Sometimes life gets in the way of my search for bliss. By life I mean bills, tax returns, mood swings, cleaning the bathroom. Sometimes life feels a little grey, a little unpolished, quite a bit dull.  Sometimes there is even an underlying feeling of gloom…

But hang on. Stop a moment!

Spring is on its way, the sun is shining, the bulbs are pushing through the earth and when I open the window I can hear the birdsong and smell the sunshine…

And there it is. Bliss is right there – always. You just need to know where to look for it.

Find your bliss at our Sunday Morning Yoga Class

or book yourself in for a massage!

Disclaimer: Yoga practice for back problems of any kind, or scoliosis specifically, should always be undertaken with a qualified teacher who understands the back problem and in conjunction with advice from a physical therapist. This said, yoga practice by its very nature will strengthen and stretch the back muscles and focus the mind on lengthening the spine.

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picture credit

It hasn’t always been thus. As a child I slept the sleep of the dead.  Nothing would wake me.  On one famous occassion, I had a dream I was being eaten by a lion.  I was thrashing around in bed fighting for my life, but nothing could wake me, not even my parents!  Oh to be able to sleep so deeply now.

It’s a bitter irony that people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia, despite being almost always tired, do not sleep well. Some of us sleep poorly, and not for very long at a stretch and some of us can sleep for long periods of time but just don’t feel rested.  It’s a bit of a Catch 22 really because this lack of sleep can cause the extreme muscle pains of Fibromyalgia, those same muscle pains that can keep me awake at night!

But it is not just people with CFS/Fibro who suffer. Millions of us aren’t getting enough sleep, whether it is because of sleep related disorders, stress and worry or simply not having enough time on top of all the other things we feel are expected of us. Once chronic insomnia starts we have to ask ourselves whether to drug or not to drug.

Personally I decided against the pill option. One of the huge advantages of being a yoga teacher is I have many a wide ranging toolbox of aids for relaxing and so I thought I would share one with you today that I feel has helped me more than anything else when it comes to falling asleep.

The Square Breath
Just begin by focusing on the breath and try to establish a gentle even rhythm, e.g. inhaling for the count of four, exhaling for the count of 4 (I’m using 4 as the count here but use what is comfortable for you).

1. Take four even breaths (inhale 4, exhale 4)
2. Begin to add a retention to the inhale (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4) – repeat 4 times
3. Begin to add a reention to the exhale (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) – repeat 4 times
4. Let go of the inhale retention (inhale 4, exhale 4, hold 4) – repeat 4 times
5. Let go of the exhale retention (inhale 4, exhale 4) – repeat 4 times

It does look a bit complicated written down like that but you only have to practice it a few times and you will soon know it.

Lying with your legs up the wall (Viparita Karani – see picture) is very beneficial for sleeplessness – try the square breath in this postion!

Yoga Nidra is also helpful – download a free yoga nidra podcast here.

When I was a little girl I believed in magical rings.  I really, really believed in them.  It wasn’t just a game I played and really, deep down, I knew there was no such thing.  I genuinely believed that somewhere out there were magical rings that could make you invisible and make your every wish come true.  At the time my greatest wish in the world was to have long straight hair as opposed to a frizzy mess but there it is, the wishes of five-year-olds are always simple.  That particular wish came true in the form of hair straighteners.

Now I’m a big girl and I still believe in magical rings.  I spent half my life looking for one and then one found me.

About six and a half years ago I came across the ring in the photograph**.  I was bored at work (my old day job used to have that effect on me I’m afriad) and randomly searching on line.  I wish I could remember how I came across this particular jewellery site, but I can’t.  This morning I did manage to find the website itself.  Take a look.  I can’t imagine what brought me there – a Jewish jeweller who makes symbolic and mystical jewellery.  Whatever your preconceptions, that really isn’t very me, you know?  Despite the whole believing in magical rings thing.

Anyway, not knowing anything about Jewish mysticism or Kaballah I found myself ordering this ring.  It is the symbol of abundance, and symbolises the power of good will in your life.  I remember it arrived the day after Boxing Day.  It was beautifully wrapped with a note written in Hebrew and English.  I put it on my finger and it’s been there ever since.

The thing about abundance and magic in general is that amazing things happen – amazing things that we need to happen but not the things we think we want to happen.  There’s an important life lesson there, I don’t need to spell it out to you.

Within a month of getting that ring I had met my beloved and taught my first yoga class for actual money (not much money, but that’s yoga for you).  In the six or so years that I have worn this ring life has had its usual ups and downs but when it comes to the things that matter – love, yoga, my business, friends, the life I want to live – they have come, in abundance and in the most unexpected of ways. You could say this is coincidence.  I say that it proves once and for all that there is such a thing as magical rings.

Do you have a piece of jewellery that is magical to you?  Or any object that has such significance?

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** This ring is the Shefa symbol.  The Shefa symbol was supposedly received in direct transmission from Archangel Metatron by Dvora Pearlman. It was received as a teacher and a tool to learn, to use and to connect with the great divine.

Shefa is a word in Hebrew that literally means Abundance. This word, in its highest and most profound meaning, means a tool for creating abundance. It holds powerful kinetic energy, the kind of energy that when coupled with one’s intent for the highest goodness and aligned with the Divine will, can move mountains or feed the world.

Last year I wrote a blog post about Yoga and Pilates and why I chose to teach both.

Today I thought I would share an article I read recently with you about the differences and similarities between the two disciplines and which one might be right for you.

I think it’s a nice little summary and I particularly like its conclusion:-

If you don’t know where to start, try them both. If you are leaning towards one or the other, try them both anyway. That’s the only way to really know which practice you will enjoy and benefit from most.

If you would like to read the full article, click here.

If you would like to take a class or one-to-one session with Rachel please contact her on 07985 779892 or rachel@massage-movement.co.uk

Pregnancy Yoga + Movement adapts classical yoga postures and Pilates moves to meet the needs of the changes of pregnancy – helping you maintain fitness whilst your baby grows and includes specific exercises to help prepare you for the birth. This movement and breathing practice will help you to find a sense of calm in the tide of change leading up to the birth of your baby and beyond.

Post-Natal Yoga + Movement helps you and your baby bond, connect and have fun together; continuing some of the practices from your pregnancy sessions (which baby will recognise) and gets you back into shape after the birth.

Baby Massage Instruction is a soothing and calming experience for you and baby and can help with sleeping and digestive problems that baby may have.

Pregnancy massage is specifically tailored for the needs of a the pregnant woman. We will spend time getting you as comfortable on the couch as possible – this will usually be lying on the side – to ensure comfort and safety for both mum and baby.

It’s a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited.  Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy.

Postnatal massage helps to realign and re-educate the body after childbirth. It addresses physical discomforts, as well as your emotional state and body, mind and soul are nurtured and rejuvenated.

Rachel teaches pregnancy and post-natal yoga + movement on a one-to-one basis or in pairs at The Bodywise Studio. Baby Massage Instruction is taught on a one-to-one basis and can incorporate post-natal exercise for mum.  This is to ensure that you and your baby get the attention you need.  Pregnancy + post-natal massage also takes place at The Bodywise Studio and prices for all treatments can be found here.

Do contact Rachel for more information on 07985 779892 or rachel@massage-movement.co.uk

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Massage and Yoga can be practised from the 14th week of pregnancy right up until your due date.

Post-natal massage can be practised as soon as you feel ready after birth and baby is welcome to come to your appointment with you.

Yoga + Baby Massage can be practised from 8 weeks post-natally.

Fusion Massage + Movement is one year old today!

So I would like to extend a huge huge thank you to every client who has been to the clinic, every student who has been to a yoga class, every one of you who has read this blog, handed out flyers, spread the word. I couldn’t have done it without you!

And as a birthday treat I’m offering £5 off all Hot Stone Massages throughout January – drop me an email to rachel@massage-movement.co.uk or give me a call on 07985 779892 to find out more!

Here’s to the next 12 months!

A very happy new year to you all!

I hope 2012 brings you all you desire.  Here at Fusion Massage + Movement we’ve got lots of exciting thing planned for the new year.  Throughout January we’re offering £5 off all Hot Stone Massages and in March we’ll be introducing Indian Head Massage.  This fantastic technique helps tackle neck and shoulder tension as well as sinus issues and headaches.  As a stand alone treatment it takes place seated and fully clothed but it can also be a part of your usual full body treatment.

Drop me an email if you’d like to book a Hot Stone Massage, would like more info on this or Indian Head Massage or to get on the waiting list for the first treatments in March - rachel@massage-movement.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you in 2012!!

A couple of weeks ago I had an amazing Kiniesiology session.  After having a session with Kerry while I was in Melbourne in April I’ve been looking for somebody who practices here.  I finally found a local woman who is still training and needed case studies.  I was happy to volunteer.

One of the common themes that kept coming up was releasing and absorbing.  In a physical sense this is all about nutrition.  My gut has never been very good at absorbing the right things, and I’ve been making major dietary changes over the last few months.

On a more energetic and emotional level I have a tendency to hold onto things I should be letting go of and thus not allowing enough space for the good things in my life.  I want to get a bit of a handle on this for 2012, get rid of all that self-sabotage and let the new year be a really bloody good one.  So I’ve been having a think about all the things I need to let go of and all the things I need to encourage in my life right now.

Release

1. Worry – if I can do something about it then do it.  If I can’t, why worry in the first place?

2. Scarcity mentality – there is a bit of an attitude in yoga teaching specifically, but in therapy work as a whole, that because we are helping people, because we love this work, we shouldn’t really ask for prosperity and abundance in a material and fiscal way. Which is clearly rubbish.  So goodbye scarcity mentality.

3. People and situations that no longer make me happy – I let them go with love.

4. The need to please everyone – yes well, we all know that’s not possible!

5.  Competitiveness.

Absorb

1.  Abundance and prosperity

2.  More sleep.  A lot more.

3.  Gratitude – for every small thing.

4.  Getting things done – no more procrastination.

5.  Good health – this is the year I start putting myself and my health first!

What are you releasing and absorbing for the new year?

(source)

I have been plagued with headaches my whole life.  I’m not talking a bit of pain behind the eyes, didn’t get enough sleep, might be a bit dehydrated headaches here.  I’m talking Zeus’s head splitting apart to give birth to the god Hephaistus kind of pain.  Skull shattering, head in a vice, affects normal working life pain.  And it ain’t pretty!

I can remember when I first started getting these headaches.  I think I was about 10-years-old.  I had no idea what was wrong with me.  Over the years as the headaches were diagnosed as migraines.  I tried to look for a trigger – cheese, chocolate, red wine, MSG, garlic – they were all eliminated, but still the headaches continued.

It wasn’t until I was nearly 30, and the upper thoracic scoliosis that I’d had for years was finally diagnosed by the Greatest Chiropractor on Earth (TM), that I realised what I had always called migraines were actually far, far more likely to be tension headaches. I’d never had light sensitivity, I’d never seen auras or felt particularly nauseous and the pain was rarely one sided but more like a vice right around my head about hatband level with pain down into the back of my neck and upper back.

You see, the curvature of my spine means there’s one hell of a lot of tension in my trapezius muscle just to hold me up straight, not to mention all the tiny little muscles working desperately to stop my neck from flopping to one side.  And sometimes, when I’ve been working hard, when I’m super-stressed, when I’ve put my body through too much, when I’m tired, just before my period (hormonal changes during monthly cycles can create tension in the muscles), it culminates into a humdinger of a headache.

These days, due to the right sort of care and attention, I have my headaches under control enough so that I don’t have to cancel clients or spend whole days in bed.  Getting enough sleep is crucial (although not always possible) but here are five other things I have found helpful over the years.

1. Ice. Ice packs work really well for both tension headaches and migraines by reducing the blood flow into the head.  Try putting an ice pack (or cold cloth or bag of frozen peas) on the forehead and on the back of the neck to reduce blood flow and release muscular tension.  You could also try out one of these ice helmets (I’m thinking of getting one after hearing about them via Anna – a fellow sufferer).

2. Massage. Well I would say that wouldn’t I?! Regular massage has proved, to me at least, to be one of the most useful ways of preventing both the frequency and the intensity of my headaches.  I’m lucky enough to be able to do massage swaps with a colleague and therefore get a weekly or at least fortnightly treatment.  If you can’t afford a full hour’s massage every week how about booking half an hour once a fortnight and ask your therapist to work solely on back neck and shoulders?  Or try out your local massage school, they will always be looking for bodies to practice on!  Indian head massage is also helpful and is often a little less expensive than a full-body massage (Cambridge folk – you may be interested to know that Fusion will be introducing Indian Head Massage in 2012!).

3. TENs Machine. You’ve probably heard about using TENs machines for labour pains but did you know they are great for tension as well?  Transcutateous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is the use of a an electric current to stimulate the nervous system for therapeutic purposes.  The unit is connected to the skin by little sticky electrodes in the relevant places (in my case the upper back and shoulders) and the pulse can be controlled by the handheld unit.   A lot of controversy exists as to whether TENs is effective for pain relief but this little machine has changed my life!  If I can get to my TENs when I first feel that tell-tale tension in my neck I can really make a difference to the intensity of my headache.  At only around £30 a pop these guys are worth a try at least.  Just make sure you get one that IS NOT for labour pain!

4. Staying Hydrated. It goes without saying really but making sure you stay hydrated can really help keep tension headaches and migraines at bay.  Drink plenty of room temperature or warm water throughout the day and remember that the body absorbs water better when it is sipped slowly over time rather than being gulped down in great quantities.  If like me, you have days when you feel more dehydrated than others (massage therapy is thirsty work let me tell you!) then you might like to try coconut water for an extra boost.  It has the same PH as blood plasma and tastes a lot better than those electrolyte powders or Lucuzade Sport (yuk!).

5. Remember that This Too Shall Pass. And this is where the yoga comes in.  Accepting where I am right now has helped me enormously with my health issues.  Knowing that tomorrow or the next day all will be well again has allowed me to sit with my headaches on those days when they will not be stopped. And beginning to learn to accept myself as I am in the present moment has been one of the most powerful healing tools I have ever come across.  Not sure where to start with this?  Try joining a meditation class or group, a Yin or VERY GENTLE yoga class, check out my blog post on meditation or read Eckhart Tolle’s “Power of Now” or Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal Your Life”.

Do you suffer from chronic headaches or other types of chronic pain?  How do you look after yourself?

If you would like to discuss treatment plans using massage, movement + meditation for your chronic headaches please contact me on 07985 779892 or rachel@massage-movement.co.uk