Category: Facts & Advice

Find out if you have massage at work

 

Hey there! 

Have you ever or just today asked yourself the question: Do I have a massage at work? Then read on.

As Sweden's leading supplier of wellness massage, we at Uggla have a fine and close cooperation with many of Sweden's companies. We also work with the benefit portals Benify, Söderberg & Partners, Epassi, Wellnet and Edenred.

Are you in need of a massage and work in a company linked to one of these benefit portals or want to know if your employer offers corporate massage? Then this could be your lucky day!

Today is a big day for us as we go out and present Massagekollen.se

Here you can read more about the different types you might identify with in your work role, but most importantly, type in the company you work for in the search box and find out if you have massage at work!

Are you the service person, the robot, the rum sitter, the computer nerd, the weight lifter, the whore ball, the life guide or heading for the wall? Whoever you are and whatever you do, massage can improve your quality of life.

Try the massage check and who knows, it might be your lucky day!

To massagekollen.se

If you're unlucky and it turns out not to be your lucky day...?

...tip the boss by sending this page, and maybe I'll see you at a massage table in the future!

Psst! In addition to massage, we offer services. lectures, workshops & health/topic days in ergonomics, office yoga, exercise, mindfullness & meditation. Find out more here

Exercise for the lower back

Low back pain from sitting too much? You can have pain in your lower back and groin area for a variety of reasons - whatever the reason, here's a helpful exercise!

The "Lying Foot Circles" exercise focuses on strengthening the hip flexor (the muscle that runs from the lumbar spine to the inside of the thigh bone) as well as the muscles of the calves and feet. This will reduce lower back problems and groin pain while creating stability in the trunk.

Watch the film where our star Mats, who is at the clinic in Södermalm, shows how it works!?

Extend the wellness allowance

2022 is coming to an end. Do you still have a wellness allowance you want to use? No problem! It's great that you want to take care of your health and make sure this money doesn't burn up inside.

Cash in your balance and use it for a much-needed massage treatment whenever you want for a whole year to come. There are some smart ways to use your wellness allowance with us:

  1. Download Uggla's app and buy a card that can be used anywhere in Sweden. Read more here
  2. Visit our online shop and choose a gift voucher for a massage.
  3. If you are a previous customer, you can buy your clips directly in our booking system.

Warm greetings from the friends at Uggla!

 

 

Mind full or mindful? An exercise in presence

Mind full or mindful

When someone mentions meditation or mindfulness, many people's first associations are drawn to an image of someone sitting with their legs crossed, perhaps on a wooden deck somewhere in Bali, trying to find themselves... Do you recognise yourself in this, in our opinion, fairly common misconception? 

Many of us are mind-full every day. The English translation could be mind-split. Do you know what it's like to be consumed by thoughts? Maybe you're reading this - while you're caught up in what was said in the morning meeting, planning what to make for dinner, or thinking about when it was that your daughter was going to be driven to soccer practice?

Whether they are thoughts or feelings, they have the ability to take our focus away from the moment or the task we are in right now. This can manifest itself in a stress response or fatigue. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Mindfulness to control your focus

In fact, you can learn to control your focus instead of letting your thoughts control you.

The exercise below takes just a few minutes and is the perfect break for those who are stressed or need to slow down and control their thoughts - a presence and focus exercise with a relaxing effect. We call it mindfulness - but you can call it whatever you like!

Start by going to a place where you can be by yourself for a little while, maybe in a meeting room at work between important tasks - or in your favourite armchair in the living room next to the table with your favourite magazines and that knitting you like to sit with but can't find the focus to finish? Then follow the steps below:

3 senses - A short exercise

  • Think about what thoughts and musts are taking up your focus and buzzing in your head right now. Write them down and put them aside.
  • Take three deep breaths - Try to focus only on how you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
  • Now notice three things in your field of vision. What is their colour, shape, size and texture? Describe them to yourself, one at a time. Try not to judge.
  • Close your eyes and listen for 3 sounds. Can you find louder or quieter sounds? Further away or closer? What do you hear?
  • Note three things that you feel. Are you cold or hot in a certain part of your body? Do you feel pressure or tension somewhere? How do your shoulders feel against the backrest? Notice the feeling without judging it.
  • Finally, think and decide what to do right now. Try not to be ruled by stress or thoughts. What are you going to do right now? Do it.

Good luck! And remember, it gets easier every time you practice.

What is Thai massage?

Thai massage, Thai massage is a traditional form of treatment.

"Nuat phaen boran", Thai traditional massage, or Thai massage, is a treatment technique that dissolves blockages and tensions. The masseur works with the forearms, elbows, hands and thumbs to treat pressure points and stretch different parts of the body.

The benefits of Thai massage:

  • Balances the body's energy system
  • Improves circulation
  • Relieves pain
  • Increases mobility

New in Uggla's offer - Thai massage at Södermalmspraktiken!

On the 5th of October we have the great honour to welcome our new masseur Wilaiporn to our practice in Södermalm!

"I have been working in Thailand in Thai spas for over ten years in Thai, oil and facial massage. It gives me great pleasure when I can help my clients to lead a more relaxed and pain-free life." - Wilaiporn Namma

To see what times are available in Wilaiporn's schedule and book a Thai massage, classic massage or facial massage now - click here

Historical background to Thai massage

Thai massage is a unique form of body therapy that combines deep massage with stretching. In Thailand, this technique is called 'nuat phaen boran', which can be translated as 'traditional massage style'. The origin of this form of massage can be traced back to India, where it was influenced by Ayurveda and Yoga. Legend has it that Shivago Komarpaj introduced this style of massage to Thailand over 2500 years ago.

Thai terms and their meaning

"Nuat phaen boran" is a term often used to describe this type of massage in Thailand. There are several names that describe this art, including 'thai yoga massage', 'thai bodywork' and 'passive yoga'. These terms reflect the different techniques and influences used in Thai massage.

Education and traditions in Chiangmai

Chiangmai in northern Thailand is known as the heart of Thai massage. It is here that the oldest school of Nuat Boran, "The Old Medicine School", is located. This school became popular with tourists in the 80s and 90s, especially for its ten-day "Nuad Boran" program. Aachan Sintorn Chaichgun, a prominent master of Traditional Thai Ayurvedic Medicine, led the school for over 30 years.

Misinterpretations and depth of education

Many people mistakenly believe that the short ten-day course represents the entire Thai medical tradition. In reality, a full education in this field takes about two years. The short course is only an introduction to this healing art.

Regional variations of Thai massage

There are several regional variations of Thai massage in Thailand. Despite the competition between these schools, the Thai government is trying to create a standardized training. Different styles focus on different techniques, such as stretching or acupressure.

Northern Style - Lanna Thai Massage

The northern style, often known as 'Lanna' Thai massage, originates from the region around Chiang Mai. This style is known for its slow, meditative movements and deep stretching. Lanna massage focuses on releasing blockages along the body's energy lines and often includes the use of warm herbal compresses to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.

Southern Style - Bangkok Thai Massage

The southern style, sometimes referred to as 'Bangkok style', is more intense and focuses heavily on acupressure. It uses the thumb, palm and sometimes even the elbow to apply pressure along the body's energy lines. This technique aims to stimulate blood circulation and release blockages within the body's energy channels.

Östra Stilen - Isaan Thai massage

The Isaan region in eastern Thailand also has its own version of Thai massage. This style combines elements from both the Lanna and Bangkok styles but adds its own unique techniques, often influenced by Cambodian and Laotian massage.

Historical Competition

Historically, there has been a degree of rivalry between the different schools and regions when it comes to Thai massage. Each region has proudly claimed that their style is the most authentic and effective. However, this competition has also led to innovation, with each school constantly refining and developing their techniques to meet the changing needs of those they serve.

The role of government

To preserve the rich tradition of Thai massage and ensure a high standard of practice, the Thai government has taken the initiative to create a standardized training program for Thai massage. This initiative hopes to preserve the authenticity of Thai massage while ensuring that practitioners have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective treatments.

How to practice Thai massage

During a Thai massage session, the recipient wears loose clothing and lies on a mat. The therapist uses a combination of hands, arms, legs and feet to apply pressure and perform stretching along the body's energy lines. No oils are used, but sometimes a heat compress may be used.

Thai massage in Sweden

In Sweden, it is common for Thai massage sessions to last one hour, mainly due to the higher cost. But for those who want a longer experience, you can often book a two-hour session.

Do you need osteopathy?

Osteopathy

Have you heard of Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is considered the original of the modern forms of manual medicine (which includes chiropractic and naprapathy). Manual means that the hands are the therapist's tool for diagnosis and individualised treatment. As opposed to providing pain relief in a localized area, the Osteopath takes a holistic approach and helps your body return to its natural balance and ability to heal itself. The goal is to ensure that you don't have to go back multiple times with the same problem after the first treatment.

When should you see an osteopath?

Examples of treatable problems include: neck and back pain, skeletal muscle disorders, headaches, sciatica, migraines, dizziness, respiratory problems, circulatory problems, digestive problems, stress and premenstrual symptoms.

Osteopathy in Gothenburg and Stockholm!

For some time now we have been offering osteopathy as a form of treatment in Stockholm through our experienced employee Anna-Lena. Now we are especially happy to have welcomed our latest star, Andreas, to the practice in Gothenburg!