Accept Cookies

The Marvels of Massage

by

By Melanie Grundmann

logo_schreibschrift_finalI am sure everyone knows that a massage relaxes the body and mind, but there are lots more benefits to it… more and less common ones. This is not a summary of all the benefits of massage, but a brief collection of the good that can be done with it.

Did you know that a massage can:

  • help with anxiety and depression because of the increased blood flow and the level of endorphins (looking up endorphins and their effects you’ll get to read things like: feel good hormone, works similar to morphine, feelings of euphoria, modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, enhancement of immune response … sounds all great to me), research does not give a time on how long the effects last, but even a lift in your mood might give you the energy and motivation to get out of it again. So if you treat yourself to a massage it could be a de-stress intervention.
  • Be a treatment for chronic back pain is probably one of the better known benefits. Apparently being touched is essential for our well-being and helps to sedate our nervous system. Touch is a way of modifying pain signals through the – with sensory receptors packed – skin. Same thing as if you hit your elbow on something and then have to rub it instinctively.
  • Help getting a good nights sleep.
  • Helps to sooth headaches. An instinctive response to a headache is to rub your temples and in looks like a body massage also helps by decreasing the occurrence of headaches, symptoms of distress and sleep disturbances plus increase your serotonin levels. The explanation to the positive effect could either be a better less interrupted sleep or the increased serotonin levels (this is what many existing headache medications do – just without side effects).
  • Muscle repair is helped after an injury or intensive workout by the increased blood flow. Related to that injury can also be prevented (injury prevention) by picking up on little niggles, before they are limiting performance – something like a maintenance massage and a injury treatment.
  • during pregnancy and labour massage can help in lots of ways like lymphatic drainage, deep relaxation, stimulation of circulation, helps to avoid varicose veins, improve sleep, pain release most overlapping with normal massage benefits but might have a different importance in pregnancy when the body has to carry extra weight and sleep positions are compromised. Saying that we only do the pregnancy part; so while in labour it is best to recruit your partner or find a doula to support you at the time 🙂
  • pre and post sport event massage can help with performance and recovery

 

Hope you found this interesting with some news in between things you already knew.

We do offer Sport Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic and Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Massage and Pregnancy Massage.

"Acupuncture during pregnancy was amazing… each trimester is a different… during the first I needed energy and help with the sickness, during the second I had a rash, during the third I was suffering from pelvic problems and insomnia and the extra weight... the personal, friendly and detailed individual approach was so beneficial to me. I feel like it paid a huge part in my well-being over the 9 months… thank you, Amelia.”

Kelly

I had been suffering from a severe and unexplained break out of hives for over two weeks, when a friend recommended Stepping Stones to me. The hives had been so bad that they covered my face and body and I had been back and forth to the doctors with no luck; none of the medication they gave me worked and it was getting worse. When I came to Stepping Stones I had never had acupuncture before and didn't know what to expect. But the space was clean and relaxing and Amelia was very kind and welcoming and put me at ease straight away. After just one session at the multi-bed clinic the hives went down 50% by the following day, and then continued to consistently fade away over the next two days. I then had one more session, and the following day they were completely gone! I feel so happy and grateful to have found Stepping Stones and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Thanks so much Amelia.

Molly

I came to Stepping Stones after a long period of sleeplessness and general fatigue. After one session I already feel significantly energised and rejuvenated - my skin is glowing and I have slept better than I have in weeks! The clinic is serene and comfortable and the perfect place to enjoy treatment. I would highly recommend incorportating acupuncture at Stepping Stones into any plan to live a happy and healthy life

CA, London

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all for the treatment (and warm welcomes and cups of tea) you've given me over the last few months.

I think that as is the case with many symptoms unease, brought about due to imbalances in the body, the signs and symptoms appear gradually and over a period of time, and likewise do not just tend disappear over night. Having said that I feel that the course of acupuncture I've received has been of great benefit, and there are subtle improvements and changes in my general wellbeing which I can say the treatment, at the very least, played some part in bringing about.

M, London

I was first attracted to the Stepping Stones project when my husband found the card in the church. The very cleverly designed card was telling me of affordable acupuncture, with the added bonus of being very near to my home. When I first phoned for an appointment I felt encouraged by the friendly voice of Amelia.

On my first visit Stacey interviewed me most sympathetically, I immediately felt safe. Although the space is rather small they create a comfortable atmosphere, the room is warm and privacy is always maintained with the use of towels and screens.

I have had many treatments, they are always helpful, and it is so nice to be able to complain about pain knowing they will be understanding and can offer relief. Once the needles are in place, privacy and comfort is ensured, the wonderful warming lamp and the quiet allows for deep relaxation.

I am happy to recommend Stepping Stones to anyone, I have already informed several friends.

Pat, De Beauvoir

I’d thought about acupuncture before, but had never been able to afford it. My experience here has been very positive – it’s inclusive and relaxed. The treatments are enjoyable and, over time, the process has made a definite difference in my life. The diet and lifestyle advice, which goes with the acupuncture itself, would also have been unavailable elsewhere, and support with my nutrition in particular has been really good in helping me make changes beyond the treatments.

D, 28 London