How massage can affect your overall health
How massage therapy can improve your overall health
By Claire Kenny 17/07/2018
Some people still believe massage therapy is an indulgence purely for relaxation. The health benefits of massage, however, have proven otherwise.
Today we know that our mind-body connection means excessive stress brings on or exacerbates illness by reducing our own natural immunity to disease. People who value their health know that, like a healthy diet and exercise, regular massage treatments are a valuable part of a stress-reduction plan.
Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can be better managed with massage therapy, according an article on the Mayo Clinic website (mayoclinic.org). In addition, massage helps reduce or alleviate headaches, joint pain, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia and much more.
Massage therapy has many forms, applied according to a therapist’s training and a client’s ailments. Some commonly known techniques are Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, prenatal, and sports massage.
Holistic massage is a combination of various movements used to manipulate muscles through the application of pressure to either soothe or stimulate the whole body. It aims to balance the “whole” person and the effects will vary with each individual.
This therapy helps in the relief of a wide range of problems physiologically and psychologically, they include:
Relaxation of the whole body, reducing stress and anxiety
Gives a “lift” to the emotions and increases positive feelings
Encourages deeper and therefore more efficient and relaxed breathing
Relieves muscle fatigue, soreness and stiffness
Encourages sleep
It promotes suppleness of the muscles, improves circulation and reduces stress.
Balances digestion and waste removal.
With regular Holistic Massages you will find that you have increased energy levels as there is less energy spent in holding the body in a state of tension and strain. In this fast moving world, shouldn’t we all have some real time out!
Hot Stone massage involves the use of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes in combination with Swedish massage techniques. The heat of the stones helps muscles relax more quickly than in traditional massage, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity.
The benefits of Hot stone massage
Muscular aches, pains, sprains and strains.
Poor circulation
Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Back pain
Stress, anxiety and tension
The term deep tissue massage refers to increased pressure applied by a therapist aiming to alleviate chronic pain and increase range of motion. This type of massage can be painful. Although some call it a “good pain,” any massage therapy should be done only to the client’s tolerance.
Deep tissue massage is a specialized massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscles. This massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as adhesions).
PREGNANCY MASSAGE can help alleviate many of the symptoms and conditions associated with pregnancy. During this amazing time of physical and emotional change, pregnancy massage can be of enormous benefit to both the mother and baby.
Amoungst many benefits, massage during pregnancy has been found to help alleviate the following complaints:
Muscle tension,
Muscle spasm & cramping,
Sciatic pain ,
Swelling oedema
Back, neck and shoulder discomfort caused by hormonal and postural changes.
Improve quality of sleep
Reduce headaches
Relieve heartburn
Balance mood-swings and help depression.
It reduces stress and allows the mother to relax, both important for during the pregnancy and labour.
The health of the baby is enhanced by the pregnancy massage through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing oedema and increasing cellular respiration. Massage helps the mother to feel nurtured and pampered and this can then be passed onto the baby. Pregnancy massage assists in reducing tension in the weight bearing joints and other bone and muscle structures.
It also helps maximize breathing capacity which is needed during labor and delivery.
Sports massage can help relieve soft-tissue aches and muscle stiffness to prepare for events or recover from exercise. This type of massage isn’t just for sports injuries though. It can be beneficial to anyone who engages in repetitive physical activity, which is hard on the body.
It’s always best to check with your doctor before starting any new health regimen, including massage therapy.
Massage therapy is good for almost anyone, whether they are active or sedentary. So the next time you’re stressed, overwhelmed or in pain, consider getting a massage. It may help your overall health to massage that issue out of your tissue
Aches and pains during pregnancy is part and parcel of joy of pregnancy
Aches and pains during pregnancy is part and parcel of joy of pregnancy. Our body is changing and adapting to accommodate the growing foetus by relaxing our muscles and ligaments. The stretching of ligaments creates more space between pelvic bones and spine, and loosely held bones are difficult to move over/with each other, which makes movements clumsy and painful.
Starting from 1st trimester till last trimester, pregnant women experience diff ..
Headaches are one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Try to get plenty of rest, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
Cramping typically occurs when the uterus expands, causing the ligaments and muscles that support it to stretch. One should not be worried about the minor cramps that happen every now and then. Stretching can be due to round ligament pull caused by growing uterus, and gives sharp piercing or dull pulling feeling. Some women experience sharp, pierc ..
Headaches are one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Try to get plenty of rest, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
Cramping typically occurs when the uterus expands, causing the ligaments and muscles that support it to stretch. One should not be worried about the minor cramps that happen every now and then. Stretching can be due to round ligament pull caused by growing uterus, and gives sharp piercing or dull pulling feeling. Some women experience sharp, piercing pain in the vagina. Try relaxation exercises. Place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the ache. Make sure you get plenty of fluids. Take warm water bath. All the above measures will reduce these pains. However, consult doctor if you still don’t get the desired relief or pains occur in moderate intensity along with other symptoms.
Leg cramping and restless-leg syndrome is common in the third trimester. Cramping can occur as a result of too much phosphorus and too little calcium in the body. Restless-leg syndrome, also known as the overwhelming need to constantly move your leg, can be a symptom of an iron or folic acid deficiency. An uncomfortable sensation in the legs, a strong urge to move one or both legs or night-time leg twitching are frequent symptoms of restless-leg syndrome
If you feel tingling or numbness in your hands during pregnancy, it could be carpal-tunnel syndrome. This condition is normally associated with repetitive hand movements, but extra fluid and swelling during pregnancy can also cause these symptoms.
Pregnancy rib pain can be the result of your baby physically kicking you in the ribs, stretching out under the ribs, or just moving by your ribs. The pain can also be caused by the muscles stretching out. In rare cases, it might be caused by a ..
Women frequently experience hip pain as the connective tissue loosens and stretches. Lower back pain can also occur along with hip pain, as posture changes may cause you to lean more toward one side or another. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs may help to relieve this pain because it opens the hips slightly.
The coccyx is a joint that’s at the very bottom of your spine. It sits right behind your uterus. Your growing baby pushing against it, hormones, and other issues like constipation can lead to more pain. Often, what feels like lower back pain and hip pain during pregnancy is actually tailbone pain.
While there’s no cure for it, there are some stretches you can do to help ease the pain. If your pain is severe or lasts more than a few days with little change or worsens, see your doctor. Doing gentle exercise, such as yoga with lots of stretching positions, will help keep your muscles loose. It will also help keep both you and the as healthy as possible.
We have some very beneficial therapies and classes available here at River.
If you are looking for advise on which approach is best for you.
Claire
It’ time to look after yourself
One of my favorite parts of New Years is throwing away the old calendar and getting to start anew. All the hopes, dreams, and fantasies of a new life seem so tangible at New Years, don’t they?
Well, have I got news for you.
According to a survey by Reuters only a measly 3% of people actually follow through with their big New Year’s resolutions. And psychologists believe that this failure to follow through on bold and brilliant New Year’s resolutions by 97% of us can actually lead to diminished self esteem and lack of motivation in the months to come.
Does this mean that the remaining 97% of us who threw ideas in the till for positive change are all losers who cannot commit to anything? Absolutely not!
One of the reasons I ceased making resolutions is quite simply because I don’t believe that there is one specific day so enlightened that you can change your entire world in the blink of an eye. I don’t believe that putting all your eggs in the New Year’s basket is necessarily the best way to make changes in your life. Truth is, you can blow in the winds of change any day of week, any month of the year, any hour of the day – if you so choose.
I DO believe that New Years should be a time of reflection. What was the last year like for me? What are the things I did right? What are the things I did wrong? Where is there room for improvement and positive change? What are some of the things I would like to continue to do? What am I proud of, and what do I wish I could change? Am I living the best life possible, and if not – what are three simple changes I could make to head in that direction?
To me, the New Year is about taking inventory and making a plan. Not just a firm resolution which you are certain to break; that you will never again sink your teeth into a sugary donut, or guzzle down an ice-cold Coca Cola on a hot summer day – but a plan that you will eat two less donuts per week, and only enjoy one soda every other day.
Why set yourself up to fail? The last thing you want to do is to feel like a deflated balloon.
Instead, start slowly by asking yourself the questions above. Write down your answers and take baby steps toward achieving your goals. The expression “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” rings true when it comes to the beginning of the New Year – and nothing in your life should be all or nothing. If it is, chances are you are setting yourself up to feel guilty or bad down the road.
So in light of this we are sharing everything we have on offer for you at the centre, we have drop in classes if you feel like you can’t commit to one of our full time classes and we have weekend workshops that I am sure you will find is calling out to you.
Just follow the links below for our workshops and classes and start with baby steps on the right path for you.
www.riverholistic.ie/
www.riverholistic.ie/
August Newsletter
Hello August
Hope everyone is enjoying the Summer so far. July was one of our busiest months to date, so thank you to all our new clients and students who we have loved getting to know and as always are trusted regulars for brightening up the centre.
So what’s new with us………
For the rest of August most of our classes have drop in spaces available, which is perfect way to find the right class for when the September terms begin.
So if you haven’t tried Yoga, Meditation, Pilate’s or OSHO Active Meditation before; why not try out all of our styles and find your new favorite passion.
We have welcomed some amazing new teachers, trainers and therapists since our last update with you, so below you will find out a bit more about them and how they can help you.
Until the next installment; I will say thank you, be good, be kind and just be you.
xxxx
Claire
Stott Pilates. Everything you need to know.
New terms every six weeks
What is Pilates?
Pilates, pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates, is a mind-body exercise system designed to strengthen the weak and challenge the strong. Pilates (1880-1967) was a German expatriate who first made his mark in England during WWI when he developed a series of exercises and innovative equipment to help prisoners of war regain strength and mobility. When Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York, the local professional dance community discovered that his conditioning techniques helped prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining long, even muscle tone. This sparked a vast following of the method of exercise.
Why is Pilates the fastest-growing method of exercise?
People are becoming increasingly more interested in fitness modalities that help relieve stress. They’re also much more interested in prevention and taking care of their bodies. They want to stay fit and look good for as long as possible. Pilates is complementary to many traditional ways of working out. It’s excellent for all ages, fitness levels and goals. Its mind-body aspect is even said to be useful in preventing stress-related illnesses like heart disease.
What is the STOTT PILATES® Method?
STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
STOTT PILATES exercises help both men and women develop optimal strength, flexibility, endurance and posture, without building bulk or stressing joints. The perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, STOTT PILATES exercises help you tone your body, feel revitalized, and move with ease.
Can anyone do Pilates?
No form of exercise is appropriate for everyone, but STOTT PILATES exercise is appropriate for most people. As with any exercise method, you should always consult with a medical expert before beginning an exercise regime. A modified program may be recommended if you have any physical limitations. Everyone from serious fitness enthusiasts, to rehab patients, elite athletes, and prenatal clients will see a difference.
What is the difference between STOTT PILATES and other Pilates techniques?
STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, there is also more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to everyday life.
What are STOTT PILATES’ benefits?
› Builds core strength and stability
› Improves posture and alignment
› Increases flexibility, balance and coordination
› Improves muscular balance and strength
› Increases endurance and muscular tone
› Prevents injury and heightens body awareness
› Enhances athletic performance
› Relieves stress and back pain
How does STOTT PILATES differ from weight training?
› Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
› Spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
› Emphasis on concentric and eccentric contraction for injury prevention, STOTT PILATES exercise is customizable for special needs
› In Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
› Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalances that lead to injury
› Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
› STOTT PILATES exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness
› Weight training and STOTT PILATES can be combined in a fitness program and are a great complement to each other.
I have a bad back. Will I be able to do Pilates?
Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is more important, however, that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your ability, and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.
Should Pilates replace my regular workout?
STOTT PILATES exercise is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. It’s ideal in combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness etc.), and a great complement to your weight training program or athletic training.
Is STOTT PILATES like Yoga?
In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.
Can Pilates help me lose weight? If so, how much?
Pilates can be a positive addition to your overall weight-loss program.Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories expended. The most successful and healthy way to achieve weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with a strength training component, such as STOTT PILATES exercise, and following a balanced diet. Combining Pilates with aerobic exercise also offers additional benefits: greater mind-body connection, improved posture, flexibility and functionality.
Why do celebrities do Pilates?
Many celebrities choose Pilates because not only does it improve their physical appearance, it also helps with their stamina, stress relief, and focus. Pilates is invigorating and helps people feel destressed. For celebrities, on whom the outer world places a spotlight, Pilates allows them to “get away from it all” by internalizing and connecting the mind to the body. Celebrities known to do Pilates include: Cheryl Tiegs, Sandra Bullock, Ellen DeGeneres, Rod Stewart, Sting, Martha Stewart, Rob Morrow, Victor Garber, Sofia Coppola, Veronica Tennant, Jennifer Aniston, and Tiger Woods.
Is it true athletes do Pilates?
Despite its slow, careful movements, Pilates is not for wimps! Pro athletes like NHL player Eddie Belfour, NBA star Kobe Bryant, and Tennis pro Martina Navratilova benefit from using STOTT PILATES equipment and instruction. The STOTT PILATES method places importance on core stability and rebalancing the muscles making them work more efficiently. This helps prevent injury and improves athletic ability.
source: prime pilates
