Brain fog and feeling clear-headed

"Brain fog" isn’t a medical term, but many people use it to describe times when thinking feels slow or unclear. It is common with stress, poor sleep and many long-term conditions. If brain fog is new, getting worse or worrying you, speak to your GP.

Scent and how we feel

Our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain involved in emotion and memory. That is why scent can change how we feel in a moment, and why many people find a fresh or familiar scent helps them feel more awake or more settled.

Oils people often choose

1. Rosemary: fresh and herbal. Many people like it when studying or working.
2. Peppermint: cool and invigorating, a popular choice when you want to feel refreshed.
3. Lavender: calming and soft, good for winding down when stress is getting in the way.
4. Lemon: bright and uplifting.

A refreshing blend

• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)

1. In a small glass bottle, combine the essential oils.
2. Add the carrier oil, which dilutes the essential oils so they are suitable for your skin.
3. Close the bottle and shake well.

How to use it: add a few drops to a diffuser or a tissue and breathe in slowly, apply a little to your wrists or the back of your neck, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Using essential oils safely

• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before they touch your skin, and do a small patch test first.
• Citrus oils such as lemon, grapefruit and bergamot can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid using them on skin that will be in the sun.
• Check with your GP, midwife or pharmacist before using essential oils if you are pregnant, have a health condition such as epilepsy or asthma, or take medication.
• Use extra care with children, and keep oils out of their reach. Peppermint is not suitable for young children.
• Never swallow essential oils.

Our upcoming course

Our course, "Aromatherapy for Cognitive Vitality", is coming soon. It covers how to use essential oils safely in everyday life, including diffusers, personal inhalers and blends for the skin, and is designed for carers, professionals and anyone interested in aromatherapy.

Final thoughts

Aromatherapy can be a simple, enjoyable way to feel refreshed or to relax when stress is building. Experiment with the scents you like best, and use oils safely.

There are a few common myths about massage for people with neurological conditions. Here is our take on them.

Myth 1: Massage will make a neurological condition worse

Not necessarily. With a therapist trained in neurological conditions, massage can be adapted safely around your body and needs. It is all about tailoring the approach to the individual, and checking with your medical team where needed.

Myth 2: Massage is only for relaxation

Relaxation is a big part of it, and that matters. Sessions are also a chance for attention to areas that feel tight or tense, careful positioning, and time that is about you.

Myth 3: Therapeutic massage has to hurt

It doesn't. Our approach is gentle and tailored to each person. Pressure is agreed with you, and you can ask for it to change at any time.

Myth 4: You will feel the same after every session

Everyone is different. Some people feel relaxed straight away, others take a few sessions to get used to massage. How you feel can change from day to day too, so we check in each time.

Myth 5: Any massage therapist can work with neurological conditions

Not quite. Neurological conditions need a therapist with specialist training and experience. Our team is trained to work with these conditions.

Myth 6: Massage can replace medical treatment

It can't. Massage is a complementary therapy. It is important to continue your prescribed treatment and see massage as something that sits alongside it.

Final thoughts

Knowing what massage can and can't offer helps you make the right choice for you. At Neuro Massage, we are committed to informed, sensitive care for every client.

Massage guns use rapid pulses to work on the muscles. They have become popular because they are easy to use on yourself between sessions, and many people find them a quick way to ease everyday muscle tension and relax.

Our massage gun of choice is PulseRoll

PulseRoll uses vibration to massage the muscles, with different heads and speeds so you can choose what feels comfortable on different areas.

What people like about using a massage gun

• Easing everyday muscle tension: a few minutes on tight shoulders, calves or back can feel good at the end of the day.
• Control: you choose the speed, the pressure and where it goes, and you can stop at any time.
• Easy to use between sessions: it can be a simple part of your routine at home, or something a carer helps with.
• Relaxation: many people find it a calming way to unwind.

Using one safely

If you have reduced sensation, you may not feel when the pressure is too strong, so start on the lowest setting, keep it moving and check your skin afterwards. Avoid the front and sides of the neck, the spine, bony areas, broken or fragile skin, and anywhere that is swollen, bruised or recently operated on. If you have a blood clotting condition, take blood thinners, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using one.

Final thoughts

A massage gun can be a useful extra tool for comfort and relaxation between sessions. It doesn't replace hands-on massage or medical care, and it is always worth asking your doctor or therapist whether it is right for you.

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