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Sometimes You Shouldn’t Get a Massage

We always talk about the benefits of getting a massage and why it is so important to have a regular massage, BUT there are times when one should opt out.

Avoid massage therapy in this situations:

  • Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin.
  • Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery.
  • Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, clients should consult their oncologists before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor is usually discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.
  • Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using massage therapy. However, after the first trimester, massage can be very beneficial to an expecting mother.  This topic will come up in another blog. 😊

General Contraindications

For certain medical conditions, massage therapy is generally contraindicated or should be avoided at the time. These include:

  • Systemic contagious or infectious diseases, including the common cold;
  • Acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention;
  • Severe unstable hypertension; or
  • Significant fever

Local Contraindications

For the following conditions, massage therapy is locally contraindicated, or the affected areas are to be avoided:

  • An acute flare-up of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • An aneurysm
  • Frostbite
  • Local contagious or irritable skin conditions
  • Open sores or wounds
  • Recent surgery
  • Recent burn
  • Varicosities
  • Malignancy

Please avoid eating anything at least an hour prior to your massage.  Even though massage is extremely relaxing and feeling good, eating a meal just before your massage can cause the client to feel nauseated. It’s possible that there could be an onset of vomiting or the immediate need to move bowels—both of which you probably will not want to do at your massage therapists office 😊

If you have any questions about whether or not you ought to avoid getting a massage, contact me and ask!

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Why regular massage is best

Do you have those annoying knots in your neck?  A frequent pain in your lower back?  Tightness in your shoulders or hamstrings or wrists? Over time, this causes our muscles and/or fascia to be out of place, stretched out, pulled, or shortened.  This causes our muscles and/or fascia to get stuck or bunch up, causing what we call knots.

That’s because your muscles are bunched and scrunched up. In these modern times, we tend to sit for hours in front of our computers. Our necks are crooked as we stare into our cell phones.  We hold postures that are not ideal for our skeletal, muscular, or soft tissue structure.

How We Get Tied Into Knots

Over time, this causes our muscles and/or fascia to be out of place, stretched out, pulled, or shortened.  This causes our muscles and/or fascia to get stuck or bunch up, causing what we call knots.

Massage is not only a feel-good experience—although it really is amazing, right?—massage will also CORRECT our posture and over time diminish that everyday pain we endure

Reversing Poor Habits

If you get a massage once a year, it will be relaxing, but it can’t undo a lifetime of muscle tension. Typically, once every week or two is ideal for keeping your muscle tissue pliable and in good shape. If you are in chronic pain or have a special issue to address, you might benefit from a weekly massage (or even twice a week) until you feel better.

Once you’re feeling better, once a month is the recommended minimum for maintaining the health of your tissue. If you start stretching the massages out too far apart, then your muscles can revert to their old patterns, especially when you come under stress. If you wait too long, you’ll have to start all over again to restore their suppleness and pliancy.

Scheduling Regular Massages

MiraclePass is our monthly self-care routine which offers you a discounted price per session.  Every month, you’ll be delighted with a blissful massage, and at the same time, you will decrease stress, muscle tension, the everyday lower back pain you live with, and lower your blood pressure. Monthly massage will increase your feelings of well-being, promote relaxation, improve your posture, and increase your immunity.

Read more and grab your MiraclePass today.

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Crowning Glory

In this seventh and final post in our chakra series, we’re looking at which essential oils in combination with massage can help you open and expand your crown chakra, which is considered to be the gateway to everything beyond the material world. The crown chakra influences our deeper understanding of ourselves beyond the physical or material.

The crown chakra is a wheel propelling the search for deep inner truth. The opening of this chakra allows one to enter into the highest state of consciousness. Activation of this center influences the balance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the integration of our physical self with our eternal self. Inhibition of energy flow at the seventh chakra may manifest as a cerebral dysfunction.

Attributes of the Crown Chakra

  • Color = violet
  • Element = thought
  • Sense = all senses
  • Body Part = central nervous system
  • Glands = pineal glad
  • Location = top of your head

Signs of Balance

  • Balanced spiritual life
  • Feels that life has a purpose
  • Feels a connection with others and a higher source
  • Wise
  • Insightful

Signs of Imbalance

  • Excessive fear of death
  • Unclear of life or spiritual purpose
  • Feel alone or possess a God-complex
  • Feel unloved by or angry at God/Universe/Source

Essential Oils for Balancing the Crown Chakra

  • Cedarwood
  • Frankincense
  • Helichrysum
  • Lavender
  • Myrrh
  • Rosewood
  • Sandalwood
  • Vetiver

At your next massage appointment, request one of the above essential oils to aid in opening your crown chakra.

 

 

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Your Third Eye

In this sixth post in our chakra series, we’re looking at which essential oils in combination with massage can help you open and expand your third eye chakra. The third eye chakra rests on the principles of knowledge and wisdom. It influences the areas of our mind that control our common sense, wisdom, intelligence, memory retention, dreams, spirituality, and intuition.

This chakra controls concentration, consciousness, intuition, extra-sensory perception, and paranormal experiences. The third eye houses our ability to visualize and comprehend concepts. Energy blockages of this chakra physically manifest in the form of such divergent illnesses as sinus problems, cataracts, and major endocrine imbalances.

Attributes of the Third Eye Chakra

  • Color = indigo
  • Element = light
  • Sense = all senses, including extra-sensory perception
  • Body Part = eyes, central nervous system, and midbrain
  • Glands = pituitary
  • Location = between your eyebrows

Signs of Balance

  • Intuitive
  • Common Sense
  • Fast Learner
  • Clear Memory
  • Intelligent
  • Sense of Spirituality

Signs of Imbalance

  • Non-sympathetic and no empathy
  • Judgmental
  • Over-Intellectualizing
  • Lacks intuition
  • Lacks common sense
  • Forgetful
  • Sleep, dream, or nightmare issues

Essential Oils for Balancing the Third Eye Chakra

  • Clary Sage
  • Cypress
  • Frankincense
  • Juniper
  • Patchouli
  • Rosemary
  • Sandalwood
  • Vetiver

At your next massage appointment, request one of the above essential oils to aid in opening your third eye chakra.

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Amplify Your Voice

In this fifth post in our chakra series, we’re looking at which essential oils in combination with massage can help you open and expand your throat chakra. The throat chakra is closely associated with speech, sound, and hearing. The central theme of the throat chakra is rooted in communication and the expression of oneself in the world.

Problems related to the throat chakra include disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid, stiff neck, hearing impairments, tinnitus, colds, tonsillitis, laryngitis, and tumors/cancer of the larynx. Blockages in this chakra may occur in conjunction with difficulty in self-expression and communicating one’s true inner feelings.

The throat chakra strongly influences our ability to effectively communicate our thoughts, opinions, desires, and feelings— and just as importantly, our ability to hear, listen, and understand those in our daily lives. The throat chakra not only influences what we hear and say through verbal communication, but it also influences body language and written communication methods.

Attributes of the Throat Chakra

  • Color = blue
  • Element = ether
  • Sense = hearing
  • Body Part = larynx, neck, shoulders, arms, and ears
  • Glands = thyroid and parathyroid
  • Location = third thoracic vertebrae

Signs of Balance

  • Effective communication skills
  • Expressive
  • Good listener
  • Patient
  • Honest
  • Receptive to criticism

Signs of Imbalance

  • Poor communication skills
  • Afraid to speak up/represses feelings
  • Uncontrolled verbal outbursts
  • Deceitful
  • Manipulative
  • Shy or talks excessively
  • Unable to listen

Essential Oils for Balancing the Throat Chakra

  • Basil
  • Bergamot
  • Chamomile (Roman or English)
  • Cypress
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint

At your next massage appointment, request one of the above essential oils to aid in opening your throat chakra.

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Open Your Heart (Chakra)

In this fourth post in our series on chakras, we’re focused on using a combination of essential oils and massage to open your heart. The heart chakra influences your ability to give and receive love in a healthy way. It also influences our ability to cope with sadness related to the loss of a loved one due to a break-up, abandonment, or death.

The central theme of the heart chakra is love, particularly compassion and unconditional devotion. Blockage of this chakra can result in heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or other lung diseases.

All healing work originates from the fourth chakra. This chakra opens us to the idea that we’re all connected via universal energy. As the center of the seven chakras, the fourth represents the balance between the physical and non-physical. As we deepen our self-awareness, we elevate ourselves from lower, self-oriented chakras, to the higher, universally connected chakras. Think of your chakras as the energetic embodiment of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Attributes of the Heart Chakra

  • Color = green
  • Element = air
  • Sense = touch
  • Body Part = heart, lungs, arms, and hands
  • Glands = thymus gland
  • Location = first thoracic vertebrae

Signs of Balance

  • Able to express love
  • Giving
  • Compassionate
  • Joyful
  • Content

Signs of Imbalance

  • Unable to give or receive unconditional love
  • Selfish
  • Jealous
  • Hateful
  • Grief-stricken

Essential Oils for Balancing the Heart Chakra

  • Bergamot
  • Cypress
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Mandarin
  • Rose
  • Sandalwood
  • Ylang Ylang

At your next massage appointment, request one of the above essential oils to aid in opening your heart chakra.

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Massage and Harnessing Your Power

The third or solar plexus chakra, located about two inches above your belly button, is tied to power, mastery, and the ego. This chakra strongly influences your identity and sense of self-worth. Imbalances can take on polar opposites ranging from low self-esteem to arrogant, selfish behavior.

The third chakra relates to the digestive organs. Dysfunction of this chakra can lead to digestive imbalances, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, liver problems, and cholesterol disorders.

Anger and violence are also attributed to this chakra. The inability to express passion creates pent-up frustration, which evolves into anger. This power center houses assertion and strength, propelling us to accomplish what we set forth to do.

Attributes of the Third Chakra

  • Color = yellow
  • Element = fire
  • Sense = smell
  • Body Parts = lower back, abdomen, digestive system, stomach, liver, spleen, and gallbladder

Signs of Balance

  • Comfortable in own skin
  • Inner peace
  • Confidence without arrogance
  • Calm demeanor
  • Patient
  • Flexible

Symptoms of Imbalance

  • Low self-esteem or arrogant, egotistical behavior
  • Feeling abandoned or rejected or
  • Feeling that the world revolves around you
  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty understanding or controlling Emotions
  • Rebellious or too eager to please
  • Nervous or stressed out
  • Addictive behaviors
  • Eating disorders

Essential Oils for Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra

  • Cinnamon
  • Clove
  • Cypress
  • Geranium
  • Grapefruit
  • Peppermint
  • Sandalwood
  • Vetiver
  • Ylang Ylang

Working with your massage therapist to identify ways to improve your mental health and happiness can support you unblocking your third chakra, eliminating anger and increases your overall wellbeing. Using specific essential oils during your massage and at home can support your expansion.

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How Massage Can Open Your Second Chakra

The second or sacral chakra represents the life force of reproductive organs and their related hormones. The sacral center also fosters creativity and artistic expression. An opening of this chakra increases receptivity to the emotional and sensual aspects of life.

Use of specific essential oils and a focused intention during your massage can open the second chakra, especially when attention is given to your lower back.

 

What is the second chakra?

Source: Adobe Stock

The sacral chakra, located about two inches below the navel, influences personal creativity ranging from artistic expression to creative problem-solving. Healthy sexual desire and expression are also controlled by the sacral chakra, although communicating sexual desires is also directly affected by the throat chakra.

The sacral center is related to deep breathing, and according to Chinese medicine, is governed by the kidneys. Blockage or dysfunction of this chakra might result in disease in the kidneys, bladder, sex organs, and the lower back.

Attributes of the Second Chakra

  • Color = orange
  • Element = water
  • Sense = taste
  • Body Parts = pelvic girdle, reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, blood, lymph, digestive fluid, and semen
  • Glands = ovaries, prostate, and testicles

Signs of Balance

  • Creative flow
  • Healthy sexual desire
  • Positive outlook

Symptoms of Imbalance

  • Sexual problems or dysfunction
  • Fear of sexual or emotional Intimacy
  • Infidelity
  • Needy or withdrawn

Essential Oils for Balancing the Sacral Chakra

  • Bergamot
  • Clary Sage
  • Orange
  • Patchouli
  • Sandalwood
  • Ylang Ylang

At your next massage appointment, request one of the above essential oils to aid in opening your second chakra.

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Massage and Your Chakras: The Root of it All

Because we’re made up of energy, we’re all connected. Our energy centers, called chakras, are where we spiritually, emotionally, and physically own our energy.

What are Chakras?

In the Indian yogic traditions, chakras are perceived as locations where personalities interface and energetic exchanges occur.

When you experience disease, it’s typically from a blockage or suppression of energy in any given chakra. A blocked energy center reduces your circulation in that physical location, causing a decrease in blood flow. This decrease weakens tissue, priming the affected area for injury or disease. This mechanism translates emotions, thoughts, and beliefs into physical manifestations. Systemic opening and clearing of chakras maintains circulation and renews the blood supply, encouraging a return to health. And (you guessed it) that’s where massage comes in!

Each of the chakras can be positively impacted by massage.

In this series, we’ll explore the chakras one by one.

First Chakra (Root Chakra)

The root chakra is responsible for our physical existence. It’s concerned with survival, keeping us rooted in the present moment, and heightening our awareness of possible threats to our existence. The primary role of the root chakra centers on the protective nature of our sense of smell, as it alerts us to anything noxious or toxic.

  • Color = red
  • Element = earth
  • Sense = smell
  • Body Parts = spinal column, bone, teeth, and nails
  • Glands = adrenal glands
  • Location = pelvis

The root chakra provides energy to your adrenal glands, which controls your fight or flight response. Energy from this chakra is also responsible for maintaining the nervous and circulatory systems.

When your root chakra is balanced, you feel:

  • Grounded
  • Secure
  • Safe
  • Content

Signs that your root chakra is not balanced are you feel:

  • Ungrounded
  • Unclear of Purpose
  • Fearful
  • Insecure
  • Confused

When this chakra is blocked, you may experience:

  • Constipation
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Obesity
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Knee trouble
  • Anorexia
  • Suicidal tendencies

Massage loosens muscles in your upper and lower back, gluteus maximus, and hamstrings, releasing blocked energy in the root chakra. Use of essential oils, like cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, and vetiver, increase massage benefits by aligning your root chakra on the wheel of energy.

Schedule your appointment today to unblock your root chakra.

 

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What’s all the fuss about the dry brush?

Have you heard as I have the hubbub over dry brushing and why you will want to include it in your daily routine? You may be wondering, “What exactly is dry brushing? How does one dry brush?” Simply put, dry brushing is the juice cleanse of the beauty world.

What is dry brushing?

Using a specific kind of firm-bristled brush, you gently brush your dry skin for three to five minutes in a specific pattern, which coincides with how the lymphatic system drains toxins.  The firm bristles of the brush give your skin a thorough exfoliation while the pressure helps to stimulate your circulation and, yep, lymphatic drainage, which in turn is supposed to help the body eliminate toxins.

Benefits of dry brushing

  • Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin.
  • Helps eliminate ingrown hairs
  • Helps shed dead skin cells and encourage new cell renewal, which results in smoother and brighter skin
  • Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
  • Increasing the circulation to the skin could reduce the appearance of cellulite, a toxic material accumulated in your body’s fat cells.
  • Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin (and it feels pretty great, too!).
  • It helps with muscle tone and gives you a more even distribution of fat deposits.

How to dry brush

  • Start on dry skin before bathing.
  • Work in gentle circular, upward motions, then longer, smoother strokes.
  • Always begin at the ankles in upwards movements towards the heart—the lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it’s important that you brush in the same direction.
  • Your back is the only exception to the preceding rule; brush from the neck down to the lower back.
  • After you’ve finished with your ankles, move up to the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back, and arms. Be cautious of softer and sensitive skin around the chest and breasts, and never brush over inflamed skin, sores, sun-burnt skin, or skin cancer.
  • Ensure you shower to wash away the dead skin cells and impurities. Ninja tip: alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin.
  • Then follow it up with a slick moisturizer to nourish the skin (personally, I’m a fan of coconut oil).

This handy video from Goop shows how to dry brush.

How often do you dry brush?

Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can—and should—do daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water.

Give dry brushing a try for 30-days and see if you notice a difference. Using a dry brush regime along with regular massage will exponentially improve your skin’s appearance and rid your body of toxins. Schedule your next appointment today.