July 2017 -

July 26, 2017July 10, 2017

When Skin Protection Fails: How to Remedy the Dreaded ‘Burn

The Summer Buzzkill

It never fails. As diligent as many of us are, the glorious summer sun can sizzle our skin and leave behind pain and misery for a few days. Moms everywhere find themselves shouting after their children to remember their sunscreen. We talk endlessly about the importance of skin protection as we lather up wiggly bodies anxiously squirming away to perfect the best half dive/half belly-flop anyone has ever seen. However, between applications of lotion on our children and hurrying to catch a barely swimming child who insists on jumping into the deep end, we may forget to reapply our own sunscreen and get the dreaded ‘burn.

Massage or Not to Massage?

Each summer, therapists get a call that goes something like this, “Hi! I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow, but over the weekend I got kinda burnt. Should I still come in?” The answer is likely, “nope, let’s reschedule”.

As a general rule of thumb, massage and sunburns do not go well together. If your burn is localized, meaning it is only on the back of your neck, or only on your chest, your therapist can work on the other parts of your body and avoid the affected area. If, however, the majority of your body is sunburned you should reschedule your appointment for a time when your skin has healed.

But what if the sunburn doesn’t seem that bad? You know your body best, but remember that your skin is sensitive. Not only can sunburns be painful to the touch, the increased blood flow will make your already warm skin warmer, and it will likely increase your urge to itch.

Door #2

Instead of coming in for your regular appointment, you may consider asking your partner to ever-so-gently massage aloe vera or tree oil on your burn. Let these wonderful essential oils soak into your skin and begin the healing process.

Another great way to alleviate burns is to soak in an oatmeal bath. You may choose to make your own, or try an over-the-counter brand. Either way, your body will drink up this holistic self care approach to relieve the pain and itching associated with sunburns.

If baths really aren’t your thing and you aren’t confident your partner will gently apply the best essential oils for sunburn to your skin, you may opt for creating your own sunburn relief spray. It is easier than you think. Here’s a little concoction, you may wish to try.

Sunburn Relief Spray

½ cup witch hazel or water
¼ cup coconut base oil
2 T aloe vera gel
10 drops pure lavender oil
10 drops pure peppermint oil

Combine all ingredients in your favorite spray bottle until well blended. Apply as needed.

If you find yourself with a little sunburn and would prefer to enjoy a massage when your skin is back to normal, don’t be afraid to reschedule your appointment. We want you to be comfortable, healthy, and relaxed.

Namaste!

July 19, 2017July 10, 2017

3 Reasons Summertime Massage Benefits Your Health

Oh summer! How we anticipate its arrival all winter long. We look forward to the sunshine and the warm breeze on a summer evening. We daydream about relaxing on our deck with a cool beverage, taking a much-needed vacation, and enjoying the fruits of our garden. Yes, summer, we love you! However, now that you’re here you’ve caused a few problems.

As massage therapists, we see it all summer long, while summer in the mid-Atlantic is a much anticipated season, it can also take a toll on our bodies. Knowing how to properly care for ourselves reduces the risk of injury and discomfort.

Here are three reasons a summertime massage will benefit your health.

1. Massage Aids Muscle Relief After Exercise
You may not realize the extra strain you are putting on your body during summer activities. Most people don’t stretch their muscles before and after they head outside to work in their garden, push the lawn mower around, or play a quick round of kickball with their kids, and the result can cause injury.

In the summer months, we find ourselves saying yes to fun activities like swimming, cycling, and golfing. Consequently, muscles that have been ignored for 7-8 months get stretched, pulled, and even strained.

Massage can help relieve the tension in your muscles after you’ve been pulling weeds from your garden for several hours or after a quick excursion around the lake in a friend’s kayak. This regular maintenance helps muscles to stay limber and aids in avoiding spasms and sprains.

2. Massage Alleviates Swelling
The nasty part of summer we tend to overlook as we stare out the window in February when the sky looks gray and the grass is brown, is the heat and humidity that sweeps through our area in July and August. During humid months, we see a lot of swelling and discomfort in our clients’ joints. This annoyance is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the body.

Massage is proven to help increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and soothe aching muscles. As therapists hone in on problem areas, muscles elongate and fluid is pushed throughout the body alleviating swelling in joints and limbs.

3. Massage Combats Stress
Isn’t it funny how summer is supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation, yet it sometimes feels like we are in overdrive? It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, chores need to be completed, bills must be paid, deadlines have to be met, and children need to be entertained. It can be overwhelming.

Massage is proven to help relieve stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep.

Whether you are pushing yourself to achieve your personal best running time, racing the clock to beat beach traffic, or picking up wet towels from a bedroom floor, you deserve a little time to yourself. Experience the stillness of serenity through massage. Breathe in the lovely scent of your favorite essential oil. Listen to the peaceful and soothing music playing softly in the background. Sounds wonderful, right? Yes!

Schedule your massage and allow the health benefits your body longs to have this summer wash over you. It will be the best decision you make today!

July 12, 2017July 5, 2017

The #1 Key Ingredient After Massage

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Thanks, got it.

But do you really?

Massage therapists encourage their clients to drink plenty of water after a massage to rehydrate themselves. Ever wonder why? Is it just to prevent sore muscles? Because it’s a holistic approach to physical well-being? No, and yes.

We recommend drinking water after a massage because tight muscles (a common reason people see a massage therapist) constrict circulation, blocking metabolic waste. As muscles are kneaded and relaxed, fluid is able to flow through the circulatory system, traveling to your kidneys, awaiting release. (*hint: This is why you feel the sensation to urinate after a massage.)

Water makes up about 60% of your body weight. Knowing how much fluid to drink can be tricky as it varies per person. You know your body best. However, pay attention to the warning signs your body sends when it becomes dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration include:

Headaches
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Dark colored urine

Also, make a note that while caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee do count toward your daily fluid intake, you must use caution because they are a mild diuretic. You may want to check out a health hydration guide for yourself. Also, be aware that because massage increases circulation, drinking alcohol soon after a session will have a stronger effect on your body.

Drinking water after a massage helps to flush waste products out of your body. If you don’t rehydrate yourself and the metabolic waste is not released properly, your muscles will likely stiffen and become sore.

We’ve heard a lot of people complain that they don’t drink water because it is tasteless. Boring. Bland. Well, put those thinking caps on, people. Open up your fridge and concoct a taste treat for yourself using your favorite flavors.

We’ll start you off with an easy recipe. Pinterest is loaded with suggestions for fruit-infused water combinations to help aid weight loss and immune support; you name it, it’s there awaiting your search.

Hydrate Me, Baby

Lemon, Cucumber, and Mint Infused Water
Ingredients: lemon, cucumber, a sprig of fresh mint, water

Process:
1. Slice fruit
2. Gently muddle ingredients together in the bottom of your container to release their juices
3. Add water to fill the container

That’s it! Drink up. For best results, let the water sit for a few hours so the ingredients can fully blend together.

Each session at Miracles Massage is adapted to meet your specific needs. Schedule your session today, and remember to drink lots of water this summer!

July 5, 2017June 24, 2017

7 Essential Oils to Try

Incorporating aromatherapy and corresponding essential oils into your daily life is a game changer for many people. These elements are known to speed up the healing process, boost cognitive performance, strengthen the immune system, increase circulation, and improve moods. Who wouldn’t want to experience these amazing benefits?

Aromatherapy, for many who use it, is a mix of science and art. It can be fun to blend oils together, creating combinations that work best for you. However, you must be informed before you grab random oils and start mixing to avoid negative side effects. Some of the most popular essential oils can easily be found at your local pharmacy or health food store.

Blending oils create synergy. For example, lavender oil on its own is wonderfully relaxing. When you add to it tangerine, bergamot, geranium, cypress, frankincense, and chamomile oils, you’ve just whipped up a soothing combination for an insomniac. Pair that together with the benefits of massage and you just may send them to sleepy town.

For regular use, it is important to know which oils may trigger allergies by paying close attention to your own body’s reaction. It is also extremely important to properly dilute the oils with a base oil, lotion, or water.

If you are brand new to aromatherapy, choosing essential oils may be overwhelming. Luckily, many brands have already paired oils together with handy labels explaining their specially designed outcome. We’ve also put together a list of seven popular reasons people turn to aromatherapy and some of the essential oils you may want to try. (Please note, the oils listed here are individual, not suggested blends.)

7 Common Reasons to Use Aromatherapy and Essential Oils to Try

Relieve stress
Oils to try: frankincense, rose, lavender, bergamot, Roman chamomile
Decrease joint pain and sore muscle
Oils to try: frankincense, geranium, ginger, peppermint, lavender
Boost energy
Oils to try: lemon, peppermint
Aid congestion
Oils to try: eucalyptus, peppermint
Combat sleep problems
Oils to try: lavender, roman chamomile
Ease menstrual cramping
Oils to try: Roman chamomile, clary sage, geranium, neroli
*Try fennel for menstrual irregularities
Reduce stomach discomfort
Oils to try: fennel, ginger, bergamot

Anyone can benefit from aromatherapy. Our goal is to best serve the individual needs of our clients. If you are an overworked mom in need of stress relief, or a weekend warrior recovering from an injury, we will find the right essential oils for you. Contact us today to schedule your next session.