Category: Massage

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Do Your Injuries Make You Feel Like It’s Groundhog’s Day?

They say, time heals all wounds. When it comes to injuries, our clocks seem to move at a snail’s pace. Have you noticed when everything is working properly in your body you have a tendency to ignore those areas? It isn’t until we twist an ankle, jam a finger, or bang a knee that we think about specific body parts during our busy day. Then, we can’t seem to think about anything else, if the pain is great enough.

There are two types of injuries: acute and overuse. Acute is generally easy to identify. Overuse, on the other hand, may be a bit harder to diagnose. It’s the one that makes us crazy wondering why we are not healing as quickly as we thought. Unfortunately, in these cases, people can injure themselves little by little every day and not realize it. Whether you are a weekend warrior who keeps aggravating that old basketball injury or you are a sedentary office employee with a poor ergonomic workstation, you may be in need of a solution to get your muscles, tendons, or ligaments back on a healthy track.  

Here are three benefits of a deep tissue massage, which will help you to stop feeling like you are Groundhog-Daying yourself with repeat injuries.

#1 It Alleviates Muscle Tension
A deep tissue massage is designed to push through several layers of muscle to remove scar tissue. Like other types of massage, deep tissue massage has a specific goal. When used as part of the therapeutic program, a therapist will target specific areas of the body, which have been injured or strained, to help calm the nervous system.

#2 It Quickens Recovery Time
Massage of any kind has wonderful benefits to the cardiovascular system. A skilled therapist will carefully work the muscles (without causing further damage) to not only heal sprains or strains, but to also aid the body’s natural ability to repair itself. The increase of blood flow will rid the body of toxins, reduce sore muscles, reduce muscle fatigue, and prevent further injury.

#3 It Expands Range of Motion
Deep tissue massages also have the benefit of helping to release the stiffness that builds up in joints. With the promotion of blood flow, muscles will elongate, increasing flexibility and strengthening endurance.

If you are not sure why your injuries are not healing, it is important to seek medical advice from your provider.

To learn more about how a deep tissue massage may be right for you, contact us!

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Myth Buster: Why Massage Isn’t a Luxury

Many people believe that massage is a luxury afforded only to those with a disposable income. It’s for people who want to give themselves a day of pampering, or it is a treat rather than a necessity. Spoiler alert: these people are wrong!

Massage is a tool, supported by research, that can aid the body in dealing with an assortment of medical conditions like:

  • muscle pain,
  • anxiety,
  • circulatory issues,
  • insomnia, and
  • emotional distress.

Massage therapy is also often used in conjunction with a medical treatment plan for people recovering from heart surgeries and cancer treatments. It is not simply a luxury, but rather a golden ticket to a comprehensive health regimen.

The magic of massage is known to provide incredible benefits, which is why it is important to debunk the illusion that massage is a luxury. Most people would agree that the key to a healthy lifestyle includes proper nutrition and a regular exercise program. It can also be argued that frequent massage should not be a once in awhile thing, but rather a regular part of your routine, same as a gym membership.

We are constantly peppered with messages on television, radio, and social media about healthy food options and new exercise crazes. Additionally, when we exercise we see and feel the effects of working our bodies. Massage is a little different because it is not talked about as much. Physical touch does a world of good inside our bodies. It releases feel-good endorphins, it helps the blood flow more easily through the body, and it helps with lymphatic drainage. It is an incredible resource.

Additionally, something you may not know is that your doctor can approve massage for insurance coverage if you have a medical need. Yes, it’s true. Some insurance programs recognize the critical value of a massage in a person’s wellness plan and are willing to pick up some of the tab.

Properly caring for yourself and effectively approaching your healthcare through massage should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather a necessity. Whether your medical concerns are great or small, you should not consider caring for yourself as an indulgence.

If you want to learn more about how to design a healthy lifestyle overhaul by incorporating massage, essential oils, and mindfulness into your regular routine, contact us for suggestions.    

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3 Amazing Benefits of Cupping Massage Therapy

Old medical cupping glass, petrolatum, and tweezers with cotton wool on a white wooden table. They are used to relax the muscles and treat inflammation.

Looking for a new gift idea for massage enthusiasts this holiday season? Consider a gift certificate for a cupping massage. Often, once a client has tried it, cupping becomes their favorite massage option. Just sayin’!

What is a cupping massage?
First, know the terms. There are two different types of cupping massage therapies: stagnant and dynamic. Your therapist will place small cups around major muscle groups on your body. This creates a suction, causing blood to flow to that area. In the stagnant method, cups are left on the body for about 10 minutes. This method is more likely to leave a mark on the body that will last anywhere from a few days to weeks. The dynamic method is when the therapist continuously moves the cups around the body in the direction of the lymphatic system. This is important to note because the lymphatic system rids your body of toxins and stimulates fresh blood flow throughout the body. The dynamic method is less likely to leave lasting marks on the body.    

Is it painful?
No, cupping is not painful. It may feel slightly uncomfortable to some clients, similar to the sensation of a deep tissue massage, but it should never cause pain.

How does this method of massage detox the body?
Cupping stretches and opens muscle tissues. Your body already rids itself of toxins, but this speeds up the process by helping to boost your lymphatic system.

Now that you have a better understanding of the practice, here are three amazing benefits you will receive from cupping massage therapy.

1. It provides healing of many health concerns
‘Tis the season for colds and flu. Cupping has been around for quite a while. It was used in traditional Chinese medicinal practices as well as by ancient Egyptians and North American Indians. It’s used to fight poor circulation, fever, and muscle discomfort.

2. It helps rid the body of toxins
Toxins are grouped into the two categories of water soluble or fat soluble. They come from our environment, and processed foods, among other things. Our bodies naturally rid water-soluble toxins within a day or so, but fat-soluble toxins may need a little extra help getting flushed out of our system.  

3. It gets weekend warriors back in the game
Cupping is a popular practice among athletes because it can help to heal their stiff, sore muscles while improving their health and performance.

Still have questions on how cupping works? We would be glad to speak with you about it! At Miracles Massage, every massage is customized to benefit the individual client and their specific needs. We will take time to assess our clients’ needs and concerns before trying anything new.

Sound like an amazing holiday gift for someone on your shopping list? Contact us today for a gift certificate.  

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3 Ways Reiki Can Improve Your Massage

You probably know that massage loosens muscles, increases blood flow through the body, and has a wealth of other benefits to strengthen your general well-being. But did you know that when coupled with Reiki, a Japanese healing art, a great massage becomes extraordinary? Yep, that’s right. Reiki adds a little zing to your massage routine leaving you feeling positive, healthy, peaceful, and energized. Where do I sign up, right?

First Things First. What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a practice that promotes physical, emotional, and mental wellness. It is a non-invasive therapy that is used to restore balance to the body’s energy level while also increasing its self-healing ability.

What Happens During a Reiki Session?
Energy flows from the massage therapist’s hands to your body. The therapist will place their hands near you in a variety of positions and places for about 3-10 minutes. As the therapist goes over you, she will help to free unbalanced energy flow within your body.

Eyes forward because we’re about to blow the top off your experience of massage with just three ways that Reiki will make your next session the best yet.

1. A Deeper Mind-Body Experience
During a Reiki massage, both the client and therapist are focused on specific areas of the body that hold tension so it can be released. You will be invited to take deep, slow breaths and allow your mind to not only connect with your body but also to eventually let go and relax, allowing your mind to drift. With the help of your massage therapist, you will be able to relax and heal from within.

2. More Evident Emotional and Mental Changes
After a Reiki session, many people state that they feel the warmth of their therapist’s hands and that allows their body to feel a gentle release and ease. As they succumb to the relaxation of Reiki, they noticeably feel relief from stress and anxiety and are met with peace. This feeling is said to last longer after a massage session that incorporates Reiki than a normal session.

3. Muscular Tension and Pain Relief
Reiki is sometimes used as alternative medicine for people suffering from tension, illnesses, various diseases, and chronic pain. Reiki can focus on body pain or discomfort, yielding similar results, without the use of deep pressure or invasive techniques. As Reiki helps to harmonize the body, physical issues dissipate.

Additional Known Benefits of Reiki Include:
-lower heart rate;
-strengthened immune system; and
-lower blood pressure.

The beautiful takeaway of a Reiki massage is the effects of balancing energy, releasing tension, and experiencing deep relaxation. If you would like to schedule a Reiki massage or to learn more about it, contact us today!

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3 Reasons To Get a Post Workout Massage

Did you know that getting a massage after you have an intensely vigorous workout can actually enhance your recovery? It can. Let’s talk about why and how you can benefit from this new-found knowledge.

Muscle Power

When you exercise regularly, you put a strain on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons (particularly if you don’t stretch and drink plenty of fluids). Intense workouts cause tiny tears in your muscle fibers which cause inflammation. Ever notice how you are suddenly aware of every muscle in your body after a workout? This creates problems for those little fibers under your skin called fascia. Often, we hear people complain about their sore muscles after they push themselves to achieve desired results. While testing your personal limits is beneficial to a healthy workout routine, it needs to be done carefully to avoid serious injury.

Massage not only helps to work out the knots and kinks, but also flushes out toxins and gets the body’s blood flowing. This practice helps to restore your muscles back to their normal state and work smoothly again.

Pliability

Muscle injury is common because of our sedentary lifestyles. We spend hours sitting at a desk and staring at computers five days a week. As a result, we aren’t as limber as say a toddler who never sits still. Our muscles naturally begin to stiffen as we get older if they are not stretched regularly. After working out, our muscles constrict and when not properly addressed, this tightening can lead to injury.

Another benefit for the post workout massage is pliability. Massage is a form of stretching, which helps to elongate muscles and return them to their original range of motion. Loose muscles are less likely to strain or sprain and will help to restore flexibility.

Achieving Balance

It’s no secret that massage helps to relax and calm the body and mind. It can be a helpful tool for anyone looking to maintain a well-rounded fitness regimen. It provides the opportunity to balance the happy endorphins released from a workout and cortisol reducer (or stress relief). When paired with the right essential oils, anyone can strike a perfect balance of exercise and self care.

Timing is Everything

Be strategic about the timing of your massage appointment. Ideally, it will be the time of day when you can unwind and allow your body to relax. If you are one of those people who feel invigorated by a massage and it helps jump start your day, be careful when working out soon after a massage session. The muscles your therapist just worked hard to relax could tighten during your workout creating the opposite desired outcome.

Talk to your massage therapist about your workout, the pains or discomfort you may be experiencing and ask what treatment they recommend.

Schedule your massage appointment today!

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How Massage Aids In Grief Therapy

Source: Adobe Stock

Bereavement doesn’t know the time. In fact, it can intensify with each new season of the year. No one is exempt from dealing with grief. It hits us from all angles at any age or any stage of life. Grief does not look the same for everyone either.

Generally, we all go through the same stages of grief, but some of us are better at hiding it than others. People who do not allow themselves to properly grieve, and suppress their feelings may unknowingly find themselves in extreme physical and mental stress. For example, experts know that those who are grieving can experience fatigue, body aches, physical tension, loss of appetite, and bouts of sleeplessness, to name a few.

We also know that bereavement affects us in four ways:

1. mentally,
2. physically,
3. emotionally, and
4. socially.

When one of these areas is askew, there is an increased need to create harmony within the body, mind, and soul. Massage is an excellent way to aid in the healing of a hurting heart. Why? Because when stimulated by massage, the touch receptors in our bodies, will decrease cortisol and increase levels of both serotonin and dopamine, helping to balance mood, regain focus, and feel good overall.

Massage can help to:

  • Loosen tight muscles,
  • Improve overall mental state and well-being,
  • Boost energy level,
  • Provide relief from tension headaches,
  • Improve circulation and breathing, and
  • Aid poor sleep.

“When you treat the entire body, you will improve the ability to manage grief and you will be able to move through the stages of grief more effectively,” said Carrie Fuhrer, LPC, NCC, Outpatient Therapist at Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center.

Five common reasons for feelings of grief and depression include:

  • Loss of a loved one,
  • Loss of a pet,
  • Ending of a marriage,
  • Loss of a job, and/or an
  • Illness diagnosis. 

Massage is much more than just a way to relax. It has many therapeutic benefits, for anyone dealing with physical or cognitive stress. If you or someone you know is suffering from grief and would like to experience the benefits of grief therapy massage, contact us.

To ensure you receive the best care possible, talk with your massage therapist about what you are experiencing. At Miracles Massage, we customize every massage to meet our clients’ specific needs. Knowing a little about your situation will help us to know what areas of your body on which to focus, what essential oils might best soothe you, and how we can best serve your needs.

Schedule your massage today!

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Why Salt Baths Are a “Must” For Boosting Your Health

Many people lack magnesium in their bodies and don’t even know it. Might you be one? This ingredient is important for your health care plan because it helps to detox your body by reducing inflammation, stimulating oxygen and blood flow, and aiding in weight loss, to name a few.

Conversely, among other things, a lack of magnesium in the body is linked with

  • depression,
  • anxiety,
  • sleep problems, and
  • heavier cramping during “that time” of the month.

How might one fix this problem? It’s easier than you might think. The answer, friends, is salt baths. If salt baths are not part of your weekly routine, it’s time to add them in. Lots of us carve out time to go to the gym and we opt for healthier food and beverage options when we are trying to take care of ourselves, but taking a little time to soak in a warm salt bath can do wonders for your bod. Hey, if an expert celeb trainer gives it a nod, it will work for you, too.

Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

(1) Stress relief. Say it out loud, people. Stress equals dropping levels of magnesium. Epsom salt will help give your levels the boost they need to promote a good mood, better sleep, and overall wellness.

(2) Bloating and constipation ease. Magnesium and sulfate help to draw out the excess fluid in your system. This detox can result in flattening your tummy (score!).

(3) Decrease in migraines. Research shows that people who suffer from migraines have lower magnesium levels.

(4) Radiant skin. Epsom salt can be paired with your favorite cleaning cream to create a wonderful exfoliator for your skin, leaving you with that glow you desire.

(5) Soothes tired feet. After a long day, you may find your feet aching and the desire to rest yourself overwhelming. After soaking your feet for a while, you can massage and shave off the dead and callous skin on the bottom of your feet.

Benefits of Himalayan Salt Baths

Another popular salt bath incorporates Himalayan salt. You guessed it, this mineral comes from the Himalayas and has lots of its own benefits like:

  • boosting immunity,
  • balancing hormones,
  • fighting off infections
  • regulating blood pressure, and
  • aiding in weight loss.

When doing a salt bath at home, enthusiasts say it takes anywhere from 12-40 minutes for your body to completely relax and absorb minerals while the bath pulls out toxins. When creating your DIY salt bath regimen, make sure to keep in mind that you may want to start out gradually because too much too fast could cause you to feel ill.

You’re date with a luxurious salt bath awaits. Here’s an easy recipe that can be altered for your personal needs.

1-2 cups Epsom salt
½ cup Himalayan salt
½ tsp natural vanilla extract
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil
Mix all the ingredients together in a warm bath and soak! You will thank us.

Now that you are sold on salt baths and are excited and committed to adding this into your regular beauty routine, be sure you don’t fall victim to wasting your efforts on a bath that won’t reap all the benefits. Most people take baths that are too hot. To gain all the benefits of an incredible salt bath, make sure to keep the water at body temperature. We’ll make that easy for you, too, with this rubber duckie sure to make your bath time lots of fun. (Admit it, you can’t help but hear Ernie signing).

You’re in luck: because we believe so much in the importance of bath salts, we’re giving away a handcrafted lavender or frankincense bath salt to all who book* an appointment with us by June 30!

*Appointment must take place by July 31, 2017.

 

 

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It’s Time to Celebrate

It’s our anniversary and it’s time to celebrate! The doors of Miracles Massage opened six short months ago. Time truly flies when you treat so many fantastic clients. It’s been our pleasure to help an incredible collection of people find relaxation, comfort, and peace as we, together, work through sore muscles, kinks, pains, and frustrations.

We believe that massage is therapeutic and an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, especially when partnered with essential oils. We value taking the time to know each client personally so we are better able to customize each massage session to fit individual needs.

Thank you for your friendship, loyalty, and encouragement during this time!

No matter the culture or tradition, people have the same universal experiences of love, joy, success, sacrifice, pain, overwhelm, and determination. For this reason, we all celebrate the good in our lives in similar ways. Miracles Massage is thrilled to celebrate our six month anniversary.

Did you know it is important to acknowledge and honor the significant moments in our lives because it helps to keep you motivated toward your goals? It’s true so we encourage you to celebrate your milestones, too.

People celebrate for all kinds of reasons, primarily for happy occasions like marriages, the birth of a child, professional or personal victories and milestones. Why? Because it helps to provide us with

(1) a sense of community,
(2) a sense meaning,
(3) fond memories, and
(4) fun and excitement in our lives.

Celebrating helps to bond with family, friends, and coworkers enabling us to connect on a deeper level. It’s a time when people can let their hair down, cut loose, and let go of the demands of everyday life.

Whatever the occasion, come celebrate with us. You deserve it. We will help you to feel your best so schedule your customized massage today!

It is incredible to think of the many wonderful and inspirational people who have come into our lives. We are grateful for each of you. Here’s looking forward to at least the next six months with you!

Namaste.

 

 

 

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Massage: The Unsung Superhero of a Healthy Lifestyle

You’re feeling stressed, strung out, and out-of-sorts. First, you examine your diet. Cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes aren’t helping you keep your pledge to eat healthier. Next, you catalog your physical activity, which shows you moving at the speed of a turtle from your bed to work and back to your couch. With great intention, you mindfully pre-plan your meals and schedule time for 30-minutes of daily activity.

These improvements help you feel less sluggish, improve your sleep, and reduce your stress. Hurray! Life’s pretty good.

But life could be great.

You’ve forgotten about massage, the superhero of a healthy lifestyle. Some folks “treat” themselves occasionally for a massage, which is better than never having one at all. But we’re talking about regular massage as a tool to reduce stress, improve circulation, increase energy, and help you to relax. Regular massage also improves the immune system and increases joy.

Honestly, regular massage is not only an unsung hero of a healthy lifestyle, it’s a superhero! Consider this: if your dietary and exercise routines were Super(wo)man, your massage therapist would be Bat(wo)man, the coolest of the cool. She uses gadgets like aromatherapy, hot stones, and warm oil. She can work you over, all without flying and she has no issues with kryptonite. Swoon.

Better send up a Bat Signal and schedule that massage right now!