Massage sessions de-mystified!

For those who have never had a massage before I'm often asked what its like! Well, that's a difficult question to answer as everyone responds differently to a session & each experience will be an unique one depending on what they are having, the experience of the therapist & what state the person treating is in. I'm also often asked do I have to undress completely? Well, the answer again is its up to you! Most clients undress down to their underwear but you can have all your clothes on & have what's called a 'seated clothed massage' as can be seen from the picture below:- 

Clothed seated massage by Bibi

Also, you don’t have to lie down on a massage couch if that's difficult for you to do. You can have a massage in almost any position: lying on your side, standing against a wall, on your stomach or on your back. Should a client choose to undress to their underwear then they are covered with towels & these are carefully moved as required to carry out the treatment. 

The other question that I'm often asked is: 'what happens during a session? Well,that depends on what treatment you have come for and the therapist you see! With my own practice there is always a full consultation so that
your medical history and lifestyle can be taken into consideration in the treatment plan. If you have come for a unclothed massage then you get changed in privacy and lie on the couch. I then start the treatment & will ask for feedback from you regarding the strokes & pressure etc. 

At the end we chat about the treatment and your aftercare is outlined. This is written down & given to you as a reminder. Also, I will advise about what you can do in-between treatments to maintain or improve your body’s equilibrium. This may be through gentle stretching exercises which I'll show you or changes to your lifestyle or diet may be discussed.

Upper back massage by Bibi

Shoulder & arm massage by Bibi

Leg massage by Bibi

Massage & your Wellbeing

Massage & your Wellbeing

A simple hand massage as carried out by Bibi

In order to function at your optimum it is important to look after your mind, body & soul as they function as a whole. Massage is just one way of looking after your wellbeing & may have the following effects on you depending on your condition and the type massage treatment you have:-


* Massages may enable you to function at your maximum as it may help to regulate your sleep patterns, eliminate toxins and impurities. It will also help to restore your strength and mobility by increasing your energy levels.


* Massages may reduce your stress and anxiety, deepen your relaxation and improve your self-esteem by improving your concentration & mental clarity.


* Medical research on massage has also shown it may help to relieve your muscle tension & stiffness and deepen your breathing. It may also balance your digestive system and support your lymphatic system.


* Finally and more importantly, it may induce a sense of mental wellbeing which makes you feel more able to cope better with the strain and stresses of daily life.

Self-care for carers

'Self-care for carers' 

I've been thinking for some times what an amazing job carers do; some chose to do out of love, some out of friendship & some find themselves doing it by accident. I'm sure that there are very few people who would choose to do this almost 24 hour job without any timed breaks. This was brought home to me recently when I was talking to a carer at an interactive session I did on 'Stress Management & Relaxation'. He mentioned that he's the full time carer for his wife & he had to leave his job to do this. He says the most exhausting thing about looking after her is he never knows when he'll have his own time & finds it difficult to plan anything as his wife can be taken ill at any time. I've been thinking about the strain this must put on his health & wellbeing as well as the restrictions it must place on his social life.

To this end I've put these 5 self-help suggestions together to help those doing this very valuable job of caring:-

1. It is crucial for the sake of those you care for & also for yourself to take time out. This doesn't have to be for a long time, just a few minutes on your own EVERY DAY would be beneficial. During this time it'd be helpful if you had your eyes closed and listened to yourself breathing. Concentrate on the breathing & when you mind drifts away from your breathing then gently come back to this. Try & do this for at least 5 minutes.

2. When you are able to, listen to the music you used to like. Music helps to bring back memories & relaxes the mind. The person you are caring for may well like this activity too.

3. Don't forget to keep up with your social contacts. This may be difficult to do time wise but it doesn't have to be for long lengthy periods. Just dropping someone a note, which only takes a few minutes whether on-line or hand written, would be wonderful for the person receiving and also for you. You may think your friend/relative doesn't want to hear from you but the person may also be thinking that you're too busy to keep in touch. So go on & make the first move & see what happens.

4. Try not to snatch meals; if possible make an occasion of it by eating slowly & enjoying your food. Your digestive system would be grateful to you!

5. After having a shower/bath spend a little while spreading cream all over your body to refresh & calm yourself. A simple & gentle sweeping actions with your hands would help to relax the nerves. It is best to use a sensitive body lotion.

Hope these suggestions help. If you would like to add some more then please do & I'll post them too. Many thanks.