Author: Miracles Massage

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Get Your Pressure On: Four Massages You Need Now

Break out those passports, gang! This week we’re headed east. In this series on massage around the world, we are learning about different types of massage and how they will benefit your body, mind, and spirit. This week, we are going to explore four incredible Asian variations of massage. Each unique and exquisite in its own right. Let’s get started.

Our first stop takes us to ancient China. Traditional ancient Chinese massage works to keep energy in balance with the body, mind, and spirit. Energy that is rapidly flowing through the body is thought to combat illness and promote healing.

1. Tui Na
Chinese experts and practitioners believe that a person’s Qi, or energy flow, is essential to a person’s health. Tui Na uses strokes similar to a Swedish massage to release Qi from tension, poor health, and strain. A practitioner will use their hands to scan the body for blocked energy using a variety of stretches, joint rotations, and pressure points. Traditionally, Tui Na is performed on a massage table when clients are fully dressed in comfortable and breathable clothing.

2. Acupressure
You read that right, we’re talkin’ Acupressure not Acupuncture. During this massage, the therapist is looking for imbalances while applying pressure through their fingers to specific trigger points. The goal of this massage is to stimulate the body into self recovery mode so it will begin to heal itself and ward off illness.   

Don’t those massages sound incredible? We’re not done yet. Next, we’re on the move to Japan.

3. Shiatsu
The Japanese perfected a technique of massage called Shiatsu. In this treatment, most therapists use their fingers, palms, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems. They are searching for imbalances or blocked energy and will use different pressure and weight distribution to help the energy flow. This massage is performed on the floor when the client is fully clothed.  

Our final destination is Thailand!

4. Thai Massage
A Thai massage is designed to help improve flexibility and relieve pain. This is a massage unlike the others. Clients are fully clothed and begin by lying on the floor. Therapists don’t just use their hands during this massage, they use their palms, elbows, feet, and hips to help them bend, stretch, and elongate their client’s bodies. The therapist will end the massage having the client seated as she works the shoulders and back.  Think of it like massage meets yoga.

I hope you have enjoyed this week’s adventure and are having just as much fun learning about different massage techniques from around the world as I am.

For more information on one for these incredible massages, contact us!

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Is a Shaman Massage Right For Me?

Get out your boarding pass, folks, this month we are going to travel around the world to learn more about different types of massage, their origin, and their healing potential. Get ready to unlock a broader view of the art and ancestry of massage.

Our first stop begins here, in the United States, with a Native American practice, the Shaman massage. This is a practice that has been around for centuries. Shaman healers, like their ancestors before them, call upon a variety of spirits to heal the sick through the laying of their hands. There are some who still use singing, chanting, drumming, or other noises to cast out negative energy and evoke spiritual, physical, and mental balance. Others, use a practice similar to Reiki, but with a twist.

Let’s explore together, what a Shaman massage is and if it is right for you.

First, let’s be clear about one thing. A Shaman massage isn’t for everyone. It is meant for someone who is dedicated to taking a deeper healing journey and through self-discovery will commit to:

1. listening to one’s own body,
2. taking responsibility for its treatment, and
3. thoughtfully responding to the daily needs of the body.

The Shaman healer is combining therapeutic massage with spiritual awareness. This can be a good tool for someone looking to grow more deeply in their self awareness, and the energy that surrounds them. It has the same healing benefits as a regular massage like relieving aches, pains, alleviating stress, and supporting healthy blood flow, but it also reaches beyond that for some.

What to Expect
Whether you recognize it or not, people have different energy at different times. Some negative energy can be gained by stressful situations and positive energy can be lost, stolen, or even given away. The Shaman experience is meant to help restore balance and harmony while empowering the participant through illumination of self discovery.

Conversation Happens
Unlike a regular massage when the therapist will occasionally ask, “is this pressure okay?” during a Shaman massage the therapist is actively listening for the flowing or blocked energy in your body. She’s looking for patterns and places where energy is trapped. Sometimes that requires guided meditation.

Shaman healers are believed to connect with spirits on your behalf and call upon them to serve as a go between, aiding in your realignment of mind, body, and spirit.

For more information to to determine is a Shaman massage is right for you, contact us.

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4 Types of People Who Benefit From Deep Tissue Massage

Under the umbrella of massage, there are a variety of techniques and styles that are used to help people feel great in their body. Massage is a holistic way to gaining better overall health, and finding relief from mental and physical pain. If you are new to massage, it can be difficult deciding which type like Swedish, cupping, or hot stone may benefit you the most. That’s why an expert therapist can help you determine what is best for you through an initial inventory of your needs, symptoms, and desired outcome.

Deep tissue massage is a special massage that laser focuses on specific issues within your body. It’s ideal for chronic aches and pains, muscle tightness, and injury rehabilitation. Let’s explore how it works and then who would benefit from a deep tissue massage.

The 411 on Deep Tissue Massage
First, let’s chat about the technique. Therapists use a lot of pressure in this massage to penetrate the muscle and tissue fiber deep down in your bod. They use their thumbs, knuckles, elbows, and forearms to release tension in your muscles and tissues. This promotes circulation, which will break up adhesions (aka knots). When circulation is constricted because of injury or strain, fluid becomes dormant or stagnant holding in toxins, causing pain and inflammation. Deep tissue massage will whack those knots, breaking them up and get things moving again allowing you to feel more at ease.

Who Benefits from Deep Tissue Massage?
The pressure of a deep tissue massage is not for everyone. If you are prone to blood clots, are currently in chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or have recently had surgery, talk to your therapist about other types of massage because this one isn’t the course of treatment you need now. Here are four types of people who would benefit from a deep tissue massage.

1. Athletes or Weekend Warriors
If you hit it a little too hard during your last workout or that over 30 softball league, you may have strained your hammies or glutes. This massage will help rehab your injuries and get you back at it.

2. The Sedentary Employee
Our bodies were not meant to sit in front of a computer for eight or more straight hours a day. This causes neck, shoulder, and back pain, among others. A deep tissue massage is perfect for getting your body realigned and releasing strain caused by repetitive action.

3. Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis Sufferers
Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis can take a toll on a person’s overall being. The pain and discomfort associated with these diseases can be crippling. Deep tissue massage is an incredible holistic way to manage, slow progression, and alleviate symptoms of these diseases.

4. Everyday Jane
Whether you were in a car accident and experienced whiplash, have issues with sciatica, threw your back out lifting a laundry basket, or zigged when you should have zagged, deep tissue massage is right for you. This is a massage used for therapy and rehabilitation rather than relaxation. It repairs damaged muscles and tissues no matter how you got them.

To learn more about how a deep tissue massage will benefit you, contact us, today!

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One Simple Trick to Unlock Enhanced Massage Benefits

Are you ready to step into a holistic approach to heal and restore your body during and after massage? Good. Let’s get started on how to take action to enhance the incredible benefits your body will experience from your next massage.

In massage therapy, you have to trust both what medical science has proven (anatomy and physiology), as well as your personal intuition. When your body is fully relaxed, it will speak to you by revealing areas of pain or weakness. I’m not talking about that throbbing back pain or your aggravated chronic sports injury, I am talking about the pain and discomfort that lies deep within your tissues. It isn’t until the rest of your world is silenced that it begins to announce its presence and the subtle ways it has been negatively affecting your daily life.

The key ingredient you may be missing in your normal routine is a mindful massage. Employing this technique requires you to combine meditation, controlled breathing, and focused intentions during your massage. At the beginning of your massage, you should talk with your therapist about what your desired outcome is for this experience. Once you have settled on a clear vision, your therapist can begin her work and the rest is up to you.

What do I do?

1. Lose the Drama, Mama
The hardest part of succumbing to a mindful massage is disengaging from the thoughts that enter our minds. There is a misconception that during meditation your mind is supposed to go blank. Unless you fall into a deep sleep, thoughts will enter your mind during your massage. The trick is to not engage in them, allowing emotion to pull you in and distract you from staying in the present moment. Do your best to forget about the outside world containing carpools, college application deadlines, new drivers behind the wheel, or the business meeting when things went sideways.

2. Try and Try Again To Keep Your Focus
Keep focused on what is going on in the present moment. Pay attention to your therapist’s touch and how your sore or aching muscles respond to the knots that are slowing being released. If your therapist triggers a pain point, breathe through it rather than imagining you are somewhere else. Take deep intentional breaths as your body begins the self healing process from the stimulation of blood flow. Take heart, friend, your mind will wander, but gently remind yourself to regain your focus each time you catch yourself drifting.

You may be asking why it is helpful to mindfully meditate during your massage. By focusing your thoughts and intentions on your body during massage, you are working to treat your ‘whole person’ for the long haul, rather than simply troubleshooting your immediate discomfort. You may discover you hold tension in your shoulders, neck, or hips from lengthy computer work. By identifying the source of your tension, you will be more mindful of your posture or other ways you carry yourself during the day.

Knowledge is power, we can all agree, so be empowered by knowing what is causing your discomfort, pain, stress, or tension. For more tips and tricks on how to make the most of a mindful massage, contact us!

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One of the Best Kept Secrets Among Women

It lurks behind corners, catching women by surprise and disrupting their view of themselves, their bodies, what is normal, and what isn’t. It’s one of the best-kept secrets among women, but the time has come to shine a light on it, expose it, and attack it at the root. What is it? A condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which is when a woman has a reoccurring or consistent lack of sexual thoughts and desires and is bothered by it.

In most circles of our society, it is socially acceptable, embraced, and even praised when women talk about their sexual experiences and desires. Carrie Bradshaw and her pals paved the way for a new kind of sex talk resurgence among women. However, the conversation flows more freely and frequently when all is going well. Most women are embarrassed to talk about their sexual dysfunction to their friends, their partners, and their health care providers. Women shouldn’t be sheepish about this issue, but rather learn more about it and have the confidence to move forward.

It is natural for a woman’s sex drive to fluctuate over time. There can be a variety of reasons for a decrease in sexual activity. Examples include:

  • the stage of a relationship;
  • life changes like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause;
  • side effects of a prescribed medication;
  • sleep disorders;
  • illness; and
  • stress.

If you find that you are bothered by the fact that you cannot recall the last time you truly desired a sexual encounter with your partner and welcomed their advances, there are steps you can take to increase your libido.

How to Attack Your Low Libido:

Take a Self Assessment
1. Can you identify why you are in this sexual rut, by yourself? That might be possible if stress is the culprit in your sexual desire reduction. If not, you should seek advice from a trusted licensed medical practitioner.

2. Talk with Your Partner
Communication is king. Together you can discuss setting aside time for sex, ramping up your sexual activities, or looking for ways to be more intentional during intimate moments.

Remember that stress can be a major love killer. Massage is an excellent way to alleviate stress in your life. When another person massages your body, it stimulates blood flow, ridding your body of toxins. Stress causes cortisol to be released. Cortisol decreases testosterone (yes, women have it too) and testosterone helps the libido. You may consider asking your partner to massage your shoulder, neck, or feet. When couples massage each other, they are more prone to feel relaxed and aroused.

If you think you may be experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder, don’t be embarrassed by it. Find someone to help you work through it and know that you aren’t alone!

For more ideas on how to attack low libido, or how to initiate a DIY massage, contact us!

 

 

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Repairing Your Sun-Damaged Skin with Essential Oils

Sun-damaged skin is a total summer bummer. Despite our best efforts, there are times when we either find ourselves without sunscreen, or we have not reapplied it soon enough to avoid sunburn. If you find yourself with sun-damaged skin, here are a few essential oils to help get your skin feeling healthy and rejuvenated again.

The Problem
Overexposure to the sun can result in immediate changes to the skin like: redness, swelling, blisters, or itchiness. It can also take a toll on the body by causing other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, headaches, and fever. Over time, if your skin has not been properly protected from the sun, you can get sun and age spots or additional wrinkles. Why? The sun takes a toll on the collagen and elasticity of your skin causing marks and lines to deepen.  

The Solution
The very first thing you need to do is to hydrate. When your skin has been overexposed to the sun, your body will pull moisture from other places to attempt its self-heal process. Be sure to drink the daily recommended amount of fluids for your body type.  

The 411 on Essential Oils
It’s important to remember that not all essential oils are the same. Look for oils that are organic and state 100% pure essential oil on the bottle. Otherwise, you may end up with synthetic oils that just don’t do the job right.

Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is a great choice when you are sunburned because of its anti-inflammatory agents. What makes it even better, is its ability to help regenerate cells. When your skin is on fire, Lavender oil will help calm down your skin while promoting healthy regrowth.  

For an extra soothing treat, add drops of Lavender oil to your oatmeal bath and wait for the itchiness to slowly fade away.

Myrrh Oil
Save for Christmas season, Myrrh oil doesn’t get a lot of hype. This unsung hero is a powerhouse, though. It is known for everything from boosting your immune system to preventing premature aging. Because of its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and stimulant properties, it will help get the blood circulating through your body to help you heal faster and keep those wrinkles at bay.

Ylang Ylang Oil
Another wonderful essential oil for sun-damaged skin has to be Ylang Ylang. Ylang Ylang is another anti-inflammatory, which will help with redness and itching. Additionally, because of its antioxidant components, it helps to smooth blotches, lines, and wrinkles, making it a secret weapon against aging. 

Sun damage is not a joke. When you’re young, it is hard to imagine a day when the elasticity of your skin droops, skin sags, and new wrinkles seem to pop up overnight. While, we should all embrace our new looks as we age, and love the skin we’re in, we also need to take care of ourselves and our skin to avoid other dangers.

If you have questions about which essential oils are best for your sun damaged skin, or how to blend a few together to make the right combination for you, contact us!

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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!