Our next online Hypnobirthing course will start on June 1st and run for 4 consecutive weeks.
Below is a lovely testimonial from a recent clinet who did the course.
All the details can be found on our dedicated Hypnobirthing page here. Please do get in touch for a chat and for any further information.
Since lockdown many people have reported struggling with their sleep. This isn’t surprising when we have a natural sleep rhythm tuned to our normal routines. We all know dealing with change can cause stress and anxiety, and in the current climate this may well be another roadblock to a good night’s sleep.
Without sleep our bodies don’t function as efficiently, a lack of sleep can make us more prone to injury when we exercise, lowers productivity and can lead to overeating.
If counting sheep isn’t doing the job, we’ve put together a helpful list of tips to sleeping well.
Stick to a routine
Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day helps improve sleep. Perhaps set an alarm at the same time each morning or try being strict with yourself about when to get your head down.
Spend time outside in the morning
Exposure to natural light can do our sleeping patterns a world of good, why not make a point of enjoying your morning tea outside in the sun?
Only drink caffeine in the morning
Switching that afternoon coffee to a tea might not give you the afternoon pick-me-up you need right now, but after a few nights of good sleep you might find yourself not needing to reach for that afternoon caffeine or sugar fix.
Meditate
Take half an hour out of your day to zone out from the world around you. In our recent blog post we share some free meditation practices to try at home.
Exercise
Doing just 30 minutes of exercise a day can help get rid of some excess energy and prevent your brain from whirring before bed.
Eat before it gets dark
Eating early has a positive impact on our circadian rhythm (body clock). Eating before 6pm and avoiding those evening snacks can help your body to understand that you’re preparing to sleep.
Avoid alcohol
Some people see alcohol as an relaxant but in truth, the sugar in alcohol has a negative effect on sleep. Swap that evening glass of wine for a water and you might just notice a big difference.
Have a bath
Winding down with a warm bubble bath relaxes the muscles and can provide a space to zone out from the world around you (device-free!).
Write in a journal before bed
Whether you want to focus on the good and write down five things you’re grateful for, or use it as a space to vent, writing in a journal can help your brain to switch off before going to sleep.
Limit the amount of blue light before bed
Blue light can trick the body’s circadian rhythm into thinking its too early for bed, try switching off your devices and reading a book instead.
Did you know that natural therapies can also be used to improve sleep? Read an article FHT contributed Sleep Well magazine about the sleep benefits of natural therapies.
Have you started to think about Christmas yet? It can be overwhelming to think of unique gift ideas, and we think giving a gift of massage is always a welcomed present, and always greatly received.
We are offering you a 10% discount of multiple Gift Voucher purchases – you can easily buy our vouchers at this link and you can choose to have it posted out or sent via email – you can also add a personal message which we will add to the gift card.
Give someone you love the gift of time, relaxation and good health!
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have a new Brand Ambassador – MIA HAWKINS
Mia is a Triathlete and is currently studying the University of Bath.
We asked Mia a few questions about herself….
Tell us a little bit about yourself Mia
I am a Triathlete racing for Team GB where I race on a national and International level. I am also a final year student here at the University of Bath.
How did you get into Triathlons?
I have always enjoyed being outdoors and taking part in sport. I took up triathlon when I came to University 3 years ago as I thought it sounded fun, and it is, I’ve never looked back!
What has been your hardest event?
Racing at the World Championships this year in Lausanne was a very hard race, the course was very hilly and it was a hot day too, but it was great fun and I ended up being placed 8th, so I was extremely happy.
What do you do when you’re not competing?
As a student I have a lot of studying to do, but I enjoy travelling, reading and baking, and am loving watching Bake Off!
Tell us your favourite place to hang out in Bath?
I love going to Alexandria Park, its quiet and has amazing views over the city.
We will be working with Mia supporting her with massage and treatment to keep her event ready and injury free. Mia will also be giving us some great advice and tips for runners, and other sports, so keep an eye on our social media feed and to stay up to date with her news.
Local Bath website for parents, Mums In Bath, recently interviewed BMC owner Polly Chadwick for their website – you can read the interview here.
Restless legs can be a big problem for women during pregnancy and it’s an issue we get asked about a lot during our maternity treatments. But is there anything you can do to help combat it? The answer is yes, but because there is no known cause, unfortunately, there is no magic cure either; however we do have some great tips that we share with our clients, and hopefully for those of you reading this and having the same issues, they will help you fight off some of the more severe bouts and hopefully help you to achieve some valuable sleep.
The most effective way to help restless legs is through gentle stretches and movements which will help to improve the blood flow and relax the muscles in the legs.
Here are our top suggestions for combatting restless legs:
1) Get your partner involved! Kneel facing forwards and then rest on your arms over an exercise ball or chair with pillows for support. You partner kneels behind you and then using both their hands makes up and down ‘brushing’ movement all the ay up from the knee to the top of your thighs and all around your legs and down into your calf muscles. This is a great way to get the blood circulating (and it really works!)
2) Leg pumping is another helpful movement to do – lying on your back in bed imagining that you are pushing something away with the soles of your feet. Don’t be too vigorous as you’re not looking to raise your heart rate you’re simply looking to bring some awareness and gentle motion to your legs.
3) Imagine you’re drawing circles with your feet can also be a beneficial movement.
4) Keep active. Just 30 minutes of walking every day will help to keep your circulation moving. Swimming and yoga are also great exercises to do during pregnancy.
5) And of course, massage is a great way to help relive it as working on the legs and calves with massage movements will help to get the blood flowing and get the lymph moving also.
The most likely time to encounter RSL during pregnancy is in the later stages – particularly the last three months of pregnancy and it is most bothersome when experienced at night, when it can interrupt your sleep and become a barrier to achieving enough rest.
1 in 5 women report symptoms of restless legs during the last 3 months of their pregnancy (according to NHS figures) and it usually disappears once the baby is born and as the body starts to return to business as usual.
We are excited to announce that we will be at the Mums in Bath Show at the Apex Hotel in Bath on Sunday 14th July. It is going to be a great day lots to do for the whole family.
We would love to see you there! Whether you are expecting your first baby, or have children of any age, there is something for everyone at the show. There will be a Kids Area to keep children entertained, and talks, workshops and demos on the Centre Stage.
Check out the full listing of what is happening here: www.mumsinbath.com/show
Tickets are £8 but Mums in Bath are offering our friends £3 off tickets using the code MIB3OFF if you buy via this link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mums-in-bath-show-tickets-60768423992?aff=bmc
Back pain affects a large percentage of the population and can be a debilitating condition that is a symptom of our lifestyles as much as anything else. Chronic pain from sciatica, for example, can have a huge impact on mood and mental health. It is also something that isn’t always visible either and can be difficult for those who don’t suffer to understand its impact.
Here, at The Bath Massage Company, we see many people who suffer from back pain in various forms, and recently we interviewed Helen, one of our clients to find out a little more about how we have helped her.
When did you first visit The Bath Massage Company?
My first appointment was with Polly about 9 years ago before she moved into her current venue at Season’s on George Street. At the time I was a student and was suffering from bad neck and back pain and I needed some relief from muscle spasms that were really painful.
How did your therapist help you with your back pain?
Polly was amazing. In my initial consultation, she took the time to figure out what the root cause of my pain and tensions might be, and then explained what she was going to do to best provide the pain relief I needed. After my massage treatment, she showed me some exercises to do at home and also some self-massage tips as well. I left feeling amazing and in significantly less pain.
How often do you see your therapist?
I’ve been seeing Polly since my student days and now try to get a massage every month or so. When Polly went on maternity leave, I started to see the other therapists in the company and they were all wonderful – it’s so great to know you’re in good hands and with people who are really passionate about what they do.
What treatments have helped you the most with your back pain?
Getting a massage really helps, it gives me immediate pain relief from my sciatica if that’s been particularly bad and also really lifts my mood. Recently, I’ve been combining my massages with reflexology and that has helped too. I also try to work on core exercises and practice yoga when I can to help keep my back strong and my body flexible.
What advice would you give to other people suffering from back pain?
When my back is really bad I try to keep moving with more gentle exercises and will definitely book a massage straight away. Getting regular treatments have really helped me a lot but I’ve also learnt from Polly & her team that self-care can play a big part – recently I have been using a massage ball on reflexology points in my feet which gives instant relief, but I think nothing beats a proper massage!
At The Bath Massage Company, we provide massage treatments and reflexology to help manage and provide pain relief for acute and chronic back pain, you can book an appointment through our online booking system or call to discuss what treatment might be best for your needs.
Continuing our monthly interviews, this month we had the pleasure of talking to Marianne Carpenter of Bath Spa Osteopathy.
Marianne is an award-winning Osteopath and owner of Bath Spa Osteopathy, next to Green Park Station in Bath. She also lectures and teaches anatomy at Swansea Medical School.
Q: So what exactly is osteopathy?
A: When I tell people I’m an osteopath, most people will say something like “you fix people’s back pain, right?” Well, right and wrong – I do get great results for bad backs, but in an average day, I see patients with everything from digestive problems or persistent cramps to migraine headaches and fibromyalgia. Osteopathy was originally designed as a completely alternative healthcare approach to the body in health and disease. For example, osteopathic treatment was so effective during the deadly Spanish ‘Flu epidemic in the early 1900’s that osteopaths were eventually drawn into the mainstream healthcare system in the USA as equivalent medical doctors
Q
: How does it work?
A: Osteopaths use their hands to find and treat areas of restricted movement in the body. This might be in joints, muscles, connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, scars) or even the visceral organs. These restrictions can alter your posture and the way you move, but they can also pinch nerves or blood vessels. Osteopaths believe that the body has the capacity to self-heal, but it can only do that if conditions are right. This means getting the body back into balance and freeing up any restrictions, to improve not only general flexibility but also general health.
Q: What made you become an Osteopath?
A: I used to ride horses competitively, and one day I had a nasty riding accident, which left me in a lot of pain. A friend suggested I see an osteopath. I must admit, I had no idea what they did! I went along, and in a few sessions I was completely healed – and totally hooked on this amazing approach to fix the body naturally. The next year I gained a place to study at the European School of Osteopathy in Kent, which is arguably the leading osteopathic school in the world. I graduated with a first class masters degree and worked in several practices before setting up my own clinic – Bath Spa Osteopathy.
Q: I enjoy a regular massage. When would I need to see an Osteopath?
A: Massage is an amazing way to loosen up tight muscles and relax the overall tone and tension in the body. I regularly recommend my patients go to the Bath Massage Company because I know from personal experience the quality of the massage is excellent. However, here are 5 common signs that you might need osteopathic help:
Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not treating patients?
A: I joined the Bath Amphibians Triathlon club last year and I’m busy training for the upcoming spring races. I also teach anatomy at Swansea Medical School once a week – it’s fun and a good chance to get top tips from consultants in other disciplines.
You can find out more about Marianne through her website and socila media page:
If you are planning in taking part in an organised run, whether it’s a Marathon, 10K, 5K for example, you may want to think about having a pre-run massage as there are several benefits to be had. Some people are wary about having someone massage them before an important race.
We advise to have a massage a few days before to allow time for the muscles to recover and be ‘run ready’. It is also a good idea to have a few massages in the lead up to an important race, rather than a one-off, this will allow your body to get used to the manipulations used, and also for you to get to know the therapist and they you so they can work with you and have a good understanding about what you need.
Having a massage can increase your circulation due to vasodilation and the mechanical pumping and squeezing. This then helps increases the supply of metabolic waste products from tissue assisting in recovery from your activity. It also increases the supply of nutrients to vascular tissue enhancing its health and aids in healing and repair helping to reduce pain by the removal of pressure build up due to congestion and metabolic irritants.
The relaxation and mobilisation of soft tissues benefits from an increase of range of movement, thereby reducing risk of injury and aiding in efficiency of movement. It also can aid in pain reduction by releasing tension in muscles and increases functioning of the muscular system.
We work with our clients with a personal and holistic approach meaning we don’t just look at what massage they may need, but we consider other elements, such as their posture, aftercare including stretches, nutrition (Annie Bassil who is based at our venue is a fantastic nutritionist).
It is important to note that the effects of massage are cumulative. This means that the effects and benefits increase with sequential, repetitive massages. Receiving one massage prior to a race will not reap the same benefits as a regular program of massage therapy throughout your training. Massage therapy also works best as a preventative program.
