Tag Archive for: Acpressure

RSI

Since I became a massage therapist and undertook special training in Acupressure Massage. I went off to work in many big corporate buildings all around London. I offered 15-minute express (clothed) massages using a specially designed chair.   Wow! I was astonished the difference such a short pressure point treatment could make to the body tension that some people were holding.   One by one the workers would come in for their session complaining of tingling up their arms, wrist painful, neck sore and lower back aches…does this sound familiar?

As time went on I specialised in Maternity massage and found that pregnant and postnatal mums were getting similar symptoms as office workers.   I developed my own skillset over time and used acupressure and deeper tissue massage together, using oil for a more therapeutic touch and on a couch. Golfers and tennis players also suffer from the same symptoms and acupressure has worked wonders with lasting results.

How can we prevent or ‘help ourselves’ to avoid it?

‘Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. It’s also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or non-specific upper limb pain.’

If you find you are one of these, here are some small tips that may help.

  1. Typing a lot without breaks.

Try and take short breaks ever 30min even if it’s to stand up away from your desk and stretch your arms.

  1. Holding your baby in the same position for long periods

Take time to flex fingers, do small rotations with your wrists, and massage the inner wrist and padded area of the hand.

  1. Comforting baby with long periods of patting with your hand.

Wow tension will go up the arm probably ending up around the neck. If you find the tension going further up the arm, massage the outside of the elbow, and with the index and middle finger massage the top of the shoulder for as long as feels comfortable.

  1. Sports players using lots of arm action.

The most important preventive measure is a thorough warm up prior to physical activity; it is also important to remember to cool down after exercise; these processes allow the muscles time to adjust.

So don’t leave it!

Sometimes RSI symptoms may go away if you do nothing.

But they can also get considerably worse. Don’t take that risk.

Don’t wait until:

  1. The pain becomes so bad that you need to take time off work.
  2. You develop carpal tunnel syndrome and need surgery to relieve the pain.
  3. Your condition is so bad that you will never fully recover.

Change your work environment. Change your work habits. Start taking regular rest breaks.

If you would like to book in for an acupressure massage call me on 07773 844 273, or at least for some friendly, honest and free advice.

Help flight Cold and Fu

Having a few clients now coming in with headaches, stuffy noses, but leaving somewhat happier and feeling soothed from their ailments.

Acupressure and reflexology is proving to be effective in keeping the symptoms of cold and flu at bay.

Its that time of year! Once a cold sets in it slowly weakening the body’s defence power and immune system, making it weak and lowering the energy level of the body.

I can offer facial massage, acupressure massage techniques and foot reflexology. I work on a combination of some of the methods below. Starting from a 30min relief up to 1.5 hour stress buster treatment.

One of my favourite points to start is the ‘Hoku’ (LI4). Stimulating this point on both hands alternately helps in clearing congestion and helps relieve headaches.

Spread your left thumb and index finger apart. Place your right thumb in the webbing on the back of your left hand and your fingertips on the palm directly behind your thumb. Firmly squeeze your thumb and index finger of your right hand together to press into the webbing. Angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with your left index finger, and hold for one minute. Then switch hands.

For facial relief of blocked noses, these will work a treat! They may feel sensitive at the time but you will feel great after.

B2 Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches, and tired eyes.

(LI 20) Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain, facial paralysis, and facial swelling.

(ST3) Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue, and eye pressure.

Here’s a diagram of the reflexology area for the lungs. It’s located on the ball of your foot, between the big toe and little toe. The location of the sore points on your feet will correlate to the soreness in your chest.

So if you feel a bit grotty and need a pick me up give me a call.   These techniques and more are combined to make a lovely relaxing, de-stressing treatment for you!  Massage or reflexology combined or a facial massage. You choose!