Tag: massage

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Is it safe to have massages now?

The government has allowed massage to take place for some time now and triyoga have gone above and beyond what’s legally required to ensure that both client and therapist are as safe as possible.

Many people have reported aching necks/shoulders & backs from poor ergonomics at their home office, wrist and hip pain are also common symptoms clients have mentioned.

Some find that even though they’re working from home they’re actually working longer hours, juggling all the usual family & home life commitments whilst spending hours & hours in front of the computer.

Add to that immobility due to lack of exercise and stress from being cooped up, worrying about covid and financial concerns, it’s fair to say that people have been under an incredible amount of not only physical but mental and emotional stress.

So yes, it is safe to get a massage and the more relaxed you are the better your immune system works (see my blog on yoga, massage & immunity).

Now is the time to refocus on your health and wellbeing and make self-care and getting regular treatments part of your monthly routine.

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triyoga opens this week!

I have two new classes at triyoga as their schedule has had to change because of the Covid guidelines. My first class back is in triyoga Shoreditch this Thursday at 12.45-2pm which sold out almost immediately. The good news is that you can still join in online via zoom! I’ll also be teaching another new class in Camden on Wednesday 5th of August 9.30-10.45, this will sell out too so be quick but again you can join via zoom as you can with all triyoga’s classes.

Both classes are vinyasa flow and suitable for all levels.

I’ve cut down my therapy work at triyoga and you can find me in Shoreditch on Mondays 10.30-2pm and Camden Wednesdays and Fridays 5-9pm. Due to cleaning in between clients I will have even less availability so book in nice and early. My first day back for massage is this Friday at 5pm and I still have a space left.

Look forward to seeing you on the couch, on the mat, or online.

Book here
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Boosting immunity with yoga and massage

People are quite rightly worried about the Coronavirus and at this time we really need to ensure our immune system is as strong as possible. Time and again massage, yoga and other mind body therapies such as mindfulness and meditation have been shown to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

In a recent review of clinical research on 15 randomised controlled trials specifically on whether yoga practice could strengthen the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation, scientists found that yoga has a promising anti-inflammatory effect on the body and that yoga practice may exert further beneficial effects by enhancing cell-mediated and mucosal immunity (1).

Various studies on massage have shown that natural killer cells and natural killer cell activity (cytotoxicity) have increased following moderate pressure massage (2)(3).

Natural killer cells are noted to ward off viral cells, bacterial cells and cancer cells.

Massage stimulates pressure receptors under the skin which increase vagal activity. This produces a parasympathetic (relaxation) response which reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and thereby saves immune cells in as much as cortisol kills immune cells (4).

So the more stressed we are the weaker our immune response is, it’s as simple as that.

It’s great to have these scientific studies to back up what we already know…Yoga and massage make us feel good!

We’re all fully aware by now that we have to follow simple rules such as washing our hands thoroughly, avoid touching our faces and sneeze or cough into a tissue.

If you’re feeling unwell, get plenty of rest as sickness is your bodies way of telling you to slow down so listen to it. Check out my YouTube channel for Yoga Nidra and restorative practices you can try at home.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29429046

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16884341/

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256294/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19283590/

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Mind In Haringey – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness

My new yoga class has proven to be very popular and I now have a meditaton and mindfulness class too.
In this class we explore the breath, mindfulness techniques, self massage and of course meditation, you dont need to do any stretches or wear any special clothing and this class is generally done seated although you can lie down if you want.
triyoga have very generously donated some yoga mats and we hope to get some more props soon so that we can have a restorative class in the near future.
If you’d like to attend please contact Mind in Haringey and self refer.
They have lots of other activities there too so check out the timetable, even if you want to just have a cup of tea and a natter you can do that too!