Is Massage a Luxury or a Necessity?

There is a difference between getting a massage and going to a spa. Massage has gained a reputation and has been built up as a luxury that is afforded by the few or something that you save up for. Since spas have branded massage as a luxurious experience, a lot of people stay away from it and do not realize they are missing out on the health benefits that bodywork massage provides. Consider the cost savings if you do not have to go to the doctor as often and even possibly take fewer medications.

How Pets Help Us Relieve Stress

Pets are an important part of our lives. Growing up, how many of you confided all of your problems to the family dog? Let’s face it, you can tell your dog or cat anything and they are not going to judge you, they love you no matter what you do. Pets are more than just animals that live in your home, feed them and take them to the vet. Pets often become integral members of our family. Pets are more than just companions they are also great for helping us manage stress.

How to Trick Your Body into Relaxing

As a massage therapist I have learned a lot about the body and how our muscles handle stress. I have also learned several ways on how to trick your body into relaxing. We all have moments of stress or experience some type of pain. As much as you would like to drop everything and run to the massage therapist, that’s not always very practical. Here are a few tips to help you relax between your massage therapy appointments. 

Deep Breaths 

If you are in a situation that is stressful and you can feel the panic setting in try taking a moment to just breathe. Slowly inhale and slowly exhale in deep breaths. This will trick your body into relaxing. Practicing regular breathing exercises helps to keep us calm and is good for our hearts and digestion. 

Beat Yourself Up 

If you need to relax your neck and shoulders beating yourself up helps. I use a 24” bamboo stick and bounce it up and down on my shoulders. Don’t beat yourself up too much, just tap your shoulders. Basically, when you tap on your shoulders you are increasing your circulation. Bringing the circulation to your skin helps relax your muscles.  

Roll Around on the Floor 

For my clients that carry stress in their back and shoulder blades, I often recommend that they get a pinky ball and place it on the floor. Lay down on the pinky ball making sure it is placed between your shoulder blades and backbone. Then just roll back and forth for a few minutes. This will help relax your upper back and shoulders. If you don’t want to lay down on the floor you can also do the same technique against a wall. 

For my clients that are on their feet all day I recommend the put the pinky ball under their feet and roll the ball around. This helps to relax the feet. 

Essential Oils 

Lavender is the essential oil that brings relaxation and balance into your life. Keep a vial of lavender at home, at your office and in your purse or brief case. 

Tell Charlie Goodbye 

Some of my clients suffer from charlie horses. The second you feel the pain, pinch your upper lip just underneath your nose and the pain will go away. Charlie horses occur because of a variety of reasons. One of those reasons may be dehydration. Try drinking more water. 

Our bodies have a lot of pressure points that help alleviate pain. In my studies as a massage therapist and eastern bodywork I have learned a lot about helping my clients relax between massages. 

Are You Visiting Your Massage Therapist Too Often?

My clients often ask me how often they should get a massage. They are often surprised by my answer. I practice therapeutic massage, that means my goal is for clients to get healthy and not come back. Bodywork and massage helps heal those that suffer from chronic pain.