Mindful Massage

Mindful Massage Holistic Bodywork/Massage Therapist. Pregnancy massage. MTI level 4 Practitioner (Massage, Physiol I am also a qualified baby massage and yoga instructor.

I am a Childbirth Educator and Associate Midwifery Lecturer, and I have worked with student midwives and expectant parents for over 20 years. I have a B.Sc(Hons) degree in Healthcare, and a PGCE in Higher Education. I have always loved both giving and receiving massage, and it has certainly helped all my aches and pains for many years. It's also been useful to use when I have been with women in labour.I have now decided to specialise in relaxation and stress reducing massage for women, and pregnancy massage.

27/01/2026

Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Do This vs Not This — explained ✨

Pose 1: Safe & Supported Forward Fold (DO THIS)
Bend generously from the hips, not the waist. Keep the spine long and relaxed, neck released, and knees softly bent to support the hamstrings. Feet stay hip-width apart, allowing the body to fold with ease and control. This version protects the lower back and encourages healthy spinal lengthening.

Pose 2: Aligned Hip Hinge (BETTER OPTION)
Here the pelvis is free to tilt forward, shoulders and upper spine are relaxed, and there’s a micro-bend in the knees. The fold comes from the hip joints, not by forcing the spine. This creates space in the back body and distributes the stretch evenly.

Pose 3: Collapsed Forward Fold (NOT THIS)
Avoid bending from the waist/spine, locking the knees, or placing pressure on the neck. Feet too close together and forced straight legs overload the lower back and hamstrings, increasing injury risk.

✨ Key takeaway:
Fold from the hips, soften the knees, relax the neck — your forward fold should feel supported, spacious, and pain-free, not forced.

27/01/2026

Differences Between Gluteal Pain and Sciatic Pain

Sourav Yoga

Glute Pain or Sciatica? They're Not the Same - and Treating Them the Same Can Make Things Worse.

Pain in the hip or leg doesn't always mean "sciatica." Very often, it's referred pain from the glute muscles mimicking nerve symptoms.

Here's how to tell the difference

Gluteus Medius / Minimus pain

Localized hip or buttock pain

Can refer down the side of the thigh

Worse with standing, walking, or single-leg load

Piriformis syndrome

Deep buttock pain

Often aggravated by sitting

Can irritate the sciatic nerve without a disc issue

True sciatic nerve pain

Sharp, burning, or electric pain

Travels from the lower back → leg → foot

Often accompanied by numbness or tingling Why this matters:

If you stretch nerves when the problem is muscle, you can worsen symptoms.

If you only stretch muscles when the nerve is involved, relief stays temporary.

If you have sciatica then comment the word "sciatica" and I'll send you a message with how to actually fix your sciatica pain

27/01/2026

🌷Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)🌷

How to Do step by step:-
1. Lie on your back, bend knees, feet hip-width apart.
2. Keep feet close to hips, arms beside body, palms down.
3. Inhale, press feet and arms, lift hips upward.
4. Chest opens, chin slightly up (don’t turn head).
5. Hold 20–60 seconds, breathe normally.
6. Exhale and slowly lower hips down

25/01/2026

Are you struggling with where to go next with your health? Do you feel overwhelmed with conflicting advice on what is best? Are you wanting to take a preventative approach to your health and stay active and independent as you age? Are you looking for someone to see you as a whole and not as fragmented parts? This could be for you...

22/01/2026

Mudras are powerful hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to direct energy within the body. Apana Mudra is particularly beneficial for cleansing the body and mind. It helps to strengthen the stomach region, reduce bloating, and regulate digestive issues. By pressing the tips of your thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together, you can activate the energy of the body's elimination system.

Yoga This simple gesture can also help with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney stones. Practicing Apana Mudra daily can support the body's detoxification processes, aid in weight loss, and promote overall health. It's an easy yet effective way to support your wellness from the inside out.

To practice, simply sit in a comfortable position, focus on your breath, and gently hold this mudra for 15 minutes daily. As you practice, visualize the flow of energy in your body, cleansing and balancing each system. This small act can have a big impact on your physical and emotional well-being.

21/01/2026

A groundbreaking discovery in brain health has revealed that facial lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in draining toxins from the brain. When massaged, these vessels help clear out waste, which is vital for the prevention of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Scientists are excited about the possibility of using this technique as a non-invasive treatment for brain health.

By targeting these facial lymphatic pathways, researchers believe they could slow down the progression of diseases that impact memory and cognition. Early intervention with this method may provide an effective and natural way to protect against diseases that lead to dementia.

This discovery also emphasizes the importance of regular facial massages, not just for relaxation, but for overall brain wellness. It’s a promising avenue for future treatments and something that could change the way we approach neurodegenerative diseases. 💆‍♂️🧠

20/01/2026

Holding a targeted yoga pose for just 5 to 10 minutes can create immediate benefits for both body and mind. The stretch helps release tension in the back, loosens tight hips, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports relaxation and stress reduction. This quick practice can improve posture, ease muscle stiffness, and promote a sense of calm that carries through the day.

Scientists studying mind-body techniques explain that brief, focused stretching increases blood flow, reduces muscle contraction, and signals the brain to lower cortisol levels. Opening the hips in particular can relieve pressure on surrounding muscles and joints, while spinal extension or gentle twisting encourages spinal alignment and nerve mobility. These combined effects make short sessions surprisingly effective for improving both physical comfort and mental clarity.

Experts recommend performing the pose mindfully, focusing on breath and body awareness, rather than rushing through movements. Even a few minutes of consistent practice can enhance energy levels, reduce stress, and support overall wellbeing. Integrating short yoga sessions into daily routines offers an accessible way to maintain flexibility, ease tension, and restore balance for both body and mind.

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Worcester

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Monday 2:15pm - 5:15pm

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Finding calm in the chaos ...

I am a Childbirth Educator and Associate Midwifery Lecturer, and I have worked with student midwives and expectant parents for over 25 years. (See https://www.facebook.com/Stand-Deliver-Mindful-Childbirth-Parenting-Education-Anne-Bradshaw-200517970045244/?ref=settings. I have a B.Sc(First Class Hons) degree in Healthcare, and a PGCE in Higher Education. I have always loved both giving and receiving massage, and it has certainly helped all my aches and pains for many years. It's also been useful to use when I have been with women in labour.

I studied with the Bristol College of Massage & Bodywork, and have a Practitioner Diploma in Holistic Massage & Bodywork, Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Level 4. I am also a qualified Hands on Babies Baby Massage/Baby Yoga Instructor, and I specialise in Pregnancy Massage, and Relaxation Massage. Massage embraces all body systems, and varied massage techniques promote self healing, relaxation and stress reduction.

I work from the Fold Therapy Centre, at Bransford nr Worcester every other Monday, and some Saturdays by arrangement.

In partnership with Royal Porcelain Works in Worcester, I lead Baby Yoga and Baby Massage sessions in the lovely setting of Henry Sandon Hall, right next to the Nest Cafe & Deli in Severn Street. www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk/events/