Meditation and Me

January 28, 2020 Jo Murch

'I haven't got time to meditate'
'I can’t simply switch my brain off'
'I could be doing 10 other things in the time it would take me to meditate'

These are a few of the reasons why I never really bothered to persevere with any form of mindfulness meditation. I'm a multi-tasker and I like to be productive with my time. If I had any ‘down time’ I would always prefer to read or even sleep rather than try to meditate! However, after listening to a few podcasts from like-minded grounded people talking through how they made meditation work for them, and hearing about the difference it made to their mental health, I thought I'd give it a go…I was happy to realise meditation doesn't have to take place somewhere exotic like Bali, while sitting alongside some monks, or while on a silent retreat etc etc. Actually, my bedroom in Buckhurst Hill is just fine! Phew.

Stress and Me

November 21, 2019 Jo Murch

It’s nearly four years since I left my job as an Event Manager. A job that I once loved but one that became what I would call ‘stressful’. I think we all know that stress has a negative impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Being in a constant state of ‘fight or flight' mode’ can exhaust our bodies and also our brain, lead to a build-up in cortisol levels, and also cause excessive strain for our muscles. We all know that massage and reflexology can help with stress, as most of you book with me for this very reason. So I thought I’d just delve a little deeper so that we can all understand the reasons why this is…

Where We Hold Our Tension and Why

October 25, 2019 Jo Murch

Hunched over a desk all day, commuting in a packed and stressful tube environment, picking up our kids, lifting heavy loads without bending our knees, lack of sleep, exercise injuries and the biggest of all…stress. Do any of these sound familiar?

World Reflexology Week is here!

September 22, 2019 Jo Murch

This week, all around the world, Reflexologists rejoice and celebrate the wonder of reflexology!
I thought I’d spread the love and share some amazing facts about the benefits of reflexology to show the amazing impact it can have…

Massage and ME TIME

August 27, 2019 Jo Murch

Self-care and Me: A helpful little guide with a few of my favourite things to help you cling on to some chill time this September…

From incense sticks to listening to James Blake in the bath, here are a few of my current favourite things to help me relax during some snatched moments to myself...hope these are helpful for you too!

M&M x

Reflexology and Me

July 28, 2019 Jo Murch

I am so excited to say that I am now a fully qualified Reflexology Practitioner offering Reflexology Treatments in Buckhurst Hill and surrounding areas for my wonderful clients!

I started having reflexology treatments when I was pregnant with my son Theo and I couldn’t believe the dreamy, floaty feeling I was left with post-treatment; I just couldn’t wait to book in again! It was the most relaxed I think I had ever felt, and during pregnancy this was no mean feat (pun intended).

How can massage help people with dementia? A live workshop with Massage and Me

February 15, 2019 Jo Murch

Following the amazingly warm response to my blog about hand massages for people with dementia, the Uttlesford Community Hub Dementia Cafe asked if I would join them at one of their weekly meetings to teach the group some simple hand massage techniques for dementia. I immediately said yes - and following a truly inspiring experience, I wanted to share a bit more about the session and spread the word about how quick it is to learn some simple tips and techniques that will help you deliver a soothing hand massage.

New Mum: Sore Back? Sore Everything.

December 9, 2018 Jo Murch

If you’re a new mum, are crying out for a post-natal massage, and live in or near Buckhurst Hill then read on…I’ve got your back

Since having Theo I feel that my body has taken a battering! Sound familiar? Let’s try to help each other a little. If anyone else feels the same then I can reassure you about how massage therapy can help, we can help each other through, and share some tips on how to look after ourselves…

What is Fibromyalgia and how can Massage Therapy help?

May 10, 2017 Jo Murch

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder causing pain and fatigue in the muscles and fibrous tissues all over the body. The pain can vary, from an ache to a burning sensation or even a constant sharp, stabbing pain.

For people living with FMS, there is not yet one clear path of recommended treatment, yet for some massage therapy can be a huge help...

How can massage Therapy help Stroke Patients?

March 17, 2017 Jo Murch

Very few people know how much massage therapy can help stroke patients, so I thought I'd share a few of my findings from my work at the care home to spread the word of the benefits of massage therapy for stroke patients...

Deep Tissue Massages: The perfect end to your January work-out

January 8, 2017 Jo Murch

If you're hitting the gym hard this January, don't forget to be kind to your muscles! It's very important to rest in between workouts to give your muscles the chance to heal and repair.

Thanks for supporting Massage and Me!

November 28, 2016 Jo Murch

A year ago today I quit my job and started the idea for Massage and Me. Thanks for supporting me along the way!

One year later, and things are pretty amazing! Just shows that even a usually risk-averse person can take a leap of faith, let their instincts take over, and end up with a job they love. Thanks for supporting me, Team Massage and Me. Here's how I ended up here...

Bye bye elephant skin...

November 6, 2016 Jo Murch

There's no hard rule on which oil to use for massage. There are a huge number out there and each have different benefits. I've tried quiiiiiite a few, and it's really a case of use whichever is best for you and your skin. My personal favourites are: Sweet almond oil and Jojoba oil. Here's why...

Can massage help elderly people with dementia?

September 21, 2016 Jo Murch

Me and my lovely Gran. So thankful that massage is gaining even more momentum in elderly care

Tomorrow I start a new regular booking at a local care home in Essex. It's the same home that took care of my Grandma before she sadly passed away. They have over seventy elderly residents, a number of whom have dementia, and I'm so pleased that they recognise massage as an important part of their residents' care.

Let's not get carried away - I'm not going to be doing any deep tissue techniques or using firm pressure. The massage techniques I'll be using with these residents are focused on soothing, aimed to make residents feel comfortable and at ease. We call it 'pamper time' and I aim to provide just that.

Soothing touch:

My Grandma was without my Grandad for 15 long years before she left us. She missed so many things about him, but one was simply holding his hand. The soothing touch of a hand can work wonders in evoking feelings of reassurance, trust, protection and relaxation. This simple act of touch is just one example of why complementary therapy is such a powerful way of helping people.

Just five minutes of soothing hand massage can decrease stress and encourage feelings of reassurance and relaxation Photo by Joshua Hoehne — Just five minutes of soothing hand massage can decrease stress and encourage feelings of reassurance and relaxation
*Photo by Joshua Hoehne*

Before becoming a Massage Therapist, I used to work for Alzheimer's Society, so I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with the people I felt so passionate about helping.

If you're affected by dementia, and are thinking about massage therapy for yourself or a loved one, here are some quick reference points to show the benefits that massage can bring:

Benefits of massage to elderly people and people with dementia:

A short hand massage can encourage a relaxation response in the brain, decreasing our levels of cortisol (a stress hormone). This is particularly important in elderly people as our immune system is stronger when cortisol levels are lowered. Massage can also increase levels of serotonin in the body. This is a neurochemical which regulates mood and enhances feelings of calm and relaxation.
Massage can help release endorphins, which in turn make us feel happy and energised. Even if a person with dementia cannot remember having had a massage that day, they may remember the feeling of being happy. They may remember that they did something enjoyable that day, even if their precise memory of it has been displaced. It is important to keep doing these enjoyable activities, ensuring we keep releasing the valuable endorphins that our bodies need.
Soothing massage strokes and comforting touch can help create a sense of trust for a person with dementia. This soothing touch can help to reassure and to reduce distress. It can also help people with dementia to feel comfortable in the company of others without the pressure of conversation or daunting questions.

It is important to understand the expectations of complementary massage therapy for elderly people. It will not 'take 50 years off' and leave them doing laps around their care home grounds, nor will it cure illnesses. However, it does bring a number of physical and psychological benefits (of which we have just scratched the surface), which can help to make residents much more comfortable.

More information on dementia:

I am not a Dementia Care Specialist by any means, and this blog is based on: my observations, personal experience and further reading. If you'd like to find out more or need advice about living with dementia and helping others living with the condition, please contact Alzheimer's Society who are here to help: 0300 222 1122, or see here for more information: www.alzheimers.org.uk/helpline

Wish me luck for my first day! I'll let you know how it all goes, and also share any tips I pick up for those of you who are carers for any elderly loved ones. I admire you all - what a selfless and wonderful thing you are doing.

I hope this has helped some of you, or will at least help to increase our awareness of each other's needs in the future.

Take care all, M&M x

KAPOW: The superfood you need in your diets. Blueberries, come on down.

March 20, 2016 Jo Murch

What are superfoods? How many should we eat a day to achieve a better sense of wellbeing? Should we ONLY eat superfoods? Sit down, have a cup of (peppermint) tea and I'll (very briefly) explain all.

Blueberries: The only armour you need this Monday morning Photo by Joanna Kosinska — Blueberries: The only armour you need this Monday morning
*Photo by Joanna Kosinska*

According to the NHS, 'superfoods' are foods that can apparently reduce our risk of chronic diseases like heart, disease, stroke and cancer, if eaten alongside a healthy lifestyle. Note that superfoods can reduce our risk, not eliminate.

Not only are these little blue balls of goodness deliciously yummy, but, according to some nutritionists, if there is one superfood that you should introduce to your diet right now, it's blueberries. Let's not be silly though - having 5 blueberries each day will not make us invincible and fight off all forms of cancer.

Blueberries:

Are low in calories
Are high in nutrients
Contain a high level of antioxidants

= WINNER

When working the busy 9-5 life in London, it's hard to find the time and the money to be uber healthy, do enough exercise and also find time to have a massage. I get that. However, if you can nail at least 2 of these 3 each week then you should pat yourselves on the back. Hard.

So why not take some small steps this week just try adding some blueberries to your breakfast cereal, or have them for dessert tonight with some yoghurt. Push the boat out.

For me, having a great start to my day, and my working week, makes me feel pretty smug, and ever so slightly less guilty if I have some Ben and Jerry's this evening...or every evening this week.

Enjoy those blueberries and smash through Monday. Kapow.

To book in a massage to accompany your blueberry intake, have a look at these massage prices and then book here now!

For recipe ideas, have a look at The Greatest You with Tori's amazing recipe ideas, (scroll to: 'Everything but taste-free pancakes'...YUM)

Why should we drink so much water after a massage?

March 18, 2016 Jo Murch

Ever wondered why your massage therapist insists you drink lots of water after your treatment?

It's not just because drinking water is good practise for general health and wellbeing. It's actually the last important step in ensuring your massage brings you the maximum amount of benefits...

It's recommended we should drink at least 2 litres of water in the 24 hours after our massage Photo by Manki Kim — It's recommended we should drink at least 2 litres of water in the 24 hours after our massage
Photo by Manki Kim

Why is it important to drink water after a massage?

During your massage, the therapist's movements will work your muscles. These movements encourage fluid to pump out of the soft tissue and out into your circulatory system, finally towards your kidneys. (You're not alone if you need to urinate after your massage). Therefore, we need to replace these fluids to their normal level.

Remember:

By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already on the way to being dehydrated, and probably has for at least half an hour. Don't wait until you feel thirsty, make a conscious decision to keep drinking water.

Bye bye toxins...

The other important reason why we drink water is to flush out the toxins that have been released by your massage, or 'helping the process of lymphatic drainage'. The more tension that is released during the massage, the more metabolic waste is released into your system. By drinking lots of water, we are helping our kidneys to effectively drain out this 'waste'.

So drink up, and pee out those toxins. Literally pee out your bad vibes.

Massage deals! Why not book yourself in for a massage and make the most of M&M's current offers.