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    • Articles by Kate Codrington

    Kate Codrington

    Kate Codrington

    Kate is a menstrual and menopause mentor, retreat facilitator at Woman Kind and has been a therapist for more than a quarter of a century. She’s been featured in Time Out, The Evening Standard, the London Metro and writes on menopause and women’s health for well-known well-being publications and blogs. She’s in second spring, which means post-menopause, and has deep gratitude for the education that the menopause process has gifted her. Her mission is to change the way we regard menopause and show women how to relax into their own, inner authority through their cyclical nature and menopause process. www.katecodrington.co.uk

    Categories

    Thai Massage
    23Sep

    Thai Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    You will come across Thai Massage under a variety of different names -  Nuad Boran, Thai yoga massage, Thai bodywork, Thai massage and yoga therapy are all fairly interchangeable. What is Thai Massage good for? Thai massage is essentially like paying someone to do your yoga for you, its dynamic stretches and massage work your body in a steady, meditative pace. Not only is it great for maintaining general good health, it also helps with the following: Muscle or joint stiffness Headaches Back pain Digestion issues Painful menstruation Low...
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    Swedish Massage
    17Sep

    Swedish Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    As the backbone of classic western massage, Swedish Massage is an excellent place to start if you have never tried a massage before. What is Swedish Massage good for? The focus is on relaxing muscles and reducing stress. Controlled trials have shown the following benefits: Pain relief Better circulation and lymph flow Quicker recovery from injuries Reduced cortisol Lower blood pressure Reduced susceptibility to anxiety Reduced sub-clinical depression The activatation of the parasympathetic nervous system (the calming down...
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    Hot Stone Massage
    09Sep

    Hot Stone Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    As the evenings start to be chilly and the longing for warmth starts to call, a hot stone massage is just the thing. As the name suggests, it is simply massage with hot stones, but what does this now ubiquitous treatment do?  What is it good for? Reduced tension in muscles Reduced muscle pain Improved range of movement A more intense massage Better circulation Reduced stress and tension Relief from pain associated with fibromyalgia, period pains or carpal tunnel.  What happens in a session? Once you have gone through the usual...
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    Sports Massage
    02Sep

    Sports Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, exercise, massage
    Body
    Sports massage no longer resembles the post-match ‘rub-down’ that Bobby Moore was familiar with; these therapists are among the most highly trained in physiology with a wide range of approaches to help anyone from occasional gym members to professional athletes. In fact sports and remedial massage treats anything to do with soft tissue, i.e. your muscles, tendons, ligaments or connective tissue, so postural problems can also be treated as well. What is Sports Massage good for? Maintaining or increasing your range of motion and flexibility. Shortening the time...
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    Rebozo Massage
    26Aug

    Rebozo Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    The Rebozo is a cotton shawl traditionally used in Mexico, but since it’s crossed the Atlantic, it is the hot new thing in massage. Are you familiar with the sensation of rocking in a hammock? Rebozo creates the same dreamy, drifting feeling but it is focused on particular areas of your body. There are two ways your therapist can use it: To release tension from back, hips neck and shoulders To wrap and hold to create a cocooned holding. What does Rebozo massage treat? It is a great treatment for any situation where safety is...
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    Shiatsu Massage
    05Aug

    Shiatsu Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    Shiatsu is much more than just a massage. Tapping into centuries of Chinese medicine, this Japanese healing art treats everything from injuries to general symptoms of ill health. It is particularly good at treating stress related issues. What can Shiatsu Massage treat? Back and neck pain Whiplash Joint pain and stiffness Depression and low self-esteem Sports injuries Digestive problems Headaches Fatigue and burnout Menstrual problems Widely used in medical settings and charities, Shiatsu looks at all the layers of...
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    Pregnancy Massage
    29Jul

    Pregnancy Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage, pregnancy, women
    Body
    If there is ever a time you need a massage it's when you are pregnant. The average pregnancy weight gain is 12.5kg  and this can create all sorts of aches and pains that massage treats brilliantly, but here many other highly beneficial effects too.  What can pregnancy massage treat? Relieving lower back pain Giving you space to integrate the changes your body is going through Reducing anxiety Providing a neutral space to explore how you feel about your pregnancy Helping get better quality sleep Managing swollen feet and...
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    Myofascial Release Massage
    22Jul

    Myofascial Release Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    Even if you don’t recognize the name, you will probably have already experienced Myofascial Release; as well as being a stand-alone therapy, the techniques are widely used by massage therapists, osteopaths and physiotherapists to manage pain and improve posture. Also called MFR, it is suitable for all postural related problems and can be successful for: Joint pain Back pain After surgery IBS Problems with periods Pelvic pain and incontinence Knee...
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    Metamorphic Technique Massage
    15Jul

    Metamorphic Technique Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage, wellbeing
    Body
    With metamorphic technique we leave the earthy world of physiological based massage behind. No snippets of research about cortisol or reduced anxiety today; we’re not in Kansas anymore. Instead we enter the wonderful world of transformational healing. You might decide to book a metamorphic session if you wanted to: Change the patterns in your relationships Respond to stress differently Move on in your life Release old habits and beliefs about the world that no longer serve you Feel more...
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    Reflexology
    08Jul

    Reflexology
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    For most people there is one part of their body which, when it’s massaged, will send them off into a state of deep relaxation. For some it’s the head or hands but for many people it’s their feet that do the trick. Like many complementary therapies, reflexology succeeds where medical services cannot: Reducing pain – such as painful periods, lower back pain, kidney stones. Pregnancy and birth –many women use reflexology to manage pregnancy symptoms and for birth. Cancer – helping to improve the emotional and physical...
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    Holistic Massage
    01Jul

    Holistic Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    The term holistic has become so widely used, it means practically nothing these days. While it’s true that holistic is often shorthand for a bit of incense or whale music, a proper holistic massage can be an extraordinary treatment. Here’s why: A holistic therapist will have the sensitivity to meet your needs as a person, not just treat a problem S/he will have a wide range of massage skills Will listen without judgment Will be able to assess what kind of touch will suit you Explore the origins of stress related issues Will be...
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    Lymphatic Drainage Massage
    24Jun

    Lymphatic Drainage Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    What is it good for? This deceptively gentle treatment can have a powerful effect on any swelling or puffiness in the body. It is widely used for medical purposes and there is lots of research to back the beneficial effects of lymphatic drainage on recovery after surgery. It has also been found to be effective for: Helping bruising to heal more quickly Pain management Preventing infection Treating lymphedema caused by cancer treatment Promoting the healing of fractures and ligaments and reducing the associated pain Promoting the healing of...
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    Lomi-Lomi Massage
    17Jun

    Lomi-Lomi Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    What is it good for? Some people say Lomi-lomi is the best massage they’ve ever had. It will do all the things a regular massage will do, like: Reduce stress Improve circulation Relieve muscle tension Reduce pain Make you very relaxed And then take you to a totally different planet. It’s like Reiki healing combined with the best holistic massage. What happens in a treatment? Your therapist will find out about what issues you have and if any areas of your body will need specific attention. So far, so ordinary. Now this is where...
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    Indian Head Massage
    10Jun

    Indian Head Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    Head massage has been used for 1,000's of years in India for relaxation as well as playing a part in rituals and Ayurvedic healing. It makes a great treatment for anyone who spends their working life in front of a computer because it addresses the problems caused by our sedentary working habits. If you work at a desk you may be familiar with: Tension Headaches Sore shoulders Eye strain Lack of concentration Stress related overwhelm Muscle tension No wonder this flexible treatment has become ubiquitous. What happens in a...
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    Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Massage
    03Jun

    Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    If you suffer from muscle tension and pain, caused by posture, sports or injury, deep tissue and trigger point massage is the place to go. The massage is stronger than average and can help with: Chronic muscle tension Recovering from injury Carpal Tunnel Muscle spasm Chronic headaches Muscle strain Though used separately, the two complementary massage styles are often used together to get a deep release. What happens in a session? Your therapist asks you to fill in the usual client questionnaire, covering questions about the...
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    Bowen Technique
    27May

    Bowen Technique
    Kate Codrington
    massage
    Body
    Bowen is a unique treatment that treats all kinds of musculoskeletal issues, both acute and chronic for example injuries like: Whiplash Repetitive strain injury Frozen shoulder Less well known is that it is also effective for a wide range of conditions where stress is a factor: Depression Ulcerative colitis Eczema Psoriasis Improving the quality of life for those suffering terminal illness. Bowen is not really a massage treatment as such, but it is included here because it is a gentle and relaxing way of...
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    Biodynamic Massage
    20May

    Biodynamic Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    What is it for? Biodynamic massage is great for when your stress levels that have reached a point of chronic overload. The focus is on both energy and structure to help bring you back into balance, so your body can re-learn how to naturally regulate your own stress levels. It's great for: Anxiety Depression Overwhelm People who have experienced abuse issues Psychosomatic conditions caused by stress Personal growth In parallel with counselling or psychotherapy What happens in a...
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    Bamboo Massage
    13May

    Bamboo Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    What does it treat? Hot stone massage is now a staple treatment in spas; we love the penetrating warmth that eases out tension from our muscles. Bamboo massage follows the same principle; warmed bamboo sticks of various diameters are used to roll, knead and relax muscles. It is brilliant for: Muscle tension Circulation problems Deep relaxation What is a session like? The therapist will ask you questions about your health, life style and general wellbeing to make sure the treatment is safe and...
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    Aromatherapy Massage
    06May

    Aromatherapy Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    What does it treat? A standard treatment in most spas and complementary health centres, aromatherapy is often thought of as a gentle massage with a pleasant smell. In fact the precise choice of specific oils is more akin to herbalism and treats a surprising range of issues. For example, oils can be effective for treating: Arthritis IBS Hormonal conditions Cancer The immune system Emotional well-being Stress related conditions Skin conditions What is a session like? The...
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    Abdominal Massage
    29Apr

    Abdominal Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    Follow massage therapist Kate Codrington in Welldoing.org series, the A-Z of Massage, which explores how different types of massage can help treat a variety of symptoms. She kicks off her massage guide by looking at the value of abdominal massages... What does it treat? If you have any kind of hormonal or digestive condition, this is the massage for you. Practitioners report success with conditions like Period problems Fertility issues Menopausal...
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    Why We Love Massage
    19Mar

    Why We Love Massage
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage
    Body
    For as long as humans have walked on two legs we have consoled each other with our hands when injured or sad. The kindly touch from other humans soothes our tears and makes our pain more manageable. Massage therapy is the formalised method of a natural impulse but what a proliferation of styles and modalities there are!
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    Love Your Belly
    26Feb

    Love Your Belly
    Kate Codrington
    complementaryhealth, massage, stress
    Body
    Few of us feel love for our bellies. We squeeze them into Spanx pants or belt them up Clarkson-style; our bellies are viewed as wayward creatures that will embarrass us given half a chance. As Susie Orbach says in her book Bodies: “Bodies are becoming our personal mission to tame, extend and perfect.” The reality of our soft, fallible selves is regarded as out of control and unacceptable. However, tension in the belly is translated into tight tissues, which can inhibit the function of our digestion, our backs and our hormonal flow. Ninety percent of serotonin is...
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