Author: Miracles Massage

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How Often Should You Get a Massage?

Massages feel great— and most people view them as a special treat. But the health benefits associated with massage are the real reason to get one regularly. Benefits such as:

  • Calming the central nervous system
  • Increasing circulation
  • Elongating tight muscles
  • Releasing toxins from muscle tissues
  • Boosting immunity

But I’m often asked, “How often should I get a massage?” It’s a great question, and the answer depends on what you want to achieve.

Keep in mind that the effects of regular massage are cumulative, and spacing them too far apart might leave you back at square one every time.

Wellness and Relaxation

If you’re looking to improve your overall health or want to reduce everyday stress, you ought to schedule a massage at least once a month, but twice monthly is optimal.

If you work in a high-stress environment or have daily activities that risk causing repetitive-motion injuries or postural issues, weekly sessions would give you the best results.

Improving Athletic Performance

Athletes typically have multiple goals they want to achieve from their massage. First is injury avoidance and increased flexibility. Massage lengthens and loosens tight muscles, so serious athletes ought to get a weekly massage. (Think about the Baltimore Ravens: they have a masseuse on staff for their players.)

For the average athlete, depending on your training schedule and chronic issues, it’s best for you to schedule one or two massages per month. As your workouts increase, so should your massages.

A side note is that you ought not to schedule a deep tissue massage less than five days before a big event. This type of massage can cause soreness and shift your body, which could throw you off your game. Instead, schedule a circulation-boosting Swedish massage as it flushes toxins, and speeds recovery.

Chronic Pain Relief

If you’re suffering from chronic pain such as migraines or sciatica, weekly massage sessions are recommended. If your pain returns only a couple of days after receiving a massage, it’s time to schedule another. Once you’ve graduated to being pain-free for a week or longer, you can stretch time between appointments.

Many people find they need more frequent appointments when they begin working with a massage therapist. As muscles loosen and relax, you can often decrease visit frequency. I can provide recommendations for stretches you can do at home to maintain muscle looseness between visits.

Post-Surgery Recovery

It’s important to always check with your doctor about when you can begin massage therapy post-surgery as some modalities are better suited at different times. For example, deep tissue work might be a bad idea for someone on blood thinners whereas someone else might benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage.

Here’s how you can be supported by massage post-surgery:

  • Reduces pain, minimizing the need for medication
  • Inhibits swelling by activating the lymphatic system
  • Breaks up scar tissue
  • Increase blood and oxygen flows, which hastens the healing process

Once you’ve got clearance, two sessions a week or more may be needed to start, with frequency decreasing as healing and recovery progress.

Making it Affordable

Investing in massage therapy can be costly. There are three ways to reduce the expense related to regular massage.

  1. Request from Miracles Massage a receipt, which you can submit to your health insurance plan or health savings account for reimbursement.
  2. Purchase a MiraclePass, our monthly membership which provides discounted fees for your massages.
  3. Pre-purchase massage packages at a discounted rate.

The mind and body benefits you receive from regular massage may save you from more costly medical expenses in the long run. Plus, they feel great! What are you waiting for? You deserve great health! Schedule your appointments today.

 

 

 

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Kicking Your Gluteus Maximus

Muscle injuries are more common now than they were 50 years ago, especially in our hamstrings—and not because we’re exercising harder. Our sedentary lifestyles are kicking our gluteus maximuses. What’s worse, as we age our joints naturally tend to tighten, further restricting our flexibility.

Massage therapy is beneficial because it maintains and improves your flexibility and range of motion. Your joints are kept fluid and less injury-prone by working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints via regular.

Increases Flexibility via Massage

According to Men’s Health magazine, massage is one of the sevens ways to increase flexibility. Massage helps break up knots in your muscles and tissues, both of which restrict movement, especially calves, quads, IT bands, upper back, and lats. Additionally, massage activates the limbic system which flushes away toxins like lactic acid and results in quicker workout recovery.

Adding CDB oil to your massage amplifies the positive impact your already stellar massage experience has on your body.

Benefits of Improved Flexibility

Incorporating massage and stretching into your fitness routine can help reduce workout soreness. Regular post-workout massages support your workout recovery and overall relaxation. Here are massage’s positive impacts on your flexibility:

  • Stimulates the production of the body’s natural lubricants to keep flexibility at a maximum
  • Can enhance athletic performance
  • Helps prevent active lifestyle injuries

Schedule your regular massages with us today. Did you know you could purchase a MiraclePass to save money? Check out our calendar—we’re really flexible!

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Can Massage Help with Depression?

It’s normal to feel down, or experience depression, once in a while. Typically, I feel down when it rains multiple days in a row or when I’m exhausted, or something bad happens to my loved ones.

If you feel sad frequently, for two weeks or longer, you may be experiencing a type of clinical depression, of which there are 12 types, the most commonly known and experienced is major depressive disorder.

Hormones and Depression

For many sufferers of clinical depression, antidepressant medications combat the effects of their diagnosis. Some people experience adverse side effects of these pharmaceuticals or don’t want to take pills to counteract their body chemistry.

According to Harvard University, each person’s chemistry is unique. Here are a couple of the hormones affected by depression:

  • Serotonin. Research suggests that some depressed people have reduced serotonin levels.
  • Dopamine. Suppressed dopamine levels distort thinking and are thought to play a role in substance abuse.

Massage and Hormones

Luckily, massage has been scientifically proven to improve the lives of those who experience depression. Here are hormones positively impacted by massage:

  • Increases serotonin which suppresses irritability and cravings. Folks with low serotonin levels have difficulty sleeping and often exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors;
  • Increases dopamine which affects intuition, inspiration, joy, and enthusiasm; Lack of dopamine results in clumsiness, poor focus, and easy distraction;
  • Increases endorphins which suppresses pain and elevates feel-good feelings;
  • Increases in oxytocin support feelings of attachment;
  • Increases growth hormones which regenerates tissues and promotes healing;
  • Reduces adrenaline which results in feelings of relaxation and allows for deep sleep; and
  • Decreases cortisol which diminishes

Interestingly, adding hemp-based CBD oil to your massage further enhances the positive hormonal impacts of a massage, especially by increases serotonin and dopamine even more. Usage of CBD oil is legal in all fifty states and is growing in popularity because of its numerous health benefits, without the side effect of getting high.

Schedule your massage today and get to feeling groovy!

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Putting extra “AHHH” in Your Massage

At Miracles Massage, I love to bring new and cutting-edge tools to our massage practice. I’ve been beta-testing an all-natural CBD Massage Oil, and my clients are RAVING about it! I love hearing them sigh as they relax even more than usual. AHHH!

Unanimously, they’ve reported feeling a deeper and more effective massage. Tight muscles loosen and enable me to go deeper. They’ve all said it was much easier to relax and enjoy their massage (something that surprised most of them).

What is CBD Massage Oil?

I use a 99.9% pure CBD isolate that is naturally-derived from the hemp plant.  It is entirely legal and has no psychedelic side effects.

What is CBD?

CBD appears to be helpful for many health conditions, including many that are well-suited to regular massage, such as arthritis, anxiety, chronic pain, and more. And although research into the beneficial effects of CBD is still in early stages, most doctors are supportive of CBD, as it has very few, if any, side effects.

Most people are familiar with THC, the compound in marijuana responsible for the “high” that smoking, vaping, or eating marijuana is known for. CBD is the acronym, or nickname, for cannabidiol, the lesser known compound in marijuana. CBD is the compound in hemp that offers many health benefits without any high (which explains the lack of fame). CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not act on the same receptors as THC, called CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors are highly concentrated in the brain and are responsible for the mind-altering effects of THC.

What is the legal status of CBD?

CBD is legal in all 50 states. The most important factor that determines legality is whether the CBD is derived from marijuana or from hemp. Miracles Massage uses CBD derived from hemp. The good news is that it after extensive research, the conclusion is that in Columbia, MD, using CBD oil is legally a go.

What are the CBD science basics?

A 2013 study in Great Britain found that CBD has many therapeutic properties that can help with numerous disorders, although it works through molecular mechanisms that are yet to be completely identified. The researchers found that CBD is effective as:

  • an anti-inflammatory
  • an anticonvulsant
  • an anti-oxidant
  • an anti-emetic
  • an anxiolytic
  • an antipsychotic agent

This means CBD oil is potentially an effective medicine for treating many disorders, including conditions like neuroinflammation.

Want to experience CBD massage oil?

Just let me know either when booking your appointment or when you arrive if you’d like to experience a CBD oil massage.

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What’s Your Focus?

I’ve noticed many of my friends choosing an annual focus word which helps them manifest positive outcomes in their lives. I decided I would choose one this year, too.

So I pondered over individual words. Believe. Light. Hope. Joy. Love. They’re all powerful words, but none of the words felt quite right for me.

Then I saw a quote by Pema Chodron, which read, “Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” Inner peace, I thought. That feels ‘right.’

And so I choose the phrase Inner Peace for my 2018 focus. Here’s what inner peace means to me:

  • Avoiding the evening news
  • Being kind myself and other people
  • Choosing love over judgment
  • Focusing on peace of mind, serenity, and joy despite stressors
  • Speaking my truth
  • Surrendering to the present moment

Inner peace is something I can control and I believe my inner world will dramatically impact positively my outer one.

What’s your word for 2018 and how will you actively live it?

Namasté.

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Spa Guidelines and Etiquette

RESERVATIONS – At the time you make your reservation, please notify us if you are taking any medications, have had recent surgery, are pregnant or have any other health concerns. We will discuss your treatment in more depth upon arrival, but some things are important to know in advance.

ARRIVING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT – Unlike almost every day spa around, there is no need to arrive early for your appointment. If your appointment is at 2:00, come a 2:00. If you book a 90-minute massage, you will receive a 90-minute massage. That said, if you are more than 10 minutes late and there is another appointment booked within an hour after yours, then we reserve the right to shorten your service as necessary.

For the benefit of everyone, especially you, we ask that you silence your cell phone and refrain from cell phone use during your treatment.

NUDITY – The most effective massage is done on a completely naked subject, so that all affected muscle areas can be worked on. Please do not worry; even if you are shy, you will be modestly covered by an oversized sheet at all times, with only the part of the body being massaged being exposed. If you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave your underwear on, but please be aware that will result in certain muscle areas remaining unmassaged.

CANCELLATION POLICY –We ask that you notify us within 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. Cancellations that are not received within 24 hours must be rescheduled, rather than cancelled, to avoid a penalty.

ILLNESS – If you have a cold, you can have a massage. In fact, it will speed up the departure of your cold, although it could cause an intensification of your symptoms the day of the massage. If you are seriously ill, however, and especially if you have a fever, you should not receive a massage. If that is the case, please call, and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

SERVICE CHARGE – Miracles Massage charges substantially less than for the same services at any area spa. We are able to do this because I work out of my home, and have cut out most of the overhead that big spa’s carry which cause prices to be inflated. I try hard to keep prices low enough that massage is accessible to almost everyone. Any gratuities are deeply appreciated.

GIFT CERTIFICATES – Gift Certificates are available for purchase. They are non-refundable, but they are transferable.

PLEASE NOTE – All prices, services, and hours of operation are subject to change without notice.

For questions with anything herein or any additional matters, please either call 347.729.2755 or email miraclesmassage@yahoo.com.

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Why Salt Baths Are a “Must” For Boosting Your Health

Many people lack magnesium in their bodies and don’t even know it. Might you be one? This ingredient is important for your health care plan because it helps to detox your body by reducing inflammation, stimulating oxygen and blood flow, and aiding in weight loss, to name a few.

Conversely, among other things, a lack of magnesium in the body is linked with

  • depression,
  • anxiety,
  • sleep problems, and
  • heavier cramping during “that time” of the month.

How might one fix this problem? It’s easier than you might think. The answer, friends, is salt baths. If salt baths are not part of your weekly routine, it’s time to add them in. Lots of us carve out time to go to the gym and we opt for healthier food and beverage options when we are trying to take care of ourselves, but taking a little time to soak in a warm salt bath can do wonders for your bod. Hey, if an expert celeb trainer gives it a nod, it will work for you, too.

Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

(1) Stress relief. Say it out loud, people. Stress equals dropping levels of magnesium. Epsom salt will help give your levels the boost they need to promote a good mood, better sleep, and overall wellness.

(2) Bloating and constipation ease. Magnesium and sulfate help to draw out the excess fluid in your system. This detox can result in flattening your tummy (score!).

(3) Decrease in migraines. Research shows that people who suffer from migraines have lower magnesium levels.

(4) Radiant skin. Epsom salt can be paired with your favorite cleaning cream to create a wonderful exfoliator for your skin, leaving you with that glow you desire.

(5) Soothes tired feet. After a long day, you may find your feet aching and the desire to rest yourself overwhelming. After soaking your feet for a while, you can massage and shave off the dead and callous skin on the bottom of your feet.

Benefits of Himalayan Salt Baths

Another popular salt bath incorporates Himalayan salt. You guessed it, this mineral comes from the Himalayas and has lots of its own benefits like:

  • boosting immunity,
  • balancing hormones,
  • fighting off infections
  • regulating blood pressure, and
  • aiding in weight loss.

When doing a salt bath at home, enthusiasts say it takes anywhere from 12-40 minutes for your body to completely relax and absorb minerals while the bath pulls out toxins. When creating your DIY salt bath regimen, make sure to keep in mind that you may want to start out gradually because too much too fast could cause you to feel ill.

You’re date with a luxurious salt bath awaits. Here’s an easy recipe that can be altered for your personal needs.

1-2 cups Epsom salt
½ cup Himalayan salt
½ tsp natural vanilla extract
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil
Mix all the ingredients together in a warm bath and soak! You will thank us.

Now that you are sold on salt baths and are excited and committed to adding this into your regular beauty routine, be sure you don’t fall victim to wasting your efforts on a bath that won’t reap all the benefits. Most people take baths that are too hot. To gain all the benefits of an incredible salt bath, make sure to keep the water at body temperature. We’ll make that easy for you, too, with this rubber duckie sure to make your bath time lots of fun. (Admit it, you can’t help but hear Ernie signing).

You’re in luck: because we believe so much in the importance of bath salts, we’re giving away a handcrafted lavender or frankincense bath salt to all who book* an appointment with us by June 30!

*Appointment must take place by July 31, 2017.

 

 

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It’s Time to Celebrate

It’s our anniversary and it’s time to celebrate! The doors of Miracles Massage opened six short months ago. Time truly flies when you treat so many fantastic clients. It’s been our pleasure to help an incredible collection of people find relaxation, comfort, and peace as we, together, work through sore muscles, kinks, pains, and frustrations.

We believe that massage is therapeutic and an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, especially when partnered with essential oils. We value taking the time to know each client personally so we are better able to customize each massage session to fit individual needs.

Thank you for your friendship, loyalty, and encouragement during this time!

No matter the culture or tradition, people have the same universal experiences of love, joy, success, sacrifice, pain, overwhelm, and determination. For this reason, we all celebrate the good in our lives in similar ways. Miracles Massage is thrilled to celebrate our six month anniversary.

Did you know it is important to acknowledge and honor the significant moments in our lives because it helps to keep you motivated toward your goals? It’s true so we encourage you to celebrate your milestones, too.

People celebrate for all kinds of reasons, primarily for happy occasions like marriages, the birth of a child, professional or personal victories and milestones. Why? Because it helps to provide us with

(1) a sense of community,
(2) a sense meaning,
(3) fond memories, and
(4) fun and excitement in our lives.

Celebrating helps to bond with family, friends, and coworkers enabling us to connect on a deeper level. It’s a time when people can let their hair down, cut loose, and let go of the demands of everyday life.

Whatever the occasion, come celebrate with us. You deserve it. We will help you to feel your best so schedule your customized massage today!

It is incredible to think of the many wonderful and inspirational people who have come into our lives. We are grateful for each of you. Here’s looking forward to at least the next six months with you!

Namaste.

 

 

 

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The #1 Reason Relaxation Needs to be a Priority for Parents

Source: Adobe

The jury is in. Research proves that moms aren’t the only ones having a hard time striking the perfect work-life balance. Modern dads are increasingly skipping Z’s at night, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and much-needed relaxation time. As a result, both parents are feeling stressed and burned out.

A recent Stress in America survey showed the biggest stress triggers for adults are money, work, the economy, family responsibilities, and health. With the increase of both parents working outside of the home, both mom and dad are likely to feel the negative impact of stress on their bodies like:

  • being distracted rather than mentally present in conversations;
  • irritable or angry;
  • depressed;
  • having a lack of interest and motivation;
  • fatigue;
  • and insomnia.

Furthermore, people who experience chronic stress are at risk for long-term repercussions.

Many parents today fall into the trap of thinking that they can’t afford to take time for themselves or they feel guilty if they do. It is difficult to excel in work and at home when you’re overworked. Moms and dads alike put everyone else first. Rather than allowing stress to take control, it’s time for parents to take back their health.

Strategies to prevent burnout include:

  1. Preventing mental overload by scheduling regular “me time”. This looks different for everyone. Maybe it is booking a massage, getting up early to exercise, settling down with a good book before bed, or taking a few minutes to do a 3 o’clock stretch. Whatever it takes!
  2. Replace anxiety with plausible solutions. Rather than lying awake at night thinking about all the things you want to accomplish, make a to-do list and tackle items one-by-one. (Don’t forget to be realistic about the items on your list and be gentle with yourself if you can’t accomplish them all.)
  3. Establish a regular routine to improve your health. If it is once a day, once a week, or once a month, find time to treat your body well. Figure out what works for you and make your health a priority.

We live in a society that demands us to give 100% of ourselves to everything and everyone. It’s simply not realistic and certainly not healthy. If parents don’t make time for themselves to unwind after a stressful day, they will surely experience burnout.

Don’t rely on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for a reason to pamper yourself. Moms and Dads work hard every day, not just one day out of a year. Make yourself a priority so you can easily handle life’s many hiccups without feeling overwhelmed.

Contact us today and we’ll find a massage routine that works for you so you can’t get back to being the relaxed parents, spouses, and employees you wish to be!