We all feel better after a good night’s sleep, but it can be surprisingly difficult to achieve sometimes. Sleeping problems range from having the odd bad night to chronic insomnia. Difficulty sleeping often starts because you’re stressed and then becomes a source of stress in itself, leading to a downward spiral. Breaking a bad sleeping cycle isn’t easy, but it’s possible and massage can help. Please be aware however that in order to be helpful, massage for insomnia would need to be regular and fairly frequent (ideally at least every 2 weeks).
What is the best type of massage for insomnia?
If you’re suffering from insomnia, then the most helpful type of massage is going to be something that maximises this relaxation. You don’t want anything too stimulating, like vigorous deep tissue massage. Hot stones is very soothing and relaxing, especially combined with aromatherapy. Facial treatments are also highly relaxing, with clients often falling asleep during the treatment.
Hot stones massage
The feelings of comfort and warmth that the stones give can help to promote physical and mental relaxation. They enhance the calming effect massage has on the nervous system and the release of “feel good” hormones.
For an extra relaxing treatment, add aromatherapy to your hot stones treatment, or combine it with a facial.
Aromatherapy oils
Essential oils have different chemical properties with have various health benefits. Many of them have properties with a calming, soothing effect. For insomnia treatment, a relaxing blend is used for the massage oil and the blend will also be vaporised in the room. This enables the beneficial properties of the oils to be both absorbed through the skin and inhaled.
Facials
As well as being good for skincare, facials are a very relaxing treatment. Clients often fall asleep during the treatment itself, as well as feeling much more relaxed afterwards. These are some of the reasons facials help with relaxation and therefore improve sleep problems:
- Like body massage, facial treatments trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, taking the body into relaxation mode.
- The pleasant sensations of the treatment on the sensitive facial skin cause the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin to be released, which reduces stress and anxiety.
- The face massage part of the treatment releases tension in the face muscles, particularly the forehead and jaw.
- Tension is also released during the neck and shoulder massage that is included in the treatment
- Head massage releases tension in the muscles and fascia of the scalp, which is an often overlooked area of tension that can be a factor in headaches and neck tension.
Book a massage for insomnia
To book, fill out the booking enquiry form below. You can see my working hours and upcoming availability here. If you want to know availability further ahead than what is shown, let me know on the form when you would be interested in booking for and I’ll get back to you.
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