Massage Therapy: Enhance Your Mental and Physical Health

Massage therapy is a healing tool. This procedure has been around for ages in many cultures, and research shows that it offers numerous benefits ranging from treating injuries and chronic illnesses to reducing tension in our lifestyles. If you get massages regularly, the benefits become even more powerful. This practice offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that's based on the human body's ability to heal itself. Keep reading if you want to find out more about what massage therapy can do for you.

A massage will relax your mind and body. Not only does it feel great, but it's a cure for the problems that are affecting many people, physically and mentally. The experts say that stress can cause many diseases of the body, so massage therapy will have a positive effect on many parts of your life.

Besides decreasing anxiety and increasing relaxation, it lowers blood pressure, and increases concentration. It also reduces fatigue, energizes people, and makes it easier for them to cope with stressful situations.

Therapy provides spiritual and emotional balance and it brings peace and relaxation.

Massage will increase your circulation and allow your body to pump more nutrients and oxygen into your organs and tissues.

Massage stimulates our natural defense system and the flow of lymph. For instance, massage has helped breast cancer patients increases the cells that fight their cancer.

Massage is also good for the muscles and joints. It softens overused and injured muscles, reduces cramping and spasms, and increases flexibility of the joints. Massage is wonderful for sports enthusiasts, fitness-minded people, and athletes because it reduces recovery time, eliminates pain, enhances workouts and athletic performance, and helps them prepare for tough workouts.

Massage releases endorphins, which is a natural painkiller for the body. It's used in recovery and injury from surgery and in chronic disease to relieve and control pain.

Massage decreases discomfort for people with pain in the lower back and it improves range-of-motion.

Massage reduces pain for people who suffer from migraines and it decreases their need for medicine.
Massage benefits the mind and it's good for people who suffer from anxiety, anger, or depression. It helps relieve stress and tension, fosters peace of mind, increases creativity, satisfies the need to be touched and nurtured, and it boosts the mood.

Massage helps with many health conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, digestive disorders, circulatory problems, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, sports injuries, tendonitis, whiplash, and mild, chronic, and acute pain.

This practice is not appropriate for some people, so talk to your doctor or a good massage therapist if you have open wounds, burns, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis, or if you are pregnant.

Today, massage therapy is available in luxury spas, beauty salons, upscale health clubs, chiropractic offices, private offices, hospitals, clinics, businesses, and even airports. You should definitely visit a massage therapist if you want to improve your physical and mental health. You can find a reliable massage therapist online by searching in online directories and the search engines. Enjoy your massage!

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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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Happy Thanksgiving!

Be present in all things and thankful for all things. 

-Maya Angelou

A Detox Facial Will Light Up Your Face with a New Splendor

For healthy and fresh skin free of impurities, treat yourself to this deep cleaning facial treatment to restore your skin's glow. Your face will light up with a new splendor. It will be light, radiant, and brighter. This treatment is carefully tailored to each skin type. This facial includes cleansing, exfoliating, facial massage, a detoxifying clay mask, toner, and a defend and restore moisture cream. 

60 minutes - $85 

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

(707) 447-8037

Massage Benefits: Pain and Stress Control

Getting a massage is a wonderful thing! There are so many benefits to getting one that it's a wonder everyone doesn't do so regularly. Whether it's to help control muscle pain, stress, or simply to relax, it's something you should definitely try out if you never have before.

A massage is a great way to deal with muscle pain. It doesn't matter much what the cause of the muscle pain is, massages work well for reducing or eliminating it. The pressure and movement of the muscle fibers during one helps to disperse the build up of lactic acid (which is one of the major causes of muscle pain), which helps your body disperse it more quickly so the pain goes away sooner.

Massages are also great ways to reduce stress that you feel for just about any reason. Since a massage is a pleasurable experience, endorphins are released into your body as a result which helps mitigate the feeling of stress and improves relaxation. This is especially true if it is focused on the areas where you carry stress in your body. So make sure to figure out where that is, and ask the person giving you a massage to pay special attention to that part of your body.

Of course the effects of getting a massage are only temporary, and do not address the cause of the muscle pain or stress. So even though they will help you feel better both physically and mentally, these effects will only last for a certain period of time. It will return once again as soon as you experience whatever was causing the stress or muscle pain in the first place.

So it is even better to deal with the issue that is causing the muscle pain or stress in the first place so that it doesn't return again after you get a massage. But it is still a good idea to get one first in order to relax and help to get yourself into a more productive state of mind so that you can deal with the cause more effectively.

And if the cause of your muscle pain or stress is not something that you can change or avoid, you may want to consider getting regular massages. This way, even if you experience muscle pain or are afflicted with stress, you will have a way to reliably reduce or eliminate it afterwards. That way it will become less of a factor in your life, and you'll be happier and healthier for it.

The better you are able to relax, feel good, and keep your level of stress under control, the healthier, happier, and more enjoyable and productive life you will lead. Regular, or even an occasional massage can help you make this a reality in your own life. And what better time to start than now?

Massage Your Stress Away Regularly

Everyone experiences stress in their lives, there's just no way around it. Whether it is caused by your job, family life, financial situation, relationship issues, or something else, it effects your body as well as your mind. A good way to mitigate these effects is by getting a massage.

When you are afflicted with stress, your body releases chemicals that change the way your brain works and the way you feel emotionally. These changes do not produce pleasant effects, and so you don't feel at your best. You also typically tense certain muscles in your body as a coping mechanism for dealing with the stress, whether you know it or not.

The next time that you are feeling stressed (or if you are feeling stressed right now), try to figure out which muscles are suffering because of it. You may already know because you have certain muscles that are sore or feel like they have a knot in them. But if not, there is an easy way to figure it out. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath, and then start consciously relaxing each part of your body starting with your head and proceeding all the way to your toes. You'll be able to tell which muscles you were tensing and may not have even been aware of.

A massage can help with relieving both the physical as well as the mental tension in your body. Ask the person giving you a massage to focus on the areas where you know you are holding a lot of the tension in your body that was caused by stress. It will help force your muscles to relax and the kneading will help to disperse the lactic acid that has likely built up in the muscles as well. This will have the effect of getting rid of the uncomfortable knot you are feeling.

Getting a massage can also help relieve tension in your mind. If the massage feels good (which they normally do), the pleasure you feel will cause your body to release chemicals called endorphins into your brain which increase the pleasurable sensation and naturally relieve stress.

Regular massages are great ways to help control the level of stress you feel on a normal basis. And they don't have to be expensive, as there are some health insurance plans that cover massages. In fact, some companies even offer an on-site masseuse as a perk for their employees. Otherwise, your significant other would probably be willing to do their best as long as you are willing to reciprocate.

Massages are great ways to reduce and help control the level of stress you feel in your body and your mind. They aren't too expensive, and if you focus on the areas where you carry stress in your body the most, they are even more effective. Go and get one today!

The Benefits Of Getting A Massage

Do you suffer from muscle pain caused by a bad back, a hard workout, or maybe even from having slept in an uncomfortable bed? Well if you do, something that may be able to take your pain away is a massage. And if you've never had one, you don't know what you're missing!

Many people experience muscle pain on a regular basis for any number of different reasons, but don't know what to do about it. Some of them simply believe that it's just a part of life, and they can't do anything about it. So they continue to go through their lives each day living in pain.

Other people do try to do something about their muscle pain. One of the things they try to do to manage their muscle pain is take some sort of pain medication. These may be pills that can be purchased right off of the pharmacy shelf, or they may be prescription pain-killers. But they will usually need to try many different types in order to find one that works well for their type of pain. And that is assuming that they do find one that works.

There are downsides to taking medications in order to control muscle pain though. Besides having to try different types before finding one that works, even after having found one other problems may still crop up. You may start to develop an immunity to medication, making it necessary to take more and more each day. This could become expensive, or the pills could even stop working altogether.

Another option some people take in order to get rid of their muscle pain is to stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain in the first place. If it's caused by sleeping on an uncomfortable bed, they get a new mattress. If it's because they workout really hard, they change their workout routine. However, this may not always be an option.

The method that works for many people, that you cannot develop an immunity to, and that doesn't have to be expensive either is massage. Some health insurance plans even cover massages under certain conditions, which can make them inexpensive or even free. Or if you have a significant other, you can get a book or video to learn how and then practice on each other.

A massage that has been given to you by a skilled masseuse can help you rid yourself of muscle pain, and provide an enjoyable experience at the same time. I would encourage you to try it and see for yourself!

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How Your Muscular System Works - Emma Bryce

Each time you take a step, 200 muscles work in unison to lift your foot, propel it forward, and set it down. It’s just one of the many thousands of tasks performed by the muscular system: this network of over 650 muscles covers the body and is the reason we can blink, smile, run, jump, and stand upright. So how does it work? Emma Bryce takes you into the body to find out.

Lesson by Emma Bryce, directed by Viviane Leezer.

Experience Serenity and Tranquility with a Moisturizing Facial

 

You will experience serenity and tranquility as your face becomes more soft, supple and moisturized. This revitalizing facial has the benefit of hydration, luster, and vitality. This treatment is recommended for dry skin. This facial includes cleansing, exfoliating, facial massage, derma fill mask, toning and an application of defend and restore moisture cream. 

60 minutes - $85 

Call 36 Oaks Country Retreat today to schedule an appointment for this facial and any other of our relaxing spa treatments. 

 (707) 447-8037

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Arthritis

Holly Firfer tells us how arthritis patients can find relief through massage therapy.

Reduce Stress and Tension With a Wonderful Massage

Such services help to create the right atmosphere so you can calm down and slow down. Too often, stressors are created due to taking on too much both at work and personally. Taking some time for yourself to relax and unwind is important. You should never feel guilty for the time or money spent on relaxed massage service.

Reduce the Pain

Most of us fail to realize when we suffer from pain, it is hard to make good decisions. It can affect our mood too. We can become cranky and irritable and make hasty decisions. Through relaxed massage service, you can cut or cut that pain. Before you struggle through it or turn to medications, see if this can help you.

Tension can settle around the neck and back, causing a great deal of pain. If you suffer from chronic headaches, those can also be resolved through relaxed massage service. It can be the change in your life that really makes each day better and brighter for you.

Improve your Health

Studies show when we are relaxed and get rid of tension, it offers tremendous health benefits. This includes sleeping better, lower blood pressure, and improved overall circulation. These are great benefits for your health you should strive to promote. If you work out regularly, your muscles can become sore. This type of service can help with improving flexibility.

If you often suffer from fatigue, this can help to boost your energy level. It is easier to get everything done you need to daily when you have the energy behind you to make it happen. This can change your mindset, your social calendar, and more because you don't feel sluggish all the time.

Your Needs

A professional offering relaxed massage service is going to take into consideration your own needs. Explain to them why you came in for the service, what hurts, the results you are interested, in and other details. Sharing that information can help them to customize the experience for you.

They will offer a quiet and inviting atmosphere for the procedure to take place. This can include soft music and low lighting. It can also include candles or various scents that help to appease the senses. You will be both safe and comfortable in such a setting. Push everything else from your mind and just focus on how it feels.

Rejuvenate your Mind and Body

Thanks to a relaxed massage service, you will be ready to go out there and tackle your responsibilities once again. That block of downtime can be just what you need to get things in order. It won't solve all of your problems, but it can help you get into the right frame of mind to deal with things again. Get into the habit of scheduling such services regularly.

Reducing stress helps to keep you looking younger. It is true that too much stress can increase the physical signs of aging. This includes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Most people want to find a way to slow down the hands of time, and this is a fun way to pamper yourself at the same time!

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Fall Special at 36 Oaks!

Double Discount - WOW - Don't miss this!!

$10.00 off an hour massage 

PLUS add a second treatment at 50% off!

Great time to nourish your skin after a hot, hot summer. You might try a very natural Aloe Vera facial, a decadent body polish and re-hydration, or a moisturizing wrap.

Come and re-discover calm and replenish your essence.

Hope to see you soon!!