Tag: massage therapy

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5 Ways to Relieve Pain Naturally

You may have heard that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued strong warnings about regularly using non-aspirin non-steroidal painkillers, like Aleve, Advil, and Motrin. Apparently, these increase your chance for heart problems or strokes. So, how can you reduce pain naturally?

One: Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which uses tiny needles inserted into your skin to target your body’s trigger points, corrects imbalances in your body’s natural energy flow. Acupuncture has been proven to aid the body’s healing process and reduce both chronic and acute pain.

Two: CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) products such as topical CBD creams are gaining popularity for those seeking safe alternatives for pain relief. Extracted from hemp,  CBD isolate can be added to creams to alleviate aches and pains.

Three: Yoga

 Practicing Yoga offers natural pain relief by maintaining flexibility in muscles, joints, and other soft tissues through regular range-of-motion movements and poses. It’s also an effective stress-reliever!

Four: Meditation

Meditation is an effective way to reduce and relieve chronic pain. Even practicing meditation for only ten minutes a day can decrease stress levels and induce a feeling of calmness in addition to alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Five: Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a great alternative to pain relief medications (are you really surprised by this?). Massage releases the muscle tension that restricts blood flow and causes many headaches, neck pain, and backaches. Massage therapy has been proven to relieve muscle tightness but also reduces pain from many chronic conditions because endorphins and toxins are released through massage.

Schedule Your All-Natural Pain Relief Session Today

Schedule your appointment today and let’s increase the quality of your life!

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Massage Therapy Chose Me

I didn’t imagine when I was a kid that I would own and run a thriving massage therapy practice. I believed I was destined to work in business. In fact, for over ten years, I was employed as an office manager and bookkeeper for a small company located in Silver Spring, Maryland. But massage therapy chose me.

My days ran one into another as I put in over fifty hours a week in the office. Tack on a hellish commute both ways and I lived in perpetual exhaustion. I knew I had to make a change in my life and leap off the hamster wheel.

My hands spoke for me

One particularly stressful day when our office was busier than usual, I gave a co-worker a neck and shoulder massage. She declared she felt fantastic afterward. “You should become a massage therapist!”

I reflected on her words, letting them settle into my heart. It wasn’t the first time someone mentioned to me that I was gifted in this way. I decided to jump way outside my comfort zone and, at age forty-five, changed careers.

First position

My first paid massage therapist position was at a day spa in Elkridge. Over the year I spent there, I witnessed first-hand healing.

I soon had a full client load of wonderful people who booked to see me week after week or month after month. They and I noticed how their bodies and stress levels really changed!  It felt like I was delivering miracle healing through my hands and I feel deeply in love with my craft.

Miracles everywhere

It didn’t take me long to figure I could start and operate my own healing business.  Using my prior business and administrative skills, I created Miracles Massage.

I love my business and my work.  Making real connections with my clients and being a conduit of healing is everything to me.

I enjoy listening to any of my client’s stories about their families, careers, and their happy or challenging times. Part of my holistic approach is to deeply connect with my clients, letting them decompress before we begin their massage. I follow my intuition, knowing on what areas I need to focus to give my clients the best therapeutic massage they’ve ever had (even if they’re regulars!).

I end each session by saying, “Thank you.” It’s an honor to serve my clients.

I’d love to serve you, too. Contact me and let’s get you scheduled!

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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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Massage Therapy vs. Massage Parlors: How to Stay Safe

When setting out to write this post, I didn’t find a lot of information on the topic I’d like to share. I saw several articles and videos suggesting ways for a therapist to stay protected from clients (particularly at out-call locations), but not many on how a client can protect themselves. I suspect that is largely due to fear. Fear that potential clients will no longer seek peace, serenity, and refuge in massage, but rather by exposing this topic, they will replace those feelings with doubt and fear of foul play.

Friends, when I took on this blog, I told you I was excited to share my thoughts and insights on massage, essential oils, and other healthful living tips to help you live out your best life. Staying safe during a massage is an area that needs a voice rather than silence.

Massage therapy is a practiced skill learned through formal education and a reputable therapist is instated by a licensing board. Massage parlors offer different services, often illegally, including sex acts by people who are not properly trained.

Whether you are looking for a local massage therapist or considering a massage while on vacation, when considering a massage it is important to know who it putting their hands on you before you accept a massage from them. Here are a couple of suggestions before you hop on the massage table.

1. Do Your Homework
When in doubt, do a little research on the establishment and person who will be performing your massage. Make sure it is a reputable place by looking at their website, reading reviews and testimonials, and asking others who they recommend. Also, look for a displayed license that acknowledges their credibility.

2. Know the Nudity Policy
Many reputable places will clearly define their guidelines on nudity. For example, this is mine:
The most effective massage is done on a completely naked subject so that all affected muscle areas can be worked on. Please do not worry; even if you are shy, you will be modestly covered by an oversized sheet at all times, with only the part of the body being massaged being exposed. If you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave your underwear on, but please be aware that will result in certain muscle areas remaining unmassaged.

At the end of the day, your massage therapist wants you to have the best experience possible. In order to do that, you must be comfortable and know that you are in a safe environment.

Finally, I leave you with one last thought and there is no exception here. If you are uncomfortable in any way, by their physical touch or something they said to you, speak up! If the person performing the massage is applying too much pressure or hurting you in any way tell them. There are clear lines for a therapist that should not be crossed.

Massage is a wonderful ingredient for maintaining a healthful, balanced life. Benefits are linked to controlling or fighting chronic health issues like anxiety, depression, cancer, and physical pain. It is the secret weapon your body needs whether it is meant to relax you through an aromatherapy massage, rid your body of toxins through a cupping massage, or work tense muscles through a deep tissue massage. Find someone you can trust and allow them to help you experience a healthy massage.

If you have more questions about how to identify a credible massage therapist or how to stay safe during a massage, please contact us for help.

 

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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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The #1 Reason Relaxation Needs to be a Priority for Parents

Source: Adobe

The jury is in. Research proves that moms aren’t the only ones having a hard time striking the perfect work-life balance. Modern dads are increasingly skipping Z’s at night, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and much-needed relaxation time. As a result, both parents are feeling stressed and burned out.

A recent Stress in America survey showed the biggest stress triggers for adults are money, work, the economy, family responsibilities, and health. With the increase of both parents working outside of the home, both mom and dad are likely to feel the negative impact of stress on their bodies like:

  • being distracted rather than mentally present in conversations;
  • irritable or angry;
  • depressed;
  • having a lack of interest and motivation;
  • fatigue;
  • and insomnia.

Furthermore, people who experience chronic stress are at risk for long-term repercussions.

Many parents today fall into the trap of thinking that they can’t afford to take time for themselves or they feel guilty if they do. It is difficult to excel in work and at home when you’re overworked. Moms and dads alike put everyone else first. Rather than allowing stress to take control, it’s time for parents to take back their health.

Strategies to prevent burnout include:

  1. Preventing mental overload by scheduling regular “me time”. This looks different for everyone. Maybe it is booking a massage, getting up early to exercise, settling down with a good book before bed, or taking a few minutes to do a 3 o’clock stretch. Whatever it takes!
  2. Replace anxiety with plausible solutions. Rather than lying awake at night thinking about all the things you want to accomplish, make a to-do list and tackle items one-by-one. (Don’t forget to be realistic about the items on your list and be gentle with yourself if you can’t accomplish them all.)
  3. Establish a regular routine to improve your health. If it is once a day, once a week, or once a month, find time to treat your body well. Figure out what works for you and make your health a priority.

We live in a society that demands us to give 100% of ourselves to everything and everyone. It’s simply not realistic and certainly not healthy. If parents don’t make time for themselves to unwind after a stressful day, they will surely experience burnout.

Don’t rely on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for a reason to pamper yourself. Moms and Dads work hard every day, not just one day out of a year. Make yourself a priority so you can easily handle life’s many hiccups without feeling overwhelmed.

Contact us today and we’ll find a massage routine that works for you so you can’t get back to being the relaxed parents, spouses, and employees you wish to be!

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Peeps Who Will Benefit From Touch in Massage

Massage has many benefits to the human body. People book a massage for a variety of reasons whether they need a day of rest and relaxation or because they are experiencing pain and want a healing touch to help their recovery. This month we celebrated Mother’s Day, but the observance doesn’t need to end with the day. In fact, we can look around at the fabulous women in our lives who would greatly benefit from a little TLC and the power of touch through massage.

Here are four women in your life who would be thrilled by an expression of your appreciation:

1. Your Bestie
Your BFF has been with you through it all. You’ve laughed until your stomachs ached, cried together when one of you was hurt, and swapped meals and kids when one of you was ill. Why not help your powerhouse friend get her pampering on by unleashing her inner beautiful self with the outer secret beauty benefits of massage?

2. New Moms
Your favorite niece just had her first baby. Hooray! Mom and baby are both seemingly well. But did you know that mothers who receive postpartum massages are said to have a quicker recovery? Childbirth strains a woman’s entire body, but particularly her abdomen, lower back, and hips. C-sections can also take a toll on the body, as it is major surgery. Massage is known for helping to alleviate symptoms associated with the baby blues and depression, especially when paired with essential oils.

3. Teachers
Teachers have an incredibly difficult job that often leaves them exhausted, sore, and feeling unappreciated. They spend long hours on their feet, leaning over student desks in odd positions, unnaturally bending to hear questions, and squatting next to a child who is having difficulty. As a result, their bodies ache from head to foot. As you thank your child’s teacher for a job well done, take the usual year-end gift a little further by giving her a massage that will ease the tension in her shoulders and neck. You may consider asking a few parents to contribute to the gift as you send your child’s teacher into a blissfully relaxing summer break.

4. A Friend in Need
Spread a little sunshine to a friend in need. One of your gal pals may be going through a divorce, can’t find peace with a troubled child, or was recently diagnosed with an illness. Perhaps she recently lost a parent, made a poor career move, or is overwhelmed with motherhood. Whatever the case, your friend could use a little all-expense paid retreat.

All massages are customized to our clients’ specific needs. For more information, contact us today!

 

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3 Reasons Moms Need a Break – Not Just One Day a Year

Mother’s Day has come and gone, but the idea of pampering a mom should not be long forgotten. It’s quite the opposite, listen up. Moms, you should take a break, regularly, to ensure you are refreshed and ready for the daily demands placed upon you.

As moms, we often tell our grouchy children (and sometimes significant others) that they need to recharge by taking the time to rest. Moms need rest, too. Setting aside time for yourself isn’t just staying up too late at night to binge watch your favorite show on Netflix or gobbling down ice cream when the kids are in bed so no one slobbers all over your spoon. By scheduling a regular massage, you will feel more relaxed and will be able to maintain the energy you need to work, play, and be a mom (a.k.a. Wonder Woman). Your energy level will shine through in your daily life as well making you the happy lady your family loves to see.

1. No One is Happy if Momma Isn’t Healthy

You may be tempted to joke that moms need a mental break so they don’t ‘lose their marbles’, but effects of stress can be both mental and physical. Moms, you are busy worrying about things like homework, family schedules, sports equipment, teenage drivers, meal planning, and your own career. You need an ally. The demands you experience are great and often feel overwhelming. Worrying about all of the things you have to manage can take a toll on your health, not to mention your outlook on life. Taking time for yourself to have a regular massage can help you relax. It’s a time to center and focus on priority number one (that’s you!). Massages are proven to boost your immune system, improve sleep, and manage pain, particularly migraines. What mom couldn’t use these benefits?

2. Recharging Will Make you Nicer

As moms, we often tell our grouchy children (and sometimes significant others) that they need to recharge by taking the time to rest. Moms need rest too. Setting aside time for yourself isn’t just staying up too late at night to binge watch your favorite show on Netflix or gobbling down ice cream when the kids are in bed so no one slobbers all over your spoon. By scheduling a regular massage, you will feel more relaxed and will be able to maintain the energy you need to work, play, and be a mom (aka Wonder Woman). Your energy level will shine through in your daily life as well making you the happy lady your family loves to see.

3. Just Because

Shh. Here’s a secret: you don’t need a reason. Take time for yourself because you want to! Guilt-free “me time” was simply an appointment in your pre-mom life. You didn’t need a reason then and you don’t need a reason now to spend 60-120 minutes however you’d like. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself without your family.

Schedule your massage appointment today! Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about our services and the benefits you will enjoy.