A gastric band can be helpful in reducing the amount of food someone eats, thereby contributing significantly to weight loss. The procedure is normally carried out using keyhole surgery, with a band (or belt) being placed around the top portion of your stomach. This means you feel “full” after eating only a small portion of food.

There are three major advantages to using a gastric band:

• It’s adjustable – so you and your doctor can control your weight loss without unpleasant symptoms caused by too much restriction
• The key hole surgery means that you don’t need a long recovery period
• It’s reversible – although a gastric band is meant to be in place for life it can be removed if circumstances warrant it, with no permanent changes to your stomach

Gastric bands have now been used worldwide since the 1980s and by and large they work successfully – on average, people lose between 50% and 65% of their excess weight in the first two years after the band has been fitted.

While patients will start to feel the benefits long before the two year mark, it’s important to remember that a gastric band can only do so much – it’s vital to eat healthily and take plenty of exercise as well.

Like any form of surgery, having a gastric band fitted carries risks, and these are always higher if you are excessively overweight. Statistics suggest that 1 person in 10 with a gastric band needs further surgery at some stage in the future.

After the band has been fitted it will probably be adjusted two or three times in the early months to optimise the setting for your weight loss programme. Once that’s been done, the band is maintained at that level until you’ve achieved your weight loss target.

For more information please visit  http://www.thehospitalgroup.org/gastric-band.php

The No Hands Massage is so called because with this new technique, the hands play a far smaller part in the massage process. The therapist instead uses their forearms, the soft front part of which is said to give a deeper more relaxing massage.

It remains an extremely powerful massage but yet is very gentle on the patient and, importantly, far less strenuous on the therapist too. This technique will help to reduce the possibility of injury to the therapist as, perhaps ironically, many massage therapists suffer terribly from repetitive strain injury (RSI) to their hands and wrists.

This new method incorporates over 70 alternate movements for a number of other body surfaces but in particular the use of the forearms has made hand pressure redundant.

In answer to the question “does it work”, it all depends on what you are expecting to get from it. There are a number of benefits to receiving and also to giving a No Hands Massage. The recipient will experience a relaxing deep muscle massage without the soreness that may sometimes accompany a “normal” massage, improving health and creating a sense of wellbeing. The therapist, in turn, will have no pain or long term RSI issues.

The No Hands Massage is widely regarded as being just as effective as its more traditional counterparts.

Absolute Energy is a UK based company specialising in corporate massage, no hands workplace massage and holistic health days.

Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most researched complimentary therapies found anywhere in the world. It has been known to treat a host of ailments and underlying health problems since ancient times and continues to be explored and tested to this day as scientists and doctors strive to understand exactly how it works. The “no hands massage” is a relatively recent development of massage therapy, but has wasted no time in becoming one of the most popular approaches to this ancient therapy. Its reputation for providing a deeper and more relaxing experience is spreading across the globe.

A “no hands massage” is particularly effective for those suffering from stress as it provides the necessary reconnect between our bodies and our minds that is needed to combat it once and for all. For those looking to reap the benefits from “no hands massage therapy”, visit Absolute Energy to find out more.

The massage at work sessions have been tailored to give your employees the maximum benefit from the massage in the time allocated. The treatments are designed specifically for the workplace as there is no need to get undressed; the treatment is received through the clothing and there is no use of any oils or lotions meaning that the recipient can return straight to work after their session, feeling invigorated and rejuvenated.

There are numerous benefits to the business in providing chair massage at work, some of the main ones being:

•       Increased productivity
•       Decrease in the rate of staff turnover
•       Lower sickness rates
•       Reduced threat of repetitive strain injury (and associated workplace claims)
•       Lower stress levels
•       Generally happier and healthier work force
•       Demonstrates your dedication to maintaining good staff health and wellbeing
•       Helps to encourage a more relaxed working environment

The benefits in providing on-site massage facilities for your staff should be felt company wide. You will have a happier, less stressed work force, resulting in a nicer place to work. Staff will experience better physical and mental health which will save the company money in the long run by reducing the down time associated with illness and stress.

Its easy to see why so many companies are introducing this approach to help improve their overall performance.

Absolute Energy specialise in Corporate Massage and Massage at Work.

TLW Solicitors specialise in Work Compensation Claims.

When you have a happy work force they are willing to work that bit harder and to put in their best efforts. On-site massage is something that many more employers are now offering to their staff at their place of work.

Rather obviously, the main reason for the increased demand for on-site massage is the fact that employers know and understand that a happy and de-stressed work force will be more productive than an unhappy stressed one. Looking after their employees’ health and taking an interest in their well being by trying to ensure the alleviation of stress experienced in the working environment is to the direct benefit of all parties.

The benefits to the employer in offering their employees on site massage therefore include:

1.      Enhanced productivity
2.      Reduction in lower back pain, which can be a problem with office workers in particular
3.      Decline in stress related illnesses within the work place
4.      Better employee morale
5.      Improved employee health
6.      Reduction in staff turnover rate
7.      In general a happier and healthier work force

The numerous potential benefits to the company and its staff in the longer term should far outweigh the initial cost and time associated with providing the massage: these are minimal compared to the potential benefits and associated cost savings.

Many employers are now looking for ways in which to improve the morale of their staff and in turn increase the firm’s productivity. On-site massage may be just the thing that they are looking for!

Absoluteenergy.co.uk are a UK based company specialising in Corporate Massage, On-site Workplace Massage, Holistic Health Days and Employee wellbeing.

As levels of stress and other work related health problems such as repetitive strain injury are on the rise, companies have been seeking out ways to help combat the problem. A regular corporate massage is an excellent way of reducing stress and fatigue amongst office workers as well as preventing any muscular or skeletal problems arising from long periods at a desk. There are no oils involved (as in traditional massage therapy) and no clothing is removed.  A portable massage chair can be brought to the office and placed in the corner so there is very little disruption caused.

The benefits for the employee of just a five minute corporate massage during the work day are numerous. They include renewed energy, loss of fatigue, increased focus, more alertness, enhanced thinking and an overall feeling of happiness and well being. Invariably these positive feelings work together to create a calm and enjoyable work environment. Businesses benefit too by having an energised and motivated workforce where morale is high. Not only is productivity increased, but money is saved through less absenteeism and fewer medical bills accrued through work related illness. Companies who offer massage at work as an employee benefit often have a lower staff turnover rate than companies who don’t and are more likely to retain the very best talent and important workers.

Absolute Energy has been providing corporate massage for many years and cannot be beaten in terms of value for money or quality of service. Visit www.absoluteenergy.co.uk for more information about how corporate massage can help your business thrive.

This is a very deep and powerful form of massage but is still exceptionally gentle. It is being hailed as one of the most powerful new therapeutic Massage treatments available.

The No Hands Massage is in fact so-called because the hands now have a much reduced role to play. Instead of using their hands, the therapist will use the ’soft front’ – the flexor muscles of both forearms, this results in a deeper much more relaxing massage.

There are numerous benefits to having a No Hands Massage both for the therapist and also to the client. The therapist will have no pain in the joints of the hands, this will also help in reducing the possibility of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to the therapist in future years, with a shorter massage time per client.

The injury-less No-Hands Massage technique was specifically developed by Gerry Pyves to help prevent pain in the hands and wrists of the massage therapist. This hands free technique involves over 70 different movements that make hand pressure unnecessary. In its place the therapist thus uses numerous other body surfaces, particularly the forearms in providing the massage.

The benefits to the client are improved health, a relaxing deep muscle massage without the discomfort you would potentially experience with a “normal” massage, better health and general well-being.

Absolute Energy specialises in corporate massage at work which includes no hands massage.

Employers also have a legal obligation to look after the wellbeing of their staff. Workplace stress affects 1 in 5 workers and an estimated two million people suffer from ill health directly caused by work, lowering job satisfaction, productivity and even spilling over into their private family and social relationships.

Just some of the advantages of corporate massage for the employer are a boost in morale, reduced stress-related absence and lower recruitment costs due to improved staff retention.

Massage is thus a step in actively assisting with your employees’ workplace health and wellbeing. Employees will benefit both physically and psychologically; they will feel valued and consequently productivity and enthusiasm improves and businesses are in a better position to retain their key, talented staff, a definite advantage in today’s competitive corporate environment.

Physically, massage can improve concentration by easing fatigue and boosting energy, it relieves muscle aches and tension, improving the immune system and lowering blood pressure. It can reduce incidences of migraines and alleviate symptoms of RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If, as an employer you are trying to find ways in which to improve employee wellbeing, try corporate massage, you will be pleased with the results!

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Absolute Energy specialise in Corporate Massage and Massage at Work.

TLW Solicitors specialise in Work Related Compensation Claims.

Having spent the last three years delivering the Peer Massage in Schools Programme (MISP),  I have recently been introduced to and become a trainer for the new and dynamic Child2Child Peer Massage.

Child2Child Peer Massage has been developed by Jean Barlow, Teacher Consultant for Rochdale’s Behaviour Management and Development Team. She has developed a sustainable model of peer massage that fits with the school routines and transitions, and is embedded in the school ethos.

It is a very short and simple initiative that can be used by children in school, in clubs or at home to support their self management.

It is an easy combination of classic massage strokes that are put together to make a short routine, which if done daily, has many benefits, such as the capacity to reduce anxiety and stress. This daily practice builds up emotional awareness and social cohesion.

Children are asked to choose whether they wish to take part in the session on a daily basis and their choice is acknowledged and respected.

The peer massage is a process of teaching children those skills and competences needed in life.

Child2Child Peer Massage has been specially designed to bring nurturing touch and experiential learning into the classroom. It uses the body’s own resources to help to promote the improvements in concentration, attention and communication. It seeks to teach cognitively, self-respect and control. We know that touch is the first of the sense to develop in the womb and the last to leave us when we die.

This work is used with all children from the ages of 4-11years in the primary schools and 12-16years in the high schools. It is an inclusive programme.

It provides teachers with a tool to empower, inform and develop assertiveness in children. It introduces empowering assertive language. This enables children to practice asking for and giving permission to touch. Thus it explains the individual’s right to choose for him / her self.

It embraces the language of choice, self-knowledge and control.

The work allows the classroom to become a calm, safe, nurturing place. Children enter into a dialogue that is interactive, responsive and respectful. There are considered exchanges of information from peer giver to peer receiver. It is structured disciplined, short and practical. Children learn by being involved or watching their friend. The peer massage stimulates the imagination, concentration and tolerance levels as they become sensitive to one another. They learn by practice. They internalize the information because they use all their senses during the session.

The teacher is the practitioner who can work alongside the school Peer Massage Co-coordinator using the ‘Coaching’; model and having had one day’s training in the use of the strokes, work with the class to facilitate the work.

The Practitioner oversees the stroke review and encourages the children to follow the guidance of the partner.

No adult is involved in giving the massage except in cases where children have a statement for a Special Educational Need, who would be unable to access the programme without his / her support worker. Every child has the option to choose whether or not to take part in all or part of the session. Some children may wish to have certain strokes omitted. In such a case the giver would have still hands for the duration of that stroke.

Child2Child massage can be used as part of the PSHCE syllabus, SEALS work or Healthy Schools curriculum. It has a part to play in the development of an emotional literacy curriculum and gas potential to reduce stress, anxiety and mental health tendencies. It provides positive social acceptance and so reduce the potential for bullying.

The provision of a daily routine may encourage children to challenge aggressive attitudes and provide alternative strategies for enabling children to stop unwelcome touch
Practicing positive, respectful touch, where children seek and are given permission to touch, is the first step in teaching assertiveness around self-protection.

There are four new routines KS1& 2 Animal Hand and Back Routines and KS3&4 Solar System Hand and Back Routines.
We are holding our first Celebration Conference on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at 08.45am -12.00pm at the following address:

Buile Hill Park Hall
Eccles Old road
Salford
M6 8GL

Book online or RSVP email: hello@jeanbarlowtrainingsolutions.co.uk

Tel: 01204 300 516

For more information on training or the conference contact:

Lynn Munro
lynn@absoluteenergy.co.uk
Mob: 07801710963

When I first started doing my massage training, back in 1997 I was employed as a Senior District Nursing Sister on the ‘Evening Night Nursing Service’ in Northumberland. Most of the work we did was palliative care and I hoped to use the massage on the patients for symptom control however due to regulations in nursing this never happened and I left District Nursing in 2000 to develop my business – Absolute Energy – which promotes health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Over the years I have I trained in Body Massage, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Corporate Massage, On site Massage, Hot Stones, Ear Candling and more recently become an Advanced Practitioner from the ‘No Hands Massage Association’.

However the training that has made the biggest impact and most significant effect on me personally and on my business has been the Peer Massage in Schools Programme and more recently becoming a trainer for the Child2Child Peer Massage Programme.

Let me take you back to 2005…………. My business Absolute Energy has a team of practitioners who provide a number of specially adapted holistic treatments to suit the workplace, office or corporate event. We were working in a first school in Jarrow, where all the staff were having massage as a reward from the Head for an excellent ‘Off stead’ report.

We were working in the library and the pupils kept watching us, as they were moving around school. At lunchtime a number them came up to us in the dining room and asked if they could have a massage as well. At the end of the day the Head said, ”Well that’s the staff sorted out now how about the children”. I told him I had recently seen something on TV where the children were massaging each other so would find out more and get back in touch.

I trawled the Internet and eventually found the ‘Massage in Schools Association’; I phoned them straight away and chatted to Jean Barlow the Education Co-coordinator for about two hours. I immediately loved what I heard. The Programme was new, innovative and pioneering. I cancelled everything in my diary and Jean made an extra space on the course for me and three weeks later, there I was in Lancaster. New course, new vocabulary (education) new buzz words. Everyone else on the course were teachers or learning mentors and at first thought as a therapist how was I going to make this work.

The course was excellent and I couldn’t wait to get back and get started, I designed my information packs and started calling the local schools, and my feet haven’t touched the ground since. I have been into over 90 first, middle and high Schools in Northumberland, Newcastle and Gateshead. The results we have had have been even better than I expected.

The vision of the Massage in Schools Programme is that every child attending school experiences positive and nurturing touch every day… everywhere in the world. Designed for 4-12 year olds this is indeed a pioneering programme and the schools have found it a new, exciting and innovative addition to the curriculum. It is based around shared respect and helps build self-esteem, improve communication, reduce aggressive behavior and improves social cohesion. It empowers children to be able to rehearse positive language- the language of Choice and helps promote emotional resilience. It is given and received with the child’s permission on the back, head, arms and hands and takes about 7 minutes daily.
Massage is always fully clothed and restricted to arms, shoulders, upper back and neck. Teachers do not massage children, the massage sequences are made into games and stories e.g. drawing the weather map, making a party pizza or building a garden, on the back.

I offer a full and comprehensive programme and visit each class on several occasions. The Children learn the daily routine, weather massage and we do creative massage, where each class makes up their own special routines. We then invite families in for a Celebration Assembly-which is always a lovely moving experience.

I have also received funding through ‘Northumberland Family Learning’ and have worked with families across the region, so they are able to take the massage home and use it as a bedtime routine or merely as a way of bonding and spending quality time together.

Because you are working with children there is obviously a lot of red tape. You have to be CRB checked with each authority. You must get parental permission for each child. The schools do this for you and over the years I must admit there have been very few parents who have not allowed the children to take part. There has be risk assessments and health and safety checks- but the schools are so helpful and have everything in place for you going in.

The last four years have been hard work but so much fun, working with the peer Massage has introduced me to a whole new way of working- although I have taught adults and worked with young adults in the past I had never worked with children this age.

The work can be challenging but so rewarding when you see the results, to be told by a head in a tough school ‘thank you for changing their lives’, has a huge impact on your feelings and I have had more job satisfaction than in all the years I nursed.

If you want to do something different that will help our children become better adults then go become an instructor- I’ve recommended it to lots of other therapist who are now all working as successful  independent instructors and more importantly loving their work!

For more information on the programme and on Absolute Energy please visit:

www.absoluteenergy.co.uk
www.massageinschools.com
www.misa.org.uk