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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!

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3 Reasons You May Need a Hot Stone Massage

Do you love the results of a deep tissue massage but find the pressure to be a little too much for you? Good news! A hot stone massage uses techniques similar to Swedish massage (long strokes, kneading, and rolling) but allows the therapist to penetrate deep tissues by using the heat from stones rather than by additional pressure. Even better news, it has wonderful benefits for your whole body, mind, and spirit.  

Before we get into the benefits, let me explain how the process works, in case you are not at all familiar with this type of massage.

It is important to note that the stones used in this type of massage cannot be any old rock you find in your driveway or along the hiking trail. Basalt rocks, or volcanic rocks, are used for this type of massage because they have a high iron content, which allows them to retain heat well. The stones have been smoothed by riverbeds or seawater and are generally dark gray or black in color.

How it works:
Step One: Therapists warm stones either in water or in a professional warmer to ensure stones are at the proper heat level.

Step Two: Once heated, the stones will be placed on different parts of your body. As with any massage, placement varies depending on the desired outcome of the massage. Most often, though, the stones are placed on your back, abdomen, face, palms, and chest.

Step Three: The therapist will usually let the stones rest on your body for a short time to allow the heat to begin penetrating your skin. As the stones are working their magic, the therapist will start to warm up other places of your body like your arms and legs. Using their knowledge of anatomy, the therapist will guide the stones over your body with the aid of essential oils.

Now that you understand how the massage works, let’s briefly explore three reasons you may need a hot stone massage.

1. Relieves Pain
Hot stone massage is a wonderful treatment for people who suffer from diseases linked to the nervous or muscular system. People with autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis have reported that hot stone massages lessens their pain and improves their range of motion.

2. Decreases Muscle Tension
Therapists place stones on specific trigger points of the body. This technique penetrates the body’s tissue, allowing blood vessels to open and improve circulation. The increase in blood flow will help reduce inflammation, which causes uncomfortable and even painful tension in muscles.

3. Helps to Alleviate Chronic Stress and Anxiety
We all experience stress and while some stress is healthy, chronic stress can negatively impact your health resulting in a variety of health issues like cardiovascular events, overeating, insomnia, and anxiety. Hot stone massages will calm the mind while also increasing circulation and stimulating your metabolism.

For questions or to learn more about the benefits of hot stone massages, contact us!

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10 Things You Need to Know About Massage

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I am passionate about helping people feel good in their bodies. I want to share what I know so others can achieve balance in their minds, bodies, and spirits. I came up with a list of 10 things, I think everyone should know about massage.

First, here are five unusual benefits to massage.

1. Massage Eases Tension Headaches
Many people, particularly those who are over stressed, suffer from tension headaches. Before you reach for the bottle of Tylenol, consider a holistic approach to easing your pain: massage. Neck tension restricts blood flow to the brain, which will lead to headaches.

2. Regular Massage Relieves PMS Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome is a natural part of a woman’s life. Some of us have a more difficult time with it than others; however, massage is a key ingredient to alleviating aggravating symptoms.

3. Massage Reduces Muscle Tension
Our bodies aren’t meant to be sedentary for 8, 9, or 10+ hours a day. The average American sits shoulders rolled forward as they pound away on a keyboard all day. The repetitive improper posture negatively impacts muscles causing tension, aches, and pain. Massage helps to elongate those muscles and restore them to health.

4. Therapists May Help Spot Skin Cancer
Therapists see the back of you for extended periods of time. For example, you likely do not stare at the back of your legs or your lower back.  For clients who get regular massages, a therapist may be able to identify changes in the skin.

5. Massage Aids Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by issues in the hips, legs, or abdomen. Massage helps to alleviate pain when key areas are targeted. Additionally, if there is tightness in the lower back, a therapist may ask you to lay flat so they can examine if one hip is higher than the other, that can be the source of the pain.

Now that you know more incredible benefits of massage, here are five things to remember during a massage.

1. You’re the Boss of Your Body
You can stop a massage any time for any reason. You may experience discomfort and ask the therapist not to massage that area or you may discover a pain you didn’t know was there and ask the therapist to linger there a while longer, whatever the reason, don’t be afraid to speak up. Please, please remember it is especially important to stop the massage if you feel unsafe.

2. It’s Okay to Fall Asleep
Massage promotes relaxation. In your everyday life, you’d be considered quite rude if you fell asleep during a wellness appointment, but that is not the case in massage therapy. It’s actually a lovely compliment to the therapist because it shows you are relaxed, comfortable, and the massage is working.

3. Bodily Noises Aren’t Uncommon
Massage stimulates blood flow throughout the entire body. It helps aid digestion and the lymphatic drainage system. Your stomach may gurgle or growl or make other funny noises. It shouldn’t be embarrassing and prevent you from continuing to reap the relaxing benefits of massage. It’s simply your body’s way of releasing toxins and relaxing.

4. Occasional Groaning Happens
When a client has a particularly tight muscle being worked out, it is common to give a soft moan or groan here or there. As long as you aren’t too over the top, it isn’t an issue.

5. Health History Matters
It’s important to be honest with your therapist about your health history. Your therapist isn’t trying to pry into your personal life so they can gossip about it later, there are medical conditions that change the course of treatment. The goal of massage is to serve you and restore your body to a balanced, healthy state. Honest, friends, is always the best policy.  

For more benefits and things to remember about massage, contact us.

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Uncovering Why Miracles Massage is Different

I believe massage has incredible power to promote healing within our bodies, which are often neglected until something is out of alignment. Massage is a gateway to better overall health. Understanding the benefits of regular massage has the power to change the course of your future medical picture, in many cases. It’s that powerful.

When I began my blog, I hoped to educate and encourage my readers about massage, self-care, essential oils, and really, all the natural tools available to us for a healthful lifestyle. I believe Miracles Massage is different from some other massage establishments because of my commitment to my clients’ health and my passion for sharing my knowledge gained as a therapist, as well as my studies at Baltimore School of Massage.

Let’s uncover why I’m different from other therapists, and more importantly, why I believe regular massage is beneficial to your health.

1. Thoughtful Intention in Every Massage
I really like to focus on the aspect of healing. I try to spread love and gratitude to other people. As I work on my clients, I put a real intention into each massage with the hopes that they leave my session feeling great, grateful, healthy, relaxed, and happy. Therefore, their next transaction with another human will be a positive one. I put a lot of intention in my messages so that the ripple effect of the good feelings acquired during massage will go out to other people in future interactions. I do a lot of meditation on being the catalyst for the betterment of mankind through my massage.

2. Healing Through Touch is Real
I am a true believer in the healing art through touch. Massage stimulates brain activity and growth in babies. For example, using a gentle circular technique to massage their head. Studies also show the difference between newborns who are cuddled and those who are not touched. The cuddled babies really thrived and the ones who weren’t touched, in some cases, had a failure to thrive so there’s onus in scientific-proven studies. I’ve seen it through my own work, so I’m a real true believer of healing through massage.

3. Stress is a Catalyst for Dis-ease
Too much stress is terrible for the body. Whether you are financially, emotionally, or physically stressed, you are putting yourself at risk for a host of health problems. Reducing your stress will reduce the chance of getting some diseases like cancer, as well as dis-ease, which can be related to poor posture.

4. Regular Exercise, Self Care, and Diet Preserve Our Bodies
I believe that our bodies self heal and that we walk around in our own little healing machines. Many people don’t realize they are in pain until massage releases the tension they were holding. When supported by regular exercise, continuous self care, and a healthful diet, our bodies can withstand the natural progression of age better and longer.

5. Massage Supports Better Immune Systems
Our immune systems can become strengthened. Blood can become stagnant, which we call knots. It’s really congestion of any certain place of muscles. Moving blood will help to get rid of garbage blood, through designated drainage areas.

6. Massage is Custom Designed for YOUR Health Needs
I want my clients to feel better. We all live with this underlying pain and we think it’s normal, but it’s not. Regular massage restores the body to balance. I listen to my clients’ needs when they come in and then as I work on them, I also adjust to what their body tells me. The goal is for my clients to feel at ease, lighter, taller, and more like the best version of themselves.

I think we all should be concerned with our health. It’s probably not the most popular thing to do right now because we’re so busy working or running from here to there. A regular self-care routine in our lives is very beneficial. It includes massage, of course, but also exercise, a healthful diet, and even keeping our thoughts positive.

If you have questions on the benefits of massage or how massage therapy can benefit your individual needs, contact us, today!

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4 Truths About A Mother’s Intuition

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” – Agatha Christie

Many mothers can give an account of a time they just knew something was wrong with their child, something didn’t feel right, so they just reacted. Talk to any mom and she can probably recall a time she raced to her child when danger was looming, or when she didn’t accept what someone was telling her about her child’s diagnoses at a doctor’s office or school. That’s what we call a mother’s intuition. Moms know their children and can often anticipate their needs before a word is spoken.

Our society is filled with distractions and the need for multitasking, there are times though, when despite the noise all around, a mom silences the world and hears only the language she shares with her child. Mother’s have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. The animal instinct to protect is real and strong. Here are four truths about a mother’s intuition.

1. Your Gut Won’t Lie
It is important for moms to listen to what their gut is saying. As tempting as it may be to shrug off the nagging feeling that something isn’t right or to chalk it up as simply unfounded worry, moms must trust their gut instinct. A new mom, local to me, was concerned about her infant son who was crying and inconsolable. Friends said she was probably overreacting. On instinct alone, she went to the ER and her son was diagnosed with late-onset Group B Strep, which left untreated would have been fatal. A mama’s gut doesn’t lie.  

2. Moms Knows Things Others Don’t
Having confidence in your ability to advocate for your child can be tough, particularly when your opposition has a medical or educational degree with many years experience behind them. The key difference is that moms (and dads) truly know their children better than anyone, and care more about the well being of their child than anyone else. Mothers watch and listen, they find strange ways to communicate with their children and they will stop at nothing to fight for them.      

3. Others Will Benefit From Your Insight
There are times when people in a position of authority try to downplay a mother’s instinct or concerns because they see no evidence supporting the claim. Google will return thousands of accounts of times when moms instinctively knew their child had an injury, a medical concern, or a serious educational challenge. It can be difficult for moms, but they have to learn to never say ‘uncle’.

4. Mommy Brain Isn’t Just for Forgetfulness
other’s intuition is not a new concept, it has been around for centuries; however, now we live in a time when science supports it. People joke about mommy brain, when new moms seem to live in a fog and constantly forget things. Research shows that the brain of a mother changes once she has children. Scientists say a signal is sent to a mother’s brain when a newborn is crying. What’s more, 63 percent of boy moms may have part of their son’s DNA in their brain.

Do you have an experience of mother’s intuition? I’d love to hear about it. For more information on mothers’ intuition or to share how you acted on instinct, contact us!

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3 Essential Oils to Thwart Seasonal Allergies

It’s a beautiful scene all around us, lawns are turning green, bare trees are starting to fill in, flowers are blooming, it’s what we’ve been waiting for all winter. Brilliant color has finally returned to cheer us as the days grow longer and we enjoy warm evenings and fresh air. The only slight snag is the yellow film of pollen that dusts our outdoor furniture or the sounds of ah-ah-choo followed by the honking of someone blowing his nose.

Unfortunately, seasonal allergies often accompany the sights and sounds of spring. Don’t be discouraged, though, here are three essential oils to help you thwart nasty allergies and get back to basking in the glorious sun-filled spring day that awaits you.

1. Tea Tree Oil aka Melaleuca Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a magnificent essential oil that will boost your immunity while speeding up the healing process. It acts as an expectorant, providing relief for a cough and congestion. It is also antibacterial so it will kill mold and bacteria that live in your home. Tea Tree Oil blends well, so you can pair it with your favorite oils and diffuse it or use it during an at-home massage. It is known for treating skin irritations that develop from seasonal allergies. Using a cotton ball, you can gently rub the Tea Tree Oil on rashes or hives.

NOTE: Tea Tree Oil should NOT be ingested. This oil should only be used topically or when properly diffused.

2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil is a natural energizer that can be used to boost your immunity and energy level. Because it contains menthol, this essential oil is excellent for treating respiratory issues associated with asthma, congestion, coughing, scratchy throats, and blocked sinuses. It is an expectorant that can be applied to the chest through a cold rub. Additionally, the menthol in Peppermint Oil gives a cooling sensation to the skin relieving pain associated with rashes.

3. Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is a household favorite because it is incredibly versatile. This powerhouse oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and a natural calming agent. While it is busy helping to boost your immunity and treat respiratory issues, it will also relax you and aid in your sleep disturbances. Allergy sufferers often complain of headaches and pressure. Lavender Oil helps to calm and relax you. It can be applied to your temples with gentle circular rubbing, diffused as you work or sleep, or dropped into a bath allowing you to breathe deeply.

Essential Oils are a natural alternative to medication. They are known to reduce pain and inflammation, boost immune systems, and block allergens that lurk in your home or office. If you would like more ideas on thwarting seasonal allergies or need help using essential oils, contact us!    

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5 Tips to Restore Balanced Harmony

Creating a balance of the body, mind, and spirit can be difficult if you are not mindfully aware of what is going on around you, the people who influence your energy field, and the way in which you deal with negativity as it arises.

Think about the different aspects of your life- home, work, family, and other relationships. From time-to-time have you found yourself in a rut? Do you ever feel like you are in a downward cycle? No matter how hard you try, you can’t pull yourself out of it?   

The energy we carry with us combines our past, our dominant thoughts, and our perception of the world around us. As you navigate your way through the world, remember that you have the power to change your personal energy and the energy in the space around you. (Hello, and welcome smudging!)

Over the past year, I have written several blogs giving examples of the causes of negative energy and solutions on how to guard yourself against it. Here is a collection of my favorites in one handy post to help you as you work toward removing negative energy from your life and restoring balanced harmony.    

1. The Gender Wars: How Men and Women Manage Energy Differently
In order to effectively manage negative energy, it is necessary to understand from where our energy comes, and how the sexes deal with it in different ways. How you deal with negative energy may not be the same as your partner, boss, or colleague. It is important to remember our energy comes from four wellsprings: body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Learn how to ensure your four wellsprings are in balance. Read more…

2. The Art of a Reiki Massage
Reiki is an ancient practice with incredible health benefits. It is a wonderful way to restore balance to the body’s energy level while increasing its self-healing ability. The positively charged energy from your therapist’s hands will transfer to your body, allowing the therapist to free unbalanced energy to flow within your body. Learn how Reiki will add a little zing to your massage experience. Read More…

3. How Playlists Will Improve Your Mindfulness
Sometimes we look to music to boost our energy level, get us psyched up for a fun night out, keep us motivated during a workout, calm heightened anxiety levels, or even soothe our interrupted sleep. Music has the ability to change the energy we possess when we mindfully focus on it. There are three perks for using music through mindful playlists and there are three playlists you should have on the ready for when life comes on a bit too strong. Read more…

4. Mastering Mindfulness
To achieve peace and joy within yourself you have to be mindful in your daily life, focusing on the positive and avoiding all the ways negative energy can creep into your psyche. This post gives you 10 actionable items to ensure you are staying focused and are aware of negative influences. Read More…

5. It’s a New Day, Stay Mindful ALL Year Long
Just because we are approaching May, doesn’t mean you can’t make a year-long commitment to focusing on a positive new you. You can take steps to combat negative energy, be present, and positively charged on a Wednesday in April, May, or October! Explore how to release negative energy, and how to find ways to release that negative energy in your life. Read More…

If you are looking for more ways to remove negative energy from your life and replace it with balanced harmony, contact us! Also, ask about which essential oils may help your specific needs.