massage, Uncategorized, wellbeing, wellness

Benefits of Massage

As a massage therapist, I am a firm believer in the power of massage to improve both physical and mental health. In our fast-paced world, it is important to take care of yourself so you can function at your best. One way to achieve this is by prioritising regular massages as part of your health and wellness routine.

Physical Benefits

Massage has numerous physical benefits that can help your body feel and function better. Here are just a few examples:

Relieve muscle tension and stiffness: Massage can help to release tight muscles that can cause discomfort and pain. This is especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time sitting or being sedentary, which can lead to muscle stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Reduce inflammation and pain: Massage increases blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. This makes it a great option for people with injuries or chronic pain conditions.
Improve flexibility and range of motion: By releasing tight muscles, massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. This can be especially helpful for athletes, dancers, or anyone who wants to move more easily.
Boost your immune system naturally: Studies have shown that massage can boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which can help to fight off infections and illnesses.
Improve circulation and blood flow: Massage can promote blood flow and circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, organs, and other tissues, as well as waste removal such as lactic acid. This can help to improve overall health and function.
Lower blood pressure: Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. This is likely due to its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

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Mental Benefits

Massage is not just good for the body – it can also have a positive impact on the mind. Here are some mental health benefits of massage:

Reduce stress and anxiety: Massage is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common issues in today’s world. It promotes relaxation and helps to release tension in the body and mind.
Increase relaxation and calmness: By releasing tension and promoting relaxation, massage can help you to feel more calm and at ease. This can be especially helpful for people with anxiety or trouble sleeping.
Promote better sleep quality: Massage has been shown to improve sleep quality in people with sleep disorders. This is likely due to its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Ease symptoms of depression: Massage can help to boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood and emotions.
Improve mental clarity and focus: Massage can help you to feel more alert and focused by reducing tension in the body and mind. This can be especially helpful for people who work long hours or have high-stress jobs.
Boost self-esteem and confidence: Massage can help you to feel more confident and positive about your body by promoting relaxation and reducing tension. This can be especially helpful for people who struggle with body image issues.

Different Types of Massage

There are many different types of massage, each with their own unique benefits and techniques. Here are some examples:

Swedish massage: This is the most common type of massage. It involves long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
Deep tissue massage: This type of massage targets deeper layers of muscle and tissue to release tension and reduce pain.
Sports massage: Sports massage is designed for athletes and focuses on improving performance, reducing injury risk, and speeding up recovery.
Trigger point massage: This type of massage targets specific areas of muscle that are causing pain or discomfort.
Cupping massage: Cupping Massage which uses a local suction on the skin created by the application of heated cups. This can improve blood flow, may relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair.
Dry Needling: Dry Needling incorporated into a massage can be an extremely effective form of treatment. The strategic insertion of a thin dry needle in the muscle creates microtears in the tissue which stimulates the repair process in the muscle. Increases muscle relaxation, decreases muscle discomfort.

Conclusion

Overall, massage is a powerful tool that can improve both physical and mental health. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, or simply want to improve your overall well-being, massage can help. I encourage you to prioritise regular massages as part of your health and wellness routine – your body and mind will thank you!

All of the above mentioned massage methods are available at Body and Mindset Wellness in Varsity Lakes. Book Online Now to receive some of these amazing benefits of Massage

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corporate, event, Health, lifestyle, office, stretching, Uncategorized, wellbeing, wellness

Corporate Health -Stretches for the Hip Flexors

Corporate lifestyle = many hours in seated position, this causes many muscles to shorten/stiffen up, causing postural problems and often pain. Stretching is an easy method of self care that you can do to assist in relieving muscle shortening and discomfort. Previously in this blog I have shown stretches for the upper body and how to safely execute them. This stretch is focused further down the body, we are looking at the hip flexors. These muscles are located deep, attaching to the spine, pelvis and thigh bones. Often when they are tight they can send an achey pain into the lower back and or thigh. If you have any joint conditions or major concerns get a doctors clearance to confirm that you are safe to proceed with these stretches. All stretching should be done slowly, deliberately into and out of the stretch, holding the stretch for at least 10 seconds.

*Please avoid these stretches if you have had a hip, back or knee injury, seek professional exercise advice if unsure.

Hip flexor stretch start position. Corporate Health. Body and Mindset Wellness

Hip flexor Stretch. Corporate Health. Body and Mindset Wellness

This stretch is performed in a lunge position. The target hip will be the side that has the leg down the other side will be holding most of your weight and shifting your body weight until a desired stretch is achieved. To assist you can allow one knee to touch the ground or you can hover it off the ground (starting position-picture on the left).
Use a stable support for balance such as a wall.
Inhale, on the exhale while gently lunging further forward, bending the front leg, ensure to maintain a straight spine/natural curves. Do not push forward in the low back, this may lead to injury, avoid doing the stretch if you can not achieve the stretch without arching/pushing your back forward.
When you feel a stretch hold the position for at least 10 seconds.(stretch picture on the right)
Focus on breathing while stretching.
Gently push back out of the stretch and repeat 3-5 times.
Repeat the whole process on the other side.

The demonstration supplied is an example however if you have greater flexibility your back leg may be quite a bit further back, avoid bending the front knee more than 90deg, to reduce stressors on the knee. If you have less flexibility you may find that you can not start with your target leg knee straight down and you may feel a stretch before the the hip is straight.

There is a degree of difficulty in this stretch, always ensure that you are only working to your capabilities and if in doubt obtain a medical clearance before you proceed. This blog does not intend to replace any exercise specialist advice if so required we suggest that you seek professional assistance.

Massage can be another effective treatment for tight hip flexors and may offer relief. These muscles have a powerful effect on our posture, to have them released can make a big difference to and individuals posture.

To view the Trapezius stretch Click here

To view the Chest stretches Click here

To view the Forearm stretches Click here

To view the Shoulder stretches Click here

To view the Levator Scapulae muscle neck stretches Click here

Happy stretching!

Stretching is a wonderful easy way to manage your own discomfort and feel great.

Body and Mindset Wellness – Corporate Massage

visiting offices in and around Melbourne, Australia

To discuss your requirements, please Click here or feel free to call us on 1300 796 940

body, corporate, event, Health, healthy, lifestyle, massage, office, Uncategorized, wellness

Great Corporate Gifts

Corporate Massage Melbourne. Gift certificates from Body and Mindset Wellness

Gift Solutions that are breaking the mould of Christmas gift hampers that won’t break the bank.

Corporate Massage for clients and staff is a unique way to say thank you.

You can purchase gift vouchers or you can arrange corporate massage in the office.

Body and Mindset Wellness service Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Providing seated or table massage to bring a touch of tranquility and calm to the work place.

Call 1300 796 940 or enquire through email sarahgrace@bamswellness.com or Visit the contact us page

body, corporate, Health, healthy, lifestyle, massage, new years resolution, stress management, stretching, wellness

Give the Gift of Health

Massage Gift Certificate

We all know people who either buy everything they want, leaving

nothing for anyone else to get them, or

people who look after everyone else and forget about themself.

Body and Mindset Wellness has Gift Certificates,

available for purchase.

Other great opportunities to use a Gift Certificate are

Thank you

Good bye & Good Luck

Pregnancy

Happy Birthday

Merry Christmas

Happy Engagement

Congratulations on your Wedding Day

Anniversary

Valentines Day

Body and Mindset Wellness – Mobile and Corporate Massage in Melbourne, Australia

To discuss your requirements, please Click here

or feel free to call us on 1300 796 940 or 0416393123

body, corporate, eating, Health, healthy, lifestyle, wellness

Reduce energy consumption for your day – A trick I use

Often people count calories of meals however they forget about drinks and snacks.

Here is one of my favourite little tricks, I will cut my favourite protein bar into pieces. I take a cube at a time, that way I don’t eat it all in one hit, later in the day if I need something I can have another piece giving me a little pick me up with out the sugar overload. It amazed me how this helps reduced my over eating. I’ve never done the calorie counting thing, however I do like to consider how active my day will be and eat accordingly.

Where did those calories come from???

The best thing is to do what works for you.

Using this trick, I find a bar that I used to munch down in one hit or at least one day, the same bar may last 3-4 days as snacks – “Love it”

It doesn’t have to be hard work. You can choose to make it easy. Every little adjustment can help you to achieve your over all Body and Mindset Wellness.

eating, Health, healthy, new years resolution, stress management, well, wellness

Organic Choice

These days it’s hard to know what’s healthy. It seems every other day the blogs or info being circulated through social media and the news is saying the opposite to the week before. Advertising throws around the terms “Low Fat” (often high in sugar) or Zero sugar which may be filled with another genetically modified alternative that is not so great for your body. It’s time to learn what it is you are eating, this means you ultimately will be empowered to maintain your health and through wiser decisions hopefully prevent disease.This blog is just to get you thinking as there are all sorts of articles for you to read listed studies etc.

I”m a fan of organic produce so I decided to throw a few points in for you

Some simple things to consider

Is it organic? More supermarkets are increasing their organic ranges as well as an increase in speciality stores are becoming available. Another thing to note that sometime non-certified organic may be organic however they may not have gone through the demanding certification process.

Why choose organic when generally it costs more? The food grown is exposed to less pesticides, this means that you will consume less pesticides. I still suggest you wash your food.

Why does organic cost more? The farmer, labour, loss of crops, and attaining certification lead to higher costs.

Certified organic means the grower has to meet very high standards for this certification and there is more lost crop due to not using pesticides and herbicides. Studies involving food scans of organically grown vs conventionally grown fruit and vegetables shows a significant difference in the energy in the food being in favour of the organically grown. This is a good reason why to buy an organically grown apple for your morning tea rather than muslei bar or conventionally grown fruit. There are studies that suggest there is no benefit to going organic, it is always important to explore any bias potential with any study that you are reading.

Body and Mindset Wellness – Corporate Massage in Melbourne, Australia

To discuss your requirements, please Click here

or feel free to call us on 1300 796 940

body, corporate, event, Health, massage, office, stress management, stretching, wellbeing, wellness

Easy Upper Back Stretch

Easy Upper Back stretches

In conjunction with the chest stretches this stretch is wonderful to help relieve pain or discomfort between the shoulder blades.

*Please avoid these stretches if you have had a shoulder injury, particularly affecting stability, such as but not limited to dislocations, muscles strains, ligament sprains, or seek professional exercise advice if unsure. It’s also important to remember to be gentle moving into and out of stretches to avoid injuring yourself. These stretches are a guide and by no means replace your personal professional advice if required.

Rhomboids/Trapezius stretch

Sit up right, tall in your chair, with feet flat on the floor
Interlace your fingers with your arms out in front of you

Starting position for the Rhomboids (between the shoulder blades)

Starting position for the Rhomboids and middle Trapezius (between the shoulder blades)

Inhale, then on the exhale gently push your hands forward and away from you
When you feel a stretch hold the position for at least 10 seconds
Focus on breathing while stretching

Finish position for the Rhomboids and middle Trapezius stretch

*Ensure you keep your head up. If you find it difficult to feel the stretch, you may use a fixed pole to link your hands around and pull back gently to feel the stretch. Ensure you keep your feet in a wide stance to support your body weight and control the resistance level of the stretch.

*Please avoid these stretches if you have had a shoulder injury, seek professional exercise advice if unsure.

To view the Trapezius stretch post Click here

To view the Chest stretches post Click here

To view the Forearm stretches post Click here

To view the Shoulder stretches post Click here

To view the Levator Scapulae muscle neck stretches post Click here

I will be posting more stretches and tips to living well. If you would like to know more please feel free to contact me on the number listed or Click here.

Happy stretching!

This is a wonderful easy way to manage your own discomfort and feel great.