Kneaded News

~ the newsletter from Sarah Newdigate Holistic Massage ~

Hello and a very happy new year to you! I do hope you are feeling good after the holidays. It can be a mixed blessing can't it? Hopefully you were able to take the time to enjoy your family, friends and food. If it was all a bit much, let's be glad that it's over for another year and look to the year ahead!

In my last newsletter I mentioned that I was going to be running a client survey and here it is!

 

This will help me to review my business and see how I can better serve my clients in the future.

 

If you can spare a few minutes to fill this out, I would be most grateful. It's an anonymous survey so please be as frank as you like. Any feedback I get will be considered carefully. I'm really interested in seeing the results and acting on them as best I can in the interests of bettering myself and my business.

Click here to fill out my survey!

An Important Message about

Massage and Body Shape

 

This is something I feel passionately about so please forgive me if I repeat myself. I have heard from various people over the years how they have avoided massage in the past because they thought they were too big to get a massage. They either felt too embarrassed to undress and let another person see (let alone touch) them, or they genuinely believed that they couldn't get massaged due to their body shape.

 

I want to make sure that I am clear about this.

 

~ Your weight is NOT a reason to avoid massage.

~ If you are overweight you can benefit from massage.

~ If you are underweight you can benefit from massage.

 Your massage therapist is NOT judging you or your body shape. If you ever feel like your therapist IS judging you, you are with a bad therapist. Leave immediately and find someone who you deserve.

 

If this hits a nerve with you, my best advice is to talk to your therapist when you book or before you get on the couch. Let them know how you feel.

You may feel more comfortable to stay clothed during your massage - and that's ok. Wear something comfortable and keep it on.

 

If there is an area of your body that you would rather your therapist avoids, just let them know. Sometimes there may be self massage techniques that your therapist can suggest instead.

 

With time and familiarity you might start to feel easier with the idea of massage. The more relaxed you are the more benefits you will reap. Just remember that the first session is likely to be the most difficult, but it will get better from then on.

 

Most importantly, choose your therapist wisely. You will know who you feel more comfortable with. Don't be worried about trying various therapists and different modalities. It might be that reflexology is perfect for you? Or maybe you love hot stones?

 

Your gut will tell you when you've found a good therapist and a good treatment type. Don't forget that a lot of people really benefit from mixing their treatments up depending on how they're feeling at the time.

 

Why not try...?

 

As we are at the start of another year why not take this opportunity to explore a new exercise activity? Whether you are a regular gym goer or if the idea of going for a jog scares the sweat pants off you, I have a suggestion that has something to offer everyone.

 

My suggestion today is Qigong. If you've not yet heard of Qigong (pronounced chee-gong), it is is a collection of basic tai chi-style movements. It's a practice that involves moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.

 

I was first introduced to Qigong during my training for massage therapy. The practice goes hand in hand with giving massage as the smooth movements, the stance, posture and general calm state of mind that are all cultivated with Qigong forms are all required to give a good massage.

 

Qigong is slow and gentle. Moving meditation is a great way to think of it. Practicing Qigong works to still the mind and lets the energy (Qi) flow through the physical and spiritual body. The practice helps to clear energy blockages and allows the physical, spiritual and mental body to heal itself.

 

Qigong forms (movements) vary to an extent but most forms can be practiced by people of all age groups and conditions. The benefits of qigong include lowered stress and anxiety, increased focus, and improved balance and flexibility.

 

Michaël Bijker is one of my favourite Qigong teachers. He has such warmth and his teaching is clear and easy to understand. You can watch one of his Qigong sessions in the video below, this will give you a good idea of what Qigong is and what it can do for you.

 

Some helpful Qigong resources:

Long White Cloud Qigong

Mimi Kuo Deemer

Yogalap (Michaël Bijker's website)

Tai Chi Foundation (free Qigong courses)

 

 

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Broadacres, East Coker, Yeovil BA22 9LW, UK
07583 039744

Find out more about Sarah Newdigate Holistic Massage on my website  
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