A Guide To Setting Up Your Room For A Relaxing Massage
Stress continues to be a problem among UK workers as new statistics reveal that over 500,000 individuals are experiencing work-related stress, anxiety, or depression. Fortunately, as recent studies have shed light on the negative effects of stress on one’s physical and mental health, people are now considering stress as a serious problem that needs to be addressed in a positive way. Britons have begun to find ways to cope with this problem by living a healthy and balanced lifestyle through having the right diet and making time for exercise.
However, there’s another way that you can deal with stress, and getting a massage is a simple and pleasant way to feel better from the inside out. Going to a wellness centre enables you to relax and get rid of any aches and pains, but if you’re unable to get out of the house, a massage done in the comfort of your home will also help to alleviate stress. To get the most of your at-home treatment, here’s how to set up your space for tranquillity so you can enjoy a relaxing massage.
Block out all noise
You don’t need to have a specially-designed room for your at-home massage, but you do need a quiet space where you can relax. To block out some of the noise from inside and outside your room, cover your windows with heavy drapes and lay thick rugs on the floor. Turn your phone off as well as other electronic devices in your room. If you need to mask unpleasant sounds (ongoing construction work, traffic and the like), try playing some soothing music to help you get into the right headspace for relaxation.
The right scents and ambient lighting can work wonders
Don’t underestimate the power of candle light and scent when it comes to creating a serene vibe. Turn off the lights, make sure that the room is comfortably warm, then light candles for soft illumination that can help to lower stress and anxiety levels. You can pick unscented candles, or for an olfactory treat, get some scented ones. However, not all scents are ideal during a massage—some smells can cause you to feel hyper or agitated, so it’s important to choose only relaxing scents if you’re planning to purchase scented candles. Some of the best scents that can work wonders for a frazzled mind include lavender, pine, and jasmine. Pick one type and burn no more than two candles to get the full aromatherapy benefits without getting overwhelmed during your massage.
Get on the floor
You may be tempted to have your massage on your bed, but if your bed is too soft, it may not be the best place to have your treatment. If you don’t have a massage table, the floor may be the best place to get a Swedish or sports massage. It’s even better if you have a hardwood floor as the natural element works well when you’re creating a space for tranquillity. After covering the floor with a rug, lay down a foam mattress, cover it with a clean sheet, and use a small pillow or a folded up towel to support your head during your massage.
Once your space has been properly set up, you can now have a massage therapist do house calls*, or if that’s not possible, ask your partner to give you a massage. It’s the best way to de-stress and recharge for your overall wellbeing. Try these tips to set up a space for a relaxing massage in your home and enjoy the full benefits of this holistic stress reliever.
*Chi Yu currently does not offer a house-call or at home service
Mental health conditions are a big challenge facing the UK currently, with Mind stating that an estimated 25% will be diagnosed with mental health conditions each year. Many mental health diagnoses are treated through a combination of medication and classic, western therapy, such as CBT. However, there are more options. With east-meets-west therapy becoming popular, there are a number of excellent holistic therapy methods that could aid someone diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles into specific points along the human body. The aim of this is to subtly manipulate qi – the life force of a person’s body. For many years, it has been used for mitigating back pain and the effect of migraine with general effectiveness, with acupuncture now recommended by the NHS. When it comes to mental health, acupuncture has been shown to help relieve stress and the symptoms of anxiety. This can have wider ranging effects, such as for those investigating schizophrenia treatment and care options and other mental health diagnoses requiring the use of antipsychotic medication. Acupuncture can help to manage stress and anxiety, alleviating symptoms.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is another complementary medicine that can help to alleviate other symptoms. In the UK, herbal medicine is tightly regulated, with many Indian and South Asian herbs reserved for medication and rigorously controlled. On the upside, this means that some herbs that could interact dangerously with regular treatments are restricted. However, it can mean some innocuous substances are restricted. There is plenty of material on the internet demonstrating how things as simple as Indian herbal tea can help to alleviate symptoms; as can some medicated herbs. Just read the label.
Aromatherapy
A word on aromatherapy. Usually consisting of the diffusal of essential oils intermingled with gentle massage techniques, regular aromatherapy can be a wonderful way to enhance regular therapeutic treatments and deliver a holistic sense of well being. When you feel you are too far away from your next appointment, you can deliver an aspect of aromatherapy in your own home by investing in essential oils and taking a bath, or using hot water to steam your head whilst listening to relaxing music.
Holistic therapy can take the edge off the treatments associated with the challenge of mental health diagnosis. In the best case, it can enhance and bring positive change to the rate of your recovery.
One the fabulous Eminence Facials was mentioned in Glamour magazine. These facials are based on the natural skin care products by Eminence Organics skincare and is very popular at chi yu. Eminence products are not readily available on the high street as it is a professional level product and is best bought after consultation with a qualified therapist.
My feet are always tired. From running around town to walking to and from work daily, I’m convinced my feet would sleep for a few months if they were given the chance. I dragged them along to the urban zen of Chi-Yu Wellness Spa situated behind Marble Arch in London for a spot of reflexology. I had read nothing but amazing reviews of reflexology, and how it can pinpoint problem areas in the rest of your body so I was excited but anxious; could my therapist tell that I eat far too much chocolate or bemoan the fact my pedicures are less than frequent? Luckily not, but instead she could tell that I suffer from minor digestive problems (I do), I have tension in my left shoulder (again, guilty) and even that I often hold my true thoughts inside (spooky, as yes, I do). In basic terms, reflexology is a wonderful, revitalising, soothing foot massage but if you want it to at Chi-Yu, it goes a lot deeper than that. If you are having any health problems, even something as run of the mill as a cold, tell the reflexologist and they can focus their attention on the corresponding area of your foot.
I left the Chi-Yu Wellness Spa with a definite spring in my step plus was shown which part of my foot attributed to my digestive system – no more bad tum for me.
