News

Pregnancy and early motherhood are times of immense change—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While these seasons are often filled with joy and anticipation, they can also bring discomfort, exhaustion, and the need for deep replenishment.

At Vital Balance, we specialise in supporting māmā through the transitions of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Through intentional, gentle bodywork, we create space for rest, relief, and reconnection.

Why Massage During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy massage is specifically designed to support the unique needs of a changing body. As baby grows, the body undergoes rapid structural and hormonal shifts. Massage can help to:

• Alleviate back, neck, and hip pain

• Reduce swelling in legs, feet, and hands

• Ease tension and promote better sleep

• Support circulation and lymphatic flow

• Regulate stress and soothe the nervous system

Beyond physical relief, pregnancy massage offers emotional support—a calm and grounding space to simply be.

The Importance of Postnatal Massage

Once pēpi arrives, the body continues its transformation. Feeding, holding, and caring for a newborn can lead to tension in the shoulders, wrists, and lower back. Hormonal changes and sleep disruption can also impact emotional wellbeing.

Postnatal massage offers māmā:

• Pain relief and muscle recovery

• Support for hormonal rebalancing

• A moment to rest and reconnect with herself

• Nervous system regulation and reduced anxiety

These sessions are more than massage—they are moments of sanctuary in an often overwhelming time.

Our Approach at Vital Balance

Both Nicole and Robyn are experienced in pregnancy and postnatal massage and bring a deeply respectful and intuitive approach to their sessions. Treatments are tailored to the stage and needs of each māmā, with options for side-lying positioning, pregnancy-safe balms, and calming techniques.

We believe in nurturing the whole person—not just easing discomfort but supporting emotional and energetic balance too.

Collaboration with Midwives, Doulas & Practitioners

We are proud to collaborate with local midwives, doulas, and women’s health practitioners to make these services more accessible. As part of this partnership, we offer:

10% off pregnancy and postnatal massage treatments for any clients referred by midwives, doulas, or relevant care providers.

If you're part of this circle of care, we’d love to hear from you.

A Final Word

Pregnancy and the postnatal journey deserve to be met with care, softness, and skilled support. Whether you’re growing life or learning how to navigate life with pēpi, we’re here to walk beside you with grounded, nourishing touch.

The Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy: More Than Just a Treat

When people think of massage, they often imagine a one-off indulgence—a birthday treat or a post-holiday wind-down. But at Vital Balance, we know that massage is so much more than that. It’s not just a luxury; it’s a powerful tool for health, wellbeing, and emotional balance.

Here’s why making massage therapy a regular part of your routine can be one of the best decisions you make for your body and mind.

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1. Stress Relief that Lasts

Massage isn’t just relaxing in the moment—it helps regulate your nervous system long after your session ends. Regular massage lowers cortisol (your stress hormone) and boosts serotonin and dopamine, helping you feel calmer and more emotionally resilient day to day.

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2. Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain

Whether you're desk-bound, on your feet all day, or training hard, your muscles build up tension. Regular massage helps release those tight spots before they become chronic pain. For those with injuries or persistent tension, it supports healing and increases range of motion.

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3. Improved Sleep Quality

Many of our clients report sleeping better after a massage—and research backs this up. Massage encourages deeper, more restful sleep by calming the nervous system and reducing pain that might otherwise keep you tossing and turning.

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4. Boosts Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage

Massage helps stimulate blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues and muscles. It also encourages lymphatic drainage, helping your body detoxify and reduce puffiness or fluid retention.

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5. Supports Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

We carry so much in our bodies—grief, anxiety, tension. Massage provides a safe space to release those stored emotions. Regular treatments create a sense of grounding, connection, and inner calm. It's an act of self-care that’s both physical and emotional.

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6. Prevents Injury and Speeds Recovery

For active clients, massage is a vital part of recovery and injury prevention. By keeping muscles healthy and flexible, massage reduces the risk of strains, tears, and overuse injuries. It also supports the body’s natural healing processes after exertion.

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7. Enhances Body Awareness

Massage helps you tune in to what your body is trying to tell you. You become more aware of where you’re holding tension, where your posture needs adjusting, or how your stress is physically showing up. This awareness can lead to healthier movement habits and better self-care choices.

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Make It a Habit, Not a Treat

Think of massage the way you would healthy food, movement, or quality sleep—something you do regularly to nourish yourself. Whether it's weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, building massage into your routine is a commitment to your long-term wellbeing.

At Vital Balance, our experienced team tailors every treatment to your needs—whether that’s deep tissue, relaxation, pregnancy massage, or recovery-focused work. Your body will thank you—not just now, but for years to come.

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Ready to feel the difference regular massage can make?
Let’s make space for your wellbeing. Book your next session at https://apps.kitomba.com/bookings/vitalbodychain or give us a call to find the perfect time and day for you!

Massage Therapy in Hamilton, NZ: Healing Stress and Burnout Through Holistic Bodywork

In a world that moves too fast and asks too much, many of us carry more than we were ever meant to. Stress, overwhelm, and burnout have become the norm — but your body remembers something softer.

That’s where I come in.

I'm Robyn Owen, a holistic massage therapist based in Hamilton, New Zealand. With over 20 years of experience, I help people come home to themselves through intuitive, body-led therapy designed to ease tension, regulate the nervous system, and support deep emotional release.

This is not your average massage. It’s a pause. A reset. A return to yourself.

My Approach: Body-Led, Intuitive, Nervous System-Aware

At Vital Balance, I offer therapeutic massage that goes beyond muscle relief. Every session is grounded in deep listening — to your words, your breath, and the wisdom of your body. I blend structural bodywork with somatic awareness and intuitive touch to support lasting calm, balance, and reconnection.

Clients often say, “I didn’t know how much I needed that.”

Because true healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, energetic, and cellular. Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, grief, trauma, or the simple exhaustion of carrying it all — your body holds the key to your healing.

Who I Work With

I work with people who are:

• Burnt out, anxious, or overwhelmed
• Living in high-stress roles or caregiving environments
• Navigating life transitions, grief, or emotional fatigue
• Longing to feel more grounded, calm, and whole

My clients come to me when they’re ready to feel again, rest deeply, and finally stop running.

Why It Works

My massage therapy is not just about fixing pain — it’s about reconnecting you with your own inner resources. I support your nervous system to shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair. Over time, this helps:

✅ Reduce chronic tension and stress

✅ Improve emotional resilience

✅ Support sleep, digestion, and hormonal balance

✅ Rebuild your relationship with your body

And maybe most importantly: it gives you permission to soften.

Ready to Come Home to Yourself?

If you're searching for massage therapy in Hamilton, or a holistic therapist who offers more than just a quick fix, I’d love to support your healing journey.

Book a session with me today — and begin your return to balance.

Your body is wise. Your nervous system wants to heal. Let’s begin.

📍 Vital Balance | Hamilton, NZ

Massage and Skincare: The Ultimate Self-Care Day

Looking to relax, recharge, and glow from the inside out? At Vital Balance Body and Beauty, we specialize in combining massage and skincare services for the ultimate self-care experience. If you're craving real rest and lasting results, a facial and massage combo could be exactly what your body and skin need.

Why Combine Massage and Skincare Services?

A professional massage therapy session helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation. When paired with a professional skincare treatment — such as a custom facial or exfoliation — the results are amplified. Your skin becomes more receptive to hydration and nutrients, and your body benefits from total relaxation.

The Benefits of a Facial and Massage Combo

When you receive both treatments in one visit, you’re giving your body a chance to truly reset. Here’s what our clients love most:

• Increased relaxation and reduced anxiety

• Improved skin tone and texture

• Enhanced lymphatic drainage and detoxification

• A deeper sense of calm and well-being

Massage boosts blood flow, which helps your skin absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively. And facials cleanse and nourish your skin, helping you leave feeling confident and refreshed.

Customized Self-Care Sessions

Whether you’re dealing with back pain, acne-prone skin, or just want a peaceful escape, our team will personalize your session. Choose from back-to-back appointments or book one of our massage and skincare packages designed to maximize your wellness in a single visit.

Book Your Self-Care Day Today

Don’t wait to feel your best. Treat yourself to a massage and facial combo at Vital Balance and experience what true self-care feels like. Your body — and your skin — will thank you.

We're Moving – To Serve You Even Better!

We’re excited to share some important news—Vital Balance is relocating to a new home!

Whilst we only moved nine months ago, ongoing challenges with our current premises have made it clear that a positive change is needed. The good news? We’ve found a fantastic new location that truly supports our vision of providing you with the calm, welcoming, and professional environment that you deserve.

Even better – our new space offers: ✔️ Excellent parking ✔️ A central, easy-to-access location ✔️ A peaceful setting perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation

As part of this transition, we’ve also taken the opportunity to refocus on what we do best for our clients.

Here at Vital Balance, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional massage and skin therapy, delivered by highly qualified, passionate professionals. Going forward, this will be our core focus.

We will no longer be offering some beauty treatments. However, if you have any questions about a specific service, please feel free to speak with your therapist—we’re happy to guide you.

New Address: 12/9 Lyndon Court

Opening Date at New Location: Monday 15th April 2025

We truly appreciate your ongoing support and trust. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space and continue providing the care and expertise you expect from us.

Ngā mihi,

 Robyn Owen Vital Balance 📞 0211 867 225 📧 robyn@vitalbalance.co.nz

Explore nature's answer to muscle pain.

Have you been looking for a muscle rub that not only works effectively but also embraces the purity of nature? Meet OmRub, your new go-to organic muscle rub that’s making waves for all the right reasons and is made right here in New Zealand.

Unlike conventional muscle rubs, OmRub targets muscle and joint pain, arthritic conditions, sprains, strains, and much more with a formula that’s as clean as it is powerful. This isn’t just another cream; it’s a gateway to enhanced well-being.

What sets OmRub apart? For starters, it’s a certified organic, professional strength product. You’re treating your body to the highest standard of care with every application.

Not only that, OmRub is crafted from 100% active ingredients. That’s right—no fillers, no water, just pure, potent elements that work tirelessly to soothe your aches. And notably, it’s free from methyl salicylate, a commonly used anti-inflammatory that can be harmful and put unnecessary load on your lymphatic system.  This also measn that you can use it as often as you want, which is often necessary when dealing with an injury or chronic condition.   

We use OmRub in the majority of our therapeutic massage treatments here at Vital Balance because we love how effective it is.   OmRub is available both instore and online.  Feel free to give us a call if you’d like to know how this can specifically help you.

Isn’t it time you gave your body the best? With OmRub, embrace a holistic approach to pain relief and feel the difference nature can make.

Qualified Massage Therapy vs unqualified? – What’s the difference?

Is there a difference in the quality of care you will receive from a qualified vs unqualified massage therapist?
In my humble opinion - yes!
A fully trained therapist approaches your session with a completely different outlook than an untrained therapist would.

A huge part of an experience with a qualified massage therapist is the emphasis placed on your comfort and safety. There are many reports of people who go to an unqualified therapist are injured. I hear stories all the time of injuries that have occurred right here in Hamilton as a result of going to get a massage from someone who wasn't professionally trained in Massage Therapy. These injuries come about because the therapist has a lack of knowledge regarding anatomy, and the best practice regarding pressure, placement, how to deal with existing injuries, etc.

Professionally trained massage therapists are able to avoid injuries by having a depth of knowledge regarding this and have plenty of experience on top of the knowledge.

As well as physical safeguarding, a qualified massage therapist is highly ethically trained and upholds strong professional standards.
Qualified massage therapists are part of a self-governing body, as there is no legal requirement in order to practice massage therapy. But by going to a qualified therapist, you can relax in the knowledge that they are true professionals who are able to give you the highest level of care.

Here at Vital Balance our highly trained therapists strive to give you the best experience possible, while keeping our prices affordable. We value the knowledge, experience and qualifications of our staff and do our very best to maintain the highest standards to ensure your safety, satisfaction and soothing relaxation. Feel free to jump online to our website to view our qualifications and specialities!

When it comes to radiant, healthy skin, the market is absolutely flooded with brands. All of them promising bigger and better things. It’s easy to get lost in all the noise. Circadia cuts through the noise with innovative, effective products. Circadia marries cutting edge science with holistic skincare principles. Founded by Dr. Peter Pugliese, a renowned dermatologist who was passionate about advancing the industry through the blend of science and nature. Circadia operates not just as a brand, but a team with a mission and a philosophy: to support the skin through its natural circadian rhythms.

The name Circadia is derived from the Latin ‘circa’ and ‘diem’ – meaning “around the day”. The circadian cycle is a 24-hour cycle and is what informs rhythmic changes to our physiology and our moods. The circadian rhythm effects our health, appearance, and wellbeing, so it only makes sense that the products you use should support those rhythms.

Circadia’s products mix organic and holistic ingredients with results driven scientific methods. There’s a few signature ingredients that we want to highlight here:

• Stem Cell Technology: Circadia have harnessed the regenerative power of plant stem cells with their apple, edelweiss, gardenia, grape & lilac extracts. These incredible extracts play a huge role in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, boosting skin firmness and hydration, and helping your skin repair itself.
• Second Generation Vitamins: Plants derived vitamins A, B, C & E improve your skin texture, without the irritation and redness that is associated with other vitamin A and retinoid products. The plant extracts are gentle on your skin but work incredibly well.
• Peptide Technology: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a crucial role in maintaining skin structure and function. Circadia incorporates advanced peptide technology to enhance skin repair, hydration, and anti-aging effects. Circadia’s incredible team have created a series of peptides original to Circadia.

There are so many more incredible ingredients in the range of Circadia products we now offer at Vital Balance. We’ve been searching for a long time for a brand to replace some of our smaller ones, and we finally found one that meets our standards in Circadia. Robyn and Amy have been using Circadia products for a while now, we really wanted to ensure that we were happy to offer them to you. They have noticed a reduction in sensitivity and redness, less blemishes, and a more even skin tone. We are so happy to be introducing Circadia to you, and we hope you will love it as much as we do.

In fact, we love it so much that we have introduced a new treatment using Circadia! The Bespoke Circadia Facial is now available to book! Our skilled skin therapists will have a consultation with you regarding your skin concerns, before choosing the best products for your skin from our incredible range. This amazing facial is available for only $130! Book now to take advantage of an amazing, results driven skincare range.

If you’re a Vital regular, then you know that we always have a pot of beautiful Bestow tea out in reception for you to help yourself to. We also provide it after a Massage or a Bliss Facial. We have either the warming hibiscus & cinnamon Eternitea, or the lemongrass peppermint & hibiscus Generositea. What you may not know, is what these teas actually mean to us.

Not only are the delicious, but 100% of the profits from the sale of Generositea go straight to the Cambodia Charitable Trust. The Cambodia Charitable Trust is an amazing organisation dedicated to providing free quality education for young Cambodian children – especially girls.

The Cambodian education system was systematically destroyed in the 70s during the Pol Pot regime, with most of the teachers being executed. When schooling resumed in the 80s, there was a severe deficit of quality teachers, and widespread poverty. Education is one of the strongest levers for social change. The Cambodia Charitable Trust (CCT) is helping to break the cycle for the children of Cambodia. A quality education is lifting young girls out of sex slavery, and young boys out of slave labour.

The CCT is producing approximately 1600 new graduate teachers per year and is holding professional development workshops in 17 different provincial teacher training centres. CCT is also currently directly financially supporting 16 schools.  

So how is the CCT directly supporting these schools?

1. A school in need is identified. These schools have no working bathrooms, the buildings are run down and dirty, the teachers have very few resources to teach from, and the students have no stationary.
2. The CCT then works closely with their network of locals who work directly with the schools and the community to identify what it is that is needed.
3. School improvements begin: the classrooms are repainted and repurposed as needed, including a fully stocked library, a preschool classroom, a playground built from local materials, a vegetable garden & fishpond, and a remedial classroom.
4. School supplies are provided for the poorest children, including uniform & stationary.
5. The poorest children are sponsored by the CCT. This incentivises the parents to send them to school, as they are not needed to bring in income in another way now. This also deters the prospect of human trafficking, as parents will not be taken in by the promise of a ‘better life’ for their children.
6. New graduate teachers are supported. New graduates are provided with a ‘teaching pack’ containing: paper, pens, scissors, glue, games, maps, a ruler, a compass, a protractor and more. These materials give new teachers a much needed head start.
7. An English language teacher is employed. Being able to speak English as well as Cambodian opens many more doors for Cambodian children, connecting them to the wider world.

Here at Vital Balance, we fervently believe and support the work that the CCT is doing. That is why we offer Generositea to all our clients, in the hopes that you will purchase a tin and support the CCT too. 100% of the profits that Bestow makes from Generositea go directly to the CCT, helping to further their mission. It doesn’t hurt that the tea is also delicious!

 

We all want to have perfectly glowing and hydrated skin, and there’s lots of information out there on how to get it. Dry brushing is an amazing method to assist with exfoliation and rejuvenation of skin, but before you grab a brush and go to town, read on to learn how to get the most benefits without damaging your skin.

First of all: what actually is dry brushing? Dry brushing is the act of exfoliating the body with a dry, stiff bristled brush. There’s lots of claims that dry brushing helps with all sorts of imperfections, but what’s actually true? It’s important to have all of the information so you can start your dry brushing journey with the right expectations.

Dry brushing does unclog your pores and is excellent for exfoliation. It is especially excellent for dry rough skin as it is quite an intense exfoliation process, leaving you with glowing smoother & softer skin.

It is also incredible for promoting increased blood circulation and lymph drainage, the manual motions helps to kickstart your body and detoxify your skin. When you dry brush you are stimulating your nervous system, this can leave you feeling invigorated – similar to after a massage.

Even though dry brushing is an intense form of exfoliation, it is gentler on your skin than exfoliating in the shower. Hot water can inflame your skin, and strips away oils that keep your skin hydrated. Exfoliating in the shower can cause redness and itching.

So, what brush should you use? To see the full benefits of dry brushing you will want a natural stiff bristled brush with a long handle. The stiffness of the bristles will depend on your skin’s sensitivity and tolerance. The long handle allows you to reach more difficult areas like your back.

Now that you know what brush to use, it’s time to move on to the actual how-to.

1. Using a natural bristled brush, start from the feet or ankles and work your way upward in long, fluid strokes on limbs.
2. Next, move the brush in a circular motion on your torso and back.
3. Since this process can be a little too much for sensitive areas like the abdomen, breasts, and neck, lighten up the pressure as needed.
4. A few overlapping swipes per area is all you need. If you go over the same area for too long, you can cause irritation or bleeding.
5. Dry brush once a day and shower immediately afterward.

Don’t brush over moles, raised bumps, or any wounds – including sunburn! If you notice redness, inflammation or swelling, stop right away. Don’t dry brush your face, the skin is too sensitive.

Now that you know what to do, stop in at Vital Balance and pick up your very own dry brush for $22! If you have any further questions please feel free to call us and ask!

It’s the end of a long, stressful week, maybe you’ve been more stressed than normal. Lots of jaw clenching, teeth grinding even. We’ve all had weeks like that. But now, you’re in pain. Ibuprofen? Well you may as well put a plaster on your jaw for how much it’s helping. What can you do to help? Is there anything you can do? We have the answer: M-A-S-S-A-G-E.

What’s causing your pain? It could be you’re experiencing TMJ pain. But how do you know? Do any of the following sound like you? If so, massage therapy could be what you need.

• muscular pain when chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• restricted movement, such as limitations when opening the mouth
• clicking, popping, and cracking of the jaw
• dental issues such as misaligned teeth
• pain in the neck, scalp, and shoulders
• frequent headaches
• pain and tenderness at the joint
• pain, ringing, or itchiness in the ears
• dizziness
• recurrent migraines
• teeth grinding

How does massage actually help with TMJ pain? Massage helps to relax the tight and overworked muscles that are causing your pain. An experienced therapist will also work other areas of your body – such as your spine, scalp, shoulders, face & neck – to address the underlying causes of your pain. Working on the areas around the temporomandibular joint as well as the joint itself will bring you great relief.

There are exercises you can do at home to help relieve your pain, but the best thing for TMJ relief is to get a professional massage. Your therapist will give you personalised exercises to help your specific issue after your session.

Our amazing massage therapist Liam specialises in functional TMJ relief. He has worked alongside an osteopath for several years and has taken a great interest in how massage can be used to keep your body working as it should, and to fix issues that seem impossible to get rid of.

He’s already had some great results with Vital Balance clients, and we are taking bookings for him now! If you have been struggling with jaw pain, book in with Liam and find relief, people are already loving him.

Deep Dive with Dermapen Expert Therapist Amy