Nurting Self-Care and embracing the winter solstice
By Tara Rivero Zea
The festive season is upon us once again!
However this makes you feel, and however you choose to celebrate it, it’s worth remembering the origins of Xmas and its true meaning. Christmas was originally celebrated in these Ancient Isles as Yule, and linked to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of December. Here we celebrate the birth of the sun once more as the longest night has passed and we transition back into the light. In later years, this date was chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus, fitting nicely into the Pagan celebration and its traditions. This time of year is when we feel our energy returning to its source, to the deepest Yin or deepest Winter. It was a time for resting, and it was cold, with many long cold months ahead. Yule or Xmas provided a nice respite from the winter that stretched ahead, and as a time of food scarcity it was also a great time to come together and to share whatever resources we all had.
Today, we see these principles remain mainly the same. It is known as a time of feasting, coming together with family and friends, and sharing gifts. Yet, as we all know this can also be stressful for many people. As we head into the deepest Yin time on the wheel of the year, it is important to manage our energy levels and not to over do it. It is ok to set boundaries around activities. Yes, you may have to visit Grumpy Uncle Jack and Batty Aunt Nora but set a timeline around it: “we would love to see you, but we can only stay till 9pm” for example. Or “yes please come and visit on that Saturday, but we have family time from 6pm”.
As someone who works mainly with women in my clinic, time and time again I see them feeling a pressure and an expectation to make everything perfect, and this often comes at the expense of their own well-being. But perfection is often just a lot of imperfect people coming together and enjoying their time with one another.
Having always hosted a large family lunch on Xmas day, I used to try so hard to make it perfect, but I quickly realised it was more about just coming together. In fact, most of my relatives were just happy I was hosting, which in itself was enough, but they were also more than happy to help when I asked. If you have more stressful family dynamics at play, then please think about visiting for only part of the day, or just the morning for example.
With all this in mind, now is also the perfect time for us all to implement some strategies of self-care, like taking time out for a salt bath, coming for a massage here, or even just going out for a walk alone to get some head space.
However you are celebrating, we wish all of you a very merry and restful Xmas, with much love from Tara and the team ♡ And remember, if you are stuck for a gift, we do have a range of gift vouchers available to order at the bottom of ‘appointment types’on our booking page!!
Unlocking relaxation and jaw tension this winter
By Claire Sands
The festive season is officially here…
Famous for being a time of joy, Christmas can also be quite stressful particularly when it comes to social, family, or financial pressures and expectations. One of the biggest responses to stress is grinding teeth and clenching of the jaw - often we are not even aware we are doing it!
Bruxism is the term used for clenching and grinding, and over time it can damage teeth and lead to jaw problems. Tinnitus, headaches, neck stiffness and waking up with a sore and achy jaw are all signs that you may be clenching or grinding, particularly at night. There are over 50 muscles in the face and if they are not getting any downtime, they can become inflamed. Inflammation restricts circulation and leads to muscles shortening and tightening, causing implications for the TMJ.
TMJ stands for Temporal-Mandibular joint which connects the jaw to the skull. It is the most complex joint in the body and the surrounding muscles are kept busy through acts such as talking, eating, and yawning.
So how can we protect these muscles and ease clenching and grinding?
These often-unconscious habits are mostly caused by stress, worry and anxiety so my first recommendation is to gain awareness of situations which trigger them. Once you start becoming aware of when your jaw is clenched, try taking a few deep breaths at that moment and let it go. Learn where your tongue sits; it should rest lightly behind the front teeth at the roof of the mouth. The natural posture of the tongue will help maintain a relaxed jaw. Slowly roll those shoulders and stretch the neck – movement is key for healthy muscles as it boosts circulation and blood flow. Allow yourself to breathe.
Here are some tips I often recommend to clients:
Meditations and other mindful practices calm the nervous system which in time will lessen symptoms associated with stress.
Invest in a jaw specific massage ball to ease physical aches; or apply cold or warm compresses to the area.
Magnesium Glycinate is a natural muscle relaxant and promotes restful sleep so taking a supplement in the evening may help reduce night time clenching.
The jaw stores our supressed emotions so journalling before bed can really help empty the mind for a peaceful nights sleep.
Another way to relax and ease symptoms associated with clenching and grinding is through face massage. I provide bespoke treatments to help diminish TMJ and Facial Tension. Using a combination of Indian and Japanese massage techniques, acupressure, trigger point therapy and intra-oralmyofascial release I offer a nurturing approach to reduce stress and the emotions which arise from it.
For any advice on symptoms associated with jaw pain, or for more information on my treatments you can contact me!
t: 07535 505362 e:claire@massageonthemind.com