Dr. Oz on the Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Dr. Mehmet Oz believes in the health benefits of massage therapy.

Deep Tissue Massage - Muscle Tendon & Ligament Relief

Deep Tissue Massage or myofascial release is a massage technique that focuses on releasing restrictions in the deeper layers of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Deep tissue massage releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas.

Using slow strokes and deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain, deep tissue massage first warms the soft tissue before targeting deeper muscles groups.

Deep Tissue Massage - How Does it Work?

Deep tissue massage is both corrective and therapeutic. It uses two methods, direct or indirect and is effective in releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, relaxing and soothing muscles.

The direct method applies pressure to the muscle with the intention of finding resistance in the body, and maintaining the pressure until the resistance is released.

The indirect method moves in the opposite direction of the resistance.

With both techniques the amount of pressure applied is dependent on the amount of resistance.

Fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms are all used with long, slow strokes.

Because of the focus on a specific area some clients find deep tissue massage uncomfortable and it may cause some soreness during or after.

Providing the massage is carried out correctly any soreness should disappear in a day or two.

Deep tissue massage does not require great strength, nor does it need to be painful and applying pressure for the sake of it can be ineffectual if done incorrectly.

Of the two methods, direct and indirect, there are many different combinations.

Some of the more well known include:-

o Polarity Therapy

o Thai Massage

o Triggerpoint Therapy

What are the benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

Unlike a regular relaxation massage, deep tissue massage works effectively on the skeletal structures that lie deep within the body.

Many people seek a deep tissue massage to help in treating crippling diseases, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.

When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue.

Through controlled manual manipulation, deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue and crystallization, loosens muscles, releases toxins and allows blood and oxygen to circulate properly.

It is important to drink plenty of water afterwards to flush away the toxins released during massage.

The key benefits of deep tissue massage include:

o Elimination of the blocks that cause muscle tightness

o Increases circulation of blood, lymph, cerebro-spinal and interstitial fluids

o Can resolve many chronic pain patterns by releasing deeply held emotions that cause tension

o Helps improve the functioning of the internal organs and any associated symptoms or diseases

o Improves posture and mobility

o Helps to reduce tension and the automatic reflexes to stress

How effective is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage can be very effective, but one has to be realistic about how much can be achieved in one session.

Simply asking for more pressure and thinking that if the therapist pushes hard enough, all tension will be released within an hour is unrealistic.

Chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime can only be addressed with a series of treatments.

Most therapists will offer advice on a program that includes exercise, work on your posture, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

Is Deep Tissue Massage Safe for Everyone?
As with most massage treatments, deep tissue massage is not recommended for certain people.

Massage should not be done directly over bruised or inflamed skin, open wounds, tumors, areas of recent fracture, abdominal hernia, rashes or skin disease.

It should also be avoided by:

o People with cardiovascular conditions and heart disease especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis and oedema

o Pregnant women and people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before considering a massage

o Immediately after surgery

o Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

Deep Tissue Massage - Choosing a Therapist

When considering a deep tissue massage, ensure you choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and one that comes from a reputable organization.

Salons, spas, health and fitness clubs typically offer deep tissue massage, or you contact a mobile spa and have a deep tissue massage in the comfort of your own home.

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What Would Happen if You Didn’t Drink Water? - Mia Nacamulli

Water is essentially everywhere in our world, and the average human is composed of between 55 and 60% water. So what role does water play in our bodies, and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy? Mia Nacamulli details the health benefits of hydration.

Lesson by Mia Nacamulli, animation by Chris Bishop.

Soften the Signs of Aging with an Anti-Aging Facial

 
If you want to soften the signs of aging, treat yourself to this deeply nourishing and revitalizing experience. Throughout this exceptional treatment, you will feel the youthfullness returning to your skin. Noursihed, your skin will be smooth and visibly younger. You will feel very relaxed and rejuvenated! This treatment is designed especially for those 40 and over. This treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, gentle stone and hand massage, derma fill mask and eye treatment, tight firm and fill eye and lip area treatment, as well as defend and restore moisturizing cream. 

60 minutes - $95 

Call 36 Oaks Country Retreat to schedule an appointment to try this facial or any other of our relaxing spa treatments.  

(707) 447-8037

Still Need To Find That Perfect Valentine's Day Gift?

Don't panic if  you've waited until the last minute to get your Valentine a gift....36 Oaks Country Retreat has the perfect thing...a Spa Day Gift Certificate!

Everyone needs an hour or two to relax, and with so many different spa treatments to choose from, a spa gift certificate is sure to make even the hardest person to shop for happy! 

Don't wait another minute, go to our website now to purchase your spa day gift certificate!

Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt? | Deep Massage

Find out if a deep tissue massage hurts from celebrity massage therapist Meagan Holub in this Howcast video.

So, to answer the question, “Does deep tissue massage hurt?” my immediate answer is, “It depends on who you’re getting the deep tissue massage from.”

I wish that I could say, “No, it doesn’t always hurt, ” but that’s not always true. So, I, I personally try to keep deep tissue massage from hurting, and I feel that most deep tissue massage experts do. And the way that we can do this is by accessing the tissue really slowly, really gently, and you get to much deeper layers if you do it that way.

There’s actually something called the “soul gel theory, ” which states that if you access the tissue very slowly, your tissue almost liquefies and you can get nice and deeply and the body doesn’t experience any pain. But if you try to go in fast and, and, access those deeper layers really quickly, your body’s going to resist just like it does with any sort of extreme pressure or, or, trauma to the area.

So, while there may be some discomfort, it’s actually really important for your massage therapist to be checking in with you and make sure that they’re asking you where your pain threshold is. And where they figure out where that threshold is where you’re sort of on the line between “hurts so good” and “hurts, ” they need to keep you right on that side of “hurts so good.”

Some Like it Hot - How Hot Stone Massage Can Benefit You

If you are looking for a massage session to warm your bones during the cold winter months, a hot stone massage may be just for you. Hot stone massage is the use of smooth, heated stones during a relaxation massage. The use of hot stones in massage can be traced back over 3,000 years ago in India and China. More recently, a renowned massage therapist from Arizona brought this ancient art of massage to therapy offices and spas everywhere. If you are curious about hot stone massage, read further about what to expect, benefits and contraindications, and how to get the most out of your hot stone massage treatment.

So, what can you expect during a hot stone massage? The massage therapist will heat the stones in preparation for your session. The stones used in the massage are either basalt or river rocks, which are both smooth in texture and retain heat well. The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric pan. Once the stones reach a specific temperature, the stones are placed on specific points of the body, such as the back, abdomen, legs or hands. Meanwhile, other hot stones are incorporated in massage over other parts of your body. Massage oil is used during a hot stone massage. This allow maximum glide with the stones as well as letting the therapist quickly manipulate the stones over your back, arms or legs during the massage. Your therapist will check the temperature of the stone on their skin before using the stone in the massage.

Always communicate with your therapist of the stone is too warm on your skin. Your skin may have a pinkish hue after the stone is removed, showing improved circulation. The heated stone warms and relaxes the muscles only using light pressure during the massage. The heated stones are also used to relieve tension in the neck, upper back and feet. The treatment sequence will then be repeated on the opposite side of your body. The massage is generally 90 minutes in length. Also, expect you therapist to step away from you as stones are rotated from the heating appliance, to you and then returned to electric pan. The therapist will also take an extra effort to keeping any noise caused by the stones at a minimum during you massage.

Hot stone massage can be a beneficial treatment approach for several reasons. This modality allows for deep relaxation of the soft tissue without significant pressure applied from the therapist. All other massage benefits apply, such as improved circulation helping in flushing out metabolic waste from your soft tissues. Hot stone massages are also beneficial in pain relief, alleviate stress and improved flexibility. As with any other massage, your therapist should perform a thorough health information interview before a massage. Certain diagnoses are contraindicated for massage. They include: high blood pressure, open sores or skin lesions, and any diagnosis where decreased sensation occurs, such as diabetes. Pregnancy is also another condition contraindicated for hot stone massage.

Preparation for a hot stone massage is similar to getting ready for any other massage. Tips include:

o Eat a light meal and avoid indulging in alcoholic beverages before your massage.

o Take your time, allowing for ample time before and after to get the full benefits from your hot stone

massage.

o A tip to relax quicker is following the rhythmic movement of the stone on you back or other body part. You will move into deep relaxation before you know it.

o After the massage, sit up slowly onto the edge of the table, as there is an increased possibility of dizziness post massage. Your therapist may offer to help you sit up before leaving the room for your safety.

This winter, indulge in a hot stone massage. It's a special treat to enjoy in solitude or alongside a loved during a couples massage.

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The Different Benefits of Undergoing Massage Therapy

Regular monthly massage will offer people from different walks of life and all ages with a therapeutic relief. This is because massage provides a humanistic, non-invasive and drug-free approach to wellness resting on the natural ability of a human body to heal itself. Although finding a reason for treating oneself to a massage can be easy, but to find the time for doing the same is likely to be more challenging. To find time to look after one's health frequently is difficult to prioritize. But always remember a proper massage of 1-2 hours can make everything a person does less painful and less stressful enabling him/her in being more productive and active with the remaining of their day. To take pleasure of a massage at a reputable center can work wonders in addressing a wide array of health conditions with the most common being the stress-related tension. Additionally, massage may provide certain advantages to treat depression, arthritis, post-operative care, lower back pain, high blood pressure amid others.

Explore a bunch of benefits

Below is a list of conditions where a massage can prove really beneficial. These include,

• Relieve migraine pain
• Release endorphins, the amino acids which work as a natural painkiller for the body
• Relax and soften the overused, tired and injured muscles
• Relax cramping and spasms
• Reduce post-surgery swelling and adhesions
• Pump nutrients and oxygen into the vital organs and tissues and improve circulation
• Promote tissue regeneration and reduce stretch marks and scar tissue
• Lessen anxiety and depression
• Increase joint flexibility
• Improve the skin's condition
• Help all level athletes prepare and also recover from the strenuous workouts
• Exercise and stretch atrophied, tight and weak muscles
• Enhance immunity via stimulating the lymph flow, which is a natural defense system of the body
• Ease medication dependence
• Help with easier, shorter labor for pregnant women and shorten the maternity stays in the hospital
• Alleviate lower back pain
• Augment range of motion
• Much more

The bottom line is the right massage will help in erasing any worry that one has and help them enjoy all the benefits to improve their health and wellness. It is vital to consider massage appointments like a must-have piece of one's wellness and health plan and strive their best to work with their practitioner for establishing a treatment schedule which meets their needs at its best. It is one of the important things to remember for everyone.

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Afternoon or Evening For Two - Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Nap in a hammock ~ Read a book in our charming Bear Room ~ or You might enjoy the log swing and watch the squirrels playing in the trees ~ Allow your worries to float away...

Afternoon or Evening For Two

A four hour stay

One hour massage for each of you

Fruit and cheese plate

Robes and slippers provided

$195.00

Evening - 5;00pm

$225.00

With catered dinner

$295.00

For more information call us at 707-447-8037 or visit us at 36oaks.com