If you are not already one of the lovely people who like the Ariel Therapy Facebook page, why not sign up and receive this special offer?

To learn more about Indian Head Massage, you can read the information page.

This offer must be redeemed by July 1st.

Lotus mandala illustration by Wendy C. Thompson

Ariel Therapy is now offering Indian Head Massage, a clothed, seated massage focusing on the most common points of stress for most of us who spend our day at a computer or desk:  the shoulders, neck and head as well as points on the face are treated to relieve eyestrain and encourage relaxation.  Indian Head massage is excellent if you have headaches or a tense neck and shoulders. It can be invigorating or tranquil depending on your needs at the time of treatment.  It is also an excellent treatment for anyone seeking a shorter, clothed therapy.

Ariel Therapy offers a 30 minute Indian Head Massage for 20 pounds.

This therapy is also perfect for the workplace as well as social events and gatherings.  Please email allyshaw at gmail.com (written as an email address) for details about on-site Indian Head Massage.

Wightman Road Mosque, by kaypea74 on flickr

Thanks to the wonderful women at the Haringey Women’s Forum, we had a great day of massage at the local Mosque’s Health Day.  There were also nutritionists, blood pressure monitoring and even henna going on.  Massage isn’t just something we use to pamper ourselves– it is an important part of health maintenance.  Massage should be accessible to everyone!

Dr. Sophie Jex Blake, pioneering feminist and educator.

I’ve just completed a course in Clinical Skills with the Jex Blake School at the Royal Free Hospital in London.  The course was taught by Keith Hunt and Sophie Gooley, both very inspiring teachers who are passionate about the role of complementary therapies in healthcare.  Over two days this intensive course teaches therapists how to adapt their treatments in a clinical setting such as a hospital or hospice using a patient-centered approach.

“There are a number of ways through which massage could help people with depression, the researchers note, for example, by reducing stress and inducing relaxation; building an “alliance” between the therapist and patient; and by causing the body to release the “trust hormone” oxytocin.”

Reuters reports findings of a new medical review of massage treatment for depression.

The studies showed that massage had ‘”potentially significant effects” in alleviating symptoms of depression, the researchers report in the American Journal of Psychiatry.’

A recent study from Sweden shows that hand and foot massage offered as part of palliative care to grieving relatives helped them in multiple ways.  Massage was “a helping hand at the right time.”  It became a reliable source of comfort as well as a deliberate time for rest and regaining energy.

“I could focus on my grief during the massage and that helped me handle the rest of the week.”

“I gained strength… Through my weakness, strength emerged.”

More in the wonderful article on MedicalNews.net about a study on massage and bereavement:

Massage helps bereaved relatives move on with their lives.

Underskin Map by Sam Loman

Some days London really does seem to get under one’s skin!

It’s National Sleep Awareness Week in the US starting on the 7th. How are you sleeping?

Sleeping well is about establishing good patterns and habits.  Massage can be a part of these.  Many people fall asleep during massage!  But most also sleep deeply the night or two following a massage treatment.  Massage can be stress reducing and pain alleviating– two things that hamper our sleep.   When we are stressed out, the sympathetic nervous system doesn’t turn off on its own and our circadian rhythms are interrupted. Massage turns off the sympathetic nervous system, which is the fight-or-flight response our body has to stress.  Massage can help you find your rhythm again.

Here are some things to assess sleep habits and help make restful changes:

Sleep Hygiene Test

Sleep Tips