Wednesday 4 May 2016

The Real Benefits of Massage


The Real Benefits of Massage 

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Massage has often been regarded as a 'treat', something we only indulge in when visiting a spa or going on holiday. So why is it something that more people are turning to on a monthly basis? 


Before I trained to be a Beauty Therapist, I'd only ever had 3 massages in my whole life; two were paid for as birthday treats and the other was at a spa when celebrating a special occasion. Now I can't imagine going a month without having a massage. Probably because I'm much more aware of the benefits, but also because the more I have them the truly better I feel. I've been doing lots of research about the growing trend in regular massages and here's why:

1. Lowers Stress and Anxiety 
It's true, massage lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, it releases endorphins and also relaxes the body and mind which in turn reduces stress. Relaxing massage can have a  sedative effect that makes us feel calm (which is especially beneficially for those with sleeping difficulties). Amazing eh, especially when stress is a major contributing factor to the top leading causes of death! 
Research shows that as little as 30 minutes massage per month can have a real positive impact on mental health. However, lets be realistic ....one massage isn't going to get rid of all your stress - you need to look at all aspects of your life and incorporate massage as a regular activity, not just special occasions!

2. Reduces Muscle Tension, Muscle Soreness, Aches & Pains
During a massage, muscles, tissues and joints are manipulated, stretched, pressed and stroked. These specialist movements reduce stiffness and improve physical function. There is also a release of serotonin which is the body's natural production of anti-pain chemicals. 
I once saw a client who suffered from chronic migraines and neck pain, and he actually had a headache when he arrived for his massage. I performed a 30 minute scalp massage and at the end he was almost in tears with the relief. At the time I was genuinely shocked because I didn't even realise that massage could be that powerful. 

Another benefit is relieving tension and 'knots' - this is my main reason for getting a regular massage. Tension in the back and shoulders only gets worse over time, so it's important that we take care of our body and fix the problems that we cause ourself. I'm guilty of having bad posture, sitting at my computer for too long, carrying heavy bags, not stretching after exercising etc etc. - all of which puts our muscles under a lot of strain. Massage can relax these muscle and push out any toxins that can cause tightness. 

3. Improves Skin Tone
Firstly lets state the obvious - putting oils or creams on to the body will improve the look and feel of your skin. Massage can do wonders if you have dry or sun-damaged skin, especially when body brushing is also involved in the treatment. 
That's great but now to the not so obvious stuff: 
Stimulating massage movements do help to move stagnant fatty deposits which can smooth out the look of cellulite. Again, this doesn't happen over night - regular massage is required. As muscle tone can also be improved by stimulating inherent reflexes within muscle fibres, this also has a positive effect on how you look. 

4. Boosts Immune Function & Circulation
Ok let me explain. Massage helps move Lymph (waste) from the tissues and back to the heart where it can be filtered. By doing this we are removing toxins and increasing the bodys ability to fight infection. It can alleviate sinus congestion, water retention and inflammation, as well as generally making us feel good and uplifted. The increased circulation and the lymphatic drainage together boosts the way that our body works - we are helping all of our organs work better (which is why you often need to pee after a massage!). If you're ever feeling tired, sluggish, or even jet-lagged, massage is a great way to get the body (and mind) working effectively.

5. Makes Us Feel Good
Massage is not just about the body, but also the mind and our consciousness. During a massage the mind quietens and we're aware of what's happen in the now - this mindfulness causes us to be less reactive and remain engaged in the current experience. 
A therapists touch alone can cause an immediate reaction in the brain that decreases adrenaline and increases feel good hormones. 


This is why I'm passionate about massage and why I love performing massage, and having one myself! www.thebeautyroomplumley.co.uk 

Saturday 2 May 2015

Best Liquid Liner EVEEEEEER!

This is an update on a review I did of the Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner back in December.
You can read the original post here: Stila Stay All Day Liner Review. 


Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner Review

I had wrote about how great it was after using the eyeliner for a few weeks, but I received a comment on my Instagram from a lady saying how it dries out and doesn't last long. I was really disappointed and was worried that I'd given my opinion a little prematurely as I hadn't had it long. 

Thursday 16 April 2015

Beauty Products I Regret Buying 2015



Beauty and Makeup Regrets 2015


Thankfully I don't come across too many beauty & makeup products that I don't like. But there are a few items that I either hate (harsh I know!) or they've been knocking around for a while now and I've given up. So here we go...

Thursday 9 April 2015

Bronzed Beach Babe Makeup

Sorry I haven't been blogging consistently recently, I'm currently job hunting which is beyond dull and time consuming! I actually wrote this post a couple of weeks ago but on reflection the look I created took me aaaages to achieve and that isn't what I wanted for a fresh and effortless beach look. 

So here is take two:
Effortless Beach Babe Makeup

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Review of NARS God Created the Woman kit


NARS and God Created the Woman review

There's a specific reason I'm doing this review today; I purchased this kit before Christmas and had no intention of writing about it on my blog (as it was advertised as special limited edition) but then low and behold, I see two well known UK bloggers (separately) discussing it on YouTube this week. Now, I know that many people listen to makeup and lifestyle gurus (as do I!) and will quickly want to get their hands on this palette, but the YouTubers didn't actually do a review... so heres where I step in....

Sunday 15 March 2015

Currently Loving - March


My Top Picks : MARCH 2015 |

 

FRINGED KIMONOS 

Kimono fringed new 2015

It's that time of year when all the shops are stocking pretty summer clothes. I've spotted loads of kimonos again this year but with the addition of tassels! I've seen some lovely and affordable knitted kimonos in New Look, and large print floral ones in River Island and Ted Baker.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Simply Stepping into Spring

Yesterday was the first day I actually felt like it was Spring; although it's still a bit chilly here in Cheshire, the sky was blue and the flowers in the garden have started to make an appearance. I definitely won't be getting my bikini out anytime too soon but it's nice to start wearing lighter shades and introducing pastel colours back in to my makeup routine.

Spring Makeup Look 2015

Friday 27 February 2015

Pop of Colour

For a colour-phobe like me, florescent eyeshadows and glitter eyeliners are not my cup of tea BUT I've recently been adding a touch a colour in to my daily makeup and I have to say, I'm really enjoying it!

Here's two of my looks from this week:



BLUE EYESHADOW with pink lips:


Yes it's true, I used a bright blue eyeshadow from the Seventeen Midnight Jewel Heist Palette. I simply followed the line of my black eyeliner and created a second flick, to add a comfortable pop of colour. 
I went all out and chose an electric pink lip, using the Rimmel Colour Rush Balm, in the shade I Want Candy. 


Wednesday 18 February 2015

February 2015 Mini Haul

I did 'dry January' this year, but replaced alcohol with cosmetics instead!
So as I'm now able to purchase things again hallelujah, I did a mini haul and this is what I bought...



Friday 13 February 2015

Big Lips NO Injections - FULLIPS REVIEW



If you haven't seen or heard about Kylie Jenners lips recently then where have you been???!

The trend for big lips has truly blown up over the past few years, not only with lip injections on the rise but there has also been a huge surge in lip-liner products being made and sold, and countless blogger tutorials on this subject.

I'm personally not overly-concerned about the size of my lips - they aren't extremely thin but they aren't big either. I do over-line them every so often to create a slightly fuller effect when I'm wearing lipstick but I try my best to make this look natural. Sometimes I find it tricky and time consuming, so I was searching Google for alternative lip enhancers, when I came across FULLIPS.

Fullips Review UK