Be healthy in Autumn by Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton

As the warm ( and wet!) days of summer faint away in Brighton to give way to cool crisp autumn weather we have to make sure that we make simple lifestyle changes to give ourselves the opportunity to adjust to the change of season.

Ancient sages advise us on how to leave in harmony with seasonal changes based on the principles of YIN and YANG. The changes affect our bodies - particularly the respiratory system leading to an increase in colds and allergies.

Five simple lifestyle tips with assist your body to adjust gradually making sure that you keep healthy this fall and coming winter

Autumn massage in Brighton

1. Food choices - eat juicy fruits and healthy vitamin filed veggies :  Changes in the climate in autumn leads to dryness affecting the entire body, especially skin and lungs, resulting in dry skin, dry cough and constipation. Eating more moistening, juicy fruits like pears, pomegranates, persimmons and apples can reduce these effects. To assist boost the immune system, add some vitamin-packed seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, yams and winter squash. If you do come down with a cold or allergies, try adding some pungent flavored foods to your diet such as green onions, fresh ginger or sweet onions.

2. Food preparation: warm it up. As the weather becomes cooler, prepare warm cooked foods and reduce the amount of cold raw foods in your diet. Try using cooking techniques like baking, braising, roasting and stewing to improve nutrient absorption in the cold weather months.

3. Exercise: be gentle. Avoid heavily aerobic exercise outdoors in the autumn months, as it reduces vital energy or qi, and weaken your system. Focus on gentle or moderate exercise like brisk walking, tai chi or yoga. Light exercise boosts your immune system by enhancing the activity of neutrophils (a common white blood cell), which are instrumental in protecting the body against viral and bacterial infections. Traditional Thai Massage or "lazy man's yoga" as some people call it, is another gentle option of keeping the body energized and in tune with the environment. 

4. Early to bed and early to rise. According to ancient Chinese philosophy, sleeping habits should adjust with the changing length of days through the seasons. In fall, as the days become shorter, try going to sleep earlier to avoid the chilly nights and rise early to enjoy the crisp morning air.

5. Layer, layer, layer. A Chinese folk saying states that one ought to "muffle the body in spring and freeze the body in autumn." That is to say, people should avoid wearing heavy winter coats and adding thick quilts too early in the autumn season. Especially in the beginning of autumn, the body needs some time to cool down from the summer heat. Careful though adding too much clothing may prevent the body from adjusting to the cooling temperatures. 

As the weather cools more, add gradually more clothing and blankets to your bedding to give your system time to adjust. Layering is so important in autumn, as evenings and mornings tend to be cooler than the warm afternoons. Carry a sweater and scarf  on when spending time outside in the wind or shade.

Finally try to be positive and enjoy your life!

Brighton massage explores - Is Thai Fusion Massage the Ultimate Stress Relief Treatment?

My first Thai Fusion massage in Brighton

"I opened my eyes suddenly. She was smiling at me. I then realized I must have fallen asleep. It was a strange feeling. Refreshed, energized and relaxed, all at the same time. If that is a full body Thai Fusion massage, I want another one.

Brighton Massage by Little Jasmine Therapies

Thai Fusion massage therapy in Brighton is done fully clothed, but nothing restrictive must be worn, I was told. I lay on a futon on the floor. She started by placing his hands on my stomach and closed her eyes, just sensing my energy. Then she started to work her way around my body using all sorts of massage techniques combined with stretching and pulling of my arms and legs.

Massage therapy in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies

But the best bit was when she worked around my head and neck and when she moved down my spine with her hands chopping and kneading. My whole body tingled and I felt a rush of energy. I think it was about then that I must have drifted off to sleep." 

Massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies

What is a full body massage?

The session starts with some questions, existing medical conditions, problems, pain, tension. This builds a case history. If you have a number of regular treatments your case history is kept current with the results of each session.

The Thai Fusion massage technique involves stimulating or relaxing the acupuncture points or meridians of the entire body.

A full body session includes work on the abdomen, shoulders, chest, arms, hands, head, neck, legs, feet and back. You get your arms and legs pushed and pulled. You are kneaded and chopped with hands and static finger pressure is applied at specific points all over your body.

Why do you feel both energized and relaxed?

Your body has a complicated network of energy channels or 'meridians' in which your 'ti' flows. This unseen energy network assumes similar pathways as the nervous system and provides a constant supply of life-giving energy.

And just like a busy freeway, blockages in the flow can occur. But unlike a freeway these constrictions often do not clear naturally, causing local pain, tension, irritation or even illness. And because the meridians connect all the organs together, it can cause problems in other parts of your body too.

Thai Fusion massage removes and clears these blockages, releasing energy, so you feel energized. The massaging techniques have a tremendous relaxing effect on your whole body. This is why you can fall asleep. Releasing all your tension you instantly relax into much deeper levels of mind which border on sleep.

Why Thai Fusion massage is the ultimate stress relief?

Most of us lead busy lives and balancing work, homes, relationships and many other triggers for stress and tension. These triggers build up slowly especially if your life is 'full-on' with little rest and relaxation. You will notice the signs: inability to relax, irritability or you may suffer from insomnia. These are just some of the symptoms.

This overwhelming stress causes body and muscle tension and many in-balances in the way your body  works. In turn, the critical energy that flows around and through your body becomes constricted causing pain and discomfort. We all know the therapeutic value of massage for releasing tension but Thai Fusion massage combines tension release with energy unblocking, all in one session.

Thai Fusion massage therapy in Brighton melts away all your accumulated stress and tension and gives you an energy boost all at the same time. There are not many therapies that can do this and be so enjoyable too.

Advice - How to give a great Foot Massage in Brighton

Women ( and men) love a foot massage in Brighton, it is well known that feet are one of the key primary places on the human body that can become sore, mainly from extensive and prolonged walking.

While a little effort will ensure that a foot massage is at the very least mediocre, some knowledge will make it stellar. Also, if you are trained adequately or have experience at giving foot massages yourself, you don’t need to refer anyone to professional massage therapist.

Another great characteristic of foot massage is its ability to heal the body over and above just the foot. There a lot of professionals that believe that a properly executed foot massage yields a full-body relaxation, but this belief is based on reflexology and has little proven efficacy.

Massage Therapy in Brighton

Before commencing the massage, it is important to have the feet be wet, whether with water or some other soaking preparation. After they are soft, you can use many different techniques to induce pleasurable feelings.

One of the techniques utilized involves holding the back of one’s foot and rotating your hand around it continuously, while periodically reversing direction. The rotations and reversals enable long-lasting stimulation, and it is not too difficult on the person delivering the treatment.

Another great and straightforward maneuver is the repeatedly stroking of the foot with both palms. You will need to apply a continuously good amount of pressure as you slide each palm down the length of the foot, and just keep placing one hand in front of the other as you move, as if climbing a rope. You can apply variable pressure to further spice up the technique, although a medium level pressure is fine if you want to keep stable.

There is also plenty of things to do with just a few fingers instead of your whole hand. For instance, you can use your forefinger or thump to move up and down the foot with this linear motion being very relaxing. You can also do elaborate patterns that make the massage more interesting and indulgent.

Adequate attention should also be paid to the toes. A lot of people love having their toes pulled and cracked, but that comes down to personal preference. Rubbing the toes lightly is a great supplement to a foot massage, and is also much easier than focusing on a larger area

To spice things up you can go for a slightly more exotic option such as the Thai foot massage from Little Jasmine Therapies in the Brighton city centre.

Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies recommended reading : Parents can massage babies to promote sleep quality and stress reduction

Massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies found the following research useful and fascinating therefore we are sharing it with all of you, enjoy.

Massage Brighton

Newborn babies parents can assist their infants and children sleep through the night and cry less by giving them a gentle massage, according to research conducted by Warwick Medical School  and the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick.

The research was led by Dr. Angela Underdown, examined nine previous studies on baby massage that included 601 infants younger than a year old. During the studies, health professionals trained the parents in baby massage therapy.

"There are indications that infants who were massaged were more relaxed, probably due to lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, compared to infants who did not receive massage," Underdown said.

Infant massage -- long practised in Africa and Asia -- has been shown to be as effective as rocking in helping babies cry less and sleep through the night. Typically, the massage involves touching the baby with light pressure from head to toe, gently moving the muscles beneath the skin, while looking into the baby's eyes.

"As there are indications that infant massage therapy may have an effect on sleep and crying, this would seem a useful technique that parents can use with their babies to help them relax and promote sleep," Underdown said.

No negative effects were found in the research of infant massage, and noted that mothers suffering from postnatal depression who massaged their infants built better relationships with their babies.

Underdown urged parents interested in learning the technique to seek advice from midwives or health workers.

According to natural health advocate Mike Adams, modern-day medicine has caused people to forget "the healing power of therapeutic touch," and its positive health effects.

"All humans need loving physical contact, including babies," Adams said. "Parents can literally boost their baby's immune function, accelerate healing and speed recovery from physical stress by giving their babies the gift of human touch. It's powerful medicine

Learn how massages in Brighton and stretching can be used to enhance recovery abilities!

Massage in Brighton is a great tool for speeding up recovery. It helps the athlete physically and psychologically rests. Stretching has also been shown to be a key factor in proper recovery as well as in proper flexibility. Stretching also reduces the chance of injury. 

Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies

Massage
 
Massage has been an important part of European athletes' for many years. Just recently, North American athletes have learned to appreciate the value of massage. A study conducted by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, found promising evidence to support the benefits of massage. In this study, a group of cyclists pedaled until complete fatigue and then took a ten-minute rest. During the ten-minute rest period. Half of the cyclists received a massage while the other half didn't. 

After the rest period, the cyclists were asked to perform 50 knee extensions on a leg machine. The results showed that the cyclists who received massages were 11% stronger than the athletes who did not receive massage. With compelling evidence such as this, it is undoubtable that massage has benefits for athletes. Massage can also help maintain the health of muscles. 

Maintenance Of Muscle
 
 Muscle can help improve muscle recovery, which leads to efficient training. Massage can improve the circulation of bodily fluids. With increased circulation, tissues are better able to receive nutrients and other substances that are vital for optimal body functioning. Massage also helps decrease the swelling of muscles and relaxes and stretches sore muscles. 

Massage does not directly affect normal muscle strength but it is more effective than rest at optimizing your recovery abilities. Massage keeps your muscles healthy and flexible. I would recommend that all athletes should have massages from time to time. If you have access to a massage on a regular basis it would be beneficial to add it to your program. Once you have a massage, you will be amazed how good you will feel during and after the massage. 

Massage Before Competition
 
Pre-competition massage can be a tool for increasing or decreasing the stimulation level of nerve cells, ligaments, and joints, which helps in keeping them loose and flexible. This can help to prevent excessive micro-trauma (injury to cell membranes). Massage before a competition focuses on stretching and warming up the tendons and ligaments of the legs and arms. These connective tissues do not have their own blood supply; therefore it takes longer to warm them up. Massage improves the bodies' circulation; hence improved blood flow to the tendons and ligaments. 

It is important that an athlete's tendons and ligaments be properly warmed up before engaging in a competition. When properly warmed up, performance ability is increased and the chance of injury is decreased. 

Pre-competition massage also helps nervous athletes to relax and calm down before competition. It is recommended that the massage should be performed before the specific warm-up. After the massage, pre-competition stretching and warming up should be performed. 

Massage After A Competition
 
A massage after an athletic event is very relaxing. Most athletes that have massages after their events say this is the best method of relaxation. The massage helps the mind and body to relax. Massages performed after a workout or competition help to relieve the effects of muscular fatigue. Massage helps the body by relieving soreness and stiffness and it allows the muscles to maintain flexibility and looseness. The joints, tendons and ligaments are also helped in the same manner. Research says that post-workout or post-competition massage can speed up recovery time by as much as two times faster than rest alone. When given a massage, the body is able to transport nutrients and oxygen better to the muscles because of the enhancing blood flow. 

The by-products of metabolism are also carried away from the muscles more efficiently; therefore increasing recovery time. Intense exercise results in micro-trauma. Massage can help decrease the soreness associated with micro-trauma. The post workout massage should last at least 30 minutes. This allows adequate time for the body to be relieved physically and mentally. The massage should be given a minimum of 90 minutes after your last meal. This allows the meal too be partially digested before the massage begins. During digestion, most of the body's blood flow is directed toward the stomach. By allowing partial digestion to have taken place, the massage is better able to direct the blood flow to the muscles. 

Massage Helps Injuries
 
Massage has been shown to accelerate the recovery of injured muscles. Massage also allows for a greater range of motion of the injured muscle. Andy Pruitt, Certified Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, advises that massage therapy for muscle damage should not be performed immediately after the injury. This would only worsen the condition. He recommends that massage therapy in Brighton should not be given any sooner than 48 hours after the injury occurs. 

Also, be sure the swelling and pain have ceased before undergoing massage therapy. Massage therapy induces blood and lymph movement, which increases nutrition to the muscles and joints and also reduces swelling and eliminates inflammatory waste products. Deep breathing, massage or muscular movement induces lymph movement. Massage helps to trigger lymphatic vessels when exercise is obsolete. 


Stretching
 
With proper stretching, recovery can be enhanced, as well as preventing stiff an sore muscles. Stretching before a workout helps to circulate blood. Stretching helps to rush nutrients to the muscles and it also allows the body time to prepare for exercise. Stretching after a workout helps to relieve the body of muscle soreness and stiffness. Stretching after exercise also helps to flush out waste products from the muscles.

A proper stretching program such as Thai massage in Brighton will have positive effects on your recovery abilities. Top-level performance cannot be achieved by training, nutrition and supplement without proper recovery. Pay close attention to factors that affect your recovery abilities and do your best to achieve optimal levels of recovery. Proper recovery can go a long way in improving your physique and performance level.

Brighton Spa etiquette – Learn and Be Confident

 Not all of us are regular spa goers in Brighton and a first visit to the spa can be a bit of a daunting experience for anyone. Behind the polished doors of the spa lies a space that is classy and apparently inviting but there is always a nagging fear that you may not belong there and a faux pas committed by you could really travel. Such things do travel and could reach your workplace too and woe betide you if you’re not the type to laugh it off.

The objective of this article is to apprise you of the basic dos and don’ts regarding your conduct in a spa. The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association has developed a Spa Code of Conduct that you should read, it will make you breathe easy and ease of any feelings of self-consciousness that you may be harboring.

Essentially as a patron of a spa it is your responsibility to let the spa management know of your expectations from the treatment that you want and learn about it from the concerned person. You should also come clear about any medical condition that you have. Be courteous. Follow directions and use unguents and ointments as directed by the staff.

You will do fine if you observe basic etiquette and show some common sense. For example, arrive around 10-15 minutes before an appointment and do not distract others by talking loudly on your phone. Wash off the chlorinated water on your body from the hot tub before you move on to the steam bath. Do not leave your children unattended. Ideally you should not carry any jewelry to the spa but if you do then deposit it in your locker before proceeding for treatment.

As a patron of a spa, you can expect courteous treatment; you have the right to stop a particular treatment at any time for whatever reason. You can elaborate on any discomfort that you may be experiencing and the therapist will make adjustments accordingly. You have the right to ask questions about staff training, licensing and certification. Your disclosure about any condition should be kept a secret by the spa staff. If you are uncomfortable taking a massage nude with a towel on, you have the option of wearing your undergarments. Alternatively you can opt for a Thai massage where you stay fully clothed during the massage.

It is important to know what you want when you enter a spa; for example if you do not specify the gender of a masseur it is likely that you will be assigned a male masseur. This is because female masseurs are in demand with female clients who may have issues with undressing before a man and may not be comfortable with a man’s touch. More than women, one would think it’s the men who would opt for female massagers. So, let your preference be known. For many experienced spa goers, the gender of the massage therapist is secondary to his/her skill. For some type of massages such as a deep tissue massage, a male massager is a better choice as this massage technique requires strength.

Tipping is always an issue that most people seek enlightenment on. In the spa industry, the tipping norm is usually 15%-20%. Check if the tip is included in the price of the service. If you get a gift certificate that entitles you to a spa treatment check if it is inclusive of the tips. Also if you are visiting the spa with a gift certificate mention it in advance so that the spa can clear any policy issues related to treatments with gift certificates.

One of the major concerns for most spa goers is information regarding nudity at the spa. Read on to learn about it. At the outset it would be fair to say that in most European countries attitudes towards nudity are far relaxed than what they are in America, so much so that in Germany men and women can take steam baths together in the nude. The general procedure before a massage treatment is that you are given time to change into a robe before you enter the massage room. The spa may or may not have a private changing space. The masseur will escort you to the massage area and leave giving you time to disrobe and slip under the sheets. After the massage, you should vacate the massage area in around five minutes. Do not keep the next customer waiting. If you wish you can unwind in the waiting room or meditation room.

There are certain body treatments that will require you to be fully exposed for some time. So, learn beforehand about the kind of massage that you are going for. You can request the spa to provide you with disposable underwear; with certain spas it is mandatory. You can enter a steam bath or a sauna naked or draped. You may have to share the space with people of the opposite sex.

Most day spas in Brighton experience peak traffic during late afternoon and at weekends. So if you wish to be treated by your favorite therapist book an appointment in advance. If, for some reason you have to cancel an appointment give the spa as much of an advance notice as you possibly can. With some spas, a minimum 24-hour notice is required. This is because spas are obliged to pay therapists for their time regardless of client arrival or not. They need advance notice to fill the slot vacated by you.

Thai massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies

Thai massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies.

A Thai Massage session has more ingredients than a yoga workout.

A blend and fusion of exquisite Asian techniques including thumb pressure, similar to Chinese acupressure which works along energy lines rather like meridians or nadis.

Thumb-pressing along these sen lines, as they are known in Thailand, aims to release blockages, creating a free flow of energy and prana throughout the body.

Another important part of Thai Massage is the Buddhist and spiritual influence. Students are encouraged to recite a short prayer silently in pali (the Buddhist language) before commencing the massage to focus and quieten their mind. Thai massage reflects the Four divine states of mind of Buddhist teaching.
A Thai Massage given with metta (meaning loving kindness) is essential rather than given in a mechanical or forceful way.A lovely description of Thai Massage is “the physical application of loving kindness”. Buddhist monks traditionally performed Thai Massage in temples as a means of invigorating the mind, body and spirit.This unique ancient healing tradition originated in India and dates back to 2,500 years ago.

YOGA


Many yoga postures may be included in a Thai Massage treatment. Forward bends, backward bends, cobra, spinal twists, locust positions shoulder stand and the plough.The dynamics of Thai Massage are very similar to ashtanga yoga asana to another.The use of body weight, correct body mechanics and rhythm is essential for performing a good Thai Massage. It is like a yoga dance and a meditative experience for
both the client and practitioner, the practitioner also benefiting from their muscles being
stretched and strengthened.

With the close relationship of yoga, more yoga teachers are enjoying learning the art of Thai Massage and experiencing the benefits for themselves. Clients are able to go deeper into a posture when assisted by a Thai Massage practitioner, enhancing their flexibility and encouraging deep relaxation in each pose.Ashtanga yoga can greatly improve the flow and rhythm of a Thai Massage practitioner. Iyengar yoga can also help to feel the degree of stretching necessary, so that a practitioner can feel how far to take a client into a posture and ensure the stretching is within the client’s limits and comfort boundaries. The pressure and stretching is measured and matched to the client’s physical ability and needs.A practitioner will learn to feel how far to take a client into a stretch.

This is indeed an art, working slowly with mindfulness, watching facial reactions will help the practitioner to feel the point of resistance and maximum stretch for the limbs.Watching the movement and transition from one posture to another is important for the student to learn the art.With practice it will flow creating a lovely dynamic rhythmic sequence with the minimum amount of effort.

BENEFITS


Thai Massage has many benefits and is suitable for people of all ages irrespective of their level of flexibility. Sportspeople, yoga and Pilates practitioners,Tai Chi teachers, physiotherapists, health practitioners and those with no previous experience all love the benefits of giving and receiving Thai Massage.With the meditative qualities it works very deep on an emotional level and with the yoga stretches it also has a profound effect on a physical level. It is very good for back pain, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain.

There is an emphasis on stretching the legs into various yoga positions to alleviate the lower back. Stretching and loosening the hamstrings and opening the hips greatly enhances the flexibility of the back.There are many upper-body stretches to open the chest and improve the flexibility of the shoulders and neck.The numerous slow stretching movements free the tension held within the body.

They increase flexibility, relax and elongate tense muscles, mobilise and open joints, thus energising and nourishing the client by allowing the prana to flow more freely around the whole body.Thai massage relieves aches, pain and stiffness, stimulates and improves the range and freedom of movement and co-ordination.The stretching movements affect the entire body by releasing both deep and superficial tension and re-educating the client into a better alignment and improved posture.The result is an opening of the body, which leaves one feeling both relaxed and energised at the same time.

Thai Massage soothes the nervous system, and has a positive and calming effect on the mind inducing deep relaxation with the meditative qualities.The circulation of blood and lymph is improved. Internal organs and the immune system are stimulated. It aims to balances all the systems of the body.This transformative therapy produces a powerful feeling of wellbeing, restoring inner balance and equilibrium.

THAI MASSAGE SESSION

It is a very thorough treatment of the whole body lasting for 1½ or 2 hours, the latter being more thorough and able to address more specific problems.There are a range of techniques suitable and appropriate for each client, and practitioners choose techniques to suit their client’s varying needs and abilities. Students learning Thai Massage learn over 3 hours of techniques and will tailor Thai Massage treatments for their clients depending on size, flexibility and needs. It is a very intuitive massage.

The massage is carried out clothed on a futon mattress.The client will lie on their back (supine) position and, before commencing, the practitioner recites a short prayer in the Buddhist language silently to focus the mind and energy.

The mantra thanks Jivaka Khuma Bhacca, the founder of Thai Massage and friend of the Buddha, and wishes the client good health. Relaxation techniques of palm walking are then applied to the feet and legs, allowing both practitioner and client to become acquainted with each other’s energies and to establish a rhythm which creates a key foundation to the massage.This rhythm is very important for soothing the client’s nervous system.Various thumb presses similar to reflexology are used on the feet to ground and balance the
client’s energy before commencing to work on the energy lines of the legs. Palming techniques are then followed by slow moving thumb pressure to release blocked energy along the sen lines. A series of slow powerful stretching movements are performed on one leg to stretch the hamstrings, to create mobility in the hips, elongate the muscles and improve circulation throughout the body.This is repeated on the other leg.The practitioner then uses more stretches on both legs together.

Palm pressure, gentle rhythmic rocking and soothing massage techniques are used for relaxation between the dynamic yogic postures throughout the massage.A relaxing abdominal massage is then carried out massaging the stomach and internal organs.

The practitioner then works the energy lines of the arms, moving on to the chest, with maybe some shoulder stretches in this position. A soothing face massage may be performed in supine or at the end in the sitting position.The client will then turn onto one side and the practitioner may further open the shoulder and pelvic area with some more stretching movements.This is repeated on the other side.

Techniques will then be performed with the client lying prone on the stomach, various leg stretches and palming and thumbing the energy lines of the back.The client is then placed into sitting position which focuses mainly on the spine, shoulders and posture. Each movement is carried out in a continuous movement and flow

Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Massage in Brighton

The health and wellness benefits that massage offers are more abundant than once thought. Emerging research points to a growing list of advantages that range far wider than simple anxiety, tension, and pain relief.

One of the most interesting benefits uncovered is a possible link to improved immunity. Studies have shown that those who receive regular massage have lower cortisol levels in their saliva. Cortisol is the "stress" hormone, and it is linked to a lower immune function.

Cortisol actually kills off the cells that are necessary for healthy immunity. Lowering this hormone in the body not only can lead to greater immune response to foreign invaders, but it also leads to lower stress and anxiety levels. Lowering cortisol levels has also been linked to a greater ease in losing weight and keeping it at a healthy level.

The mental health benefits from lowered stress levels and regulated anxiety are probably worth it alone. However, there are even more advantages your body reaps from getting massaged regularly.

Studies have indicated that regular massage helps with hypertension. Massage helps reduce anxiety, which contributes to high blood pressure. This is probably a part of the reason that it helps to regulate blood pressure.

However, there is also another factor that contributes to this function. The vagus nerve actually helps regulate a person's blood pressure, and massage helps to stimulate this nerve into action.

The more obvious benefits of massage are its excellent ability to temporarily reduce and manage pain. It can be used to relieve muscle pain, pain associated with nerve damage, and even joint pain. The manipulation of the soft tissues helps increase circulation, which may aid in healing as well.

Enhanced circulation also leads to better skin tone and healthier soft tissue. This enhanced circulation and manual pressure also helps to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to the cells.

Massage is even believed to help enhance the elimination of toxic substances which are transported out of the body by the lymphatic system. This lymphatic drainage, while beneficial, needs to be helped along by you. Hence, it is always recommended that one drink plenty of purified water after a massage, to push the toxins through the elimination process quicker.

Overall, massage in Brighton a great way to reduce stress, unwind, and enjoy some "you" time. It's important to remind yourself of the other benefits that massage offers if you start to feel a little guilty about it. Massage can be an excellent complement to an otherwise healthy lifestyle and diet.

Natural ways beat stress and anxiety in Brighton

These hard economic times bring along with them record stress levels as people cope with a variety of anxiety-inducing issues. Instead of resorting to prescription drugs, many people have begun to seek natural alternatives for controlling stress and anxiety.

Relaxing therapies like massage, yoga and reiki have enjoyed an increased popularity over these past few years as people struggle to cope with a range of burdens. Massage therapy, which used to primarily be used by women, has experienced a huge surge in male patronage. Massage has a variety of benefits that extend beyond the relaxation of the session itself.

Regular massage can improve your circulation, reduce chronic anxiety, promote natural bodily healing processes, relieve muscle tension, and lower blood pressure. Regular massage is usually characterized as once or twice per month. Reasonable packages can now be found in several massage service chains, as well as locally owned businesses.

Yoga is another excellent stress relieving practice that can also tone the body and provide excellent fitness benefits. Yoga is particularly helpful in managing stress even after your regular sessions because it helps you to master deep breathing. It helps you to control your respiration during stressful times, which eases the impact of anxiety on the heart and other body functions.

Yoga has also been associated with lower blood pressure, improved mood, better immunity and improved gastrointestinal health. Often times stress is associated with digestive and gastrointestinal discomfort, high blood pressure and poor immune function. For many people, yoga really helps with curbing stress and a lot of its related physical manifestations.

Exercise, in general, is an excellent antidote to anxiety. Multiple studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, circulating in the blood stream. Exercise also elevates our levels of feel good hormones such as serotonin. Serotonin, one of the main neurochemicals responsible for elevated mood, can be greatly reduced by periods of anxiety.

Increasing the circulation of these natural chemicals in the body greatly increases our ability to deal with distressing or frustrating situations. The simple act of intense aerobic activity also can help you vent your frustrations and distract you from ruminating about a particular problem.

Reiki is another practice that has gained in popularity the past few years. Reiki originated in Japan. It is a healing and relaxing therapy; whereby, the practitioner transfers his or her healing power to the patient via light touch on affected body parts. It is primarily used to help heal physical ailments, but also has been used as a relaxation and meditation therapy.

If you are looking for a natural supplement that can help reduce anxiety, there are a few that seem to be helpful for a majority of people that take them. The first is St. John's Wort, which is used as both a natural antidepressant and anxiety remedy.

Passion flower is used for relaxation and easing of tension associated with chronic stress. Kava is another herbal remedy that is used to help combat anxiety and calm nerves. Kava is also very useful as a natural sleep aid.

Here at Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton we believe that everyone should be able to experience the long term benefits of massage therapy and that is why we offer discount loyalty packages that give you up to 30% off on your regular massage treatments.

25 ways to improve your health and happiness in 2012

The New Year is quickly approaching us, and for many people, it includes a New Year's resolution for achieving improved health and happiness in 2012. Here are twenty-five health-enhancing ideas to help you accomplish that goal.

#1 - Replace sodas or soft drinks with tea or water.

#2 - Commit to eating one raw fruit (or serving of vegetables) at every meal.

#3 - Add just 5 minutes a day to your exercise routine. Don't have an exercise routine? Start with 5 minutes a day!

#4 - Get more sunshine!

#5 - Learn some Pilates. It's probably the #1 exercise system for core strength and flexibility.

#6 - Drink a superfood smoothie every day.

#7 - Buy more indoor plants: They purify the air in your home.

#8 - Take a quality, wild-harvested fish oil supplement that contains vitamin D.

#9 - Eat more quinoa: It's a high-protein, low-carb "grain" that can easily replace rice or couscous.

#10 - When you get out of bed each morning, do five sit-ups first. It sounds simple, but just 5 sit-ups a day can make a difference.

#11 - Instead of trying to find a parking spot so close to the grocery store, park farther away. You'll get a little more walking exercise and a little more sunshine.

#12 - Get a good water filter so you can stop drinking tap water (or bottled water).

#13 - Pick up a "gentle" art like Tai-Qi or Yoga. It will reduce your stress and improve your physical stamina.

#14 - Take a relaxing hot bath with epsom salts and soothing herbs like lavender. It will do wonders for your mind and your muscles.

#15 - Get a professional massage! Massage therapy is really, really healthy, and it's a great way to reward yourself for some of the other accomplishments you're making.

#16 - Grow your own sprouts! With a simple, low-cost sprouting machine, you can grow and eat your own sprouts. Eating just one ounce of sprouts a day still had a huge impact on preventing cancer and boosting immune function.

#17 - Prepare for a Spring garden, make a commitment to start a garden this Spring, and you'll reap many health benefits in the months ahead.

#18 - Get a mini-trampoline and do some rebounding in your living room. You can even watch movies or documentary DVDs at the same time.

#19 - Make a point to get at least eight hours of sleep for 2-3 nights a week (or more, if you can). Most people are sleep deprived, and the health cost is enormous.

#20 - Start visiting local farmer's markets so that you eat more local food in 2012. You'll be healthier and happier as a result.

#21 - Got a job you don't like? Quit it! Downgrade your lifestyle to live on less money, then pursue what you really enjoy. Being happy in a small house is better than being miserable in a big one.

#22 - Get off those medications! Make a point to learn how to safely and gradually get yourself off all the medications you can by eliminating underlying imbalances or illnesses. The fewer medications you take, the healthier you'll be!

#23 - Throw out your television! Are you still watching cable TV or satellite TV? It's a complete waste of your life (but you already knew that). Disconnect the cable. Read more books and get your information online where news sources are more independent and intelligent.

#24 - Make a decision to think of food as nourishment instead of entertainment. Eat what your body needs, not what your taste buds desire.

#25 - Teach others how to be healthy! The more you talk with others about healthy habits, the more you'll follow them yourself. :-)

That's it! I hope you enjoyed these 25 ideas for improving your health in 2012 (and beyond).

Of course, one of the best ways to keep improving your health in 2012 is to keep vising Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton!

We are looking forward to sharing a great year with you!

What Is A Spa Treatment?

Spa treatments are the services that a spa provides. The most popular spa treatment in the UK and a good place to start is massage. It has been around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits.

Other popular spa treatments include facials and body treatments like salt glows and body wraps.
Most spas have a nail salon offering spa manicures and spa pedicures . Spas with salons offer hair cutting and styling services.

Once you've tried the basic spa treatments, you might want to branch out to different types of massage like Thai massage , hot stone massage or reflexology. You should talk to your esthetician about what facial services or body treatments would be most appropriate for your skin type.

Remember, the most important thing you can do to enjoy your trip to the spa in Brighton is arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment is scheduled to begin. That way you can check in, change into your robe, and start to relax. If the spa has facilities like a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub, arrive even earlier.

Stimulating body’s natural energy field in Brighton can promote healing

Researchers now say that practitioners don’t have to use a lot of force or pressure to elicit the body’s own healing response as the body has its own energy or "biomagnetic field" produced by the heart and circulatory system. That field can be altered by acupuncture needles, light and touch therapies, homeopathy, massage, and even by the therapists' own positive thoughts.

Studies in the past have shown scientific evidence that this type of energy medicine works. Orthopedic surgeons use small amounts of electrical current to stimulate the healing of bone fractures and doctors use electrical nerve stimulation to help ease pain. Thus researchers say, alternative therapy practitioners who are sensitive to their patients can use their own energy field to help stimulate the healing response.

Tiny fields [of energy] have big effects on cells hence, therapy can be done with less energy and more effectiveness . Treating a shoulder injury could be a matter of getting the right amount of energy in the right place. In conclusion researchers say practitioners should use their intuition to help them figure out how much is the right amount of energy for each patient.