Reflexology for Fertility

Reflexology helps with a wealth of difficulties. Some benefits of reflexology are proven scientifically, some are anecdotal experiences.
Reflexology to support in fertility is well documented with studies and experiences of both therapists and clients. There are now a multitude of training courses for reflexologists out there to better adapt their treatments for fertility support.

To begin with, some foundational knowledge could be useful. So, if you have the time, please read previous blogs by following the links below:
The Reproductive System: https://www.almaentera.com/learning/the-reproductive-system
The Menstrual Cycle and Menopause: https://www.almaentera.com/learning/menstrual-cycle-and-menopause
Infertility and Pregnancy: https://www.almaentera.com/learning/infertility-and-pregnancy

How Reflexology Can Help Support Fertility

One of the most important things a reflexologist can do is support the client with preparing for pregnancy through getting up to date and accurate information. There is so much advice out there, some that is based in truth, some not so much. A lot of what is useful about a reflexology treatment is a comprehensive initial consultation. Of course, there are some basics such as having a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing any behaviours such as binge drinking and smoking may help.

Another thing that a reflexologist who is knowledgeable about fertility can do, is help you increase your odds of conceiving. For example, talking about the timing and frequency of sexual intercourse (if you are happy to share). Becoming aware of your own body can help too. For example, if you have a biologically female reproductive system, being aware of your cervical mucus and its amount, consistency and colour can help you know when is a good time to give it a go. Speaking to a reflexologist about all of this may be helpful because they have time to talk to you, and are not a friend (although hopefully friendly), so can be completely non-judgemental.

In terms of the practical application of reflexology, if you are aware of any existing conditions that you think are effecting your chances of conception, then reflexology can work on the reflexes that are imbalanced. For example, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the reflexologist can work directly on the pituitary and ovary reflexes to help bring the body back to balance.

One of the most beneficial things about having reflexology for fertility difficulties, is the bringing down of stress levels in the body. When we are stressed, stress hormones dominate the endocrine system, suppressing some of the important hormones required for pregnancy to be achieved. Again, here, the reflexologist can encourage the body to come back to balance with a lovely balancing and relaxing treatment for you, whilst working on some of the reflexes related to stress.

What’s more, the way we think affects the way we feel and so talking to your reflexologist can be really helpful. Those attending reflexology for support with fertility often haven’t had the easiest journey , whether that’s because of primary or secondary infertility. So, its only natural to be thinking critically of themselves or others. Talking is one of the most useful things you can do, so why not speak to your reflexologist?

If you are going through fertility treatment of some sort, the reflexologist can decide with you what is the best course of action. What do you need most? A treatment plan can be devised, based on the timings of the medical intervention. For example, with IVF, there may times to have a stimulating treatment vs a downregulating treatment. What ever your treatment, speak to a reflexologist, they may be able to offer you some support.

A word of caution…
Now, reflexology is a wonderful complementary therapy, but it is not a catch all. Yes, the reflexologist can adapt the treatment to suit where you are in your journey. However, it does not promise pregnancy. Reflexology for fertility is a support and a COMPLEMENT to other interventions whether that be medical, alternative, or lifestyle interventions.

A note…
I am aware that this information page has been focussed more towards a biologically female person. This was intentional, as most of my clients that I see for fertility are female. However, there is much a reflexologist can do to help a male during the same process. Moreover, I have worked with single individuals seeking support with fertility. Whatever your circumstances and your experience of being human, I am more than open to hearing from you and your journey of fertility.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about reflexology for supporting with fertility. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out via the details on the contact page.

The Cardiovascular System

It seems reasonable to start with the heart. Its about the size of your clenched fist and while it does sit almost in the centre of your chest, the left side is slightly larger. It has four chambers, along with a host of valves, layers of tissue and linings, ventricles, atriums, arteries and veins. Its purpose is to pump the oxygenated blood around the body and pump the de-oxygenated blood to the lungs where it will pick up oxygen.

The tissue inside the heart is self-beating. For this to happen an electrical signal comes from within the right atrium (from the sinoatrial node). However, the nervous and endocrine system also impact on the rate that the heart beats (slowing it down or speeding it up).

Veins, arteries and capillaries help the rest of the body live. Veins go towards the heart and are elastic tubes with valves which prevent the back flow of de-oxygenated blood. Arteries contain oxygenated blood and are large hollow tubes that go away from the heart. They have thick muscular walls so that it can cope with the higher pressure. Capillaries are fine blood vessels which are only one cell thick which allows goodness such as nutrients to pass through them. Capillaries are the connections between the veins and arteries.

Blood, another vital part of the circulatory system. Blood transports nutrients, oxygen, waste materials, hormones and white blood cells to infected sites. Blood also protects the body by being involved in temperature control, healing of wounds, fights against invading organisms and clots to stop bleeding. Blood is made up of red blood cells (carry the oxygen), white blood cells (infection fighters), platelets (for clotting) and plasma (contains all sorts e.g. hormones and enzymes).

Massage can help increase blood flow, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure (which can explain why you might feel dizzy when you get up from the massage table after a treatment). We know that stress can impact on the circulatory system, such as increasing blood pressure, and so massage can help reduce the impact of stress on the body and then in turn on the different body systems.
Aromatherapy can involve oils that are hypotensive or hypertensive and so caution should be taken when choosing your oils if you have high or low blood pressure. The nervous and hormonal system impact on the cardiovascular system. So, if you become relaxed in a treatment, your cardiovascular system may indeed feel some benefits.
A number of crystals have been identified for the physical heart, blood pressure and circulation. Contact me if you are interested in using crystals along side conventional treatment for your condition.

Now that it’s coming up to Christmas, go gentle on your cardio system by eating right, exercising and being generally kind to your body.

If you have any questions or want to know more, email me or message me!

Aromatherapy

“Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it's called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health” (Healthline).

An essential oil is a natural oil collected, typically, through distillation. The oils have the characteristics of the plant or the source it was extracted from. It’s the highly concentrated goodness of leaves, flowers, twigs etc.

Oils are absorbed into the body through the respiratory system or through the skin (in the main).

Skin: According to studies, molecules under 500 dalton can get through the skin’s barriers. Once it is at the fat layer (please see skin post), it can be absorbed into the blood capillaries and lymph. The circulatory system transports the molecules around the body.

Respiratory: the oil is sensed by the 40 million sensory neurons in the nose, the oil then travels to the olfactory cortex where the conscious perception of the smell happens. From here it ends up in the limbic system (which controls things like blood pressure and heart rate). From here it goes to the cerebellum where the interpretation of the smell happens. The molecules are introduced into the circulatory system and then oils leave the body through the urine, lungs, skin or faeces.

While there are a multitude of benefits to aromatherapy, here are a few healthline have found. Aromatherapy could help manage pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety, soothe sore joints, treat headaches and migraines, alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, ease discomforts of labour, fight bacteria, virus, or fungus, improve digestion, improve hospice and palliative care and boost immunity.

Blending Methods:
Enhancing – looking at pairing up oils that have similar qualities e.g. anti-viral oils used together
Classical – this is looking at the balance of top, middle and base notes to create harmony in the blend
Balancing – some oils are deemed to be stronger smelling than others e.g. eucalyptus is a stronger smell than clary sage. This method ensures no one oil dominates the blend.

Top, Middle and Base Notes:
Top notes are sharp and clean, they tend to be the more citrusy smells. They don’t last very long but they tend to be the first smell people notice in a blend as they evaporate first. Lemon is a typical top note.
Middle notes are used to give body to a blend. They tend to be warm and soft in smell. Lavender is a typical middle note.
Base notes are used to deepen and centre the blend. Base oils can slow down the evaporation of the top notes. A typical based note could be something like patchouli.

Oil Safety:
There are a number of contraindications (reasons to adapt or not have a treatment) so it is really important you talk to an aromatherapist to see which oils are safe for you. Oils can cause irritation, phototoxicity, sensitisation and general toxicity – this is another really important reason to reach out and get advice about how much of the oils to use and which ones. Please always dilute your oils. If you are blending at home for family and friends, it’s still necessary for you to label your blends with the latin names of the oils (so that people know exactly what toy have given them). This can be really useful if someone has a reaction to the oils you give them. Aromatherapy should not be used in replacement of medical treatment. If you are worried about using oils with conventional medical treatment, have a quick chat with your specialist or your GP.

You can have aromatherapy in isolation e.g. in a bath oil or you can have it as part of a massage. An aromatherapist can look at your conditions or needs and blend with the oils that could help that and suggest the best way for the oils to enter the body. The therapist may use a combination of blending techniques to really aid your treatment. I personally love aromatherapy and have felt the benefits myself. I also really enjoy blending for clients. Get in contact if you have any questions, as aromatherapy is a bit of an information minefield.

Top Tip – use an essential oil diffuser that is electric, not diffusing by burning a candle. Burning by candle is not only environmentally less safe (fire hazard) but also the heat can burn the oils (if not monitored) meaning you don’t get the benefits.

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy#benefits

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is comprised of many glands that secrete hormones (which are chemical messengers) into the blood stream. Hormones are made up of protein. The hypothalamus in the brain links the endocrine and nervous system and is in control of your emotions, mood, stress, sleep, appetite, thirst, temperature control and heart rate (amongst other things). Your hypothalamus is also responsible for homeostasis, the gentle balance required in the body to keep it functioning. The hypothalamus sends messages to the pituitary which then goes and secretes the required hormones. The pituitary is considered ‘the master gland’ but is only the size of a pea. It is responsible for secreting hormones that then have a direct on other glands in the body. For example, a hormone called ACTH is released by the pituitary which then triggers the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys to produce cortisol and adrenaline. If we manage to relax , our parasympathetic nervous system will come into play, which will cause our bodies to stop releasing these hormones.

We have spoken in part about the pituitary gland but there are so many more glands. Here is a brief list of the glands and what they affect.

The pineal: controls body rhythms in response to daylight with melatonin  
The pancreas: regulates blood sugar levels with insulin and glucagon
The parathyroid: regulates calcium levels with parahormone
The thyroid: firstly, using thyroxin it stimulates metabolism, growth and development. Secondly, calcitonin prevents the removal of calcium from the bones
The thymus: produces thymosin which is involved in the production of immune white blood cells
The testes: produce testosterone which is responsible for male characteristics e.g. sperm production
The ovaries: produces oestrogen and progesterone which is responsible for female characteristics e.g. widening of hips
The adrenals: produces a lot of hormones that regulate sodium/potassium levels, helps with the inflammatory response, helps with reducing feelings of pain, metabolises fats, proteins and carbohydrates, assist with sexual development and the well-known stress response – fight or flight.

People who have practiced meditation regularly are able to condition their body into relaxing on demand, and so taking over from the nervous systems ‘auto drive function’.  A reduction in the secretion of the stress hormones will mean that our heart rate will slow down, decrease the blood going to our muscles and reduces the conversion of glycogen to glucose (needed for energy in a crisis). If you keep training our parasympathetic nervous system, your hypothalamus should then end up having an easier time managing your emotions, mood, stress, sleep, appetite, thirst and temperature control amongst many other things.

Massage (including Indian head massage) can potentially help balance mood and stress levels, inspire relaxation and help rebalance the hormonal system. Have you ever noticed that when you get onto the massage table, you already start to relax? Your brain is expecting relaxation and triggers the relaxation response.

Essential oils also have an effect on the endocrine system, for example with some oils having balancing properties, some oils having oestrogen like qualities and also some oils can aid the relaxation response in the brain; whether the oil is absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

A number of crystals have been identified for the balancing of hormones. Contact me if you are interested in using crystals along side conventional treatment for your condition.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the endocrine system with the links to some therapies. Remember, we are all hormonal beings.

Indian Head Massage

Alma Entera provides Indian head massage. Due to the training (Level 3 Diploma), there are a number of options for you. Indian head massage can be offered clothed or with oil on your upper back and throughout the massage, including in your hair. Whether your upper body is clothed or not is your choice. There is a 25-minute shorter treatment covering upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, face and head.  You can add lower arms and hands for a longer treatment of 45 minutes. By adding body parts, that aren’t the head, it becomes a westernised treatment. Typically, you will have the treatment seated, and with pillows and towels to assist your comfort. If you fancy, you can also have chakra balancing following the massage treatment.

Indian head massage is thought to be based on the ayurvedic system of healing. It’s a great treatment if you are feeling stressed and tired. Indian head massage works on the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous system and of course, the skin.

Indian head massage has many benefits. It may help to relieve tension and aches/pains, encourage relaxation, improve/uplift mood, aid sleep, improve skin condition, hair condition and help energy levels. There are so many more potential benefits. While Indian head massage is fabulous, working on both physical health and mental health, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

Here are some of the possible benefits from Indian head massage, separated by system.

Skeletal: possibly improves blood supply to the bone and loosens the joints
Muscular: possibly improves blood supply to the muscles, removes waste so there is an improvement in condition of the muscle, muscles warm so helps ease tension, aids relaxation, reduces pain and stiffness; due to massage techniques, muscles may stretch and improve in elasticity
Circulatory: possibly increase blood flow through the areas treated and speeds up venous return, aids recovery and repair  
Lymphatic: possibly speeds up the flow of lymph and increases the transfer of fluid across vessel walls
Nervous: slow, rhythmical movements can possibly produce a sedative action of sensory nerves, vigorous massage may have a stimulating effect on the nervous system
Skin: possibly helps improve the condition of the skin because of increased circulation, the medium used can help with skin condition and massage aids the clearing out of the skin

There are different oils that can help with different things. As a therapist, as standard I tend to use sweet almond oil (a good all round oil) but sometimes add or change oils to one more suited to the client’s needs or depending on where I’m placing it e.g. may choose a different oil for the face. After a treatment, you may choose to keep the oil in your hair to help improve your hair condition, or feel free to wash it out!

If you have any questions (maybe you are wondering how Indian head massage could benefit you) please go to the contact tab and let me know how I can help.  

The Skin

Skin, the largest organ of the body, is a strange and wonderful thing. It’s waterproof but can adsorb. It’s a body warmer or cooler. It’s elastic. It’s a waste releaser. It’s a producer of vitamin D (which has been linked to mood). It’s a protector against the big and the little. It’s a sensor. Multi-functional wonderfulness.

There are pretty dead cells at the top of the epidermis; these dead cells flake off all the time. At the base of the epidermis new cells are formed, so don’t stress too much. The dermis, underneath the epidermis, is where all the good stuff is. Hair roots and follicles, various sweat glands, sensory nerves, muscles and more. Here there is a blood supply. The subcutaneous layer is essentially a layer of fat or adipose tissue.

The skin varies in thickness all over the body. The thickest places tend to be the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The thinnest part seems to be the eyelids, as an example. Melanin is the pigment that determines skin, hair and eye colour. Melanin is produced by skin cells when exposed to the sun.

For your skin to celebrate your diet, it needs vitamins A, B2, B3, C and iron. When you skin gets unhappy, it can be a deficiency of these vitamins and/or:
- lack of water
- smoking
- drinking excessive alcohol
- spending a long time in air-conditioned spaces
- moving between hot and cold frequently
- excess sunlight

When the skin is damaged e.g. gets grazed, the area become inflamed, blood might come along and clot. Epithelial cells multiply which can bring an open wound together. Granulation ensures there is a blood supply to the wounded area. The granulation tissue is replaced with scar tissue. Scar tissue does not contain the sweat glands and hair follicles that a typical dermis contains.

Massage, aromatherapy and Indian head massage have a lot to do with the skin. Massage directly stimulates the skin; it can improve its condition e.g. nourish it if its dry. Indian head massage does this but also can help improve hair condition. Massage can help the skin release anything that’s clogged up. It removes dead skin and also moisturises it. Essential oils also impact on the skin, whether its them being absorbed by the skin, impacting on its blood vessels or helping improve the condition.

If you want to show love to your skin, please wear sun cream! If you are concerned about your skin, please see your GP or a dermatologist who will guide you in the right direction. Here is the NHS Website where you can find information about skin problems >>> https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/#S

The Musculoskeletal System

Moving. Running. Jumping. Yoga. Climbing the stairs. Rolling. Stretching. Contracting. Breathing. Typing. Balancing. Digesting.
Thank your musculoskeletal system.

Here we are going to discuss the muscular and the skeletal system as a pair. Why? Because they work as a pair all the time. Not only does the musculoskeletal system provide the body with movement, it provides support, form and stability.

Your skeletal system: gives structure and allows movement, provides attachments for the muscles, develops blood cells, provides protection for organs and is a mineral reservoir.

Your muscular system: gives movement to the skeleton, maintains posture and generates heat.

We could do into a whole anatomy and physiology class but that’s a bit much. Here are the basics.

The skeleton is separated into the axial skeleton (central bits such as the spine) and appendicular skeleton (limby bits such as the arm and leg bones). There are long bones (leg bones), short bones (carpels in the wrist), flat bones (skull bones), sesamoid bones (kneecap) and irregular bones (vertebrae).

There is compact bone (hard bone) and cancellous bone (spongey bone). Within the hollow centre of the bone there is bone marrow which is soft and jelly-like; red blood cells are produced here.

Joints are classified as immovable (like the skull bones), slightly moveable due to cartilage (like the vertebrae) and freely moveable (like the ball and socket joint of the shoulder, the hinge joint of the knee and the pivot joint of the upper neck).

The bridge between the skeletal and muscular systems are ligaments and tendons. Ligaments link the bones together, while allowing movement. They withstand tensions and give the joint stability. Remember the connection of ligaments is bone to bone. Tendons, however, connect muscle to bone. As a muscle contracts it will pull on the tendon which then pulls on the bone, this is what we call functional movement.

Muscles respond to stimulus, they change their shape, they can be stretched but also return to their normal length. Muscles are utilised for strength, speed, endurance and tone. For the muscles to move, it must be told to by the central nervous system. Each individual muscle fibre is supplied by a nerve!

There are different types of muscle. Cardiac muscle, you got it, is found only in the heart. Its controlled by the autonomic nervous system (see the nervous system post). Smooth muscle is particularly good at connecting with nerves at the bar. Dad joke over, this muscle is also controlled by the autonomic nervous system and is found in the uterus, stomach, bladder, intestines etc. Skeletal muscle is controlled by the somatic nervous system. These are the muscles that are used in the movement we know about.

Movement Is Most Extraordinary…

Giulia Enders who wrote the book ‘Gut’ says ‘Movement is the most extraordinary thing ever developed by living creatures. There is no other reason for having muscles, no other reason for having nerves in those muscles, and probably no other reason for having a brain. Everything that has ever been done in the history of humankind has only been possible because we can move’ (page 115).  An example of where this is true, the sea squirt (a little sea creature) starts off as a tadpole like thing. Once it finds a place to anchor itself to, it dissolves or digests its own brain. No longer does it need to move!

When you go for any treatment involving manual manipulation of the body e.g. osteopathy and massage, the therapist will look at your posture (the result of a combination your muscles and bones). A common issue is the rolling inwards of the shoulders. Thanks a lot rubbish work desk and chair.

When you go for a massage, the therapist typically moves their hands in the direction that the muscle fibres run to create more length. Working the muscle is important to increase heat and encourage blood to circulate where it may have retreated from (e.g. inside knots). Massage may help enhance range of motion (client reviews found this to be true), enhance posture, facilitate movement, help manage muscular pain, help warm up or cool down the body and release muscular tensions. While some sources say that massage can help with muscular and skeletal injuries or issues, an assessment would be needed to see if the client is contra-indicated.

Some essential oils are also great for reducing pain, cramps, stiffness, spasms, weakness, dystrophy or tension in muscles. There are several crystals that can be used for muscle cramps, toning, spasms, strengthening and soreness.

So, there you go, a very quick tour of both systems, how they work together and how movement is the most extraordinary thing ever.

Enders, G. (2016) Gut. Scribe: London

Chakras

Let’s get stuck into the basics.
Chakras are spinning wheels of energy.

Chakras are points in the body that transmit and receive energies between the body and the aura. There are many chakras all over the body, but western spirituality concentrates on seven main ones. Chakras are a vital in Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist and yogic traditions. Chakras do not exist on a physical level and so cannot be measured. If a chakra becomes blocked this can lead to dis-ease (lack of harmony in the body and/or the mind).

Starting at the bottom (literally)…

Root Chakra - RED: Grounding, basic survival instincts, senses, physical functioning and reproduction

Sacral Chakra - ORANGE: Connection and ability to accept others, wellbeing, spontaneity, acting on urges, also linked to fertility, comfort, satisfaction and sensual pleasure  

Solar Plexus Chakra - YELLOW: Confidence, control, self-worth and self-esteem, conscious mind, logic, mental power, independence, integrity and uniqueness

Heart Chakra – GREEN: Ability to love, relationships, emotional stability harmony with self and others, altruism, compassion, connection with people and the natural world

Throat Chakra - BLUE: Ability to communicate and express ourselves, idealism, ideas, listening, speaking and giving creative form to thought 

Third Eye Chakra - PURPLE: Focus, decision making, ability to think and use intuition, unconscious wisdom, psychic powers, inspiration and awareness of the beyond and communication with your higher self

Crown Chakra - WHITE: Spiritual connection and completeness

Alma Entera uses a range of techniques to create harmony between the chakras once again. Once prepared for a healing session, I will use reiki and crystals to identify any blocked or unbalanced chakras. When using a crystal pendant, if it spins in a clockwise motion, it indicates that the chakra is healthy and open. Other movements from the crystal pendant mean various different things. I will then spend time balancing the subtle body with the gentle energies of crystals and reiki. Meditation may be a tool to work on particularly blocked chakras. Essential oils may be suggested to help keep balance in the body. The client may experience various sensations and experiences but the most common is a deep sense of relaxation.

There is a whole lot of information about chakras but I hope you have enjoyed reading about the basics.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is almost parallel to the blood circulation system. The lymphatic system, unsurprisingly, carries lymph. The main functions of this system are transportation, protection and purification.

Transportation – nutrients to cells, excess fluid from between cells and dietary fats
Protection – from unknown invaders, it does this by producing antibodies to fight and lymphocytes to destroy
Purification – filters lymph, removes toxins and other waste products

When plasma and other things need to be reabsorbed back into the circulatory system, the bits that are too big to get reabsorbed (such as micro-organisms) end up in the lymph system. This fluid (which is full of fighter cells) is filtered by the lymph nodes (to remove the nasties), collected in the lymph ducts and then it is passed back into the blood stream.

Interestingly, lymph fluid does not get pushed around like the blood does but instead is moved by muscular action (movement of the body muscles), a slight pressure from tissue fluids, upward movement of the chest when breathing and suction when the lymphatic ducts empty.

You have some lymph nodes behind your knees, in your groin, a few in your abdomen, in your armpits, top of the arm, by your jaw and in your neck.

The spleen is the largest lymph organ. It sends out fighter cells into the lymph fluid. Tonsils also have a part to play in producing anti-bodies. There is more but I won’t go on.

Instead, lets talk about immunity. There are two responses. A primary response is when the immune system meets an antigen for the first time, the system can’t create the antibodies quick enough to stop the invasion! The disease will take over and you become sick. The secondary response is when your immune system already knows an invader as it has met them before, so its ready to fight!

You can meet invaders in advance, so your body is prepared, in a few ways:

- From your mother e.g. breast feeding or transferred across the placenta
- From being injected with ready-made antibodies (this is not like getting the flu jab)
- From being immunised by a dead or weakened virus
- From being injected with ‘toxins’ that have been made harmless

ALL of these ways ensures your body is ready to jump into action!

Given the recent pandemic, if you want to read up on vaccines and get your facts straight, BEFORE BELIEVING ANYTHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA, please visit https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/

Fun Facts:

Positive mood has been linked to better immune function

If you have a cold its most likely to be ‘rhinovirus’ (rhino means nose in this case)!

Therapies:

Massage may reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. Have you ever noticed that when you are receiving a back massage, you can get a blocked nose?  That’s proof that your lymph fluid has been encouraged in the right direction.
You’d probably noticed that mostly therapists put more pressure moving up the body than down; this is because massage therapists are trained to move the lymph fluid to the nearest nodes.
Had you noticed that you feel a little dehydrated, lightheaded, need a wee or are being asked to drink water after a treatment? One of the reasons for this is that your lymph is drawing in moisture from the rest of the body to rid yourself of toxins.

Essential oils can work on the immune system, firstly, by improving mood. The second way is that essential oils have a direct impact on pathogens (invaders) including virus’, bacteria and fungus. Contact me if you want to know which oils may be safe and beneficial to your immune system.

Crystals are also a gentle way to make change. Crystals are said to adjust the subtle vibrations of the body. You can use crystals to improve your mood, just as with essential oils but also specific crystals can help with immune function. Sodalite is said to boost the immune system, promoting lymphatic cleansing and elimination of toxins. Contact me if you are thinking of using crystals for healing; advice on how best to use them may help. Just was with crystals, reiki is a gentle healing method that can benefit the immune system.

Massage

To Start, Here Are Some Massage Related Facts

- the skin is the largest organ of the body
- there are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin (3000 receptors are in the fingertip)
- a 60-minute massage can have the same good effects as 7 to 8 hours of sleep
- muscle nerve impulse travels at the speed of 390 feet per second, allowing us to feel everything in an instant
- more than 80 different types of massage treatments with emphasis on different body parts are available around the world
- when we receive a massage, our body releases endorphins which are natural pain killers
- massage effects many of the body systems including the lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, circulatory, digestive, endocrine… the list goes on!

History

Massage has been used throughout history to aid healing. Evidence that massage was practised exists in cave and tomb paintings. Egypt, Greece, China and India are amongst the countries that first started using massage as an aid to healing. There is evidence in museums that massage was practised in China around 3000BC. Ancient Chinese evidence shows lists of techniques which included pressure techniques (which could have led to acupressure and acupuncture). It was Peter Henry Ling (Swedish physiologist) that developed what is known today as Swedish massage and listed the many of the terms that are used today e.g. effleurage.

Philosophy

The basic philosophy of massage therapy is the belief that the body can heal itself. In massage, therapists can work the whole body with a range of techniques to reduce tension and improve relaxation. Other therapies focus on one area of concern. Massage can assist in improving skin condition, blood supply, lymph flow, mental well-being and physical well-being. There are many types of massage and some examples include: aromatherapy, sports, deep tissue, Swedish, acupressure, infant/child massage, Thai, hot stone and lymphatic massage.  Many of these require further, specific training.

Client Consultations

Before a massage takes place, the therapist should ask the client several relevant questions including about their health and what they want from the treatment, amongst other things. All will be recorded on a few forms. Medical information is taken to ensure that the massage is safe to do, and if it is, what adjustments should be made to make it safer. What people can want from massage is: relaxation, stress relief, better sleep, improvement in mental health, better skin condition, feelings of well-being, an improvement of physical health, posture, muscle tension, lymphatic drainage, pain relief and improved energy levels. Treatments would be tailored to get the best results for the client. The client’s preferences should be taken in the consultation. A treatment plan may be devised if needed/wanted.

Techniques

Effleurage, petrissage, frictions, percussion or tapotement, vibrations and deep tissue work are some of the different techniques that a massage therapist could use to meet the clients needs/wants. The therapist will use their fingers/thumbs, hands, arms and elbows to get the desired effects for the client.  Each technique is unique but are used to complement each other to get the best results.

Massage Mediums

Wax, oil, power and creams/lotions can be used in massage. Often the client will have a preference but so will the therapist. For example, lots of therapists prefer the use of either oil or wax for massage performance, cost implications and effect on the skin (mediums used vary and can be dependant on the type and location of massage).

After Care Advice and Feedback

The client may be given some aftercare advice, some of this will be the same for most people e.g. drink water and rest. Some advice will be specific to the client e.g. asking the client to consider speaking with their GP about a medical condition. A number of things that may happen to the clients body following treatment such as increased urination, this will be explained in after care advice.
This is the clients time to give verbal feedback. Being honest with your therapist is welcomed, this makes your treatment more personalised next time.

https://www.myohealingmassage.com/fun-facts-massage/
https://www.swizzlesticks.com/blog/49-blog.html

Massage Training

Massage Training

I have been looking forward to starting the massage course with Calming Influences for months! I have now started the course, assignments and case studies…

I attended my first day, with no idea what was in store. We covered some theory which was really interesting and met some of my course mates. I found it really strange the first time I used massage wax to massage a strangers forearm. Luckily, the teacher and my course mates are lovely so I didn’t have to worry. By the end of the day we had covered a variation of different massage techniques including, skin rolling, wringing, effleurage, hacking etc. and had the basics of a neck, shoulder and back routine. I did not feel confident at all and so a week later, I practiced on my partner. He told his friend it was good (I’ll take that!). I still didn’t feel confident though. I have now completed 8 massages from 35-55mins long and still don’t feel confident! I think with time and experience my confidence may grow. I also need to manage my own expectations about how good I should be at this stage in the course. Thinking positively, I massaged someone I didn’t know and they have asked for another (YES!) and from all 8 massages there has been no horrendous feedback!

Help me get some practice in and contact me for a free massage!!