Your time off & time out

Finding a new therapy could be all it takes to get rid of those wellbeing niggles. We’ve discovered six of the soothing best

Our guide to this month’s entertainment

Bad backs, aching joints, anxious thoughts, hot flushes and fatigue can all drive you to distraction. As hands were the first healers, why not try a therapy to calm, revive and give your health a boost?

JOINTS ALL ACHEY? Make it myofascial release

Not heard of MFR? Few of us have, but devotees enthuse about its ability to relieve aches and pains. ‘It’s beneficial as it can help release the muscles, tendons, ligaments and inflammation that may be pulling on joints,’ says holistic therapist Lyn Breakwell.

WHY SO GOOD? Called the ‘missing link’ massage, it’s a hands-on therapy that aims to release restrictions in the fascia, a fine collagen and elastin web that runs over and supports every muscle, organ and bone in our body. ‘If it’s soft and pliable, things are fine. If it’s damaged, you get aches,’ says Lyn.

THE ROUTINE? A gentle therapy on bare skin with no oil. The moves are slow and light, with hands laid on the skin for a minute or so, then stretched to release the collagen fibres.

FEELS LIKE? ‘It shouldn’t cause discomfort,’ says Lyn. ‘But where the fascia is restricted, you may feel a slight burning sensation.’

FAST FIX? After one treatment, you’ll feel good, but you’ll benefit from regular sessions.

THE COST? A one-hour treatment with

Lyn in London costs £70-£85. Contact her at listeningtouch-bodywork.co.uk. For therapists nationwide, go to myofascialrelease.uk.