DS Clinical, Holistic &

Sports Massage

David Sheppard: BA, 

BTEC 6 Sports and Clinical Massage, 

APPI Pilates Instructor

Massage Connects:

Reflections, Insights, and Research from DS Clinical & Holistic Massage

Heavy vs Light: The Load Debate Revisited

The debate between heavy and light weights continues — but research since 2012 shows it’s effort, not load, that drives muscle growth. Lifting lighter weights

Testosterone: A Magic Button Myth

This content addresses the allure of advertisements claiming to increase testosterone levels and the misconceptions surrounding testosterone decline in men as they age. While testosterone

Food and Blood Pressure – feed your microbiome

Can gut health influence blood pressure? Recent studies show that gut microbes are vital for heart health. Gut bacteria produce metabolites that can relax blood
A human body in flight, with brigthly coloured highlights indicating neurological connections

Psychoneuroimmunology: The Science of How Your Mind Shapes Your Health

Ever wondered how emotions and stress affect your immune system? Explore psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), where the mind and immune system interact to influence your health. Discover
a roiling sea of digital watches, data and graphs

Are the Numbers Helping?

What's with all the numbers in health and fitness - and do they help?
a japanese style zen sand garden, with visible boundaries

Boundaries: Bridges to Peace, Not Walls of Separation

In a world demanding more than we can give, setting boundaries is an essential act of self-compassion. With healthy boudaries discover how to cultivate peace