Surreal Holistic Therapy

13/08/2026

🧘 The ultimate restorative stretch

Picture a workout where the hardest part is lying down and resting your feet against a wall. This restorative practice, known in yoga as Viparita Karani, is getting a lot of attention lately for resetting the body in as little as five minutes. By reversing the pull of gravity on your legs, this passive inversion lets your circulatory system work without any effort on your part. It's a good counter to what modern life does to your body, whether you sit at a desk all day or stand on your feet for hours.

🦵 Revitalizing the circulatory system

The main payoff of elevating your legs is quick relief from fluid buildup and pressure in the lower body. When your feet sit above your heart, gravity helps move lymphatic fluid and deoxygenated blood back toward your core. This brings a few real physical benefits:
* Less swelling in the ankles and feet.
* Relief from the heavy, aching feeling legs get after a long day.
* Better lymphatic drainage, which helps the body clear waste.
* Quicker recovery for athletes, since it eases tension in the hamstrings and lower back.

🧠 Calming the nervous system

Past the physical relief, this pose works like a switch for your nervous system, pulling it out of high alert and into rest. Slowing your breath while inverted tells your brain it's safe to relax. That shift turns on the parasympathetic nervous system, which handles digestion and recovery. Many people notice their heart rate drop and their anxiety ease after just a few minutes in this position, which makes it a good habit before bed for better sleep.

🛌 Accessibility for everyone

You don't need equipment or flexibility to do this. Sit sideways as close to a wall as you can, then swing your legs up while lowering your back to the floor. Your body should form an L shape, hips against the wall or a bit away from it if your hamstrings are tight. A folded blanket or small pillow under your lower back adds support and comfort. You can do it in pajamas right before bed.

⚠️ Important safety considerations

The benefits are real, but some conditions call for caution or skipping the pose entirely. Inversions raise pressure in the head and upper body, so people with certain health issues should check with a doctor first.
* Glaucoma or other eye conditions where higher ocular pressure is risky.
* Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
* Serious neck or back injuries that the floor position could aggravate.
* Congestive heart failure or other serious heart conditions.💫🌈

10/08/2026

We really appreciate every single referral you send our way, so to say thank you, we’re giving you and your friend/ relative £10 off for every successful referral made.
To book contact Jenny on 07758754317

09/08/2026

How Masage Therapy can Help Stroke Survivors
A stroke can affect everyone differently. Some people experience muscle weakness, changesin sensation, or reduced mobility on one side of the body. Others may also live with fatigue, emotional shifts, or sensory overload. While massage doesn’t treat the underlying cause of stroke, it can be a gentle and supportive therapy during recovery or long-term care.

How Can Massage Help Stroke Patients?
Massage therapy may support stroke survivors by:Encouraging relaxation and reducing muscle tension.Supporting circulation in areas with reduced movement
Easing swelling and promoting lymph flow

Helping improve body awareness and calm the nervous system Providing a peaceful, consent-based experience of touch. We use a gentle approach that’s always adapted to your energy, comfort, and goals. For those who feel self-conscious or uncertain after a stroke, massage can also offer a safe way to reconnect with the body in a supportive space.

Getting Started
If someone is recovering from a recent stroke, we may begin with shorter sessions or focus on areas of swelling or stiffness. Over time, the sessions can evolve to support broader comfort and relaxation. All sessions include time to check in about physical and emotional needs, and to adapt techniques and positioning to what feels safe and accessible.

For Families and Carers
We understand that stroke recovery can affect the whole family. If you support someone who’s had a stroke, we’re happy to involve you in planning the session, and can work with wider support teams if helpful.

Medical Care
Massage is a complementary therapy, it does not replace medical treatment.We always encourage clients to speak with their General Practitioner(GP) , neurologist, or rehabilitation team if they are unsure whether massage is right for them. We’re happy to work in collaboration with your rehabilitation and medical support team!

Book a Visit
We offer home and hospital sessions depending on your location. If you would like to learn more or to book an appointment for a visit.
Contact Jenny @ surrealholistictherapy.com or call on 07758754317
References
For further information about stroke, visit the Stroke Association

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

The importance of stretching after a massage.
Stretching after a massage helps maintain muscle looseness, improve flexibility, enhance circulation, and prolong the benefits of the massage. For example,

Muscle Looseness and Flexibility
During a massage, muscles and connective tissues are manipulated, which increases blood flow, warms the tissues, and temporarily lengthens muscles and fascia, creating a “loose” feeling in the body itching afterward helps reinforce this looseness, maintain joint mobility, and gradually improve flexibility over time. Gentle stretches allow muscles to adapt to their newly lengthened state, making future movements easier and reducing stiffness

Circulation and Recovery
Massage stimulates blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells while helping flush out metabolic waste products like lactic acid. Stretching complements this process by enhancing circulation further, which can accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and support tissue repair .Light movement after a massage also helps prevent muscles from tightening up again immediately

Nervous System and Relaxation
Massage encourages the nervous system to enter a relaxed, parasympathetic state, reducing protective muscle tension. Stretching after a session helps integrate this relaxation, allowing the body to maintain a calm, balanced state while reinforcing the benefits of the massage It also provides an opportunity to tune into your body, breathe deeply, and enhance overall well-being

Safety and Technique
Post-massage stretches should be gentle and low-intensity, avoiding aggressive or extreme movements that could strain the temporarily vulnerable muscles. Simple stretches, such as spinal twists, hamstring stretches, or light assisted stretches, are effective for maintaining mobility without overloading the tissues. Waiting 30–60 minutes after a deep massage before performing more structured stretches can allow the body to integrate the work safely

Summary
In essence, stretches after a massage prolong the treatment’s effects, maintain flexibility, support circulation, and help muscles recover efficiently. They act as a bridge between the relaxed state achieved during the massage and the body’s return to normal activity, ensuring that the benefits last longer and contribute to overall physical well-being

After your massage session , I'll point you into the right direction of some local pilates and Yoga classes, to help you onto the road on the road of holistic well being!

08/08/2026

https://www.massagemag.com/15-exercises-to-try-now-for-mt-self-care-135111/

Yes I also do excercises for my health and wellbeing because I know as a Massage Therapist, it is very important for my flexibilty, muscles and core strength!

Massage therapists often suffer from chronic pain due to the repetitive motions and physical demands of their work. To prevent and manage this pain MTs should try out these 15 exercises.

06/08/2026

WHY STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

05/08/2026

Let's talk about menopause and a plant based diet is an autumnal workshop, because Autumn is the time for harvesting, preparing, and growing into a new beautiful you. At the workshop we will talk about plant based foods to reduce hot flashes, supporting heart health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and bone health, backed with scientific research . You will also be introduced to vegetables from other parts of the world and be taught how to make a plant based face cream.

All of the resources are provided for you to take away, at a cost of
£25 for the workshop. Sunday 20th September,11.30 am -1pm, at the Magnolia Therapy Centre, 354 , Mansfield Road, NG5 2EF

For further enquiries and to book a place, contact Jenny .com or phone 07758754317

02/08/2026

Discover holistic care for body, mind and spirit at Surreal Holistic Therapy. Our certified bodywork therapist offers tailored treatments to help reduce pain, relieve stress and restore balance. Book your session at the Magnolia Therapy Centre, Mapperley Park, or the Bay Therapy Centre, Lady Bay, Nottingham, for a gentle, professional and deeply restorative treatment.

31/07/2026

The Benefits of Postpartum Massage

Introduction
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Along with the joy and bonding, the postpartum period often comes with aches, fatigue, emotional changes, and the physical recovery of the birth. In this post we will explore the best timing for postpartum massage, common concerns and the research based on the benefits of massage.

Many new parents ask, “When can I start a Postpartum Massage after giving birth?”
The answer depends on how you delivered (vaginal or cesarean( C- section), how your recovery is progressing, and whether you have any health concerns.

Vaginal Delivery
For mothers who have had a vaginal delivery without complications, the general recommendation is to wait for at least a week before considering a massage. This waiting period allows the body some initial recovery time, reducing the risks of complications and ensuring that the massage experience is both safe and rejuvenating.
However, even after a week, it's essential to listen to your body. If you feel overly sore, fatigued, or believe you haven't healed sufficiently, it might be worth waiting a bit longer. Remember, the primary goal is relaxation and recuperation, so it's vital to ensure you are truly ready.

C-Section Delivery
For mothers who have undergone a C-section, the wait time is typically longer. As this involves a surgical procedure, the healing process takes much longer .
According to The Royal Berkshire( NHS)Trust(2024) You should wait at least 6 weeks after your C-section before performing any belly massage. This waiting period ensures that your incision is fully closed, with no signs of infection, oozing, or tenderness. It is essential to wait until your doctor gives you the go-ahead before getting a massage after a C-section .

Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider
Regardless of the type of delivery, the best approach is to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance tailored to your personal health and recovery, ensuring you're getting the massage at the optimal time. Some mothers might be given the go ahead sooner, while others might be advised to wait a little longer based on individual circumstances.

Massage can begin surprisingly early for many parents within the first six weeks and can provide powerful physical and emotional benefits when tailored to your stage of healing.

Why Consider Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is more than relaxation; it is a therapeutic and restorative practice designed to help new mothers recover both physically and emotionally after childbirth. While the postpartum period is often filled with joy, it also brings immense physical changes, hormonal shifts, and the challenges of caring for a newborn. Massage therapy can play a key role in easing this transition and supporting long-term recovery.Research shows that postpartum massage provides a range of benefits, including:

Reducing pain and muscle soreness
from childbirth and daily activities. Labor, delivery, and the new demands of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding often cause tension in the back, shoulders, hips, and wrists. Postpartum massage helps release tight muscles, alleviate aches, and restore comfort.
Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to decrease swelling (edema). Fluid retention is common after pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Massage helps stimulate circulation, support the lymphatic system, and reduce heaviness or puffiness. This makes movement easier and enhances overall well-being.

Supporting hormonal balance. Massage has been shown to lower stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This hormonal shift can promote relaxation, enhance mood, and help the body return to balance after birth.

Decreasing anxiety and symptoms of postpartum depression. Emotional health is just as important as physical healing during postpartum. Massage creates a nurturing, calming environment where mothers can unwind, feel supported, and reconnect with their bodies.Research has linked massage therapy to reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms, making it a valuable complementary approach to postpartum mental health care.

Encouraging better sleep. Many new parents struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, nighttime feedings, and difficulty relaxing. Postpartum massage promotes deep relaxation, helping the nervous system settle and improving the quality of rest, even if sleep time is limited, based on scientific research according to Yamasaki, A, et, al(2026)

Research has also shown that slow-stroking back massages given on the first postpartum day significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to mothers who did not receive a massage according to Beiranvand, et al.,( 2016). Field (2010) has also highlighted that massage therapy in the postpartum period not only improved mothers’ mood, it also lowered stress hormone
levels, demonstrating its value as both a physical and emotional recovery tool.

To book an appointment contact Jenny on 07758754317
Reference

The Effect of Slow-Stroke Back Massage on the Anxiety Levels of Iranian Women on the First Postpartum Day.Beiranvand, et al.,( 2016). Cited in
The Effect of Slow-Stroke Back Massage on the Anxiety Levels of Iranian Women on the First Postpartum Day - PubMed
Benefits of Postpartum Massage. Nivin T, MD ( 2025) cited in Benefits of Postpartum Massage: Health Benefits and Safety Considerations
Scar tissue mobilisation for perineal scars and Caesarean scars. Royal Berkshire NHS Trust(2024) cited in
Scar tissue mobilisation for perineal scars and Caesarean scars

Effects of early postpartum massage on physical discomfort, mood, and emotional well-being: A randomized controlled trial .European Journal of Midwifery.(2026) cited in Effects of early postpartum massage on physical discomfort, mood, and emotional well-being: A randomized controlled trial - PMC