Turning Turtle

Stress is inevitable with our busy lives and we all have it and sometimes we even need it.  But it’s the unmanaged stress that can lead to mental and physical health problems which can in turn shorten our lives.

I have suggested we turn turtle as a way of helping make our lives more relaxed and less stressful leading to a longer and healthier life.  A turtle can live up to over 200 years old!
Let’s take the pace of a turtle as an example; you don’t see a turtle rushing.  Next time you find yourself feeling stressed and you are rushing around try to slow your movements down.  The pace you move has a direct link with the way you feel.  By consciously moving in a more relaxed manner you will begin to feel more calm and relaxed.   Consciously relax your expressions and your gestures and you will soon begin to notice a difference.

When we are stressed our breathing accelerates, on average we take 15-17 breaths a minute, and up to 20-25 breaths if stressed or extremely anxious.  As the pace of our lives has got faster more people are breathing faster and shallower.  Now compare that to the number of breaths a turtle takes, scientist belief a turtle takes about 3 -4 breaths a minute.
By reducing the pace of breathing a human being can maybe live a longer and healthier life.  Become more aware of your breathing throughout the day, the slower, deeper and fuller your breath you will feel calmer and more relaxed.  By reducing your stress and breathing properly you can look forward to better health and wellbeing.

Relax it's Autumn

Autumn is here, what does it mean to you? crisp mornings where you can see your breath, kicking the fallen leaves and hunting out conkers, log fires, hearty soups and curling up with hot chocolate?

I have always loved autumn, I enjoy gardening and to me it is the beginning of the gardening year not the end.  A time to start planning, wrapping up vulnerable plants, gathering in the harvest, planting bulbs, preparing for winter.

As a therapist I encourage my clients to also look on this as a time to plan, to renew and to start to reflect on how they can look after there mind and body. 

Our bodies need some extra nourishing and nurturing to help us fend of the illnesses and bugs that tend to pop up in autumn.  As well as exercise and healthy eating a regular massage can help you adjust to the seasonal changes.

Some of the benefits of a relaxation massage ;

Relaxation
Reduce Stress
Reduce muscle tension
Improve circulation
Helps you sleep better
Encourages your body to digest food and flush its toxins 

Massage works on both physical and mental levels, healing the body and calming the mind. To make your autumn massage extra special you can try adding hot stones, this is wonderfully warming and promotes deep relaxation . 

So don't look on autumn as the end, look at it as the beginning of a new healthier you, find an exercise you enjoy, look at meditation or tai chi to calm the mind and eat healthy warming foods.

Book regular massage to help keep you relaxed and de-stressed this will help you fight off any illnesses which are common for this time of year.

“Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.”

William Cullen Bryant

Vision Board 2012

At the last meeting of 2011 at a small networking group it was suggested over the Christmas holiday we each created a vision board.  A vision board is where you paste pictures that you have torn out of magazines and form a collage.  I had done similar and created mood boards when I moved into my house 8 years ago showing ideas for how I wanted to decorate each room.
 The idea behind this is that when you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, maybe a change of job, what you want to have, where you want to live, or a place you have always wanted to go, your life changes to match those images and those desires.
When creating a vision board you can go through magazines and tear out pictures and words that appeal to you and then when placing them on your board ask yourself what that picture might mean to you.  Sometimes it may not be clear but if you like the picture and stick it on your board the answer may come much later. However if you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve or desire you can find pictures to match your visions.

I was very clear of I what I wanted for 2012 and set about finding pictures to match my visions.   I had decided I wanted to teach holistic therapies, hold more Mindfulness and meditation workshops, (something I was qualified to teach but was not doing much of it at all) do more art work as I love art and creating and the big one visit the panda’s in China.  My images were glued to a piece of A4 paper and then put inside a plastic wallet to keep it clean.  I placed it by the computer so I saw it every day and later it was moved to beside my bed.

It’s now September and I reviewed my vision board yesterday and I am so pleased with my progress.  After qualifying in March to teach adults I began teaching holistic therapies the very next month.
I joined a stress busting group and had the opportunity to take two workshops, one in mindful eating and one on mindfulness for busy people.
After months of saving and doing extra events I have raised all the money I need to go and spend three weeks in China, working and staying with the Giant Panda’s.
There is still one picture on my board that I have not even begun to do and that is the art work, but the year is not over and I am packing my pencils in my suitcase and intending to do some sketching and mandala drawings while staying a very inspiring country.

Do as the Romans do.....

Today in history, July 12th 100 BC Julius Caesar a Roman General and statesman was born.

Did you know that Julius Caesar used massage therapy to relieve his neuralgia and epileptic seizures; it is thought that he had a massage every day.

The Romans learned many of their healing and relaxation techniques from the Greeks.  Their word for massage was frictus translated as ‘rubbing’.  Massage was one of the principal methods of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians.  "The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., "but assuredly in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
The Romans became well-known for their use of bathing, scented baths, and body treatments using a variety of massage media including aromatic oils. The Romans loved bathing and full body massage and today the remains of their facilities known as “Roman Baths” can be seen all over the former Roman Empire .
Unfortunately by the end of the Roman Empire, massage was associated with indulgence. Emperor Constantine abolished baths and gymnasia, suspecting sexual abuses. Massage study stopped in Europe but later many of the books written by Roman massage writer Galen were translated.

Despite Emperor Constantine , massage continues to be a popular therapy today and we still use some of the early techniques.  Just as a mother uses ‘frictus’ or rubbing to make their child’s knee better a therapist uses, stroking, friction and kneading to help with tension and sore muscles.
Massage has helped many people over the years who have benefited from this ancient treatment, the fact that is still used today just goes to prove it works. Massage should no longer been seen as indulgent or just for pampering but as part of your health and well-being regime.  So if you want to do as the Romans do, book yourself a massage treatment today. Every day like Julius may be a little indulgent but at least once a month massage should be on your 'To do' list.


“si fueris Rōmae, Rōmānō vīvitō mōre; si fueris alibī, vīvitō sicut ibi”
A Latin phrase meaning literally "if you are in Rome, live in the Roman way; if you are elsewhere, live as they do there" or "if in Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you are elsewhere, live as they do elsewhere". A version of the advice given to St Ambrose, quoted by Jeremy Taylor "Ductor Dubitantium".

What are you waiting for?


Our busy lives are fast paced and any waiting becomes a form of frustration for many.  We wait for buses, the kettle to boil or the computer to load. We are not very good at waiting as it seems a waste of time.  Why not use this time to just be still.  Waiting is an ideal opportunity to practice mindfulness.
So next time you are in a queue at the supermarket or stuck at road works, why not try bringing your attention to your breath.  Follow the flow of the in and out breath as it comes in and out of your body, from moment to moment, and allow everything else to just be .
There are many moments like these that you can practice mindfulness and these short moments when you are present are just as useful as a long meditation.

So next time you find yourself frustrated or impatient at waiting try being mindful and being in the moment, just that moment.......


In today's rush we all think too much - seek too much - want too much - and forget about the joy of just being.  Eckhart Tolle

Massage benefits for skin

The skin is the largest organ in the body, it protects you from illness, helps control your body’s temperature and using its 5 million touch receptors helps you feel everything from a soft breeze to the relaxing strokes of a massage.  Your skin deserves a little care and attention to help it with its functions and to keep it looking clear and healthy.
As a massage therapist I am in close contact with skin every day.  Before and during the massage I observe the skin to check for any changes that may require me to stop a massage, it may be that the client has a reaction to the oil or I may notice a change in the skin condition that I feel may be a contraindication until it has been checked by a Doctor.

Although people know that massage is relaxing and helps tight and tense muscles, they are not aware that it also benefits the skin ;

1)         Massage increases the blood supply, which carries nutrients to the skin.
2)         Massage can have an exfoliating effect and removes dead skin cells.
3)         The skin will be fed with the nutrients in the oils.  The oil goes directly into the blood stream and feeds      all the organs of the body.
4)        Improves the condition of the skin, giving skin a healthy colour and tone.
5)         Can reduce cellulite with diet and exercise.
6)        Improves the elasticity of the skin, particularly scarred skin.

Did you know?


In your lifetime, you’ll shed over 40 pounds of skin!
Every minute, 30-40,000 dead skin cells fall from your body
70% of dust in your home consists of shed skin.
There are more living organisms on the skin of a single human being then there are human beings on the surface of the earth.

So there you have it, massage not only makes you feel good but maybe the improved elasticity will take years off you too, leaving you looking as good as you feel.

www.joanneturnermassagetherapies.co.uk

Not running as fast as Roger all the time

May 6th 1954 Roger Bannister was the first to break the four minute barrier for running the mile, as he crossed the line in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds he fell into the arms of a friend exhausted.

Today our busy lifestyles are making us move faster, think quicker and generally get things done faster. We are juggling successful careers and home life, always available with our phones at the ready and stress has become part of our lives. More and more demands are put on us all the time, fear of being made redundant and financial pressures push us harder each day. 

We cannot stop stress but it is how we respond to that part of our life that can make the difference between being totally exhausted and in danger of long term illness or being relaxed and having a good sense of well being.

After Roger's record breaking run he was exhausted but with rest he was back to running again soon after.

Relaxation is a great stress buster but often when you are too busy rushing around it is the last thing on your mind.  At work when we are busy and stressed we eventually reach a point where we are no longer being productive and then this stresses us out even more!  This is when you need to take a break, not a week off but something quite simple. Get up and move, go for a walk outside if possible and feel the sun on your back.  If you don't feel you can leave your desk try some breathing exercises.  This simple exercise only takes 3 minutes and has been proven to reverse the stress response.

Sit comfortably, close your eyes..

Simply accept yourself in this moment, nothing else matters except this moment

Slowly inhale and exhale through your nose..

Simply watch the flow of your breath

As thoughts come into your mind, refocus on your breath..

Observe your breath for 3 minutes..

Bring your attention to any sensations in your body,

Become aware of the space around you as you gently open your eyes.

Anytime throughout your day you can use this technique of focusing on your breath when you feel that you need to take a moment to relax.  When you are rushing, stop for a moment and just be here in the present. By taking short breaks to let your body rejuvenate you will be more focused. This simple technique can enhance your creativity, regain focus and sharpen your analytical thinking.  Don't be one of those people who  push on with no lunch breaks and not stopping, those are the ones who will suffer with chronic health issues and have the shortest careers due to burn out.

Just like Roger needed to rest his muscles after his efforts of running in under four minutes, you need to rest your mind and body after focused work.  Aim to take several short breaks throughout the day at least every 90 minutes to relax and rejuvenate.

If you find you enjoy this breathing technique you may be interested in Mindfulness meditation .Studies have shown that regular meditation for about 2 months can help with reducing anxiety and leave you feeling more relaxed and calm.

I run workshops in Mindfulness meditation for relaxation and stress relief and also one to one courses.

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more.  massagetherapies@virginmedia.com

May Day Facials

Today is the 1st of May.  There used to be an old tradition on this day that young ladies would dash outside early in the morning to wash their faces in the morning dew.  The ladies believed the dew on 1st May was magical and that it would give them a beautiful complexion.  Some also believed that it could get rid of spots and pimples.
Today you don't have to be dashing about in your night clothes early in the morning and only getting the benefits once a year.  Facials are our magical treatments.  A facial is a relaxing treatment wonderful for stress reduction. A facial can boost the circulation and stimulate the skin, as a preventative treatment it can help prevent wrinkles. 
Unlike the ladies of May day traditions it is recommended that you have a facial once a month as this is how often the skin regenerates.
Facials are not just for the ladies either, men can benefit too from a relaxing facial.


So if you missed the dew this morning why not book a facial today.

Charlie Chaplin 'The Cure' 1917

Charlie Chaplin was born on this day in 1889.  Charlie was an English actor known for his comedy during the silent film era.
A particular favourite of mine is ‘The Cure’ first shown on April 16th 1917.  It is a short comedy only 31 minutes.  Charlie plays and alcoholic who checks into a health spa to dry out but takes a trunk of alcohol in with him.  During the clip I have put below Charlie interprets a massage as a wrestling match.  Not surprising looking at this clip that massage was not particularly popular in 1917.
It was in 1917 in London at St Thomas Hospital that James Mennell first did physical treatment by manipulation movement and massage.  Massage was also being used for rehabilitation of soldiers during World War 1.  Massage was used mainly for medical purposes and was continued to be used by nurses till the 1940’s.  Gradually the advancement of medical science and the use of electrotherapy and drugs saw massage become just a luxury afforded by few with the first spas opening in the USA and nurses no longer being taught massage.
Massage today is very different to that of 1917, after a surge of re-interest in the 1960’s and 70’s people became interested in alternative health and fitness.  Training courses were set up by City and Guilds and other schools to train therapist.  The health and fitness boom resulted in massage becoming a respectable form of alternative and complementary medicine.  People became interested in maintaining wellness.  Massage has continued to grow in popularity with therapist now practicing many techniques that have their roots deep in the ancient history of massage.
We have come a long way since Charlie Chaplin experienced his massage in 1917.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSbIbxXQVUs&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0DBABDE3591404EE

Enjoy the clip, the massage section is about 5 minutes into the clip.

" A day without laughter is a day wasted"  Charlie Chaplin 

The benefits of a full body massage

A lot of my clients have a back massage, probably because they feel their back ache and have a massage to relieve the pain.  However if they stayed for the extra half hour and had a full body massage they would gain so many benefits.
I specialise in massage for relaxation and stress relief; I am a fully qualified Mindfulness, meditation and relaxation instructor as well as a massage therapist so my massage treats you emotionally as well as physically.
Today we are all rushing and under pressure to get things done, it has been said that the tension and stress can be the root cause to many illnesses so we need to find ways to alleviate the stress and tension from our lives. The more we stress about worries in our lives the more our muscles tense and it becomes difficult to relax.  An hour massage can help relieve the build up of tension in your body as well as relax your mind.

A full body massage can begin with breathing techniques to quieten a chattering mind before an hour of top to toe massage.  Towels are used for draping so only the area being worked on is uncovered.  Your body is treated to long relaxing strokes, kneading and wringing to help your body begin to heal its self.

Here are just some of the benefits to having a regular full body massage;
• Increased Circulation
• Relaxation of mind and body
• Boost immune and lymph system
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improved range of movement
• Improved sleep
If you are already receiving a back massage why not take that extra step and upgrade to a full body massage and feel the benefits.

How often should I get a massage?

This is a question I am asked often and the answer can depend on why you are coming for a massage in the first place.  If you are coming for a relaxation massage and you have no pain a monthly massage would be would be fine but as the relaxation benefits the mind as well as the body you may feel that more frequent is for you.
If you are coming for a deeper treatment for more chronic pain, such as tension in the shoulders and back you are best starting with weekly treatments until the tension has eased.  After a few weeks if you are happy with your progress you can stretch the treatments out to fortnightly and then if you wish to monthly. Each individual is different and some clients prefer to stay on a fortnightly treatment. Also the longer you have had a condition the longer it can take to begin to see an improvement. Stretching a treatment out too far can result in the muscles reverting back to old patterns and then you have to start again to restore the muscles suppleness. The best advice is to listen to your body do what you feel is best but keep treatment regular.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear" Buddha

Touch and feeling good

The skin is the largest organ of the body and when the skin is massaged one of the benefits is the stimulation of the sensory receptors.  We have over five million touch receptors in our skin and over three thousand in our finger tips.  These receptors send and receive messages to the brain. The stimulation of massage pressure on the skin releases chemicals in the brain like serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Numerous studies have shown how touch can benefit humans physically and mentally.  Touch is the first sense developed in the womb and the last sense used before death. Throughout life touch has an impact on how we develop physically and mentally.
Premature babies can benefit from regular massage , it can help them to gain weight faster.  Adults in hospital or care homes have been shown to be less anxious . I regularly visit a nursing home and see a sometimes brief but welcome reduction in anxiety levels for patients with dementia after they have received a hand massage.
Continuing research is showing that there are numerous benefits of touch from helping chronic diseases, neurological disorders, injuries and tension from our busy lifestyles.  Massage is a complementary therapy it cannot cure illness but is being used more widely by hospitals and Doctors to help with the recovery process.
Massage is not just for pampering, the more you have the more you benefit.  Massage is about maintaining your health and well being both mentally and physically.  So next time you feel like you need a massage, you probably do,  your body is telling you it needs looking after.  Invest in your health by booking regular massage treatments and feel the benefit of touch.


Deepak Chopra explains " when we stimulate the skin, we can cause, literally, a shower of healing chemicals into our blood stream"

Hot stones not just pampering

January has been and gone in a flash, February is now here and we are all expecting snow.
 This month I am promoting Hot Stone Massage to cocoon you in heat while the stones work on your aches and pains.  If you have never had a Hot Stone Massage why not try just having a hand and foot massage for a special price of £15.  Tiny hot stones are placed between the toes, a flat stone is placed on the bottom of the foot and then a towel is wrapped around the foot to keep it warm and let the stones begin to relax the muscles of the foot.  Meanwhile I will massage the hands and arms with hot stones, leaving a cosy stone in the palm of the hands before moving onto the feet.  A foot massage is wonderfully relaxing and the heat of the stones gives you a deeper massage without added pressure.
A full body massage combines traditional massage techniques with the hot basalt stones gliding over the body, sometimes stones are placed on and under the body to help with deep relation and release stiffness in muscles.
This wonderful massage is not just pampering  it has many benefits including ;
Deep relaxation
Reduces stress, anxiety and tension
Reliefs pain in muscles
Improves Circulation
The heat of the stones means the massage penetrates deeper
Can help improve sleep

This is a gentle warming treatment not just a luxury but good way to take a break from work and life and give your mind and body the treatment it deserves.

Care home antics

My weekly visit to the care home to give the ladies a hand massage found them sitting in the lounge all looking around for their afternoon tea.  Tea is usually served at three and it was a few minutes after so there was much muttering.
When tea did arrive a small group of ladies all sitting together in the corner, Babs, Joan and Maud, had noticed no biscuits today.  They waited patiently but the carer never returned.  When I next turned around Babs had disappeared . She returned with some small packets of wrapped biscuits from her room and shared them with Joan and Maud who sit either side of her.
Every time I glanced across at them they were grinning like three naughty children and brushing the crumbs from their mouths.
New management took over at Christmas and so far I have only seen a new door bell and new visitors book as changes but maybe they are cutting back and the afternoon biscuits have been chopped.
If this is the case I know three ladies who will not go without as long as someone is visiting and taking in biscuits.  Maybe next week I shall have a packet in my massage bag :)