Crystal Spa

We have all types of massage services! We specialize in reflexology! Contact us to learn more! Carrollton, TX 75007 www.crystalspaus.com

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What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a simple and effective way to improve physical and mental health. Sessions typically last from 15 to 90 minutes. There are many different types of therapeutic massage, some of which include [R, R]:

Swedish massage – a classic form of massage that relaxes tense muscles and improves blood circulation. The skin and muscles in affected areas are gently stroked, kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and vibrated.

Manipulation – ligaments, tendons, and muscles are massaged, stretched, and moved to improve mobility and to relieve pain. It is often done in combination with physical therapy techniques.

Mobilization – focuses on moving the spine, joints, and muscles in the body to improve mobility, relax muscles, and improve posture. Like manipulation, it is done with physical therapy techniques.

Connective tissue massage – treats illnesses by relieving tension in connective tissue, which connects organs, muscles, and nerves together.

Deep tissue massage – treats the deeper layers of muscle by applying strong pressure to muscles and tendons.

Myofascial (trigger point) massage – pressure is specifically applied to pain-triggering points that are oversensitive, tense muscle tissue and adhesions of connective tissue. The idea of trigger points is controversial and myofascial massage may not be consistently effective [R].

Chinese traditional massage – moderate pressure is applied to certain acupoints of the body using rotating movements with fingertips; often done in combination with acupuncture.

Shiatsu massage – a Japanese form of trigger point massage therapy that uses thumbs to massage acupuncture points.

Manual lymphatic drainage – encourages natural drainage of waste products from the lymph nodes.

Thai massage – involves stretching and pulling the limbs and applying strong, rhythmical pressure to the body with hands, elbows, knees, or feet. Focuses on manipulating “energy lines” (similar to acupuncture meridians) that run throughout the body to treat illnesses.

Ayurvedic massage – a traditional form of Indian medicine that involves gently massaging the body using rhythmical stroking movements and herbal oils.

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8 Surprising Benefits Of Getting a Massage

It doesn’t just feel awesome—your body can benefit in some amazing ways

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Happy Holidays from our Crystal Spa team! 

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Do Massages Have Real Health Benefits?

Go looking for proof that a massage will improve your health, and you’ll have no trouble finding research to back you up. From easing muscle soreness after exercise to reducing stress, dozens of studies—stretching back several decades—have linked massage with real physical and psychological benefits.

One Australian study found that a 10-minute muscle massage after a workout could reduce soreness by 30%. A separate review study on massage found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped 31% following a rubdown, while levels of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin increased roughly 30%.

You don’t even have to shell out cash for a stranger to perform your massage. Research on different forms of self-massage, including foam rolling, have found that giving yourself a good kneading can reduce muscle soreness and improve pain symptoms, even among people with osteoarthritis.

In fact, pain reduction—along with depression relief—is one of the benefits that research has most consistently linked to massage, says Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami.

Some of her work has shown that massage may improve immune system function in people with breast cancer and leukemia, along with reducing their physical and emotional pain. Asked how massage could provide so many health perks, Field says several fMRI studies have shown that massage increases blood flow in areas of the brain associated with mood and stress regulation.

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Reasons to Get a Massage:

A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, low-back pain and more. Find out how you can benefit from adding massage therapy to your health and wellness routine.

25 Reasons to Get a Massage

Relieve stress

Relieve postoperative pain

Reduce anxiety

Manage low-back pain

Help fibromyalgia pain

Reduce muscle tension

Enhance exercise performance

Relieve tension headaches

Sleep better

Ease symptoms of depression

Improve cardiovascular health

Reduce pain of osteoarthritis

Decrease stress in cancer patients

Improve balance in older adults

Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain

Temper effects of dementia

Promote relaxation

Lower blood pressure

Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Help chronic neck pain

Lower joint replacement pain

Increase range of motion

Decrease migraine frequency

Improve quality of life in hospice care

Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea

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What Are the Benefits of Full Body Massage?

Massage involves the rubbing and manipulating of muscles, tendons, skin and ligaments. Massage has moved beyond the walls of your favorite spa to medical settings, such as clinics and hospitals. A full body massage offers multiple benefits, both physically and psychologically. Consult a physician before having a massage if you have medical conditions, such as cancer, fractures, blood clots, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or if you are pregnant.

Reduced Stress, Anxiety and Depression

A massage reduces stress levels in most people. Massage may also help manage or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. While no studies prove that massage reduces depression symptoms, some people with depression feel that their symptoms decrease after massage. Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals reports that massage offers other benefits for your well-being, such as better sleep, increased energy, better concentration and less fatigue.

Pain and Stiffness Relief

A full body massage can relieve pain and stiffness in the body according to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. The full body massage may release endorphins, which act as a pain reliever. Massage sometimes helps relieve migraine pain. Muscles that are tired, overused or otherwise sore are able to relax and soften through the massage. A massage may help an athlete's sore muscles after a hard workout or benefit a sports injury.

Increased Circulation

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals states that massage can increase circulation by assisting oxygen and nutrients to reach tissues and organs. A massage may help control blood pressure. While these benefits may offer positive medical benefits, you should continue regular medical care with your health care professional, particularly if you have a medical condition.

Immune System Function

A full body massage may increase your immune system's functionality according to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. The massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which assists the immune system protect the body.

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Why Do People Get Reflexology?

Stress and stress-related conditions

Tension headaches and migraines

Digestive disorders

Arthritis

Insomnia

Hormonal imbalances

Sports injuries

Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Digestive problems, such as constipation

Multiple sclerosis

Back pain

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A 2015 reviewpublished in Integrative Cancer Therapies found that massage was effective for the relief of cancer pain, especially for surgery-related pain. Of the various types of massage, foot reflexology appeared to be more effective than body massage and aromatherapy massage.

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What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that involves applying pressure to the hands and feet to produce changes in pain and other benefits elsewhere in the body.

How Does Reflexology Work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are certain points or "reflex areas" on the feet and hands that are connected energetically to specific organs and body parts through energy channels in the body. By applying pressure to reflex areas, a reflexologist is said to remove energy blockages and promote health in the related body area.

Here are some examples of reflex areas and their corresponding body parts:

The tips of the toes reflect the head

The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot

The liver, pancreas, and kidney are in the arch of the foot

Low back and intestines are towards the heel

Although the roots of reflexology go back to ancient Egypt and China, William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed the zone theory in the 1930's into what is known as modern reflexology.

According to reflexologists, pressure on the reflex points also helps to balance the nervous system and stimulates the release of endorphins that help to reduce pain and stress.

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Surprising Benefits of Massage Therapy

Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment

1) It counteracts all that sitting you do

“Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress,” says Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto. “More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.”

Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress “show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.”

Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job-as long as you schedule a regular massage.

2) It eases muscle pain

Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. “Massage increases and improves circulation. Just like rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain,” says Tanason.

A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.

3) It soothes anxiety and depression

“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

4) It improves sleep

Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep-it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.

“Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy,” says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.

Also, massages help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick.

“Most RMTs can do infant massage,” says de Miranda.  And if parents want to do it themselves, it comes naturally. “There’s not really a particular technique. Whatever parents normally do to soothe their baby will be effective.”

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Benefits of Foot Massage & Reflexology:

Our feet, which bear the weight of the whole body, allow locomotion and do a lot of work. Still, they are the least pampered part of the body. To pamper your feet and keep them strong and flexible, a daily foot massage for a few minutes is good option.

A regular foot massage along with reflexology helps in promoting physiological as well as physical health.

Reflexology is an ancient healing practice based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to the body’s different organs and glands. Remember that human foot is an evolutionary marvel, capable of handling hundreds of tons of force and your weight in motion. It has 42 muscles, 26 bones, 33 joints, 250,000 sweat glands and at least 50 ligaments and tendons—plus almost 15,000 nerve endings!

In reflexology pressure is applied to these reflexes on the feet, which promotes good health. Here are some health benefits of foot massage and reflexology:

Improves blood circulation: Due to a sedentary lifestyle, many people don’t use their feet muscles properly, thus impeding good blood flow. Also, tight, pointed shoes­–especially high heels–hinder circulation. Ten minutes of foot massage daily helps in transporting oxygen to the body’s cells, which is essential for overall health.

Helps in relaxation: After a tiring and stressful day, a foot massage is a soothing and relaxing way to relax, particularly after a long day of standing and walking around, as the feet tend to swell up. Massage and reflexology of 5 to 10 minutes before going to bed can improve feelings of general well-being.

Promotes better sleep: The best time to do foot massage is before going to bed. A soothing and relaxing foot massage improves the blood circulation. This helps in getting a peaceful sleep.

Relieves body pains: This is the best part of reflexology. If done carefully, it treats pains and aches such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, lower and upper backaches.

Improves mood and fights depression: Foot massage and reflexology helps in fighting depression. Certain points on the feet are helpful in alleviating depression symptoms. Massaging these points or applying pressure to them for a few minutes 2 or 3 times a day can help relieve symptoms of depression.

Makes feet healthier: One easy way to help keep your feet healthy and free from foot problems is a regular foot massage. It helps stimulate the muscles around your feet, lessens stiffness and even reduces pain in the ankles or the heels. Plus, a short 5-minute foot massage daily will make your ankles strong and flexible, thus preventing unpleasant ankle and foot injuries.

Alleviates swelling (edema) Regular foot massage during pregnancy can help reduce the effects of edema, which is swelling in the feet and ankles due to fluid retention. This is very common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester.

ExtraTip: It has been found that massaging your feet with warm olive oil or coconut oil can give much relief from the pain and inflammation caused by foot tendonitis

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Acupressure Treatment:

Acupressure treatment is developed from traditional Chinese methods and is known throughout the world.

Acupressure is highly successful in preventative health care, It is used universally to release tension, increase blood circulation, and reduce pain. Acupressure help to develop vibrant health & restores a sense of calm and well-being.

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Benefit of Reflexology:

Reflexology, also known as foot massage or foot spa is a pleasurable, relaxing technique that involves working on the reflex nerves of the body. Reflex points, which relate to all parts of the body, can be found in the feet. The technique is based on diagrams illustrating specific points on the hands and feet that correlate to the organs and the functions of the body. Its practice dates all the way back to ancient China, India and Egypt. Relexology supports the body's own ability to heal itself.

Reflexology can help:

   Balance out the body system

   Detoxify the body

   Relieve stress and tension

   Improve nerve and blood supply

To schedule an appointment, please call: +1.972-394-5000.