both men and women young and old can fall into this trap. And whilst I’m not advocating living beyond your means, too many of us put our own health needs right at the bottom of the priority list. We believe our inner voice that tells us to put others first. These days everything seems to come higher on the list to us. The difficulty with this approach is that eventually we will break under the burden of it. We need to keep ourselves in balance in order to help others.

4. Fear of relaxation

Of course when we don’t look after ourselves, our physical pain increases and our emotional armour just becomes tighter. To receive a massage, loosens the armour and some of the worries come out. If we are not processing some of them, it can be quite daunting. Talk to you massage therapist before your appointment to explain your concerns. They will have experienced this before and I certainly offer routes and ideas for people to move forward.

5. Fear of getting turned on

When we relax sometimes our bodies become sensitive and aroused. Most massage therapists will have made it clear whether they offer an adult service. If they don’t they still understand that sometimes people get aroused. Don’t worry, we’ve seen it before and won’t embarress you. But equally we won’t focus on it either.

Hope that helps. Don’t be put off.

Book an Indigo Spring Massage today on 01183320300

This week, I have been approached by a number of people for whom life has taken an unexpected turn.

They came to me to help rebalance their mind and body to help them find strength going forward. In this time of super technology we can forget that communication is key to moving through life’s hurdles. By being compassionate to yourself, as you would be to a child, you can start to give yourself kindness and understanding in difficult times.

Massage helps the body’s 13 systems to work in harmony together and to process change. By lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, easing tense muscles and relieving stress, we can work with you to move forward.

So whether you have had a loss or bereavement, changes in relationships or career, why not book a massage to Rebalance once more

7 Benefits of Indian Head Massage

It sounds divine doesn’t it?  A real treat! But actually, Indian Head Massage isn’t simply a ‘treat’ – the benefits are really rather crucial and can assist with a variety of physical and emotional problems and concerns. Here are a few of them:

1. Helps prevent migraines, headaches and back pain

Often tension in the upper back, neck and head can lead to migraines, headaches and back pain that can make for uncomfortable living on a day to day basis and sometimes even lead to depression.

A massage therapist will start the Indian Head Massage by applying pressure to points in the upper back, arms and shoulders that will release muscles and knots. They will then move to the neck and head to reduce headache-causing blockages and encourage better circulation of the cerebral fluid.

2. Promotes hair growth

This is a lovely side effect of the Indian Head Massage (if you’re trying to grow your hair anyway…). The massage increases nourishment and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicle that in turns stimulates hair growth. It’s a one way ticket to long, luscious locks!

3. Detoxifies the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage

Indian Head Massage stimulates and improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck thus helping to remove waste products from the body.

4. Relieves sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia

These are often side-effects of stress and Indian Head Massage will immediately relieve stress and promote relaxation by attacking the physical symptoms, thus allowing for a deeper sense of wellbeing and relaxation and opening your body to better rest.

5. Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression

Massaging the head encourages the supply of oxygen to the brain which is one of the best ways of reducing anxiety and of lifting one’s mood. Oxygen helps you think clearly and creatively and a similar effect is experienced through exercise.

6. Renews energy levels

An Indian Head Massage works with the Ayurvedic concept that goes beyond the limits of healing and places emphasis on balance. Working on the chakras through Indian Massage has a powerful effect in bringing the energy of the body back into balance.

7. Boosts memory capabilities

Often we have short-term memory difficulties because our brains are overloaded with disorganised thoughts, making it very difficult for us to efficiently ‘log’ and collect thoughts and occurrences.

Indian Head Massage slows us down, sensual awareness takes over, thoughts quieten and awareness is brought to the forefront. Think of it like someone pressing your ‘reset’ button.

Isn’t it funny how when something slots into place in life, it is echoed in other areas?

My yoga and mindfulness practice has been looking inward and focusing on feeling specific points with all my attention. This has helped me work out my own phsical and mental blocks.

This has transferred to my work at Indigo Spring as a massage therapist. I have been using my focus to give my full attention to the bodywork with my client.

How do I get there?

Environment.

I have created an environment where all the senses lead to the desired mood. Usually peacefulness and tranquility. The lighting colours and effects, layout and objects in the room, the plant choice, aromatherapy and music choice, all contribute to this.

Preparation

Before I receive a guest I spend time analysing their notes, looking at progression and focusing on them. I spend some time doing breath work  and some yoga stretches.

During the treatment

I ask questions to help the guest feel themselves focus on their body and mind. I breathe in time with my guest. I react to what I feel, and I vary my pressure, speed and focus on different areas.

After the treatment

I reflect back to my guest on what I found and ask for their feedback too.

Outcome

The outcome of this approach has pleasantly surprised me. Every single guest has reported a much deeper relaxation and the ability to “go there”. The reported feedback has been 100% positive.

So why not give a little more focussed attention in areas of your life? And see what happens…