Essential oils people often choose

These are some of the oils people traditionally use for a tummy massage, mostly because of their warm or fresh scents:

1. Peppermint: fresh and cooling. Use in small amounts, and not for young children.
2. Fennel: sweet and slightly aniseed. A traditional choice for tummy massage blends.
3. Ginger: warm and spicy. Many people find the warmth comforting.
4. Lemon: bright and fresh.
5. Chamomile: soft and calming, and a popular choice for winding down.
6. Spearmint: a milder alternative to peppermint.
7. Rosemary: herbal and refreshing.

Sneak peek: Belly Butter

We are working on our own Belly Butter, a rich balm made with a blend of essential oils and nourishing base ingredients for gentle tummy massage. It will be available soon. Click here to register your interest.

DIY blend for a gentle tummy massage

Until the Belly Butter is ready, here is a simple blend you can make at home.

Ingredients:

• Carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut or calendula oil): 2 tablespoons
• Peppermint oil: 4 drops
• Fennel oil: 4 drops
• Ginger oil: 3 drops
• Lemon oil: 3 drops
• Chamomile oil: 2 drops

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the carrier oil with the essential oils.
2. Stir well so the essential oils are evenly mixed.
3. Pour the blend into a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

How to use it: warm a small amount between your hands and massage your tummy gently in slow, clockwise circles. Many people like to do this after a warm shower or as part of winding down in the evening.

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.

Final thoughts

A few minutes of gentle tummy massage can be a lovely, calming routine. If you have ongoing tummy problems, please speak to your GP, as massage and aromatherapy are no substitute for checking what is going on.

In this post, we share some favourite essential oils and a couple of easy blends to try.

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 a scent can bring back a memory, or change how we feel in a moment. Many people find certain scents help them feel calmer or brighter.

Oils people often choose

• Citrus oils: orange, lemon and grapefruit have bright, fresh scents that many people find uplifting.
• Ylang-ylang: sweet and floral, often used to help people relax.
• Frankincense: warm and woody, popular for quiet moments and meditation.
• Lavender: soft and calming, one of the most popular oils for winding down.
• Bergamot: fresh but gentle, and many people find it both uplifting and calming.

Two blends to try

Uplifting citrus blend

• 5 drops orange essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)

Combine the essential oils in a small glass bottle, add the carrier oil and shake well. Use in a diffuser, apply a little to your wrists, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Calming floral blend

• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Mix the essential oils in a glass bottle, add the carrier oil and shake to combine. Diffuse in your bedroom, apply a little to your wrists, or use during a quiet moment or meditation.

Ways to use aromatherapy

1. Diffuser: add your blend to a diffuser at home or at work.
2. On the skin: apply a little of your diluted blend to your wrists or behind your ears.
3. Bath: add a few drops of your blend to a warm bath to relax and unwind.
4. Inhaling: put a drop or two on a tissue and breathe in slowly.

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.

Final thoughts

Aromatherapy can be a simple, enjoyable way to relax and look after your wellbeing. Try different blends to find the scents you like best. If you are struggling with low mood or anxiety, please talk to your GP, as aromatherapy is not a substitute for support.

Essential oils and winding down

A good night’s sleep can feel hard to come by. Many people find that making aromatherapy part of their bedtime routine helps them relax and get ready for sleep. Our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain involved in emotion and memory, which is one reason a familiar, calming scent can help signal that it is time to wind down.

Calming oils people often choose

1. Lavender: one of the most popular oils for relaxing before bed.
2. Chamomile: soft and gentle, a traditional choice for winding down.
3. Bergamot: unlike most citrus oils, many people find it calming rather than energising.
4. Sandalwood: warm and woody, often used to help people feel settled.
5. Cedarwood: earthy and grounding, a nice addition to evening blends.

Sleep and neurological conditions

For many people living with neurological injuries and conditions, sleep can be particularly difficult. Common reasons include:

• Nerve pain: pain from nerve damage can make it hard to settle.
• Muscle spasms: involuntary movements can wake people during the night.
• Medication: some medicines can affect sleep.
• Worry and low mood: living with a long-term condition can take an emotional toll.

If sleep is a problem for you, talk to your GP or medical team, as there may be things they can help with.

Sleep hygiene basics

Sleep hygiene means the habits and surroundings that help you get the best sleep you can. Some simple places to start:

• A regular schedule: going to bed and getting up at similar times each day.
• A comfortable bedroom: dark, quiet and cool, with comfortable positioning and support.
• Fewer stimulants: less caffeine in the hours before bed.
• A calming routine: reading, a warm bath or gentle stretching before bed.

A simple bedtime blend

• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)

Combine the essential oils in a small glass bottle, add the carrier oil and shake well.

How to use it: add a few drops to a diffuser before bed, apply a little to your wrists or the back of your neck, or add a few drops to a warm bath in the evening.

Building it into your routine

• Use a diffuser in your bedroom for the half hour before bed.
• Make the blend part of a regular evening routine, such as reading or a bath.
• Pair it with some slow breathing to help you relax.

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.

Sleep Hygiene Consultations

If you would like more support with sleep, take a look at our Sleep Hygiene Consultations. They are for people living with neurological conditions, and for family members and carers who want to understand more about sleep and routines.

Final thoughts

Aromatherapy can be a calming part of your bedtime routine, alongside good sleep habits. If you are having ongoing trouble sleeping, please speak to your GP.

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.

Receiving this award is more than an accolade; it's a testament to the unwavering hard work, dedication, and passion that fuel our unique approach. Our approach, which looks after both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing, was recognised and celebrated at this event.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has supported and been part of our journey. This achievement isn't just ours; it belongs to every member of the Neuro Massage family. As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we renew our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, one person at a time. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey and for being a part of our continued success!'

Here's a glimpse of the memorable night.

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.

At My Companion, clients can expect a variety of services that cater to their specific needs. From daily walks to in-home visits and mealtime companionship, the company offers a range of activities designed to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The company also understands that sometimes individuals may not be able to leave their homes, which is why they offer in-home visits and even visits to care or nursing homes. My Companion's team of compassionate and trained individuals is dedicated to providing a warm and supportive environment for clients, no matter their situation.

My Companion is the perfect solution for anyone looking for companionship and support. With a commitment to delivering high-quality services, Vicky and her team are here to make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

To learn more click here.

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.

Use code NeuroMassage for 10% off

There are several breathing techniques, often grouped together as breathwork. Some of the best known are:

• Pranayama, or alternate-nostril breathing
• Kapalbhati, a practice of strong, rhythmic exhalation
• Equal breathing
• Lion’s breath
• The 4-7-8 method

Why breathing matters

We breathe all day without thinking about it, but taking a few minutes to breathe slowly and deliberately can change how you feel in the moment. Many people find breathwork helps them:

• Feel calmer and more settled
• Relieve everyday stress
• Wind down before bed
• Notice where they are holding tension in the body
• Take a pause during a busy or difficult day

Trying it for yourself

With alternate-nostril breathing, you breathe in through one nostril and out through the other, at a slow, steady pace. Kapalbhati is more energetic, with short, swift exhalations, so it is best learnt from a qualified teacher. If any technique makes you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop and breathe normally.

If you have a heart or lung condition or high blood pressure, or you are pregnant, check with your GP before trying the more intense techniques.

Final thoughts

Breathwork and neuro massage sit well together. An hour on the massage table is time set aside to relax, and a few slow breaths at the start of a session can help you settle in. Many clients also like to carry a simple breathing practice into the rest of their week.

For many people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), muscle tightness, spasms and discomfort are part of daily life. Medical care, rehabilitation and pain management come first, and many people also look for things that help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Massage can be one of those things, and many clients simply enjoy it.

What a neuro massage session can offer

Specialist neuro massage is adapted to your body and how you are on the day. Your therapist will usually use gentle stroking, kneading and holding techniques, and will agree pressure and positioning with you. People with SCI often tell us they value:

• Time to relax
• Relief from everyday stress
• Attention to areas that feel tight or tense
• Careful positioning around their chair, bed or equipment
• A calm, respectful experience of touch

Choose a qualified, experienced therapist

It is important to see a therapist with training and experience in spinal cord injury. Areas with reduced sensation need extra care, because you may not feel when pressure is too strong. A good therapist checks in regularly, avoids vulnerable areas and adjusts as they go.

Some people with SCI prefer firmer pressure and some prefer very light touch. What matters is that pressure is agreed with you, and that your therapist understands the extra care needed.

Talk to your medical team

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor or rehabilitation team before starting massage, especially if you have pressure sores, a history of blood clots, unstable blood pressure (including autonomic dysreflexia), or a recent injury or operation.

Before your first session, your therapist should take a full history and talk through your needs, so that the massage is safe, comfortable and suited to you.