Christmas comes but once a year and for most of us it brings a heap of additional stress! We asked our Relaxing Massage therapist Vivianne Farci how she handles the stresses and strains of Christmas.

Vivianne Farci – Expert in Relaxing Massage Therapies

Vivianne was born in France but has lived in Leeds for the past 38 years with her partner and daughter. She has been working with massage clients for the last 10 years and has developed a real gift for making people relax.  I met up with Viv and asked a few questions about her calming techniques

Q: First of all Viv, you always seem calm but do you find Christmas stressful?

Vivianne: It is only as stressful as you allow it to be.  Yes, there are more jobs to do.  I have to buy some gifts and cook Christmas dinner but I really enjoy cooking and the dinner is usually OK.

Q:  A lot of our clients get really stressed at this time of year.  Do you have any advice for them?

Vivianne: It is really difficult because we are all different and all have different worries but I always advise clients to try to take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on the good things that have happened that day.  It might be a simple as seeing a lovely blue sky or maybe finishing writing Christmas cards – there is always something positive to focus on.

Q: Your clients say that your massages help them to relax and even get better quality sleep. How do you do this?

Vivianne: There are various techniques that I use during a relaxing massage treatment.  Mostly it is about the pressure used and the flow of the massage. The treatment rooms need to be nice and warm and quiet too so that the person can relax. It is also important that I am calm and relaxed.  I couldn’t help others to relax if I was stressed.

Q: So how do you stay calm?

Vivianne: I try to focus on the positives in life and I do take some time out of each day to sit quietly and clear my mind.  I also have a massage regularly myself.  I need to look after myself so that I’m in the right place to help others.

Some facts about how relaxing massage can help reduce stress

It is well known that massage results in physiological changes in the body. The techniques used cause a reduction in the production of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in the product of serotonin and positive endorphins produced in the brain.

A relaxing massage will also lower blood pressure and slow the rate of breathing which calms the mind and helps the brain to move in to restorative alpha brain waves from the busy beta waves that we usually operate at when occupied with tasks.

As well as these changes a relaxing massage will warm the muscles, boost the circulation and help to drain lymphatic fluid – an important part of the immune system.

A regular massage can keep stress at bay – so what are you waiting for?

Benefits of Our Relaxing Massage Treatments

• Reduces the production of stress hormones
• Increases the production of feel good hormones and endorphins
• Lowers blood pressure
• Slows the rate of breathing encouraging the brain to move to restorative alpha waves
• Creates a feeling of calm and peace
• Promotes a better quality of sleep.
• Improves blood circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid
• Relieves stress and stress-related conditions.
• Improves flexibility and increases range of movement

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing (Leeds) Relaxing Massage

We offer wonderful Relaxing Massage treatments in a professional atmosphere in Leeds City Centre.

In addition, we offer Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and much more!

Relaxing massage in Leeds

Treatment Time and Cost

50 minutes

Cost:   £38

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.

Book your Relaxing Massage at our professional Leeds City massage therapy rooms via our Online Reservations or click here to enquire via our Online form, or call us on 0113 234 0818.  You can pay through PayPal, by card in person or with cash.

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a Charity. We use the proceeds of your massage treatment to subsidise treatments for people who have chronic health issues and low incomes and would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £3 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.