The Black Massage Therapist

Many of us spend more time sitting than any generation before us. Long hours at desks, working from home, commuting, and scrolling our phones can leave us with tight hips, shallow breathing, stiff backs and aching shoulders. In this episode of The Black Massage Therapist , I explore how modern life has changed the way we move compared with our ancestors 150 years ago, why our bodies often feel tir...

In this episode of The Black Complementary Therapist , massage therapist Pauline Blackwood explores the important things clients often forget — or avoid — telling their massage therapist, and why honest communication matters for safe, effective bodywork. From arriving with a common cold to not mentioning pregnancy, injuries, medications, stress, pain, or recent procedures, this episode gently expl...

How Stress Shows Up in the Body Stress doesn’t just sit in the mind — it lives in the body. In this episode, I explore how stress can show up physically as tight shoulders, shallow breathing, fatigue, and that familiar “wired but tired” feeling. We look at the idea of weathering — how ongoing life stress, especially in busy environments like London, can build up over time and begin to affect how w...

Why People Fall Asleep During Massage Have you ever drifted off during a massage and wondered why it happens? In this episode, Pauline from Pendulum Massage explores the science behind one of the most common experiences on the massage table — falling asleep. Massage therapy can encourage the body to shift from the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” stress response) into the parasymp...

In this episode of The Black Massage Therapist , Pauline Blackwood takes listeners inside the first ten minutes of a massage session — a part of the experience many people are curious about but rarely hear explained. From the moment a client arrives, Pauline describes how the space, the conversation, and the consultation help create a sense of safety and calm. These early moments are not rushed; t...

In this episode of The Black Massage Therapist , Pauline Blackwood invites listeners into the heart of her practice with a gentle tour of the treatment room where her restorative and therapeutic work takes place. Rather than focusing on techniques, this episode explores something just as important — the environment in which massage happens. From the way the table is prepared to the oils, lighting,...

Welcome to The Black Massage Therapist, a podcast exploring massage, recovery, rest, and real-life wellness through the lived experience of a working therapist. In this short opening episode, Pauline Blackwood introduces the heart behind the podcast — why it was created, who it is for, and what listeners can expect as the journey unfolds. With over seven years of professional practice, Pauline bri...

This show is dedicated to the people of Jamaica who have survived the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. If you feel called, I urge you to donate to the Jamaican Government fund for disaster recovery. https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you anti stretching? Have you wondered where you might start? The best way forwards is to start where you are at this very moment and the best time to start is now. This episode features a concise guide to stretching and some suggestions as to where you can find different types of stretching to suit your preference.   Pauline Blackwood is a seasoned complementary therapist with over seven year...

Today's episode is a shout out about how wonderful physical movement is for the mind the body and the spirit. Movement truly is medicine and Motion truly is lotion. Healing begins with a little sweat. For those who worry about pain, body image, fitness and joy, finding a way of moving can be a struggle, but with the greatest kindness, I urge you to do just that. From the artist that creates a soun...

Todays episode looks into practical tips that we can share on how to deal with stress in a general way. Great resources we can share include: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/ https://www.baatn.org.uk/   https://www.blackpsychotherapy.org https://www.mind.org.uk/search-results/?q=stress#stq=stress&stp=1   for resources on stress and mental...

Todays episode is all about optimising your clients experience through the art of suprise. If you like this premise, perhaps you will take some time to explore ways to boost your offering and delight your clients from one time clients to loyal returners who recommend you. See show notes for reading list and contact details. Pauline Blackwood is a seasoned complementary therapist with over seven ye...

How inflammation and Weathering affects our Health In this show we explore how inflammation affects our lives. We  look at different expressions of inflammation in folks. We join the dots between inflammation and the theory of Weathering. Join me as I try to make sense of how we can explore healthier ways of living. Links Book Weathering: The extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life on the Body in an...

In this episode I will outline the different settings for working in complementary therapies. If you are a prospective client who would like to find a complementary therapist, this show will help you understand the settings that they may serve within. For the fledgling complementary therapists out there, this show is a nice reminder of possible settings you might like to explore. Let's not get it...

This weeks episode presented by Pauline Blackwood of Pendulum Massage is rooted in representation, cultural competence, trauma informed practice and ancestrial wisdom. This show is a call to arms for black complementary therapists to investigate deeply how they can serve their community more deeply.  Instictively in most cases this is being done already. Now it may be time to refresh and deepen yo...

Starting afresh in self employment is always an interesting journey. It's no suprise to me that my journey as a perimenopausal black women resonates with others. So many women change consider changing the way they live just like me. This episode looks at my first 2-3 years as a new complementary therapist. Have a listen let me know your thoughts. How would you change your life for the better if yo...

Small acorns and all that.  I'm putting my stall out for The Black Complementary Therapist. For the next 9 episodes I look forward to chatting with you. Lets see where the conversation takes us. Shownotes and info for your delight and delectation. My massage website You can always see what I do and how I do it here.   Black Complementary Therapist Facebook Group A community page of big, bold, tale...