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Unexpected Benefits of Regular Massages

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 07:06:59 GMT

Massages are a great way to ease stress and everyday aches and pains. Your doctor might have even recommended massage to treat your headaches or the symptoms of pregnancy. However, did you know that receiving regular massages has many other benefits that you might not expect? Here are a few of the lesser-known benefits of receiving regular massages.

Massage Can Help With Anxiety

From headaches and breathing issues to chronic fatigue and high blood pressure, anxiety has several negative impacts on a person's body and health. Enjoying a regular massage can not only help you relax and ease anxiety in the moment, it can also have a positive impact on your overall health.

A therapeutic massage can decrease the amounts of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate your metabolism and help with your body's natural immunity. When cortisol levels are too high, however, this can cause several symptoms, including weight gain, irritability, depression, and anxiety.

Massage can also raise the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain but primarily in the digestive tract, which can counteract the symptoms of anxiety, decrease nausea, and improve bone health.

Massage Can Help You Sleep Better

Just like anxiety, insomnia and a lack of adequate sleep can help several negative impacts on your body. The lower levels of cortisol in your blood after a massage can also improve a person's sleep and curb insomnia. Additionally, when you receive a massage, you are able to relax - rather than focusing on your money troubles, kids, or the other everyday stresses of life - and ease minor aches and pains that can keep you awake.

Massage Can Help With Several Chronic Conditions

After being diagnosed with any number of chronic conditions, do not be surprised if your doctor recommends massage therapy. A doctor will often prescribe regular massages for these chronic conditions:

Asthma
Carpal tunnel
Rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Sciatica

Your doctor will often recommend massage after suffering a sports injury, such as tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, sprains, and muscle or joint damage as well. The massage can help you relax and improve your range of motion, loosen sore muscles, and increase blood flow to the injury and throughout your body.

Massages Can Improve Your Immune System

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that help your body fight off illness. When you receive a Swedish massage, the production of lymphocytes improves, which, in turn, can help you combat the common cold or other viruses and bacteria.

Cortisol reduction from massage can also help keep you from getting sick. When your body is less stressed, it is stronger and more able to defend you from disease.

Massages Can Improve Your Posture

The average Americans spends around 6.5 hours every day in the seated position. While seated, many of these same adults hunch over a computer, which greatly impacts their posture. When your posture is poor, it can negatively impact your entire body because you only use certain muscles. The underutilized muscles weaken over time. Receiving regular massages can help counteract the issues of poor posture.

Massage can help relieve pressure from certain points throughout the body that occur from constant sitting and improper posture. When the pain of your sore, overused muscles is alleviated, you can begin to stand straight and enjoy walking with less pain.

From better sleep to improved posture and less anxiety, several unexpected benefits exist from receiving regular massages. If you have any other questions about the benefits of massage, contact the professionals at  Oriental Massage & Spa . We look forward to helping you with your massage needs.

Massage for Strength Training: An Important Part of Building Muscle

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 07:06:17 GMT

If you lift weights and do bodyweight resistance training, you likely know that recovery after a workout is just as important as the workout itself. You might stretch, eat specific foods, and wait a certain amount of time before working out again. When mapping out your workout recovery plan, you should add massage as a priority treatment for your muscles.

Massage offers a number of specific and unique benefits to your muscles. As you use massage regularly, your performance and recovery can improve. Learn why massage should be a part of your training plan.

Increased Circulation

Athletic massage techniques focus on helping to improve blood flow to the muscles. Blood brings oxygen, which your muscles need for cell repair. Each time you lift a heavier weight or push yourself in a workout, your muscles develop tiny tears that need repair. The muscle repairs itself, and as a result, it is a little bit stronger than it was before.

Improved circulation can help reduce the soreness and inflammation that come from this process, which is called delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.

One study compared the difference between men who received massage after a challenging resistance routine and ones who did not receive massage. The recovery rate was better in men who received massage, even though both groups had muscle soreness and restricted movement from DOMS.

The connective tissues (ligaments and tendons) that work in tandem with your muscles to provide fluid movement also experience strain during workouts. The increase in circulation during a massage can help restore and promote health in these tissues as well.

Improved Flexibility

Muscle tightness is a common side effect of frequent lifting. As your muscles get tighter, your range of motion decreases, making it harder and harder to keep a good form during difficult lifts. You want your muscles to be both strong and flexible so that basic daily movements like bending over and going down the stairs are not challenging for you.

Massage encourages tight muscles to relax. Not only will your range of motion improve, but you can also enjoy better mobility and fluidity in your movement in and out of the gym.

Massage also helps to loosen tight or pinched fascia. Fascia is a relatively newly discovered part of the body that scientists are still working to understand, but it plays a key role in overall body movements and it can get stuck or tight, which causes pain as your muscles contract.

Reduced Injury Risk

With inflammation and tightness comes the risk of overworking your muscles or pushing them to the breaking point. If you get a massage regularly, you won't have to worry as much about tearing a muscle because it has been worked to the point of inflexibility.

Your tendons, joints, and ligaments will also be safer because massage eases restrictive movements and tight muscle groups.

Improved Overall Muscle Health

Some lifters struggle with altering their body composition after using poor form or unbalanced workout routines.

For example, a person who focuses too much on core work might actually have a protruding abdomen because the back muscles are not developed enough to balance the core. These imbalances can occur anywhere, and they affect the overall physique you want to create.

Unbalanced muscle groups are also under a great deal of strain. Massage can help relax ever-tight muscle groups to help improve posture and make it more possible for a weightlifter to correct unbalance using proper form. Over time, correcting these unbalanced areas with a combination of targeted workouts and massage will result in overall muscle health.

For more information, contact us at Oriental Massage & Spa.

What To Expect During Your First Reflexology Appointment

Tue, 14 May 2019 07:06:41 GMT

Finding safe ways to relax and relieve the stresses of everyday life can be difficult, especially if you have exhausted several options. Another option to try is reflexology, a practice that places pressure on specific areas of the feet and hands through massage to heal the body and mind. If you haven't tried this practice before, you may not be sure what is involved and what to expect.

Here are a few things you can expect to occur during your first reflexology appointment and how you can prepare.

Preparing for Your First Appointment

Before your initial appointment, understand the basics of reflexology, what you want to get out of the experience, and any questions and concerns you have about the process. Reflexology is an ancient practice based upon the idea that applying pressure to certain spots on the hands and feet will help your body naturally heal itself. For example, if you are having headaches, the practitioner will massage targeted areas to help you find relief.

Create a list of realistic goals for the sessions, specific areas you want to target, and your long-term health and wellness goals. For instance, if you were diagnosed with a debilitating or life-threatening illness, such as multiple sclerosis or cancer, write a list of any pains or symptoms you are experiencing and how you want the reflexologist to help.

Speaking With Your Practitioner

Much like other appointments with medical practitioners, your reflexologist may ask you several questions about your health and your family's medical history. You can discuss any concerns you have, so take this opportunity to talk about your concerns and any specific pain or symptoms you experience.

The practitioner can let you know what specifically will occur during the session, which spots on the feet and hands they are targeting, and what or how you should feel.

Attending Your First Reflexology Session

The practitioner will lead you to a comfortable seat or table where the reflexology massage will occur. Depending on your preference and what is provided by the practitioner, your reflexologist might light some candles, play soft music, and use essential oils to make the experience as relaxing as possible.

Your practitioner will begin massaging your feet and applying pressure to target areas. For example, if your symptoms are associated with your head and neck, the reflexologist may focus on your toes. The reflexologist might use lotions, creams, and powders to loosen the muscles and achieve better results.

During the session, don't be surprised if you are so relaxed you fall asleep. You may also begin to sweat, cough, feel like you are hot or cold, or even experience slight discomfort. Let your practitioner know if you experience any of these or other symptoms, and they will walk you through why these sensations are occurring.

Moving Forward After Your Reflexology Session

Once your appointment is finished, you will be able to relax for a few minutes. You may feel more energetic and experience a reduction in any aches and pains. Conversely, you might feel very relaxed and tired.

Talk to your reflexologist about these symptoms as well. Your reflexologist will recommend drinking a lot of water over the next few days. This hydration will help you feel better, and the water will flush the toxins from your body. Finally, your practitioner might also recommend staying away from alcohol and heavy meals for the first few days after the initial treatment.

Reflexology is a long-practiced art that can help you live a happier, healthier life. If you have any questions or want to schedule your first appointment, contact Oriental Massage & Spa .

Tips for Your First Massage

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 07:12:51 GMT

A massage is a special occasion, and why shouldn't you enjoy a bit of luxury every once in a while? In addition, the physical benefits of a massage are plenty, including comfort, relaxation, and even potential health improvements. Whether you simply want to relax or you are in recovery from a physical event, you can benefit from a massage.

If you've never had a massage before, you may not be certain of what to expect. Keep reading for a few tips that will help you plan for your first massage.

Arrive Early

You should always arrive early for your first massage. The therapist may require that you sign some paperwork and provide some information about your health history. This information will influence part of the massage and will take some time to fill out.

Choose a Relaxing Treatment

Certain types of treatment are a lot more conducive to your first massage than others.

Swedish massage is a gentle, full-body method of massage that is great for those who are new and still a bit sensitive. This form of massage relieves knots but is also relaxing. It uses kneading, flowing strokes, circular motions, and vibration.

A hot stone massage is another good choice for your first time. Hot stone massage is great for individuals with muscle pain and tension, and it is similar to Swedish massage except that it includes heated stones. It is thought to improve blood flow, relieve stress, and alleviate pain.

Therapies like deep tissue massage and sports massage do not necessarily contain the same relaxing qualities. They also require the client to provide more feedback, and speaking during your massage could impact your relaxation. However, these massages may prove effective for you after you are more accustomed to massages.

Keep a Lax Schedule

For the rest of the day following the massage, try to take some time off. Your body will thank you for avoiding rushing to work right after getting a massage. If you don't think you'll be able to take time off, talk to your massage therapist about performing physical activities immediately after your first massage.

Avoid Drinking Alcohol and Eating

Drinking alcohol before your massage may agitate your body. Additionally, it can put you in a different frame of mind when you do lie down for the massage. You may struggle to relax while you are lying on the table.

Eating a large meal before a massage is also a mistake because it could prompt gastrointestinal issues. It can make you feel uncomfortable when you are trying to relax, especially when you are lying on your stomach.

Take Off as Much as Is Comfortable

Your massage therapist will ask that you remove as much of your clothing as you are comfortable with. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on, but you can take it off if it will make you feel more comfortable. You will have a sheet draped over you for the length of your massage.

Many people have concerns about body acne, weight, different body parts, and scars. They worry that if they haven't shaved their legs, the massage therapist may judge them. Your therapist has seen it all before and will not judge your body.

Ask for What You Want

During your massage, feel free to tell your massage therapist that you are too hot, too cold, in pain, or unsure of what is happening. Additionally, don't be afraid to discuss what you do not want. For example, if you don't want somebody to touch your gluteal area or abdominals, tell your massage therapist to avoid these regions.

Choose a Professional You Trust

The massage therapist you choose makes a big difference in the quality of your massage. When you use Oriental Massage & Spa, you have access to professionals who care about your massage. Contact us today to learn more.

The Benefits of 2 Common Massage Oils

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 07:21:28 GMT

Massage oil reduces friction and enables the hands of a massage therapist to move smoothly across the skin. Any type of oil is useful for friction reduction, but not all have the specific qualities that certain oils provide. Coconut and grape seed oil are two of the most commonly used oils by massage therapists, and each oil is known to boost the benefit of a massage in many ways. Read on to learn the benefits of each.

1. Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is unlike the traditional coconut oil most people use at home. The process removes many of the fatty acids, so the oil becomes light and odorless.

Control Massage Strokes

Fractionated coconut oil is also stickier than regular coconut oil. The stickier product still reduces friction during a massage but enables the therapist to have more controlled movements.

Controlled movements during a massage allow the therapist to target certain muscle groups and specific pressure points for the most relief. Therapists may use this oil during a deep tissue massage or foot massage or when working on pressure points to alleviate pain.

Soften the Skin

Fractionated coconut oil has vitamin E and antioxidants, and it is antibacterial and antifungal. It can remain on the body to absorb into skin without any concern of rancidness. The oil helps to keep moisture in the skin to prevent dryness, and it may help to reduce the signs of aging. Recent studies that included virgin coconut oil revealed that it may speed up wound-healing.

Improve Other Oils

A common use of coconut oil is as a carrier for essential oils. Fractionated coconut oil has no odor, so it does not compete with or corrupt the scents of the oils chosen for use in aromatherapy. The creamy texture of coconut oil makes it the perfect base for concentrated essential oils that need dilution before any skin application.

2. Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil is a popular choice because it is a silky and light massage oil.

Improve Skin Conditions

One of the biggest benefits of grape seed oil is that it is also an anti-inflammatory with an elevated level of linoleic acid. Linoleic acid helps to clear clogged pores and can reduce the severity of acne breakouts.

Protect Sensitive Skin

Grape seed oil comes from grapes, and allergies to this fruit are rare. Since it is not a common allergen, it is often safe for use on people with sensitive skin and other allergies. It also has a light, nonoffensive odor that is unlikely to bother people that have a sensitivity to many scents.

Boost Skin Texture

Grape seed oil has a higher vitamin E content than olive oil and has high levels of vitamin C as well. It can soften, moisturize, and soothe the skin. Vitamin C also helps to improve the elasticity of the skin by boosting collagen production to repair skin damage. Studies have also shown that it helps to protect the skin from some of the damage caused by the UV rays of the sun.

Add to Blends

The light, silky texture and mild scent of grape seed oil make it a popular choice as a carrier oil. Many therapists mix grape seed oil with other beneficial herbal ingredients or essential oils for use in massage and aromatherapy. Grape seed oil is often an ingredient in homemade lotions, hair products, and soap.

At the Oriental Massage & Spa , we know that every detail is important when it involves the health and comfort of our clients. We take the time to make certain that all our products, techniques and staff are perfect so every visit it rejuvenating and peaceful. Contact us to learn more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment.

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How Massage Can Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 07:27:46 GMT

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive strain injury (RSI). RSIs are any injuries that are caused by overuse or poor posture from repetitive activities.

The carpal tunnel is a passage formed by ligaments and bones on your wrist. The median nerve runs through this tunnel and controls feeling in your fingers and thumb. Unfortunately, this passage is narrow, so if tendons are stressed too much, they swell and cause symptoms such as:

Pain in forearms, hands, or wrists
Weakness in extremities
Numbness and/or tingling in extremities

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may want to isolate the root cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome and seek treatment before the damage becomes severe.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Some people think that carpal tunnel syndrome only happens to athletes like cyclists who grip handlebars too hard. However, most RSIs today are caused by sedentary activities, like playing the piano or using computers. If you type a lot or play video games a lot, you can develop this syndrome.

Besides being an RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome can be indicative of another health issue, such as:

Thyroid disorders
Chronic stress or hypertension
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Hormonal changes

Once you identify the root cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome, make changes such as taking breaks and stretching. Some people find relief with corticosteroids, ice packs, and wrist splints.

It's important to seriously address this problem; otherwise, you may have to have surgery to release pressure on the median nerve. One way to help early carpal tunnel issues is with massage.

Different Massage Modalities Can Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Studies have shown that massage therapy can be beneficial to those with carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage therapy can do the following:

Lower blood pressure (which is great for carpal tunnel caused by hypertension)
Reduce anxiety levels
Reduce symptoms of arthritis
Relax muscle tension
Improve blood circulation and healing

You can try different massage modalities to help your symptoms, such as deep tissue massage and reflexology.

Deep Tissue Massage

While some therapies, like Swedish massage, use gentle gliding strokes, deep tissue therapy uses more pressure to penetrate deep layers of tendons and muscles. Deep tissue massage shouldn't be painful - you will likely feel that good hurt as if you were stretching muscles after a workout.

Deep tissue massage is incredibly effective for carpal tunnel patients because this type of massage can restore elasticity and range of motion in your wrists and forearms. Your therapist may even incorporate trigger-point therapy during deep tissue massage.

Some people call trigger points muscle knots, but they aren't knots at all. Trigger points are areas of fascia that are overly contracted. Your therapist can apply enough pressure so the fascia relaxes and glides easily over other muscle tissue.

Reflexology

You may have heard of reflexology, or zone therapy, for your feet, but this method can also be used on the hands. The theory is that areas on your hands and feet correspond to other bodily systems. As you apply pressure to certain areas, the rest of the body will heal.

Reflexology has been used in ancient medicine to alleviate stress. Reflexology also works great with essential oils if you enjoy calming scents.

One great thing about reflexology is that your therapist can teach you how to do reflexology at home. It's a low-cost way to find relief. Your therapist can show you how to apply pressure to points on the fingers, palm, and wrist.

Contact Oriental Massage & Spa today to set up a massage appointment. Massage therapy is a great non-invasive way to heal from carpal tunnel syndrome and ease pain.

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4 Reasons to Experience Deep Tissue Massage

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 07:43:25 GMT

Whether you have aches and pains from work or play, you may benefit from receiving a deep tissue massage. This type of massage is also beneficial for relieving psychological stress. A trained massage therapist, employed at a spa facility, can offer you a rejuvenating and relaxing experience.

With firm pressure and slow strokes, deep tissue massage differs from other massage methods, while targeting joints, muscle, and tissue. Deep tissue massage (DTM) can help your body heal itself from stress and discomfort. Here are a few ways this technique might benefit you.

1. DTM Is a Good Post-Workout Option

Do you run, play sports or work out at the gym? If you suffer from sore and aching muscles after a strenuous workout, deep tissue massage may be beneficial. Some experts believe that massage helps loosen tight muscles that many experience after a physical workout.

Massage therapy after physical exertion may relieve some of the soreness and possibly prevent injury after working out. Muscles may recover faster after a post-workout massage as well.

2. DTM Targets Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive motion can be stressful on the joints and muscles. If your work involves doing repetitive activities, you may eventually experience what doctors refer to as repetitive stress injuries, or RSI. Any type of RSI may cause sore muscles and pain to the affected joint, tendon, or muscle. Deep tissue helps restore your range of motion and relieve some of the discomfort associated with repetitive stress.

Deep tissue massage facilitates healing to overworked muscles and tendons by improving blood flow and circulation. By doing so, toxins are released from the body, and this helps to ease inflammation. Your injured tissue and muscle may begin to heal and regain mobility and strength after a deep tissue massage. Scar tissue may be reduced, therefore there is less chance of retearing the tendon or muscle.

3. DTM May Improve Cardiovascular Health

If you are concerned about developing high blood pressure or hope to keep your blood pressure stabilized, think about receiving deep tissue massage. Studies show that DTM has an effect on blood pressure. Even after one session, blood pressure may be reduced.

In addition, studies show a correlation between deep tissue massage and reduced heart rate. During one study, participants experienced an average reduced heart rate of 10 beats per minute . For individuals with a fast heartbeat, deep tissue massage therapy may be beneficial.

4. DTM Helps Reduce Emotional Stress

Physical stress is not the only cause for a person to feel poorly. Psychological or emotional stress can wreak havoc on the body as well. When you're depressed or unhappy, you may find it difficult to sleep and suffer from aches and pains also. You may be surprised to learn that a deep tissue massage may help you feel better emotionally.

As a psychological benefit, deep tissue massage helps to release hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin. Chemicals such as these are neurotransmitters in the brain which stimulate a response in the body. When released, these neurotransmitters help to regulate sleep. For example, serotonin may help you feel more positive and happy and relieve mild depression.

Keep in mind, that DTM may not be appropriate for some individuals with conditions such as skin rashes, fractures, or trauma to a joint.

For serious health concerns and conditions, always consult your physician before seeking alternative treatment. Ask your health care provider if deep tissue massage is right for you and your health needs. With your doctor's approval, head over to your favorite massage spa and get started on a massage wellness program to benefit you both physically and psychologically.

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Discover Reflexology: Better Health Through Happier Feet

Wed, 23 May 2018 07:48:16 GMT

Great health is only achievable when people take care of their entire body. The feet are easy to neglect because they are often hidden inside socks and shoes, but everyone should pay attention to the health of their feet. Foot pain can make it hard for people to tend to their daily lives. In addition, changes in the feet can signal health concerns. Monitor and care for your feet to improve your health.

Read on to learn more about the connection between your feet and your overall health. One unique treatment option for foot pain and health concerns is reflexology.

Understand Foot Cramps

The soles of the feet contain numerous nerve endings , more per square centimeter than any other part of the body. Generally, when people spend a lot of time on their feet they'll experience some discomfort. While tired, achy feet are typically not a cause for alarm, intense pain is more of a concern.

Frequent foot cramps are often a sign of dehydration or a lack of key nutrients like potassium, calcium or magnesium. If a daily vitamin, better diet, and more water consumption do not solve the problem, then the cause could be related to medication, poor footwear, or even health issues like poor circulation. Start with the simple solutions first but see a doctor if the pain continues.

Stop Foot Pain

Two common complaints about feet are a reoccurring pain in the heel or in the ball of the foot. Ball of the foot pain is typically caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes known as Morton's Neuroma. The stinging pain in the heel, particularly after being idle, is usually caused by plantar fasciitis.

Both conditions have similar causes. People with the condition often spend a lot of time on their feet and have shoes that lack proper support for their arches or adequate padding for shock absorption. Some people require professional treatment for relief, but improvement is common with better shoes, elevating the feet at night and with regular foot massages.

Notice Warning Signs

Some of the early signs of illness begin with foot-related problems. For example, constantly cold feet could be the result of hyperthyroidism. A cut or sore that refuses to heal may be a sign of diabetes. Numbness in the feet is a warning sign of peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Swelling could be from poor circulation or heart disease.

Use Reflexology to Address the Problem

Reflexology is a type of massage that can help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and make the body healthier. The process is done by applying pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears that correspond with organs in the body. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to certain spots or zones of the foot will help to relieve problems in the corresponding area of the body.

Reflexology helps to relieve the foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis . Improved blood circulation after a massage may also be useful for relieving cramps, swelling, and coldness in the feet. The relaxation a foot massage offers is beneficial for people that suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and stress headaches.

Medical studies suggest that improvements to the immune system and reduced levels of inflammation are a result of a massage. This, along with the relaxation benefits, make a foot massage an enjoyable way to promote better health. Reflexology is a sensible treatment option. When you use this technique alongside medical care, you can target specific areas of concern.

Reflexology is a relaxing way to get healthier. Contact us at Oriental Massage & Spa to learn more about reflexology and to schedule a session.

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Relief Through Massage: A Natural Solution for Common Types of Headaches

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 07:54:34 GMT

Healers in India, China, and Egypt have used massage as a therapeutic solution for over 5,000 years. It was a healing method used to balance the system and improve energy flow. Massages were once considered a form of alternative medicine by western doctors. Today, it is a mainstream practice known to provide numerous benefits - including headache relief.

Manage Migraine Pain

A migraine is much more intense than a basic headache. The sufferers often experience a sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells as well as nausea, vomiting, and even visual impairments. The pain may continue without relief for a few hours or as long as a couple of days. Work or school disruptions are common and social relationships may suffer because of the misery.

Massage has helped many migraine patients to find relief from the pain and to help reduce the frequency of the attacks. Experts believe massage is beneficial because it addresses what is thought to be the cause of the headaches. Massage regulates the stress hormone cortisol, relieves trigger point pain, and helps to control pain by boosting blood oxygen levels.

Some of the best types of massage for migraine sufferers are deep tissue, neuromuscular, and reflexology. Sample different massage techniques to discover the one that works the best because every migraine sufferer is unique.

Relieve Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are like migraines but are distinguishable by the intensity of the pain experienced and how they appear. Cluster headache sufferers often have daily reoccurring attacks that last for weeks or months, and then they are headache-free for several months or longer. Cluster headaches make even the simplest of daily tasks impossible to complete.

There is no cure for cluster headaches and all patients respond differently to the usual treatments of drug or oxygen therapy. Improved circulation and lower stress levels may help to prevent some cluster headache attacks. The use of craniosacral massage, shiatsu, reflexology, and deep tissue massage are recommended to accomplish these steps.

Treat Sinus Pain

A headache that occurs along with a stuffy nose is not necessarily a sinus headache. In fact, doctors will often diagnose chronic bouts of this type of pain as a migraine. However, pressure and pain in the face and head due to inflamed and stuffy sinuses is undeniably real. Massage can also help to treat this type of pain and pressure because it relieves the congestion.

Lymphatic drainage massage can help to relieve sinus pain and reduce the risk of infection. Another option for relief is aromatherapy, and many spas combine this treatment with their massage services. Common scents to use for sinus relief include lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Craniosacral therapy is also beneficial for chronic sinus sufferers.

Stop Tension Headaches

It is nearly impossible to avoid all of the potential triggers for tension headaches. Loss of sleep, stress, eye strain, and food sensitivity are all common causes. Tension headaches cause pressure around the skull and make the shoulders and neck muscles feel stiff. The pressure and stiffness are sensations that can remain for days without any relief.

Massage not only relieves the pain of tension headaches, but it can also help to prevent headaches that are stress-induced. Relieve a tension headache and relax the tight muscles caused by stress with a deep tissue massage.

There is no guarantee that any type of massage will eliminate chronic headaches, but it is a riskfree treatment option that is always enjoyable and relaxing. At Oriental Massage & Spa our expertly trained staff is happy to help clients find a solution for their headaches. Contact us to schedule a session to see if the techniques we offer are the solution for you.

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The Benefits Of A Therapeutic Stone Massage

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:00:47 GMT

A stone massage is a therapeutic treatment used to relax and soothes muscles, relieve chronic pain, and rejuvenate blood circulation in the body. This therapy can also provide renewed energy to the massage recipient.

A therapeutic stone massage can be beneficial whenever you feel mental or physical stress. Here are some things to consider when getting a therapeutic stone massage.

The Causes of Stressed and Sore Muscles

When you use muscles during exercise and movement, they can get overexerted and dehydrated. Small tears can then occur in the muscle fibers and become inflamed, stiff, and sore.

When the body senses these small tears, it releases toxic cellular compounds where the tears occur.

Stones Used For Therapeutic Massage

Volcanic basalt stones are most often used for massage therapy because they are smooth, flat, and available in sizes that are used on the face, hands, feet, and areas where muscles connect to bones.

The volcanic density of basalt stones allows them to be polished with a smooth finish. These smooth stones easily slide on the skin and can be pushed deeply into tense muscles.

As you massage these stones into the muscles, toxic cellular compounds are dispersed through the blood system to be eliminated from the body. The pressure of a stone massage can also suppress the release of more of these cellular compounds into the muscles.

Types of Stone Massage Therapies

Volcanic basalt stones can be used heated or cold, and also with or without oil.

Hot Stone Massage

For a heated stone massage, place stones into a stone warmer filled with water. The heated stones are then massaged into the body at acupressure points to increase blood flow and eliminate toxins. They can also be left in place to soothe and relax the muscles with heat.

Cold Stone Massage

For a cold stone massage, stones are placed in a refrigerator, freezer, or in a container filled with ice water. The cold stones are then placed on the body to reduce muscle swelling and increase blood circulation and/or left in place for pain relief.

Stone Massage With Oil

For a stone massage with oil, a massage therapist can apply warm oil directly to the body before pressing and placing massage stones. The application of this oil will warm the muscles and skin so that the stones slide easily over them.

Oil can also be applied to each of the massage stones prior to using them on the body. The oiled stones are then rubbed on the body and placed in specific locations to stimulate and rehydrate the muscles.

Stone Massage Without Oil

For a stone massage without oil, a massage therapist will press the stones directly into tight muscles and pressure points on the body. This pressure will quicken the blood flow to these areas and provide oxygenated blood to the muscles to enhance muscle recovery.

Benefits of a Therapeutic Stone Massage

Stone massages can be very effective when hot stone therapy and cold stone therapy are alternated during the same massage. These alternating therapies can boost the body's immunity, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, relieve muscle tension and pain, and relieve the symptoms of many conditions and diseases.

Preparations for a Therapeutic Stone Massage

When preparing for a stone massage, eat sparingly and drink plenty of water. Tie up long hair in a ponytail so the massage therapist can easily work on your neck and shoulders.

Relax and put your worries and mental problems aside while you have a therapeutic massage. Stretch your muscles before and after your massage to allow them to receive and retain the massage benefits.

For a relaxing therapeutic and sensory massage, make an appointment at Oriental Massage & Spa . One of our professional massage therapists can focus on specific areas of your body to make sure that you receive the maximum benefit from your stone massage that can last for many days.

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