Answer: Create synergy!
In this post I would like to share with you just a few of the therapeutic benefits of yoga and massage and how certain foods can increase your in take of certain foods to boost these benefits for an all round improvement in health and wellbeing.
I came to massage after discovering that similar benefits to those achieved through practicing yoga could be attained and shared on a more individualised healing level through body work therapy i.e. massage. And therefore I found a way to share these benefits more broadly with people who don’t have a practice but could benefit from the effects. I grew up on an island on the West coast of Ireland, experiencing organic home grown vegetables and fresh caught fish as the norm, I was raised with an appreciation for the amazing nutritional quality and exceptional flavours of natural unprocessed foods, which I now value more than ever. I also grew up seeing and helping my mum share her cooking skills and inventive healthy and wholesome meals with the customers in her restaurant on the island. It has always inspired me to create my own recipe’s and to want to share the gift of nutritious food with others as well.
Flexibility Massage and yoga both work in a way which encourages the steady development of flexibility in the body. Through yoga the muscles are encouraged to gently lengthen in each asana. And during a massage the therapist works the muscles warming and lengthening connective tissue to improve flexibility. Increased range of motion and greater flexibility in the joints and muscles helps to promote better posture and can help towards improving breathing. Sesame seeds are considered highly beneficial for muscle and bones they are naturally high in calcium and easily digestible.
* Foods which may decrease flexibility-alcohol, and food that is processed or refined.
Circulation A good massage and a good yoga practice can increase the movement of oxygen and nutrient rich blood through the systems. The increased free flowing movement of blood throughout the body has been shown to beneficially lower blood pressure which an overall positive effect. Some foods to consider if you are trying to improve circulation ; Ginger-this warming root is energy building it has a stimulating effect on the blood circulation and it has an added anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic effect. Oranges and other citrus fruits that contain high vitamin C are natural blood thinners and are said to strengthen capillary walls.
Stress less Too much stress has been proven to have a detrimental effect on all systems of the body. We can’t remove stress completely from our lives in fact some amount of stress is necessary however we do need to find ways to manage our stress levels and to turn stress responses off when we don’t need them, yoga and massage and a healthy diet can be key elements in contributing to stress regulation. A regular yoga practice and regular massage can have the kind of effects that help to improve sleep, increase your ability to relax quickly and efficiently and improve physical and mental performance therefore helping you to cope more easily with potentially stressful situations. A food which is highly regarded for it’s beneficial effects on improving
Depression has been linked to low levels of folic acid, vegetable that boost levels of this mood-enhancing nutrient include dark leafy green vegetable, Brussels sprouts asparagus, dried beans, peas and nuts. Like you need an excuse to include more avocado in your life-they contain B vitamins which are essential for healthy nerves and brain cells, they also reduce tiredness and fatigue due to their important role in cell metabolism. No wonder it makes me so happy to eat them!
I hope you have found this helpful.
Please feel free to send me any questions or comments!
Feel at ease
Ana Maria Conneely
@awaytolivewell
