Fibromyalgia and Massage: The Benefits

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder causing pain and fatigue in the muscles and fibrous tissues all over the body. The condition maintains a low profile, even though it’s thought that up to two million people in the UK may suffer from it.

Those with fibromyalgia most commonly experience chronic pain, seemingly for no reason. Often, people feel this pain around the shoulders, neck, upper chest and buttocks. Other symptoms of the condition include muscle stiffness, tiredness, poor sleep and headaches.

Many of these symptoms are ailments that massage therapists commonly address every day. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms of fibromyalgia and if massage therapy can treat them.

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and How Massage Might Help

Though we don’t yet know the cause of fibromyalgia, there are some things doctors are more certain about. Firstly, the condition primarily effects women aged between 30 and 50. Secondly, studies show that the condition flares up around certain pressure points.

There’s no simple cure for fibromyalgia. Doctors may prescribe painkillers, antidepressants and talking therapies, as well as recommending exercise. But these treatments may not be the only way to relieve the symptoms of this painful condition. Massage, with its soothing techniques for body and mind, offers an array of benefits that directly challenge the pains and problems of fibromyalgia.

The firm pressure and slow strokes of a deep tissue massage are designed to work muscle tissue and reduce tension. When applied to the common flashpoints of fibromyalgia, this form of massage treatment can loosen nearby muscles and alleviate pain. And the benefits of massage don’t stop at your muscles. The holistic benefits of massage therapy can combat the symptoms of fibromyalgia in other ways.

Firstly, massage improves blood flow. For some people, this can reduce the physical effects of headaches. Secondly, the relaxing experience of a massage reduces stress and improves mental clarity. Fibromyalgia is a stressful condition, so it’s important to take some time out for yourself. Finally, massage has been shown to improve sleep, which is indispensable for mental and physical healing.

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As we’ve seen, there’s a lot of crossovers between the symptoms of fibromyalgia and massage therapy’s relieving effects. Of course, massage therapy is not a cure, nor a one-size-fits-all treatment. But it can deliver real relief for ailments of all kinds.

At The Wellness Sanctuary, all our massage therapy begins with listening to the client. To find out more about our massage services, reach out to us online or by phone. Our friendly therapists are always ready to hear about your symptoms, and suggest the best massage treatment for you.

What is a Traditional Indian Head Massage?

Are you feeling tense or having headaches often? Do you suffer from jaw aches, eye strain, lack of sleep, or feelings of stress and anxiety? If you have any of these ailments, then a traditional Indian head massage may bring the best relief. Indian head massages help relieve tension in the upper body, head, neck and shoulders. They also offer a wide range of mental and physical benefits for your body. Read on to find out what traditional Indian head massages can offer you in terms of relaxation and wellness.

The Traditional Indian Head Massage Explained

Indian head massages, also known as champissage or shiroabhyanga, are an ancient part of Hindu culture. They have been used for over 4000 years in Ayurvedic medicine to help bring healing to the mind and body. In recent years, this holistic technique has become popular across the world, and today health spas in many countries offer some form of head massage treatment. Indian head massage focuses on areas most prone to stress and tension, such as the scalp, face, neck, arms, shoulders and upper back. We treat these areas using a series of strokes and pressure points to help relieve tension and boost circulation.

Who Can Benefit From Indian Head Massage?

Almost anyone can enjoy the health benefits that come from traditional Indian head massage. They are known to restore joint motion, increase mental clarity and generally improve health overall. We can perform head massages fully clothed, so they are perfect for those who value modesty as well as those who are less mobile, such as the elderly or the disabled. They can be used to treat any number of ailments, such as headaches and migraines, and can be easily performed anywhere.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

There are several reasons why you should try a traditional Indian head massage for yourself:

• Relieves tension in the upper body, reducing the risk of ailments such as migraines, headaches and back pain.
• Increases oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles, which stimulates healthier hair growth.
• Improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck. This helps the body detoxify itself and more easily remove waste.
• Relaxes the body and relieves stress, opening the body up to better rest and a good night’s sleep.
• Helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression by stimulating the supply of oxygen to the brain.
• Renews energy levels through the Ayurvedic concept of balance and healing.
• Allows you to release your cluttered and stressful thoughts, effectively boosting your short-term memory.

The Wellness Sanctuary

Here at The Wellness Sanctuary we offer a wide range of treatments including Indian head massages designed to relieve the stresses of modern life. Overseen by Zoe Overton and her team of fully qualified therapists, The Wellness Sanctuary uses traditional massage techniques to help restore harmony and rebalance your body and mind. To find out more about our range of treatments, or to book in for your Indian head massage, we invite you to get in touch with us today.

Why You Need a Swedish Body Massage

Swedish body massage is one of the most popular massage therapies. Over in Sweden, they simply call it ‘classic massage’. But what is a Swedish massage?

A Swedish massage is a full body treatment that works on the soft tissues and muscles. There are five main techniques used in a Swedish full body massage, all with French names. These techniques come down to kneading, stroking, rubbing, tapping, and vibrating. With these five classic techniques, a therapist can unlock a range of benefits for your body. But who can benefit from this kind of massage, and what are the benefits?

Benefit from a Full Body Massage

Whilst it’s true that massages are relaxing, feel-good experiences, they are more than just an indulgence. More and more people are trying out massage and realising its effective health benefits. A Swedish full body massage can benefit all kinds of people; from high performance athletes to those recovering from an injury, or someone looking to de-stress. The mental and physical benefits of massage can be life changing.

As a treatment that soothes both body and mind, the benefits of a Swedish body massage work in harmony. Firstly, the physical techniques of massage can take the tension out of muscles, increase flexibility, and boost circulation. This has obvious benefits for those who are always active. But massage can also help those with a more sedentary lifestyle, or people recovering from injury or ailment.

Back pain, neck strain and aching muscles can often occur as a result of poor posture whilst sitting. The physical strokes of a Swedish body massage will work the tension out of your muscles. You may also find greater freedom and flexibility in your joints. With the help of a full body massage, your body can relax into its natural, healthy posture.

The benefits don’t stop there. The relaxing ambiance of The Wellness Sanctuary, combined with the work of a professional therapist, can soothe your mind as well.

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Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body when it’s under stress. This hormone can cause all kinds of physical problems. From sleeplessness and headaches to weight gain and stomach trouble, the effects of stress are felt physically. Massage therapy can help reduce the presence of cortisol, leaving you with a long-lasting feeling of relaxation. Massage also promotes the release of endorphins, a healing hormone that stimulates positive feeling.

Making time for a Swedish massage can leave you feeling more energetic in the long term. The benefits of massage are diverse and can help all kinds of people. So, whether you’re looking for relief from an ailment, looking to support your active lifestyle, or simply want to escape from the hustle and bustle for a time, relax with a Swedish massage at The Wellness Sanctuary. Visit us to find out more or call us today.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy: Why you should have a weekly massage

The initial thought of having a weekly massage might sound somewhat indulgent, but if you are looking to lead a healthier lifestyle for your body and mind, regular massage can significantly boost your wellbeing. Although an annual or biannual massage will be relaxing, it won’t be able to undo a lifetime of muscle tension. A weekly Swedish or Sports Massage will help your muscle tissues maintain their elasticity, promoting good blood and lymphatic circulation to keep muscles healthy and remove toxins.

At The Wellness Sanctuary, we have a wide range of clients from all kinds of backgrounds. Whether it’s professional or semi-professional athletes, office workers or working mums, our professionally trained therapists tailor their massages to focus on our clients’ problem areas. Not only does this provide physical benefits, easing everyday aches and pains, it also improves mental wellbeing, helping individuals to better cope with stress and anxiety.

Our sanctuary’s owner, Zoe Overton is a Level 5 Qualified Sports Therapist, with almost a decade of professional expertise. Although Zoe and her team are specialists in advanced sports massage and deep tissue bodywork, it would be unrealistic to expect us to solve your ailments within one session. A regular weekly or biweekly massage at The Wellness Sanctuary is highly recommended for those who can relate to the following:

• You’re experiencing chronic muscle or joint pain
  If you suffer from acute inflammation of your muscles, perhaps due to overuse or a muscular/joint condition, massage can help to alleviate those unwanted aches and pains. A 2006 study by the Group Health Research Institute found that one-in-three patients that received weekly massages over a 10-week period found it improved their back pain. That’s compared with just one-in-25 people who continued with their usual back pain care.
• You suffer with regular headaches
  Regular massage therapies can focus on stimulating the pressure receptors at the top of your neck, helping to improve activity within the vagus nerve. This is scientifically proven to minimise the regularity of cluster headaches and crippling migraines.
• You have a very stressful job
  We regularly help those in high-powered or intense professions to de-stress with soothing and relaxing massage therapies. The combination of calming oils and deep tissue bodywork techniques in one of our tranquil treatment rooms helps to increase levels of serotonin, improving your mood and ability to unwind.
• You suffer from insomnia
  Speaking of serotonin, regular massage that promotes increased levels of serotonin can also help those who suffer intermittent or prolonged periods of insomnia. This condition has been linked to a lack of this snooze-worthy chemical.
• You have a strict workout or training regime
  If you play sport weekly or work out at the gym multiple times a week, regular sports massage can accelerate the recovery of tired muscles. Massage can accelerate the traffic of pluripotent stem cells to problem areas, with the ability to reproduce tissues and cells needed to repair muscles fast.

Interested in our remedial and sports massage therapies? If you live in the Ipswich or Stowmarket area, we’re just a short drive away, with same-day and evening appointments available, pending availability. Take your first step to recovery today by calling 01449 523032 or drop us a line using our online enquiry form.

First-time customers will receive a £10 discount on all 1 hour massage treatments.