The Power of Aromatherapy Massage

May 17th is World Hypertension day. It is a day to raise awareness and promote prevention to this serious medical condition.

In the relentless rhythm of modern life, hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure—stands as a silent, persistent adversary. It’s a condition that quietly undermines heart health, often without any obvious symptoms. But imagine if a solution as serene as an aromatherapy massage could help combat this invisible enemy. Let’s explore how this fragrant defender might just be the secret weapon your cardiovascular system needs.

A Scented Whisper of Calm

Think about a space where calming scents envelop you, easing your mind and body. Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils that are believed to activate smell receptors in your nose, sending messages straight to your nervous system. Why does this matter? Because it’s this very system that helps regulate your blood pressure by calming the storm typically kicked up by life’s stresses.

The Fragrant Touch: Harnessing Nature’s Essence

Delving into the world of aromatherapy massage uncovers some fascinating potentials that go far beyond surface-level relaxation and stress reduction. This exploration opens up avenues for deep therapeutic intervention, where the natural compounds in essential oils can interact with the body’s systems in complex ways to promote healing and enhance emotional well-being.

The Essence of Swedish Massage with Aromatherapy

Visualize a serene setting where gentle hands massage your body, infused with the healing scents of lavender or chamomile. A study found that women receiving Swedish massage with aromatherapy showed significant reductions in blood pressure levels, suggesting a dual pathway to peace and relaxation.

Target Relief Through Scent

Moving deeper, imagine the delicate aroma of eucalyptus or peppermint complementing a focused foot massage. Research from 2016 highlighted that a 45-minute session could help not just in lowering blood pressure but also in reducing anxiety, painting a picture of holistic health benefits.

Longevity of Benefits: More than a Passing Breeze?

The eternal question remains: how lasting are these aromatic benefits? While many studies hint at immediate relief, the enduring impact of aromatherapy massage invites more exploration. The dream is for ongoing research to illuminate how these scented sessions might maintain their soothing effects longer term.

A Symphony of Scented Wellness

Incorporating aromatherapy massage into your life isn’t just about combating high blood pressure—it’s about creating a harmony of health. By blending this practice with other lifestyle rhythms, you can orchestrate a comprehensive wellness routine.

Complementary Lifestyle Melodies

Tune your daily habits to include heart-healthy nutrition—think vibrant fruits and verdant veggies, seasoned lightly with nature’s own flavors.

Engage in regular, rhythmic physical activity to keep your blood flowing and your heart beating in healthy time.

Let the soothing aromas of your massage sessions be a reminder to breathe deeply and reduce stress in other areas of your life, too.

Closing Chords: A Heartfelt Invitation

Aromatherapy massage offers a potentially powerful way to lower blood pressure and soothe your soul. It’s not just a treatment; it’s an experience—a journey into a world where every breath can contribute to your well-being.

Why not let your senses lead the way to a healthier heart? Discuss with your healthcare provider and see if aromatherapy massage could be part of your strategy to face hypertension head-on. Together, let’s embrace this aromatic adventure—your heart, your health, your harmony.

Unlock Workplace Wellness 

Imagine a workspace where stress and tension don’t just fade away – they’re replaced by an atmosphere of tranquility and focus. This isn’t a far-fetched dream. The introduction of chair massages into the corporate environment offers a real, tangible solution to the everyday pressures faced by employees. Let’s dive into the transformative benefits that chair massage can bring to your enterprise, creating a more serene, productive, and happy workplace.

A Haven of relaxation in the Office

The office environment, with its deadlines and demands, can often feel like the last place tranquility exists. Chair massages challenge this notion, turning a corner of your workplace into a sanctuary of calm. Imagine taking a short break from your desk, no need to change or prepare, and stepping into a space where a few minutes of massage can rejuvenate your mind and body. This convenience and accessibility make relaxation not just a luxury, but a staple of your daily routine.

Boosting Employee Well-being

Chair massage is a powerful ally against the common enemies of any workforce: stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort. By offering regular sessions, you provide your team with a tool to combat these issues head-on. The physical touch involved in massage therapy releases endorphins, creating an instant mood lift and fostering a sense of well-being. Employees emerge from their massage sessions not just happier but more equipped to tackle their tasks with a positive outlook.

Enhancing Focus and Productivity

Our fast-paced work environments often leave employees feeling drained, which can impact concentration and output. Chair massages offer a solution by reducing mental fog and enhancing clarity. The physical relaxation coupled with the mental break helps reset the mind, allowing for sharper focus and increased productivity. It’s a win-win: employees feel better, and their improved performance reflects positively on the company’s objectives.

Promoting Better Health

Regular chair massages can lead to fewer sick days and a healthier team. By alleviating symptoms of repetitive stress injuries, reducing the occurrence of headaches, and improving overall musculoskeletal health, massages contribute to a physically healthier workplace. Healthier employees mean a more consistent and reliable workforce, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.

Cultivating Positive Company Culture 

Incorporating chair massages into your corporate wellness program sends a clear message: employee well-being is a top priority. This commitment to health and happiness can significantly enhance company culture, making your enterprise a more attractive place to work. The sense of being valued and cared for boosts morale, fosters loyalty, and can be a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent.

Customizable Solutions for Every Need

Just as every individual is unique, so too are their massage needs. Chair massage programs offer flexibility to address specific concerns, whether it’s reducing tension in the shoulders and neck, alleviating lower back pain, or simply providing a moment of relaxation. Tailoring the experience ensures that each employee gains the maximum benefit, enhancing their physical and mental well-being.

Conclusion:

The integration of chair massages into the workplace is more than a wellness trend; it’s a strategic investment in the health and productivity of your workforce. The benefits extend beyond the individual, positively impacting the overall dynamics of the workplace. Reduced stress levels, improved health, increased productivity, and a positive work environment are just the beginning.

In a world where the lines between work and life blur, finding balance is key. Chair massages offer a practical, effective way to address the challenges of modern work life. By making wellness an accessible part of the workday, you not only enhance the well-being of your employees but also set the stage for your enterprise’s success.

So, why not bring the magic of chair massage into your workplace? It’s a step towards creating a more vibrant, healthy, and productive environment, where every employee has the opportunity to thrive. Unlock the potential of your team and your business by embracing the transformative power of chair massage.

Imagine a world where stress and tension seem to magically vanish, replaced by a feeling of tranquility and serenity. This might seem like a distant dream, but the power of in-home cranial massage can bring it right to your doorstep. Embark on a journey to discover the myriad of emotional and physical benefits that this soothing and nurturing practice can offer, and experience the transformative impact it can have on your overall wellness.

The Comfort of Your Own Home

The comfort of your own home is an unparalleled sanctuary where you feel truly at ease. In-home cranial massage allows you to fully immerse yourself in this familiar, nurturing environment, maximizing the potential for relaxation and stress relief. As you lie down in your favorite spot, the soothing touch of the massage therapist’s hands on your head will transport you to a world of calm and tranquility, far away from the hectic pace of daily life.

Promoting Emotional Well-being

Cranial massage is a powerful ally in the battle against stress, anxiety, and depression. Its gentle and rhythmic movements can help to release pent-up emotions, allowing you to process and let go of negative feelings. The therapeutic touch of cranial massage can also promote the release of endorphins, known as the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can elevate your mood and create a sense of happiness and well-being. With each soothing stroke, you’ll find yourself drifting into a state of emotional equilibrium, where inner peace prevails.

Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus

Our fast-paced modern lives often leave us feeling mentally drained and overwhelmed. In-home cranial massage can help counteract this by stimulating circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain, which in turn promotes cognitive function, enhances focus, and improves overall mental clarity. As the gentle pressure applied to various points on the head relieves tension and calms the mind, you’ll find yourself in a state of heightened awareness, ready to tackle your daily tasks with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

A Sanctuary for Deep Sleep

The quest for a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. In-home cranial massage has the power to guide you into a deep, restorative slumber by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. As the massage therapist’s skilled hands work their magic on your head, neck, and shoulders, your body will gradually release tension, paving the way for a peaceful and uninterrupted night’s sleep. Awaken the following morning feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the day ahead.

Strengthening Relationships Through Shared Experiences

In-home cranial massage can also serve as a catalyst for connection, fostering intimacy and closeness between couples or family members. By experiencing this soothing and healing therapy together, you’ll create a shared space of relaxation and vulnerability, deepening the bond with your loved ones. The emotional benefits of in-home cranial massage are further enhanced by the opportunity to enjoy it alongside those who mean the most to you.

Tailored to Your Needs

In-home cranial massage offers the unique opportunity to customize your experience, ensuring it aligns with your specific preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic headaches, stress reduction, or enhanced mental clarity, the massage therapist can tailor their techniques to address your unique concerns. This personalized approach allows for a more targeted and effective session, providing you with the maximum benefits possible.

Conclusion

As you can see, in-home cranial massage holds the key to unlocking a world of emotional and physical benefits that can elevate your wellness to new heights. From the soothing comfort of your own home to the enhanced mental clarity and deep, restorative sleep, this transformative therapy provides a holistic and nurturing approach to self-care. By embracing the healing power of touch, you’ll find yourself on a journey toward emotional balance, strengthened relationships, and renewed vitality.

In a world that often demands so much of our time and energy, it’s crucial to prioritize our well-being and find ways to replenish our reserves. In-home cranial massage offers a convenient and personalized solution that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine, providing an oasis of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. Moreover, the opportunity to share this experience with loved ones allows you to not only improve your own wellness but also to strengthen the bonds that unite you. As you explore the many benefits of in-home cranial massage, you’ll discover that it is much more than just a simple indulgence. It’s an investment in your emotional and physical well-being, a tool for self-discovery, and a pathway to a more vibrant, balanced life.

So, why not take the first step towards ultimate wellness and invite the magic of in-home cranial massage into your life? As you embark on this journey of self-care, you’ll find yourself feeling more connected to your inner self, more resilient in the face of life’s challenges, and more present in the moment. And as your body, mind, and spirit begin to heal and rejuvenate, you’ll soon realize that the hidden magic of in-home cranial massage has the power to transform not only your well-being but also your entire life. Embrace the transformative potential of in-home cranial massage and experience the profound impact it can have on your journey towards ultimate wellness. By nurturing your body, mind, and soul, you’ll unlock the door to a happier, healthier, and more balanced version of yourself, ready to face the world with renewed energy and a radiant sense of purpose. The hidden magic of in-home cranial massage awaits you – take the plunge and discover the wonders it has in store.

“Touch therapy or massage therapy has hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it is good for all our physical and mental health. The right uses of touch truly have the potential to transform the practice of medicine.” University of Berkley, 2010

10 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy & Strong During Winter

While fabulous bright sunny days have the power to lift up our positive emotions, and supercharge us with energy, dull winter days can do the exact opposite. In fact, science shows that less exposure to sunlight results in diminishing levels of our happy hormone serotonin, and this is a major reason why wintertime can leave us feeling down and depressed. On top of this, there’s a strong possibility that when we are transitioning through the winter months, we will get a cold or catch the flu. In fact: “according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are millions of cases of the common cold each year, and the average adult catches two to three colds every year. That means that you have a very good chance of having a cold during the winter”. So with all this stacked against us, let’s take a look at some super simple natural ways to activate our inner sunshine by boosting our immunity and well-being.

Number 1: Wash Your Hands Regularly

Follow this 4 Step guide:

1: Put your hands under clean warm or cold running water; then turn off the tap, and apply liquid antibacterial soap.

2: Rub your hands together to lather up the soap.

3: Scrub your hands with a gentle hand scrub brush (for a minimum of 20 seconds)

4: Finish by thoroughly rinsing your hands under clean warm or cold running water.

Number 2: Up Your Vitamin C Intake

According to the Mayo Clinic: “The link between vitamin C and mood might seem surprising, but people who have vitamin C deficiency often feel tired or depressed. Studies have shown that people who had lower than normal vitamin C levels, found that their mood improved after they received vitamin C. And even for people who aren’t known to have low vitamin C levels, taking a vitamin C supplement might help mood”. And on top of this driver to boost our happy emotions, vitamin C can also bump up our immunity to tackle winter. As the Harvard Nutrition Source notes: “Vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections, and is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals”

Number 3: Drink Lots of Mineral Water

Did you know that our mood improves when we drink more water? Research shows that when those of us who normally drink plenty of water, reduce our intake: we feel more tense, less content, and less calm. When scientists increased the study participants’ water intake, the latter felt happier, regardless of how much water they usually drank. On top of this, if you buy mineral water, then you will benefit from all the valuable essential minerals. For example, the mineral magnesium, plays a key role in developing serotonin, which is a major contributor to our feelings of happiness.

Number 4: Add Fresh Garlic to Your Meals

Not only does garlic rev up the way our food tastes, there is also research which suggests that our adrenal glands’ response to stress is affected by garlic. So if we consume it in our meals, the level of stress hormones we produce go down, and as a result, we feel less fatigued, sluggish, and stressed

Number 5: Cut Down on Refined Food & Sugar

The term “sugar rush” can be misleading, as to many, it sounds like a much needed boost for our energy and healthy emotions. However, in reality, the opposite is true. “Recent research indicates that sugary treats have no positive effect on mood. In fact, sugar may have the opposite effect over time. And one study found that consuming a diet high in sugar can increase the chances of incident mood disorders in men, and recurrent mood disorders in both men and women.

And when it comes to automatically putting refined food into our shopping carts, we need to be mindful that all it ultimately does, is lower our energy and mood due to its lack of naturally occurring nutrients. So try and makes some positive changes by slowly switching from nutrient-depleted white bread, to delicious wholegrain bread; and then substitute white rice and white pasta for the tasty healthy wholegrain variety.

Number 6: Stay Active & Enjoy Some Fresh Air

Are you aware that walking or jogging in the fresh air not only helps to clean out our lungs, it also rockets up our happy emotions, raises our energy level, improves our digestion, and lowers our heart rate? So try and get into the groove of spending twenty minutes to half an hour a day, going to a park or green space near your home or workplace.

“Touch therapy or massage therapy has hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it is good for all our physical and mental health. The right uses of touch truly have the potential to transform the practice of medicine.” University of Berkley, 2010

Number 7: Get Quality Sleep Every Night

Harvard Education notes that: “Sleep and mood are closely connected; and that poor or inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being” [8]. So make sure that you get seven or eight hours of quality sleep every night. Turning off your computer and phone screens before bed time can help, as can having regular de-stressing massages.

Number 8: Eat Balanced Meals

In order to boost our emotions, we should ensure that we eat a daily selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acid rich food (e.g., salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts and seeds). Adding some dark green leafy veg to our plate, is also a wise move, as it is particularly brain protective (as are lentils, beans, and nuts)

Number 9: De-Stress for 10 Minutes a Day

Whether it’s just sitting down in quiet location; doing some light meditation listening to the background music from a relaxing YouTube video; doing some Tai Chi moves, or just focusing on our breathing, by inhaling in positivity, briefly holding our breath, and then breathing out negativity; we can blissfully release some of our stress stores, boost our energy, and lift our positive emotions.

Number 10: Get a Fantastic Home Massage Every Week

The winter season is well known for bringing on physical imbalance and discomfort; circulation issues, arthritis, and countless types of aches and pains that spring up all over our body. So what’s the best proven solution, that can regenerate our winter blues’ mind and body? The answer is, having a regular massage in the comfort of your own home!

Arranging for a highly trained professional massage therapist to ring on our door bell once a week, is one of the best treats we can give ourselves. And because remedial treatment will help promote our optimal mental and physical wellness; bolster our immunity, enhance our blood and lymph flow, increase our body temperature, naturally lower our blood pressure, and ameliorate our body function, all those around us will benefit from the new us – someone who is bursting with energy and uplifting emotions, regardless of what the weather!

 Sources

[1]. TRT World (2021). “How the cold and snow affects our brains and emotions.”
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-the-cold-and-snow-affects-our-brains-and-emotions-43387#:~:text=Less%20exposure%20to%20sunlight%20leads,decreasing%20our%20feelings%20of%20depression.

[2]. Phillips, H. (2022). “11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immunity During the Winter.” CNET.
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/11-natural-ways-to-boost-your-immunity-during-the-winter/

[3]. Bauer, B. A. (2022). “Can Vitamin C Improve Mood?” Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/benefits-vitamin-c/faq-20058271

[4]. Harvard Nutrition Source (2020). “Vitamin C.”
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

[5]. Stanborough. R. J. (2020). “Dehydration and Anxiety: How to Keep Calm and Hydrate On. “Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/dehydration-and-anxiety

[6]. Conte, P. (2018). “Five foods that will change your mood.”
https://coach.nine.com.au/diet/five-foods-that-will-change-your-mood/3e3a9f08-50be-4ef9-915d-93f978483a3e

[7]. Lindberg, S, & Kelly, E. (2020). “Your Anxiety Loves Sugar. Eat These 3 Things Instead.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-sugar-harms-mental-health

[8]. Harvard Medical (2008). “Sleep and Mood.”
https://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/mood

[9]. NIH (2022). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids.”
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/##[10]

[10]. Cedars Sinai (2010). “Adults Demonstrate Modified Immune Response After Receiving Massage, Cedars-Sinai Researchers Show.”
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/adults-demonstrate-modified-immune-response-after-receiving-massage-cedars-sinai-researchers-show/

We all love the thought of the magical holiday season when our family and friends come together, but for many of us, when it finally arrives, we are often pent up with emotions and stress due to a variety of factors.— And it’s no wonder! This is because we can find ourselves immersed in a heady spectrum of demands—managing the expectations of others, entertaining, getting our homes looking spick and span both inside and out, shopping for presents, ordering in a range of holiday beverages and alcohol, and getting in countless ingredients to create impressive looking baked delights and delicious three course meals.—Not to mention having the glasses, fancy serving trays, crockery and cutlery, in pristine condition.

Did you know?

Did you know that according to research carried out by the American Psychological Association: “Nearly a quarter of people reported feeling ‘extreme stress,’ come holiday time. Furthermore, holiday stress statistics show that up to 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a ‘lack of time,’ and 51% are stressed out about the ‘pressure to give or get gifts. Moreover, 45% of the people questioned, would choose to skip out on the holidays, rather than deal with the stress of it all.” So to that end, let us take a look at some of the best ways to ameliorate it.

Wellness tips to keep us in optimum condition in the holiday season

Take a morning walk

Morning walks, preferably within an hour after waking up (as this lowers blood pressure), improves blood circulation, and reduces our risk of heart disease. – So a top of the morning walk to start our day can be an excellent way to keep our hearts healthy, and prevent high blood pressure. The Heart Foundation notes that walking for an average of just 30 minutes a day, can reduce our risk of heart disease by a whopping 35%. Moreover, taking a walk every day, can help us manage or prevent a number of health issues; support our respiratory health, rev up our metabolism, lower our stress levels, bolster our mood, and ameliorate our cardiovascular fitness.

Have a Daily Wheatgrass Juice

Are you aware that wheatgrass houses important nutrients and enzymes which enable our bodies to break down various foods, and absorb nutrients—all of which boost our health and digestive processes. Moreover, this superfood can also play a role in bolstering our metabolism (something which can help weight loss); assist in detoxification processes; and reduce gas and bloating. And if you don’t like the grassy taste, just transform it by squeezing a fresh lemon in the wheatgrass juice! Note: the best time to drink wheatgrass juice, is not long after after you have woken up. You should then hold off on having your breakfast until twenty minutes after consuming it, as it is preferable to drink it on an empty stomach.

Give Yourself Some TLC With a Yoga Stretch & Meditation

If you do this popular ‘Downward Dog’ yoga stretch, it will open up your shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and even the arches in your feet—thus strengthening your upper back and shoulders, revving up your blood and lymph flow, and helping you get over any holiday stress, in no time. You can do it any time of the day, although early mornings are particularly good. This is because the pose involves bending down so that your heart is above your head.—This will increase blood flow to your brain, which is the perfect way to kickstart alertness at the start of the day.

Instructions: Begin in a flat tabletop pose with your hands on the ground beneath your shoulders, and your knees on the ground beneath your hips. Take a good breath in, and then exhale, and lift your knees off the floor, raising your torso, and positioning your hips toward the ceiling. Reach your heels to the floor, and straighten out your knees as far as you can (without straining and locking them). Press into your fingertips on the ground, and maintain your head between your arms as you focus your eyes between your calves. In order to get visual instructions, watch this YouTube video. https://bit.ly/3ia8I0q

When it comes to meditation, all you have to do is to sit down on the floor, on the bed, or on the sofa, in a cross legged position. Now relax your arms, and put each of your hands on your thighs or in your lap, with the palms facing up. After this, slowly roll your shoulders back and down, and gently raise your chest. Now hold your neck upwards, and tilt your chin slightly downward. Keep your eyes closed, and concentrate on your breath, as you breathe in a natural and free flowing way. Do this for 5 to 15 minutes a day in peaceful surroundings.

Get yourself a Fabulous In-Home Massage

When it comes to the overindulgent holiday season, we don’t have to be a celebrity to treat ourselves to a fantastic, emotion-boosting, relaxing, de-stressing, feel-good hormone-rocketing, therapeutic home massage! It is no longer a luxury to have a massage therapist ringing on your doorbell; in fact, for a growing number of people, it is becoming a daily, bi-weekly, or monthly event.—This may be due to the fact that having a professional massage on a regular basis, can energize us, and make us feel happy, thereby generating a positive impact on every aspect of our lives.

A professional massage therapist will ascertain what type of massage you need in accordance with how you feel, the levels of your emotions, and what you are experiencing, at the time. If you are suffering from mental stress and exhaustion, have overdone things, or are having digestive issues, or aches and pains, etc., then give your therapist all the details. They will then give you a cutting-edge highly beneficial hands-on treatment which employs specific types of gentle, or more vigorous movements (depending on how your emotions and physical state is at the time).

And when it comes to overindulging during the holiday season, massage is the perfect answer. It is highly beneficial for digestive issues, and research shows that abdominal massage can ameliorate stomach discomfort, and fight bloating (a common sign of overindulgence). For example, having a full-body Swedish massage, can help digestive problems by (amongst other things) stimulating the intestines by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The latter refers to a network of nerves which both relax our body after periods of stress; and help drive crucial processes (such as digestion), at times when we are relaxed.

In addition to the aforementioned, full body massage is excellent for ridding our body of both emotional and physical toxins. This is because the techniques employed by the massage therapist, are designed to boost our happy hormones, and our lymphatic drainage. In the case of the latter, this action works to break up any toxins, thereby allowing them to be flushed out of the system. (Over the course of a few days, these toxins are flushed out and expelled by the body). After this, it is common for the person receiving the massage, to feel an overall sense of heightened well-being.

In summary, the benefits of a home massage, include:

•Lowering stress levels & boosting relaxation

•Rocketing our happy hormones

•Reducing pain, muscle tension & soreness

•Helping digestive issues

•Improving alertness, energy & circulation

•Lowering blood pressure & heart rate

•Boosting immune function

•Revving up blood circulation

•Dispelling toxins

•Stimulating our lymphatic system

•Increasing joint flexibility & mobility

•Increasing our range of motion

“Touch therapy or massage therapy has hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it is good for all our physical and mental health. The right uses of touch truly have the potential to transform the practice of medicine.” University of Berkley, 2010

Back pain can be so stressful, that it affects us at our very core. – Our emotions often shatter all over the place, as the instability brought on by our agony stops us from living our best lives. – Our work and home life suffer, we feel miserable, and often have trouble sleeping. So what is the answer? Did you know that extensive research gives the thumbs up to massage therapy?  Enjoying a therapeutic massage, and ameliorating our aches and pains, is just a ticket! The proof is in several research articles.

Extensive Research Gives the Thumbs Up to Massage Therapy

A study published in the medical journal, Pain Medicine, relates to research carried out at the University of Kentucky and Indiana. “It suggests that massage can help individuals with lower back pain More than 50% of the participants reported improvement. Of those, 75 % noted that they still felt better after 24 weeks”. And more research in the Annals of Internal Medicine, “concluded that massage may be effective for treating chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least 6 months. Participants in the massage groups received 1 hour of weekly therapy for 10 weeks. The massage treatments had significantly greater effects than usual physical therapy”.

Massage is the Golden Key to Optimum Wellness

Massage is a wonderful natural treatment which balances our emotions, and ameliorates our mind, body and soul. Massage maintenance plays a crucial role in helping us keep in tip top condition. And if you are having a course of back treatments with a chiropractor or osteopath, then it will make their treatment all the more successful. Investigation on massage & back pain by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, found that: “Massage lessened lower back pain, depression & anxiety, and improved sleep. The massage therapy group also showed improved range of motion and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher”

The best strategy to negate back pain is by having regular professional massage therapy. Not only will it boost blood circulation in the injured regions, it will also help to regenerate damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles. With regular massage, the body will be in an optimum mode to heal and regenerate the area/s of your back where you are feeling discomfort and pain. The benefits will be immense, and as the American Massage Therapy Association notes, science-backed research shows that regular professional massage can:

● Boost blood circulation, thereby helping to negate muscle soreness due to physical activity
● Relax muscles to allow a better range of motion
● Eradicate issues with insomnia
● Elevate endorphin levels

Did you know?

“Most healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatment. 54% of healthcare providers say they will encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy in addition to their medical treatment”.

Putting a Spotlight on Emotional Distress

Studies show that: “Psychological distress is a common reaction to chronic low back pain that can in turn contribute to increased disability. Both short & long-term back pain can be associated with psychological distress in the form of anxiety (worries, stress) or depression (sadness, discouragement)”

This is a very serious dilemma, as the more negative we become about our hurting back, the more we remain in a vicious circle. – One which can result in even more pain. It’s easy to understand that this mental stress is a common response to the elements of the suffering we have to endure from back pain, even when it’s not serious and the symptoms are short-term. Another aspect to bear in mind, is that this emotional distress is linked to the neural and hormonal processes which are consistent with self-protection. And it is because of this self-protection, that over a period of time, the back pain normally worsens, and the disability which is brought on by the pain, gets systematically worse. – And so here are yet more reasons why having a professional massage right from the get go, is a truly smart move.

Long-Term Emotional Negativity Due to Back Pain

Chronic back pain, which refers to long-term back pain, is the term used to describe pain which has been present for longer than three months. Some people find that this pain comes and goes, but the fact of the matter is that it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, and not left to the chronic stage. As John Hopkins Medical notes: “chronic back pain is straining both physically and emotionally. To manage the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological aspects of dealing with chronic pain, you may get referred”. If you have visited a chiropractor or osteopath, they are likely to recommend having a professional massage, and the benefits of this is multifold: it helps our body’s physical and biological functioning, and helps to keep our emotional levels in check. – And this includes soothing our frustration about not feeling the way we normally do.

The Healing Benefits of Human Touch

“What many people don’t know is that endorphins may help block pain signals from registering in our brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety, stress, & depression, which are all associated with chronic back pain & often make the pain worse. Certain activities may boost our endorphin levels, such as aerobic exercise, massage therapy, or meditation”Human touch has been the root of healing since time immemorial, and there is nothing better than having a professional massage therapist give you a healing massage in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Your massage will boost your endorphin levels, which will ease your pain, and make you feel calm and happy.

Endorphins are hormones which are sometimes called the ‘Body’s Natural Painkillers.” They are also thought of as ‘happy chemicals,’ and are often linked to a ‘runner’s high.’ – This is because people feel empowered by the extra bounce they get in their step! So in a nutshell: endorphins are generated naturally by our bodies at times of stress or pain. They are automatically released via our hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and having a massage gives them a helping hand. – So the sum total leaves us feeling calm and at ease, both emotionally and physically.

It is important to be mindful of the fact that the way we feel is directly connected to the activity of the billions of neurotransmitters in our brain. Neurotransmitters are our brain’s chemical messengers. – Their job is to transmit, boost, and balance the signals which are transmitted between our nerve cells, and other cells throughout our body. These chemical messengers are busy at work, 24/7, as they keep our brain functioning at optimum capacity, by controlling everything from learning a new language, to breathing. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most well known neurotransmitters. And in addition to this, both of them act as hormones. – In fact, they are known as the ‘happy hormones,’ due to the action they play in the regulation of our mood and emotions.

The Healing Benefits of Human Touch

Research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that the level of Cortisol (the stress hormone), went down significantly following massage therapy. The scientists reviewed studies on depression, pain syndrome, stress on the job, and other conditions, and showed that levels of cortisol went down as much as a whopping 31% after participants had a professional massage. And there’s even more good news – massage therapy not only lowers our cortisol levels, it also boosts our major feel-good chemicals – dopamine and serotonin. The latter works to balance our sense of well-being, sleep, hunger, and mood – all of which play a role in helping us beat our back ache, and regenerate our bones, muscles, connective tissue, and more.

Fun fact

When you have a massage, your body’s production of serotonin, the happy hormone, is one of the reasons why you let go of your negative emotions, and feel wonderfully relaxed.

Taking Positive Action!

Book a weekly (or bi-weekly) home massage, you will soon see and feel the cumulative effects that deliver immense benefits to your back pain, and overall physical, emotional and mental health. Your levels of the stress-linked hormone, cortisol, will plummet, and levels of oxytocin (the happy hormone), will rocket up. Ultimately, this will lead to the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, thereby alleviating stress, and bolstering your mood.

“Touch therapy or massage therapy has got hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it’s good for our entire physical & mental health. Proper uses of touch truly have the potential to transform the practice of medicine.” Berkley University, 2010

Take Care of Yourself!

Sources

[1]. RMT EDU (2022). “Does Massage Help Back Pain? Here’s What the Research Says.”
https://www.rmtedu.com/blog/does-massage-help-back-pain#:~:text=A%202011%20study%20published%20in,that%20reported%20chronic%20back%20pain.

[2]. Curtis, S. (2019). “6 Overlooked Remedies for Lower Back Pain Relief.” Spine Health.
https://www.spine-health.com/blog/6-overlooked-remedies-lower-back-pain-relief

[3]. International Association For the Study of Back Pain (2022). “Psychology of Back Pain.”
https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/psychology-of-back-pain/#:~:text=Both acute and chronic back,not medically serious [35].

[4]. John Hopkins Medical (2020). “7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery.”
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery

[5]. Mayo Clinic (2020). “Back Pain.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906#:~:text=Back%20pain%20often%20develops%20without,back%20muscles%20and%20spinal%20ligaments

[6]. Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Int J Neurosci. 2005 Oct;115(10):1397-413.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16162447/

[7]. International Journal of Neuroscience (2002). “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.”
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450590956459

Nowadays, intentionally or unintentionally we are all exposed to the news on tv, radio and social media and the stress and anxiety levels can creep up on us. We are all going through a difficult time period that can certainly have a negative impact not only on our mental health but also on our physical well-being also. Stress can profoundly impact our health, influencing everything from our skin to our digestion to our sleep and our mood. Since most likely we have more alone time now, we can take this opportunity to do all the things we’ve always wanted but never got around to do them.

Perhaps it is to create new and better habits for a more conscious and healthier living or revising our diets or taking on new hobbies. The list is really endless. Ultimately you choose the one or two that makes you the happiest and healthiest. In my opinion one of the most important one is self-care since this has implications in every aspect in our lives. What does self-care mean exactly?   According to our dictionary self-care is: “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health” and “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

What does Self-Care Look Like?

Medical professionals advocate for self-care as a way of prevention to many chronic and acute health issues. Self-care may require some self-discipline like many other things that are for good for us, but the investment is well worth it.

Setting measurable goals

When you set goals, it shows yourself that you are progressing, continuously improving, learning, and it keeps you motivated moving forward.

Create a gratitude list

You may surprise yourself with how much gratitude you have. Try adding three new gratitude to your list every day and before you realize you filled up pages with things that sometimes we take for granted.

Unplugging from technology

Reduce the time spent on the internet, television, social media so you can go to bed earlier and wake up earlier to meditate or to exercise. Nowadays, you don’t even need to hit the gym to get a fun workout. There are endless apps that you can use to raise your heart rate and tone your muscles even with just 10-15 minutes of exercise.

Simplify

Schedule your “ME” time and avoid over-commitment. We’d all love to do everything we could do, but it is important not to over-commit and burn yourself out on doing all the “stuff” we want to do.

Work-life balance

If you work full-time or even part-time, you must maintain a healthy work and life balance. If you work all the time and feel like you do not have time or energy for anything else, that could be an indicator that things need to change. It goes along with the point of simplifying your schedule, do not do more than you can handle.

Try a new hobby

Learn something new you have always wanted to do, but have not had the chance as of yet. Or try something completely new and different that will stimulate different neural pathways. That can be, through taking an art class, working with wood to make furniture or art pieces, remodel a car, learn interior design, take up sewing, or learning a new language. The options are limitless, choose one that brings you the most joy.

Spirituality

Regardless of your religion, find a place near your home that you can visit that can help you recenter your spiritual self. Now that gives something to ponder about. What is that you would enjoy doing every day to preserve and better yet improve your own health? What active steps are you taking to make sure you have the best quality life possible? Living over half a century now and being in health care for most of my life I collected a few suggestions for you that you can try out and see if it works for you. Anything related to our health and well-being can’t be approached in a cookie cutter manner. You have to experiment and try out different things until you find the right fit for YOU!

• Take a daily vacation by planning something that creates joy and excitement in your daily life. Watch the movies or read the books that transport you to those experiences you wish to live. Visit and explore virtual museums and online tours to see national parks.

• Rethink your goals and purposes! Dream and explore what things you would like to accomplish in the next twelve months. This draws on the most important dimension of our well being – a sense of purpose! Which can change and evolve with each passing year.

• Make a list of all the people who are important to you and plan memorable experiences that you’ll do for them. Your friends and family will always remember how you made them feel for the rest of their life!

• Create a meal that is completely different and out of your ordinary routine and share it with your friends. And if you don’t feel like cooking just order from a new restaurant and explore different cuisines.

• Plan for your health and for healthy living. What does that mean for you? How does it look like on a daily basis? Healthy living shouldn’t be a chore. It should be an enjoyable habit that you can maintain for the rest of our life.

• Receive a massage or other wellness/self-care service. Self-care has never been so accessible and easy to add to our daily or weekly routine.. We can receive a massage at home,  hairdressers, manicurists or even yoga instructors can come to our home to help us feel better. And if your mom’s, or your friend’s birthday is coming up this could be a wonderful surprise to plan for them. Certainly  this could be an out of the ordinary gift for them.

What are the benefits of Self-Care?

As I mentioned earlier, there are several benefits to self-care. When you take care of yourself, you are choosing to treat your body, mind, and spirit positively. Here are several ways that can affect you:

​Increased Productivity

For example, if you stayed up late watching television and only got about four hours of sleep, your day could have gone quite poorly. You could have struggled with focusing, slower at performing tasks, and your brain seems sluggish, you lacked the energy to do your responsibilities, or if you did your responsibilities, you might not have done them as well as you could have. Driving becomes dangerous, and so on.

Positive Self Image

When you care for your body through eating healthy and exercising, you tend to view yourself in a more positive light. If you meet weight goals or run a marathon, you are naturally proud of yourself, which increase your self-confidence and self-worth and rightly so.

Improved physical health

Participating in regular self-care habits lowers stress levels, lessen the chance of headaches, chest pain, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Another way your physical health can benefit from a self-care routine is setting aside time for regular massage therapy. The University of Minnesota wrote an article about the numerous benefits of massage therapy on our mental and physical well-being. Some of these are improved circulation, increased energy, and focus, improved range of motion, muscle pain relief from chronic and acute medical conditions such and relaxation. Some of the mental or emotional benefits are increased peace, reduced anxiety and depression and lower stress levels.

Improved Emotional Health

When you participate in self-care activities, it has a positive effect on your emotional well being. Many people enjoy going on walks or hikes as a form of self-care. When you go on walks or hikes, it engages both sides of your brain, allowing your judgment abilities to increase.

How often should I do Self-Care?

Especially because self-care is a practice that is encouraged by the medical and all other health professionals, the question may come up as to how often you should you do it? It’s been proven numerous times that adding self-care into one’s daily life reduces stress, decreases the chance of mental and physical illness, improves productivity, and increases the feelings of happiness. By giving ourselves a daily dose of self-love and compassion, we’re able to approach our work and relationships with a bright and happy mind, hence allowing the cycle of positivity to continue. It is the same way with how long you should do it. You may only need a ten-minute walk before you feel rejuvenated or it may take a two-hour hike. Do self-care activities until you feel better.

How does it affect those around me?

So far, you have learned about self-care, what it does to the benefits you can get. Even though the primary reason for taking care of yourself is the effect, it has on you, but it will have a positive impact as well as those around you. To put it bluntly, with regular self-care practice, you are happier, and people enjoy being around you. When you have good self-care habits, you are more likely to be patient, and you perform your job better.

True personal care is about honoring one’s body and mind through activities that give birth to the true self. When you choose to make personal care decisions, you want to improve your emotional, physical and mental well-being. Taking care of yourself is creating habits and a state of mind that helps relieve your stress. The way you decide to take care of yourself should be directly connected to what is best for you. There are so many ways to take better care of your body and mind. Identify the activities that make you feel at your best and “Just Do It”.

Commit yourself today to take care of yourself and enjoy the unlimited benefits of a healthy and fulfilling life.

Vivanti provides a highly personalized In-Home massage that will address your specific needs. You don’t need to spend another day in misery because of stress, painful and tense muscles  or with  built-up tension. Our certified and skilled massage therapists are ready to deliver fast relief from stress and pain to you. With our personalized treatments, you will find balance, health and longevity. Our massage therapists will bring everything needed for your In-home massage experience. A routine of regular massage therapy has real and long-lasting health benefits to feel and function at your best.

We are always looking forward to contributing to your wellness!

Take Care of Yourself!

Maybe you’ve received a Gift Certificate for an In-home massage or have given one to one of your friend or family member to spoil them with something that they will truly appreciate and to make them feel extra special. Either way, you may be full of questions about embarking on this new experience. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for an In-Home massage, both physically and mentally.

What to do before the massage therapist arrives:

You may never heard of or had a professional massage at home, you may feel a little anxious about making your home spotless and tidy before your in-home massage therapist arrives. But please be at ease as most of the preparation is about making yourself comfortable.
Your massage therapist is coming to provide you with a great massage, not to judge your living space. As long as you clear a space for the massage table (since Vivanti’s therapists bring everything needed for your session), it’s all good. All you need to do is to relax and to let go. Try not to plan phone calls or important errands right after your session so your mind can stay in a relaxed state as long as possible. So you’ll truly feel the bliss of disconnectedness from the fast paced world.

After the intake interview is over and the table is set up -which takes only a few minutes- your therapist will leave to give you time and privacy to disrobe, get onto the table, and to lay down under the sheet. Undress to your personal comfort level, and remove all your jewelry. It’s fine to strip all the way down, as private areas will stay covered at all times. However, leaving too many clothes on may reduce the benefits of your massage. Your therapist will advise beforehand on how to get onto the heated massage table, depending on each specific case. If you start laying face-down you’ll place your face in the soft face cradle unless you have other preference which you can discuss with your therapist. Some clients find that it’s more comfortable to place a pillow under their hips when in a prone position. If you’re lying on your back, the therapist will place a support under the knees to relax the lower back. After the therapist ensures that you are completely comfortable your massage session can begin.

During your couples massage session:

Good communication in massage therapy is critical to a pleasant experience. You are always welcome to talk to therapist or ask questions before or during your massage.  Your massage therapist is an experienced professional and she’ll be more than happy to listen and answer any question you may have to ensure that everything is at your comfort level so both of you will have a lovely, relaxing and completely personalized experience. If you become uncomfortable at any point, it’s important to let the therapist know. Your service provider wants you to get the most out from your session.

​Ending a massage therapy session:

Sadly, your massage therapy session must eventually end. Your therapist will gently let you know that your massage session has ended. Your therapist will leave the room once again to wash his/her hands and to give you time to slowly get up, put your robe on, and to take a minute to come back from this relaxing and healing experience. The therapist will ask you a few follow up questions and feedback about your experience that might further help to ensure an even more personalized session in the future. The long term benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, the more your massage therapist understand your needs and goals, the more he/she will be able to personalize your sessions to meet your specific health and wellness goals.

Vivanti is a leading provider of In-Home massage for over 20 years in Greater Montreal, Laval, and South Shore areas. Having a massage at home a great way to reconnect and to reward yourself and/or your partner. Massage at home is a mini vacation for your body and mind, without the stress of traveling.

Review our services and packages today to find the right relaxation for you.

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References:

https://www.zeel.com/blog/massage/what-to-expect-during-your-first-massage/
https://www.massagemag.com/what-to-expect-during-your-first-massage-session-93928/
https://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/expect.html
https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/therapeutic-communication