Surreal Holistic Therapy

Discover holistic care for body, mind and spirit at Surreal Holistic Therapy. Our certified bodywork therapist offers tailored treatments to help reduce pain, relieve stress and restore balance. Book your session at the Magnolia Therapy Centre, Mapperley Park, or the Bay Therapy Centre, Lady Bay, Nottingham, for a gentle, professional and deeply restorative treatment.

The Benefits of Postpartum Massage

Introduction
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Along with the joy and bonding, the postpartum period often comes with aches, fatigue, emotional changes, and the physical recovery of the birth. In this post we will explore the best timing for postpartum massage, common concerns and the research based on the benefits of massage.

Many new parents ask, “When can I start a Postpartum Massage after giving birth?”
The answer depends on how you delivered (vaginal or cesarean( C- section), how your recovery is progressing, and whether you have any health concerns.

Vaginal Delivery
For mothers who have had a vaginal delivery without complications, the general recommendation is to wait for at least a week before considering a massage. This waiting period allows the body some initial recovery time, reducing the risks of complications and ensuring that the massage experience is both safe and rejuvenating.
However, even after a week, it's essential to listen to your body. If you feel overly sore, fatigued, or believe you haven't healed sufficiently, it might be worth waiting a bit longer. Remember, the primary goal is relaxation and recuperation, so it's vital to ensure you are truly ready.

C-Section Delivery
For mothers who have undergone a C-section, the wait time is typically longer. As this involves a surgical procedure, the healing process takes much longer .
According to The Royal Berkshire( NHS)Trust(2024) You should wait at least 6 weeks after your C-section before performing any belly massage. This waiting period ensures that your incision is fully closed, with no signs of infection, oozing, or tenderness. It is essential to wait until your doctor gives you the go-ahead before getting a massage after a C-section .

Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider
Regardless of the type of delivery, the best approach is to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance tailored to your personal health and recovery, ensuring you're getting the massage at the optimal time. Some mothers might be given the go ahead sooner, while others might be advised to wait a little longer based on individual circumstances.

Massage can begin surprisingly early for many parents within the first six weeks and can provide powerful physical and emotional benefits when tailored to your stage of healing.

Why Consider Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is more than relaxation; it is a therapeutic and restorative practice designed to help new mothers recover both physically and emotionally after childbirth. While the postpartum period is often filled with joy, it also brings immense physical changes, hormonal shifts, and the challenges of caring for a newborn. Massage therapy can play a key role in easing this transition and supporting long-term recovery.Research shows that postpartum massage provides a range of benefits, including:

Reducing pain and muscle soreness
from childbirth and daily activities. Labor, delivery, and the new demands of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding often cause tension in the back, shoulders, hips, and wrists. Postpartum massage helps release tight muscles, alleviate aches, and restore comfort.
Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to decrease swelling (edema). Fluid retention is common after pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Massage helps stimulate circulation, support the lymphatic system, and reduce heaviness or puffiness. This makes movement easier and enhances overall well-being.

Supporting hormonal balance. Massage has been shown to lower stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This hormonal shift can promote relaxation, enhance mood, and help the body return to balance after birth.

Decreasing anxiety and symptoms of postpartum depression. Emotional health is just as important as physical healing during postpartum. Massage creates a nurturing, calming environment where mothers can unwind, feel supported, and reconnect with their bodies.Research has linked massage therapy to reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms, making it a valuable complementary approach to postpartum mental health care.

Encouraging better sleep. Many new parents struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, nighttime feedings, and difficulty relaxing. Postpartum massage promotes deep relaxation, helping the nervous system settle and improving the quality of rest, even if sleep time is limited, based on scientific research according to Yamasaki, A, et, al(2026)

Research has also shown that slow-stroking back massages given on the first postpartum day significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to mothers who did not receive a massage according to Beiranvand, et al.,( 2016). Field (2010) has also highlighted that massage therapy in the postpartum period not only improved mothers’ mood, it also lowered stress hormone
levels, demonstrating its value as both a physical and emotional recovery tool.

To book an appointment contact Jenny on 07758754317
Reference

The Effect of Slow-Stroke Back Massage on the Anxiety Levels of Iranian Women on the First Postpartum Day.Beiranvand, et al.,( 2016). Cited in
The Effect of Slow-Stroke Back Massage on the Anxiety Levels of Iranian Women on the First Postpartum Day - PubMed
Benefits of Postpartum Massage. Nivin T, MD ( 2025) cited in Benefits of Postpartum Massage: Health Benefits and Safety Considerations
Scar tissue mobilisation for perineal scars and Caesarean scars. Royal Berkshire NHS Trust(2024) cited in
Scar tissue mobilisation for perineal scars and Caesarean scars

Effects of early postpartum massage on physical discomfort, mood, and emotional well-being: A randomized controlled trial .European Journal of Midwifery.(2026) cited in Effects of early postpartum massage on physical discomfort, mood, and emotional well-being: A randomized controlled trial - PMC

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Mapperly Park & Lady Bay
Gentle, rhythmic techniques designed to support lymph flow, ease puffiness, and promote full-body wellbeing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a clinically recognised massage therapy designed to relieve swelling, improve lymph flow, and support recovery after surgery or injury. Using precise, light, and repetitive movements, my aim is to help reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process, and ease conditions such as lymphedema or post-operative swelling.
If you’re looking for safe and effective lymphatic care, or MLD in Nottingham you’re in the right hands.
​"When I give a massage, my key aim is that my clients receive knowledge, understanding, healing and joy."
For further enquiries and to book an appointment
contact Jenny @ surrealholistictherapy.com
/ 07758754317

VTCT , CNHC, FHT, ITEC , MLD, Accreditations are approved by Health Shield Medical Insurance , therefore members can choose their practitioner. The practitioner’s qualifications, registration or membership must be approved to the treatment that they are providing. To book in for your next treatment contact Jenny .com / 07758 754317

Massage For Women
Massage for women offers targeted benefits such as reduced stress (up to 50%), improved circulation, pain relief, hormonal balance, and support during PMT( pre-menstrual tension) and menopause, with popular options including Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, and hot stone massage.
Key Benefits
Stress reduction & relaxation: Massage lowers cortisol and boosts serotonin/dopamine, improving mood and sleep.
Pain relief: Helps with chronic pain, muscle tension, fibromyalgia, and headaches.
Hormonal balance: Supports menstrual regularity, reduces PMS, and eases menopause symptoms.
Improved circulation & skin health: Enhances blood flow and promotes healthier skin
Immune support: Regular massage boosts lymphatic drainage and immune response.

For further enquiries and to book in for an appointment
contact [email protected] or phone 07758754317
£55-55 mins £10 off first treatment

6 Weeks Chakra Balancing & Well-being Journey
Your Six Week Chakra Balancing Wellbeing Journey explores one of the body’s seven main energy centres (chakras) each week. Every session includes relaxation, energy balancing techniques and an essential oil blend massage conducive to each chakra, helping to release energetic congestion, to energize and restore balance to the mind, body and soul
Whether you are,new to chakra healing or already experienced with energetic work or simply seeking a weekly existence of grounding and clarity…this 6-week journey offers a supportive, and guided entry into holistic wellbeing through limbic and touch sensory
A six week chakra balancing programme is more purposeful if each session builds on the previous one than treating every appointment as a stand alone. Areas included weekly are Week 1- Root Chakra ,Week 2 -Sacral Chakra, Week 3- Sola Plexus Chakra
Week 4- Heart Chakra , Week 5-Throat -Third Eye& Crown Chakras and Week 6 xFull Chakra integration
55mins x 6 = £270
Or depending on your personal journey you can choose one chakra area as a stand-alone treatment whether -Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat(third eye & crown)
£55-55 minutes

🌿 Legs Up the Wall: A Simple Pose with Powerful Benefits for Your Lymphatic System

When it comes to supporting lymphatic health, sometimes the most effective tools are also the simplest. One of these is the restorative yoga posture known as Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani). This gentle inversion is accessible to most people and offers profound benefits for both circulation and relaxation.

💧 How It Helps the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system relies on muscle movement, breath, and gravity to keep fluids circulating. When you elevate your legs, gravity naturally assists in:
• Reducing fluid build-up in the lower limbs (helpful for swollen ankles, heavy legs, or long hours of standing).
• Encouraging lymph and venous return toward the heart.
• Relieving pressure from overworked lymph nodes in the groin and lower body.

This makes it an excellent self-care tool for those managing inflammation, lymphatic congestion, or simply seeking a way to “reset” the body.

🌀 Other Benefits of Legs Up the Wall Pose
• Boosts circulation: Enhances both blood and lymph flow.
• Supports digestion: Gentle abdominal decompression can aid gut motility.
• Slows heart rate: Helps balance the cardiovascular system.
• Calms the nervous system: Promotes parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activity.
• Relaxes the mind: A mindful pause that eases stress and tension.

🌸 How to Practice Safely
1. Sit sideways against a wall, then gently swing your legs up as you lie back.
2. Place a small cushion or folded blanket under your hips for comfort.
3. Extend arms out by your sides or overhead to open the chest.
4. Breathe deeply, letting your belly rise and fall.
5. Stay for 5–15 minutes or as long as feels comfortable.

👉 Avoid if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, acute eye conditions (like glaucoma), or recent leg injuries unless cleared by your healthcare provider.

✨ Final Thoughts

Simple yet powerful, Legs Up the Wall is more than just a stretch — it’s a therapeutic posture that assists lymph flow, calms the body, and restores balance. Adding this into your daily routine is an easy way to support both physical and emotional well-being.

Bianca Botha CLT, RLD, MLDT & CDS
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

How reflexology supports the nervous system
For further enquiries and to book an appointment contact Jenny @ Surrelholisticthetapy.com / 07758754317

We don't often think about our digestion until something feels "off". Bloating, sluggishness, discomfort, or that feeling that your stomach is just not quite cooperating can have a real impact on how you feel day to day.

One thing that's often overlooked is the connection between the gut and the nervous system.

When we're stressed, our body naturally prioritises survival over digestion. Blood flow is redirected, stress hormones increase, and processes like digestion can slow down or become less efficient. It's one of the reasons many people notice digestive symptoms become worse during busy or stressful periods.

This is where reflexology may help.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that encourages the body to move into a more relaxed, "rest and digest" state. By supporting nervous system regulation, reflexology may help create the conditions that allow the digestive system to function more effectively. Many people also find that regular sessions help them become more aware of the connection between stress, lifestyle, and their digestive health.

It's important to remember that reflexology isn't a treatment for digestive conditions, but it can be a valuable addition to a holistic approach to wellbeing alongside a balanced diet, regular movement, good hydration, quality sleep, and advice from your healthcare professional where needed.

Sometimes our gut isn't asking for another supplement or the latest wellness trend.

Sometimes it's asking us to slow down.

Have you ever noticed your digestion changes when life gets particularly stressful?

Your Feet Tell an Amazing Story
Did you know your feet contain thousands of nerve endings?
With reflexology, the feet reflect all organs and body systems. When gently working these reflexes, reflexologists do not simply treat the feet, we are supporting the whole person.
Many clients are surprised by how deeply relaxing a reflexology treatment feels.
Others notice improvements in sleep, energy, stress levels or simply feel lighter and more balanced.
Your feet carry you through life every day. It is worth receiving a treatment with a qualified reflexologist which is very different to a foot massage.
For information and further enquiries about reflexology see - ,Reflexology Research Project see - ,Reflexology Research Project (2023) https://reflexology-research.com/home/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTDdyFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3am5IQm5sZzBpZlpER0Vqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtLIlDWMyVLvy__p7TseV0py0-PFs1FdeEtckm1AJU8hvk-F2E7Fk-F0CA_X_aem_k-VVkJVG7u2uoeSta8C5gw and to book in for an appointment contact Jenny .com / 07758754317

Healthy Ageing Begins Any Time from Today

Healthy Ageing Begins Any Time from Today

Many people think ageing means expecting more aches, stiffness and less energy, Reflexology can make it different and improve wellbeing.

After 27 years as a qualified reflexologist, I have, and all qualified reflexologists would have seen clients in their 60s, 70s and 80s. They noticed an improvement in their life.

Supporting our health isn't about trying to stop ageing.

It's about helping our body function as well as it can for as long as possible.

Reflexology encourages the whole body and mind to function in an improved balanced way which includes relaxation, activated blood and lymph flow, also activated bowel movement and it helps many people feel calmer, sleep better and enjoy greater wellbeing.

Healthy ageing is not about adding years to life, it is about adding life to our years.