Tuesday 31 December 2013

The Living Mountain

The sentiments conveyed in this radio 4 programme on Nan Shepherd's essay on the Caingorms resonate deeply with me. Many years ago when I was still a fit and competitive young thing obsessed with getting to the summit of the highest hill on every trip, I remember charging past a SSSI poster and commenting to my brother that we probably walked straight past wonderful flora and fauna all the time in complete ignorance. That energy got me to some memorable places, but I'm so glad that like her I also learnt to walk 'into' the mountain as well as up and now don't care where the summit is as long as I've experienced the place; a journey into being. If you miss the radio programme you can still share Nan Shepherd's insights in her collected works that include 'The Living Mountain'.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03mfndd

Thursday 12 December 2013

Christmas hours: last day will be 23/12/13

For the last few months I have been working on Mondays for a company in Sheffield that pays for all its staff to have a 40 minute remedial massage every month in their treatment room; what a shining example of staff care! However on Monday 23rd December I will back at the 919 Clinic, working all day until 5.30pm. This will be your last chance to have a massage treatment at the Clinic until it reopens on the 3rd January 2014.

Thursday 28 November 2013

The Blerch....

A while ago I promised to put up a link to this:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

The terrible and wonderful reasons why the writer of The Oatmeal goes running; I think there will be something there that most of us can relate to so sit back and enjoy!
 

Winter aches....

My lovely great aunt always told me to wrap up warm; she lived for a healthy, independent and active 96 years so I heed her advice just in case that the warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf were the crucial part! 

Every winter I notice an increase in complaints of shoulder and neck tension related to hunching up against the cold so, sounding just like my great aunt, I ask my clients to take care to keep their neck warm. 

Snow and ice bring on an increase of hamstring and lower back complaints due to awkward walking gait as well as slips and falls; investing in suitable footwear to help you feel confident when out in challenging conditions may save you money in the long run!

Thursday 21 November 2013

November aches and chills!

As the evenings draw in, it's the season for making stuff! Having spent the late summer bottling my elderberry and black currant harvests I am now moving on to making more ointments and oils for work. I am still experimenting with different essential oil combinations, inspired by one of my recent book purchases: Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice by Jennifer Pearce Rhind. Many of these I am trying out at the various places that I work, so if you come in for an appointment do feel free to offer me feedback or to ask questions about the one I have chosen for your treatment. 

Essential oils may offer symptomatic relief for coughs and colds (think Vicks vapour rub!) as well as for muscular aches, and ointments containing warming oils such as ginger and black pepper are comforting to rub into cold and aching muscles. If making your own, remember that these essential oils are irritant and should be used well diluted. There have been many studies into the beneficial effects on the immune system of certain essential oils as well as their effects on mood and mental alertness; a final recommendation is that most of them smell lovely!

Some of you will have noticed that I am now using a soft wax or ointment as well as my usual oils. I am buying in a base ointment from a company called Songbird; it contains beneficial ingredients such as calendula oil, and I add my own essential oil blends. It is better absorbed and less greasy than oil.

I am continuing to study Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers to help my understanding of the role of the fascia in movement and posture so that I can incorporate this into my therapeutic and remedial massage work. My plan is to attend some courses in this once I have an academic grounding so that I can get the 'hands on' tuition from expert practitioners that is so important. I am once again in the process of choosing my next lot of CPD and will keep my blog updated with regard to any courses I attend.


Wednesday 18 September 2013

Useful site for runners and others...

A fellow therapist drew my attention to the following website:
http://www.running-physio.com/
It contains a selection of articles written by physios, podiatrists and other professionals on various subjects including injuries, rehabilitiation and how to choose your shoes!

It is well worth having a good rummage through its articles; particularly of interest are the links and resources. Have fun!

Thursday 12 September 2013

Massage lotions and potions

Many of my clients comment on my oils and creams; they enjoy the scent and of course feel the benefit of the wonderful ingredients! They are now available to buy from me - once you have had a consultation so that I can be sure that you are buying something that is suitable for you.

I keep a small stock of my arnica based muscular aches and pains cream. I use this on focal areas of tension and strain. I do two versions; one is warming, using essential oils such as clove, ginger and nutmeg. The other is more herbaceous in aroma but still encourages circulation and muscular relaxation; it contains essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, sweet marjoram and black pepper. Another one of my arnica based creams can be applied to sprains to help ease the symptoms. 

I make up massage and bath oils on request; these can be a small bottle of one that I have used during your treatment, or I can make up an unique blend for you.

I buy extremely high quality essential oils and base creams. I use cold pressed, organic base oils. 

All products are for external use only. In the unlikely case of a reaction, stop using immediately.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Massage practice updates.

My details for 2013:

I will be at the 919 Clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-6pm, and Mondays 10am-1pm. If you really can't make these times, I can sometimes come in earlier or work later with sufficient notice. 

I am also at the Greenhill Clinic on Wednesdays 4.30-7.30pm.

My first CPD day for 2013 is booked for March, and is a cadaver day looking at the fascia and sports injuries. This is an exciting opportunity to further develop my understanding of the human body and continue my exploration into the world of myofascia.