Naturally Serene Massage Therapy

09/12/2025

Netflix + couch = happy mind, angry back!

Ever sat on the sofa, slowly melting into that one suspiciously saggy cushion, only to stand up later feeling like a 200-year-old crypt keeper?

Hmm, that’s your posture staging a quiet rebellion.

When you slouch, your spine, neck and shoulders team up to file complaints: stiffness, aches and that delightful “why do I move like a malfunctioning robot?” sensation.

Your muscles have to work overtime to hold you in that dramatic slump and over time they get tired, tight and very offended.

The fix?

Support your lower back, keep your chest open, shoulders down and back and maybe give yourself a nudge every so often to un-pretzel your body.

Your spine (and your muscles!) will thank you!

Regular massage can help prevent more serious problems developing.

08/12/2025

06/12/2025

Your Back Pain Might Not Be About Your Back!

Many people assume back pain comes from a “bad back,” but often the real issue sits around the spine, not in it. Three common culprits:

1. Weak Core

Your core stabilises the spine. When it’s weak, your lower back takes on extra load, leading to strain and discomfort.

2. Tight Hip Flexors

Hours of sitting shorten the hip flexors. Tight hips pull the pelvis forward (anterior pelvic tilt), increasing pressure on the lower back.

3. Underactive or Tight Glutes

Your glutes support posture and movement. If they’re weak or tight, your back ends up compensating - often painfully!

⭐ Top Tip Stretch: Hip Flexor Kneeling Stretch
1. Kneel on one knee (like a lunge).
2. Tuck your pelvis under slightly.
3. Lean forward gently until you feel a stretch at the front of the hip.
4. Hold 20–30 seconds each side.

This simple stretch helps open tight hips, reduce pull on your lower back and improve posture.

Of course, regular massage is also a great way to prevent back pain!

05/12/2025

05/12/2025

Rescheduled appointment available-
12 noon on Tuesday 9 December.

This is the only appointment now have available until January.

Please book the appointment on the booking system - I’m happy for you to message me but I may not see it immediately as I’m working all day so safer to book on the system ☺️

This appointment is now taken

03/12/2025

Get the feel good feelings by making someone else smile!

02/12/2025

Does your job involve standing in your feet all day?

Or perhaps you’re constantly running around after everyone?

Why not take a well deserved break and give your legs and feet a little pampering?

My Thai Foot Massage is 90 minutes of pure pampering and relaxation.

02/12/2025

💆‍♀️ The Science Behind Massage & Lowering Cortisol

When we’re stressed, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that prepares us for “fight or flight.” While useful in short bursts, chronically high cortisol can disrupt sleep, weaken immunity and increase anxiety.

Massage therapy has been shown to naturally reduce cortisol levels - here’s how:

🧠 1. Massage Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Massage stimulates pressure receptors in the skin, which send signals to the brain to shift from sympathetic (stress mode) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest). This shift slows heart rate and breathing, telling the body it’s safe and prompting cortisol to drop.

👊🏻 2. Massage Reduces Muscle Tension

Tight muscles continuously send “stress signals” to the brain. When massage releases tension and improves circulation, the nervous system becomes calmer, which helps lower cortisol production.

🧬 3. Massage Boosts Serotonin & Dopamine

Studies show massage increases feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. As these rise, the brain naturally decreases cortisol output, creating a balanced hormonal state.

🩸 4. Massage Improves Blood Flow & Lymphatic Drainage

Enhanced circulation helps move stress by-products out of the body more efficiently, supporting a more relaxed physiological state.

✨ The Result:
Just one massage session can reduce cortisol by up to 30%, leaving you calmer, clearer, and more resilient to stress.

01/12/2025

Finding it difficult to get inspiration for a great gift?

Look no further!

I’ve got your back (and neck and shoulders!)

A gift voucher for a massage is the perfect gift. It never gets put in the back of a cupboard and forgotten about!

01/12/2025

Mental health needs to be nourished and cared for just like our physical health.

In addition to healthy choices in our diet and regular exercise, massage is a great way to support our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

Is it time you chose to look after yourself in the most relaxing way?

28/11/2025

Stress Affects Muscle Tension and Breathing

When the body comes under stress, it activates the “fight-or-flight” response.

This releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your muscles for action. As a result, muscles—especially in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and back—tighten automatically.

If stress becomes chronic, this tension can linger, contributing to stiffness, aches and even headaches.

Stress also disrupts normal breathing.

Instead of slow, diaphragmatic breaths, the body shifts into rapid, shallow chest breathing.

This reduces oxygen flow, increases heart rate and can create a cycle where tense muscles make breathing feel even more restricted.

Over time, these patterns reinforce each other, keeping the body in a state of alertness even when no real threat is present.

Regular massage and relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindful movement can help reverse these stress-driven patterns.