NZBMA provide top-tier soft tissue manual therapy for your well-being, enhancing health & performance for a positive impact.
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Shop The Armour’s Collection via our website 🧡 We believe in addressing all aspects of an individual going beyond just the physical aspect of a person, where manifested illnesses are most apparent. We do not serve as a Band-Aid or a onetime fix treatment.
However, we will have an ongoing journey of discovery in search of more answers and ultimately; living better, being healthier, and striving for wholeness. Our sessions are designed specifically for you. In them, we use many tools and techniques, but above all we use our heart to hold you in safety, love and presence. Through the initial consultation we will establish your needs and design the session together from a complementary medicine perspective.
13/02/2026
Afternoon humans,
Some of you may already know, but for those who don’t, Dawn has been doing a brief tour of the hospital over the past three weeks and has unfortunately checked back in for a few more nights.
Yes, this does mean that anyone eagerly awaiting their upcoming appointment with her will need to be rescheduled. We will be in touch with those affected. For everyone else, carry on relaxing, this is not your problem 😉
Thanks for your patience and understanding while we let her collect a few more hospital loyalty points.
Cheers and have a great evening and weekend (remember it’s valentine day tomorrow)
29/12/2025
Here’s a little biased overview on the following article which discusses cognitive decline as we age, yielding interesting findings!
👨🔧 Happy reading and share what you think about this topic.
Recent investigations into age related cognitive decline have revealed that alterations in brain function commence earlier than previously anticipated, with evidence indicating a nonlinear pattern of progression. A comprehensive analysis conducted by Antal et al. (2025) integrated data from multiple large-scale cohorts, encompassing physiological biomarkers, gene expression profiles and neuroimaging results from over 19,300 participants across diverse age groups. Through advanced statistical modeling, including nonlinear regression techniques, the trajectory of brain aging was mapped, demonstrating an initial inflection point around age 44 where cognitive abilities begin to exhibit measurable deceleration. This transition intensifies, reaching maximum acceleration by approximately age 67, before stabilising near age 90. Such patterns were derived from cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets, allowing for significant inference on age-related shifts without reliance on arbitrary linear assumptions.
Moreover, the underlying mechanism identified in this research pertains to neuronal insulin resistance, whereby brain cells progressively impair their capacity to utilise glucose via insulin-dependent pathways. Also, biomarker assessments, including metabolic profiling and positron emission tomography scans, illustrated that hypometabolism emerges in midlife, particularly affecting regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are critical for memory and executive function. Gene expression data further implicated the insulin-dependent glucose transporter GLUT4 and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the latter recognised for its association with elevated Alzheimer’s disease susceptibility. These genetic factors contribute to disrupted energy homeostasis, manifesting as oxidative stress and diminished neural network stability. In parallel, vascular and inflammatory markers were evaluated, revealing that dysregulated glucose metabolism serves as the primary driver, preceding secondary pathological changes.
Furthermore, an interventional component of the study involved 101 participants aged 40 to 79, who received ketone supplementation to bypass insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Equally important, when administered in a controlled, calorically matched design against glucose controls, ketones were shown to restore brain network functionality, with optimal effects observed in the 40 to 59 age bracket. This stabilisation was quantified through functional magnetic resonance imaging, highlighting reduced metabolic stress and enhanced neuronal resilience. However, limitations noted include the cross-sectional nature of some data, potential confounding by lifestyle variables and the need for longer-term follow-up to assess sustained benefits. Additionally, future directions proposed encompass randomised trials targeting metabolic interventions in at-risk populations.
Therefore, these findings emphasise the importance of metabolic health in mitigating cognitive deterioration, prompting a reevaluation of preventive strategies. As such, evidence suggests lifestyle modifications, such as periodic fasting or low-carbohydrate dietary regimens, alongside physical activity and cognitive engagement, may enhance alternative fuel utilisation in the brain. By addressing neuronal insulin resistance during the midlife window, substantial delays in age-related decline could be achieved, aligning with broader epidemiological observations on metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration.
Reference�Antal, B., van Nieuwenhuizen, W. F., Chesebro, A. G., Jones, C. N., Clarke, C. M., Weistuch, C., Ratai, E.-M., Dill, K. A., & Mujica-Parodi, L. R. (2025). Brain aging shows nonlinear transitions, suggesting a midlife “critical window” for metabolic intervention. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(10). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2416433122
20/12/2025
🏊♂️ As Parakiore is promoted as Christchurch’s premier aquatic facility and is publicly endorsed for its 10 lane, 50 metre indoor competition pool with a depth slightly over 2 metres. As well as including a moveable wall that allows the space to be divided into 2 x 25 metre pools, creating a total of 20 available/bookable lanes, along with a accessible floor that can be raised at one end while the other remains at full depth.
🤷 What follows outlines how the Council intends to maximise weekly access, using information taken directly from its website. (whereby frustration becomes unavoidable, if you know, you know). Using a swim sport specific lens, as well as recognising swimming remains a major participation and performance sport regardless of population per capita, the following ‘access model’ deserves close scrutiny (removing the “teething” biases).
💧50 metre mode: 10 lanes available (rentable) for a total of 42 hours per week.
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5.30 am to 8.00 am (2.5 hours per day, total 7.5 hours)
- Tuesday and Thursday: 5.30 am to 9.30 pm (16 hours per day, total 32 hours)
- Saturday: 7.00 am to 9.30 am (2.5 hours)
- Sunday: 0 hours (No 50 metre mode listed)
💦25 metre mode: 20 lanes available (rentable) for a total of 60 hours per week.
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.00 am to 9.30 pm (12.5 hours per day, total 37.5 hours)
- Tuesday and Thursday: 0 hours (No 25 metre mode listed)
- Saturday: 10.30 am to 8.00 pm (9.5 hours)
- Sunday: 7.00 am to 8.00 pm (13 hours)
🌊Weekly summary of Christchurch’s only indoor 50 metre pool
- 50 metre mode: 42 hours per week
- 25 metre mode: 60 hours per week
Regardless of how economical or fair some may believe a 60 hour allocation to a 25 metre configuration to be, this scheduling reinforces the ongoing marginalisation of long course swimming. New Zealand does not hold a meaningful presence in short course world swimming pathways or events. If it did, this would already be evident through Jellie Park’s long standing 25 metre competition facilities or QEII would’ve sustained such demand on construction/completion. Instead, monopoly access to long course training continues to be constrained. Goes without saying, but by restricting exposure to 50 metre swimming, directly weakens training quality, performance development and long term sport health. This is occurring in a city that has already endured more than a decade without consistent access to a full length indoor 50 metre pool. For many swimmers, having a 50 metre pool means exactly that: the ability to regularly train over the full length in a council funded facility that is supposed to serve everyone.
🕵️ On equitable terms, Christchurch currently has 6 publicly accessible indoor 25 metre council-run pools, such facilities are:
- Graham Condon Pool, Papanui (8 lane 25 metre pool)
- Jellie Park, Burnside (8 lane 25 metre, 2m deep sport pool, post earthquake, was a main competition space for swimming, waterpolo, etc. plus a 25m recreational pool)
- Matatiki, Hornby Centre(8 lane 25 metre pool)
- Pioneer Recreation Centre, Somerfield (5 lane 25 metre pool)
- Tairora QEII, New Brighton (10 lane 25 metre by 25 metre pool with an adjustable floor)
- Te Pou Toetoe, Linwood (6 lane 25 metre pool)
💥Importantly, Jellie Park’s 50 yard outdoor “summer pool” (with its shallow depth), is excluded from this discussion for reasons relating to contemporary swimming regulations.
Equally, without listing every swim club, privately owned pool/complex or detailing every development pathway, the point remains clear. Fair access, equitable resourcing and long term planning matters. They matter for athletes, for community participation and for future generations whose opportunities should not continue to be limited by decisions that prioritise convenience over sport sustainability. After everything Christchurch has lost to natural disaster, access to a genuine, fully functional long course pool should not feel akin to something that can be quietly eroded or continuously erased.
Thereby, raising a fundamental question. Is a 60/40 split being reinvented in an environment wherein there’s already a 6 to 1 imbalance of council run 25 metre pools to a single 50 metre pool for recreation, long distance training, multidisciplinary activities and spectatorship? Or are we forcing all disciplines into a reduced capacity environment to satisfy competing demands at once, driven by funding constraints, poorly designed systems and long standing failures in infrastructure planning?
15/12/2025
Dynamic stretching and strengthening for functional mobility is recommended over generic static stretching. This video is for those tight hipped humans 😉
If you're dealing with `tight hips` and finding that common `stretching exercises` aren't providing relief, this video is for you. Discover three easy `hip m...
Here’s a great ‘Hip/Glute/Groin/LB’ exercise with a clear and concise explanation on progressive adaptations. Yes, not a revolutionary exercise, however, still a very useful tool for your injury prevention toolkit!
The following serves as an appendix of videos specifically designed to support full-body maintenance with the goal of improving or preserving functional mobility. Wayne has chosen these videos with the following in mind:
💥 Functional Mobility: The ability to move within one's environment to perform daily tasks and maintain independence.
💥 Body Mechanics: Principles for maintaining posture and body alignment during physical tasks to prevent injury.
💥 Range of Motion (ROM): The extent to which body structures or segments can move, essential for functional activities.
💥 Interventions: The specific exercises and techniques used to enhance mobility, such as transfers, balance training and targeted exercises.
👨🔧More will be added as time passes, however, this will be a great resource for you when seeking aid. Enjoy…
Let’s start with Fascia!!
Being a critical, complex system of dense connective tissue that permeates the entire body, playing vital roles far beyond simple separation of muscles. This intricate web contributes significantly to overall bodily function in several ways:
- Stabilisation: It provides structural support, helping to maintain organ and muscle positioning.
- Load Transfer: Fascia acts as a continuous network for distributing tension and forces throughout the body, essential for movement efficiency.
- Movement & Posture: By maintaining tension and contributing to flexibility, it is crucial for coordinated movement and supporting correct posture.
- Separation and Enclosure: It wraps around muscles, organs, bones and nerves, creating compartments and reducing friction between structures.
Fascia is increasingly recognised as an active, sensory tissue with nerve endings, contributing to proprioception (the body's sense of self in space) and pain perception, making it a focal point in contemporary manual therapy and sports medicine.
As always if unsure good to www.nzbma.com and make an appointment for individual advice and guidances 😉 This is a great guide not a replacement.
Welcome to NZBMA,Your functional movement experts, established in 2016 by the mother & son duo, Dawn & Wayne Armour. Who seek to offer services that move beyond conventional thinking & traditional soft tissue manual therapy approaches & massage techniques. NZBMA’s ethos is grounded in the power of...
22/11/2025
For all those swimmers out there who need this info:
Is your swimming technique outdated? Do you still pull with an S pattern? Breathe every 3 strokes? In this video you'll find out how to update your swimming ...
16/11/2025
We are back from our holidays and ready to get stuck in again. Dawn and Wayne will be back at work tomorrow, the 17th of November. There are still appointments available this week and next, so head over to our website and book online (link in bio). It is the easiest way to secure your spot. Look forward to seeing you soon!
05/11/2025
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Yep, quoting “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. Symbolising our journey far north. Agreeably, it’s the literal exploration and the emotional meaning of choosing to spend time together, so fits well. We’re back in the clinic the week of the 17th.
21/10/2025
For those of you who are looking for cycling info, biomechanics and guidance, checkout these guys. They are great at explaining all of the things 👇
2342 Followers, 2 Following, 20.9k Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by RoadCylingAcademy
21/10/2025
Overcoming failure doesn’t mean success wasn’t learnt! To fail can be the greater teacher if there’s a willingness to achieve more than fearing failure 🩵
Swim coaching coming soon, checkout our website for more 🏊
Audio is of Denzel Washington’s motivational speech. Sorry, couldn’t find the referring link.
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It all started 30 odd years ago, when Our NZBMA Mother Dawn, was lucky enough to have a son that would grow into quite the swimmer! Because of this, Dawn had to learn the art of massage to assist him in his journey to become the best swimmer he could be. And that son (Wayne) managed to head to the Commonwealth games!
While swimming and finding out how good he was, Wayne also was training as a therapist. He was always told he has “heavy hands” and could never be a massage therapist. This of course was not good enough for him, so he developed his own techniques and learned his own skills. He successfully ran his own business in Brisbane for five years.
Meanwhile, Dawn had moved to NZ and was diagnosed with cancer and this meant she went through a rough period and recovery. After some discussions with her Son Wayne, Dawn decided to re-skill herself in massage again, this time Aromatherapy. This immensely assisted with her recovery emotionally.
Fast forward, a couple more years and Wayne went through a hard period in Brisbane. Combined with his parents being in NZ, he decided to pack up everything and move out to the lovely Land of the Long White Cloud. This meant he had to start from scratch. Starting with no clients in 2016, Wayne pushed hard and drove his personal business, so people would know who he is.
At the same time, Dawn was getting tired of her Aeronautical Engineering role and saw there was an opportunity with her son to go into business. And that was the start of Blue Moon Alchemy! In Late 2017, Wayne and Dawn decided to start by building a clinic which is now known as the (old) ‘Avonhead Clinic’. It was completed in January 2018. At the same time, Wayne had been busy working on his reputation and was ready to move out of his current treating environment. The bright idea of both Dawn and Wayne working together and building a brand where the focus would be on “Holistic Healthcare combined with clinical treatments”. Now a bit of a side storyline, 6 months after Wayne moved to NZ, he met Danual, a person who was managing a small team at Mitre 10 who had a lot more knowledge that Wayne knew he was wasting. While over the 2 years Wayne spent building his business, Danual slowly was drawn more and more into NZBMA, he is now heavily involved with stretching and even doing his own (non-invasive) treatment style!
In 2018, it was collectively decided to have ‘one location’ to work from, and that’s where 69 Saint Asaph as our clinic became the location to be. We have since added two extra employees, Olivia and Hannah. Both of whom are great therapists and thought we have generic treatment options, each of them have their own unique take on each of their respective options.
We also pride ourselves on our values. Those are: FAMILY, TRANSPARENCY and EDUCATION. Because at our heart, we will always be the Mother- Son business that now incorporates all our 5 therapists and Father Ian as maintenance man. We want to maintain transparency on everything we do, whether that be prices, business strategy and most importantly, how we spread Education. Which is of course the last value. Educating our clients to better understand themselves, better look after themselves and lastly, better know how their bodies can perform at their best.
