Month: June 2018

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Why Swedish Massage Is Ah-mazing!

When you think of massage, what comes to you? For many people, it brings to mind a safe, peace-filled environment lit by dancing candles and the soft sounds of nature or instruments playing in a slow meditative rhythm. If a total tranquil experience is what you want, Swedish massage is likely just what you need.  

Swedish massage, known as the foundation of all massage, is a great place to start if you are new to massage or if you don’t get massage on a regular basis. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that it doesn’t do as great a job as a deep tissue massage, a cupping massage, or a hot stone massage. Quite the opposite. In fact, Swedish massage can include gentle technique or a vigorous workout for your muscles, depending on the therapist.  

What It Does
Swedish massage generally includes long strokes, kneading, and rolling. With the aid of massage oil or lotion, your therapist will warm up your muscles and help your body to naturally release tension. As the therapist works on you, a few wonderfully beneficial things will happen:

1. circulation will improve from an increase of oxygen in the blood,
2. muscle tension will ease, restoring range of motion,
3. healthy hormones will be released.

Why Is That Important?
When stimulated, the body’s circulatory system will naturally flush out stored toxins through lymphatic drainage. It will increase white blood cells (the guys that fight off colds). In other words, it will help boost your immune system.

When you overwork your muscles or hold your body in unnatural positions for a length of time, you put pressure on it. This can lead to strains, sprains, and other long-term injuries. For example, a lot of lower back pain begins by tight hamstrings. Swedish massage elongates the muscles allowing them to release tension and be restored to their normal state. With the proper attention placed on these areas, elasticity in tissues will increase, along with flexibility, allowing you to heal faster, in many cases. It will also help to reduce pain.

The power of touch on the human body is incredible. Massage is known to boost serotonin and oxytocin, these are the hormones that make us feel good and help to give us energy. Massage also helps to decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone.  

Massage has many ah-mazing benefits for our bodies. Determining the best massage for your situation may take a little research on your end, or a simple conversation with a trusted therapist. Each massage has a specific purpose and goal for your body so it is important to have an understanding of each type of massage before you book your next appointment.

For more questions on Swedish massage or to determine which massage is best for you, contact us!

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What Not to Expect During a Massage

As we get further along into the summer months, many of you will be taking vacations with family and friends, and may decide to get a massage while you are away. It is the perfect time to capitalize on your break from routine and focus on self care that may have, otherwise, been neglected. When on vacation, most people who seek massage are looking for another way to relax. They want to find restoration, balance, and experience all of the incredible benefits massage offers. It is a wonderful addition to any vacation itinerary. However, if you are not careful, you could find yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

A few months ago, I shared on my blog ways to stay safe during a massage. I want to revisit this topic and share with you what is not okay during or after a massage and how to spot a phony.

You should never, ever expect a “happy ending” from a licensed massage therapist. Don’t even be tempted to joke about it. Anyone giving a massage that includes sexual contact of any kind during, or after, a massage is likely not a licensed therapist. Along those lines, it is not okay for the person giving you a massage to touch you sexually. That is completely inappropriate and unethical. No exceptions. If you find yourself in a situation where the person giving a massage is inappropriate, speak up! Each state has laws, regulations, and places to file a complaint.

A good rule-of-thumb is that a therapist should only be working on a body part that is uncovered. They should not be touching you beneath the draping. Likewise, their hands should not be on, near, or even graze your private areas.

When choosing who you allow to give you a massage, there are a few things to keep in mind. A licensed massage therapist is well educated and will have had to complete an intensive program to receive their license or certification. For example, the Cortiva Institute, Baltimore Campus, (my alma mater, which was formerly known as the Baltimore School of Massage) requires a 32-35 week program, logging 750 hours of training. There, students are trained in massage theory, anatomy, physiology, and massage technique, among other aspects, to properly prepare for a career in massage therapy.

Massage therapists use their education to provide a healing service to their clients. That’s why they take an inventory at the beginning of each session to assess any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing and to learn what you hope to achieve through the session. They can alter their course of treatment based on your stress level, current health concerns, or muscle pain.

When searching for someone to give you a massage, avoid anyone who promotes “whole body massage” or “extras” on their list of services. That terminology can be code for illegal sex acts. Listen, also, for turn of phrase like “the bed” vs. “the table”. A professional is more likely to speak clinically about their services and equipment.

It is important be vigilant when choosing someone to give you a massage. If you aren’t sure what is considered normal during massage, and what is inappropriate, or how to spot a phony, contact us. Massage is a wonderful holistic approach to healing and I want you all to remain safe and well cared for during every session.       

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How to Counteract the #1 Love Killer

When the “honeymoon” phase of a relationship has come and gone, a regular complaint from both men and women is that their sex life takes a hit. What starts with regular, spontaneous intimacy may slowly morph into less frequent encounters, or even a dry spell. In any committed relationship, intimacy ebbs and flows, depending on what is going on in one (or both) partner’s life at the time. How good are you at spotting the biggest love killer and do you know how to counteract it?

Men and women alike claim that exhaustion, busyness of life, physical pain, kids in the house, or laziness contribute to their lack of sexual desire. However, the number one love killer is stress. Fortunately, massage is a secret weapon ready at your disposal.

Whether you schedule regular massage appointments from a licensed therapist, or you and your partner give one another a massage at home, your body (and your sex life) will greatly benefit, and here’s why.  

Stress has many negative effects including:
-depression and anxiety,
-cardiovascular disease,
-insomnia,
-physical pain, and
-decreased sexual desire.

It is difficult to feel aroused when you are under stress. Massage naturally elevates one’s mood and is a holistic way to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit. As the body is massaged, there is an increase of oxygen in the blood, which releases serotonin and oxytocin, the feel-good hormones that help to keep us happy and relaxed.

Regular massage helps the body naturally heal more quickly, eliminating pain. When not focused on physical pain, a person is able to be more present, thoughtful, playful, relaxed, and sensual. ICYMI, those are key components to a healthy sexual relationship.

If the greatest love killer has crept into your home, eradicate it by incorporating regular massage in your self-care routine. You can talk with your massage therapist about what type of massage and essential oil is best to manage your stress, or you and your partner can massage each other.

To create a spa-like atmosphere in your home, Here are a few tips:

1. Soften the lighting by using candles or low wattage light bulbs
2. Play soothing music
3. Remember to warm up your hands before you begin to work
4. Use your favorite essential oils in order to avoid friction
5. Communicate with one another about the pressure used during massage

It is important to remember that just as every relationship is different, every body is different. While you may love a deep tissue massage, your partner may find it uncomfortable and prefer a Swedish massage. Likewise, if you are trying to create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere, make sure you agree on which essential oils to use and choose scents that are pleasing to both of you.

For more questions on choosing the best type of massage when under stress or for help choosing essential oils best for you, contact us.

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The Incredible Benefits of Frankincense

Frankincense is an excellent essential oil to use when you are looking to restore balance in your life. It is associated with promoting feelings of peace, relaxation, and a sense of satisfaction. Who couldn’t use a little more of that every once in a while?

Frankincense is a dynamite stand-alone oil with many incredible benefits, which we’ll discuss. Additionally, because of its earthy aroma and versatility, it blends nicely with other oils to create the perfect combination to match your needs.

All the Right Moves
Frankincense has wonderful healing properties. It has been used medicinally since ancient times. For good reason, this guy has earned its rightful place in top ten lists of essential oils to always keep stocked in your home.  

A few medicinal benefits of Frankincense include:

  • Alleviating cold and flu symptoms,
  • Decreasing muscle and joint pain caused by inflammation,
  • Reducing symptoms caused by stress,
  • Improving digestive problems

When partnered with massage, Frankincense oil can improve circulation. As the blood begins to flow, your body will naturally rid itself of toxins, which can be stagnant and cause inflammation, leading to a host of other problems. Frankincense has anti-anxiety benefits, as well. For example, rubbing it (after it is diluted) on your temples can help to alleviate headaches, and inhaling it is said to reduce one’s blood pressure.

Your Beauty Aid in a Bottle
Have you had that experience when you look in the mirror and wonder how your once smooth, tight face suddenly appears a little looser with a few more wrinkles? Before you get too upset, try adding a little Frankincense oil to your favorite lotion and watch what happens.

Frankincense is a known skin care aid. It will help to:

  • Improve elasticity,
  • Reduce the appearance of acne,
  • Prevent wrinkles,
  • Improve the appearance of scars.  

Because Frankincense oil is an astringent, it will help to clear your skin while giving it a beautiful glow. It will lift and tighten all the right spots to help your skin look younger and healthier.

Whether you are looking to feel more relaxed or uplifted, Frankincense should be one of your go-to essential oils. If you need help blending oils or want to learn more about which oils to use for your need, contact us!