In our latest article we’re delighted to welcome fitness expert, Jamie Lloyd, as our guest blogger.

Jamie is a well-known performance coach, British Kettlebell Champion and pain relief expert. He has a degree in Sports Studies and over 17 years of experience within the industry. He specialises in massage therapy, sports massage, dry needling, kinesiology taping, cupping therapy, ultrasound and electrotherapy, manual therapy and mobilisation. Using multiple techniques and tailoring his treatments to clients’ individual needs, Jamie has a talent for getting to the source of long-term pain, performance enhancement, trauma and the strengthening of spinal and structural issues to give fast and effective results.

With his vast experience and holistic approach, he has worked with everyone from supermodels, professional football players and GB age group triathletes through to office workers and hard-working stay at home mums. He currently works as a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist at Google. He has also worked at The London Marathon, The London Duathlon and UK Ironman.

In his exclusive article, Jamie discusses why massage is so beneficial for health and wellbeing and why he chooses to use Base Formula’s aromatherapy massage oils! Over to Jamie...

There are many ways to receive a massage these days and it doesn’t mean you have to head to a spa to get pampered. You can book a massage at home via an app, have a massage at work or go to a salon or clinic on your local high street. There are many different types of massage too, that can help with a variety of issues.

Massage can relieve all sorts of ailments – from physical pain, to stress and anxiety as well as helping you recover from sports, injuries or even surgery. People who choose to have an aromatherapy massage may see increased benefits, not only from the physical massage itself, but also from the therapeutic properties of the aromatherapy oils. 

I particularly like using Base Formula’s Muscles Massage Oil with clients suffering with chronic pain, and especially those with back, neck and shoulder problems. I also use the oil to help gym goers and athletes recover from intense exercise.

Why do I use this particular aromatherapy massage oil? Well, this oil has numerous benefits for soothing the muscles and joints. It’s blended with Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E and pure Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, French Lavender and Rosemary essential oils, giving it excellent anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic properties that can help ease aches and pains.  The essential oils are also good for nervous tension and stress-related disorders and the Almond oil and Vitamin E help to lubricate, soften and nourish the skin. I tend to see a lot of stressed out workers (both men and women) and they all love the calming, herbal aroma of this massage oil. Base Formula also use the same blend of oils in their Muscles Massage Wax. This formulation is semi-solid at room temperature, but melts to an oil on contact with the skin.

Both products go on particularly well when I do my Neck Fix, Ultimate Back MOT and Jamie's Ritual Massage treatments! These clients are typically in a lot of pain and I find they really benefit from the therapeutic properties of the aromatherapy massage oils.

Top 10 reasons for having a massage

Here are my top 10 reasons for having a massage:-

1. Reduce Stress & Anxiety: Massage is a great way to relax and unwind as it helps reduce the presence of stress hormones in the body, including cortisol and adrenaline. My clients have noticed that they feel more relaxed and at ease for days and even weeks after their appointments when I use the Muscles Massage Oil. Lavender oil is particularly well-known for aiding relaxation and it’s scientifically proven that the scent of Lavender helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, putting you in an instantly calm state.
2. Improve Circulation: Loosening muscles and tendons allows increased blood flow throughout the body. Improving your circulation can have a number of positive effects on your overall wellbeing, including less stress on your body and helping you feel more energised and younger as you will feel less achy and tired. The Rosemary in the oil is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help improve blood circulation and also boost the immune system.
3. Reduce Pain: Massage therapy is great for ironing out problem areas like lower back pain and chronic stiffness. I help a lot of people with pain relief and am able to target the source of pain and help achieve the perfect massage regimen in conjunction with Base Formula’s aromatherapy massage oil.
4. Eliminate Toxins: Stimulating the soft tissues of your body will help to release toxins through your blood and lymphatic systems. This has numerous benefits for health and wellbeing, including boosting energy levels, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, easing digestive problems and allergies and improving mood. If you’re looking for a good detox Base Formula also sell a Detox Massage Oil which is specifically targeted at supporting the body’s natural detox process.
5. Improve Flexibility: Massage therapy will loosen and relax your muscles, helping your body feel less stiff and creaky and more flexible and mobile.
6. Improve Sleep: A massage will encourage relaxation and boost your mood.  Going to bed with a relaxed mind and loosened muscles promotes more restful sleep, meaning you’ll feel less tired in the morning! If you’re looking to use a massage oil later at night as part of a relaxing bed-time routine, Base Formula particularly recommend their Relaxing Massage Oil with Sandalwood, Frankincense, French Lavender, Neroli, Petitgrain and Palmarosa. Massage this into your body after a bath or shower and let the oils do the work!
7. Enhance Immunity: Stimulation of the lymph nodes re-charges the body’s natural defence system- boosting your immune system and increasing your resistance to illness and disease.
8. Reduce Fatigue: Massage therapy is known to reduce stress, boost the mood and promote better quality sleep, thus making you feel more rested, mentally sharp, and less worn-out at the end of the day. By increasing blood flow, it also delivers increased oxygen to the body’s cells, which is needed for energy.
9. Boost The Mood: Massage therapy can help to release endorphins in your body, helping you to feel happier, energised and on top of the world! It is also thought that regular massage helps switch brain wave activity from the right side (responsible for negative emotions) to the left side (responsible for positive feelings).
10. Reduce post-surgery and post-injury swelling: A professional massage is a great way to safely deal with a sports injury or post-surgery rehabilitation. I treat a lot of injuries and clients love having a soothing massage with the Muscles Massage Oil, as it not only eases pain and boosts their mood but can also speed the healing process too.

As a busy sports coach and therapist, I like to be able to incorporate the use of aromatherapy oils into my fitness programmes and massage treatments, and can highly recommend Base Formula’s expertly-formulated massage oils and massage waxes to any therapist wishing to enhance their own treatments with pre-blended products!

Jamie Lloyd BSc NLSSM IICT

You can learn more about Jamie via jamielloyd.co.uk, Facebook and Instagram.

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