Massage : The Power of Touch for Stress Relief
The Power of Touch for Stress Relief
   Whenâs the last time you treated yourself to a massage? Maybe you were cruising the shopping mall and spotted one of the infamous chair massages for $5? Or maybe your sweetie treated you to a hot stone massage with complimentary mimosas for your birthday? Or maybe, youâve just been thinking about how badly you would like to try massage therapy for yourself but just havenât yet?   Whether you have anxiety about massage or are just confused on what kind of massage to look for that suits your needs best, there is help for you to figure it out so you can book an appointment soon and start enjoying the relaxing and healthy benefits of a massage therapy. soon. Getting a massage with a professional massage therapist is an excellent outlet for your body whether itâs to unwind or to aid in soothing recovering sore muscles.
Starting your Massage Therapy
   A well trained massage therapist who acknowledges your bodyâs wellness and weak points is an essential element to the success of finding a well suited massage therapy practice for you. There are many types of massage, some types offered and easily accessible are: hot stone massage, swedish massage, deep tissue massage, shiatsu massage and ashiatsu barefoot massage. Massage therapy is an great way to approach alternative healing for conditions that can debilitate you from your every day. Conditions like arthritis, insomnia, anxiety and lower back pain are all common conditions that can benefit greatly from massage therapy because of massageâs ability to melt away stress and induce relaxation in the body and mind. Distancing yourself from harsh medicines that disrupt your bodyâs natural chemistry and embracing the power of touch through massage therapy could be a new avenue for you to try for your condition.
   The disruptions to everyday life that serious conditions like arthritis or very common conditions like lower back pain can slow down the pace your brain wants to really go for. An important factor to remember when researching the right massage therapist for your needs is to ask around, read reader reviews and possibly try different massage therapists or different massage disciplines to find the best fit for you.
Massage with Colorful Additions
   Adding massage oil to your favorite massage therapy can add aromatherapeutic elements to your overall experience. Aromatherapy is an excellent source of creating an enlightening experience for the senses and the oils have an added benefit of adding moisture to the skin. Taking care of your skin, the bodyâs largest organ that accounts for 10% of your body, can easily be done through massage and use of massage oil blends. Finding a great oil blend for your aromatherapeutic experience is fun and adventurous. Oil blends can be catered and created according to a personâs mood, likes and dislikes.
Oils like sunflower oil, sweet almond and apricot oil are all naturally pumped full of vitamin E for moisturization and all carry very subtle scents for those not keen on highly scented oils. Scented oils with herbal blends of lavender, sage, eucalyptus and ylang ylang are all recommended for those looking for a calming and relaxing massage experience. Those in search of a more energizing experience like say, before a big work presentation or in prep for a triathlon, might try massage oil blends with herbal elements of ginger, grapefruit, orange, peppermint and rosemary.
The Cost Efficient Way to Strengthening Immunity
   You may have tried a little bit of this and that to ward off the winter blues or the aches that come along with colds and flu. Focusing on having a regular massage weekly or even monthly may be the added benefits your body needs to ward off viruses and illness. The natural added boost from massage can help in killing off or decreasing cortisol, which has been proven to be linked to the production of the cells associate with illness. Even as little as a 30 to 45 minute massage can up the bodyâs production of lymphocytes, which help ward off illnesses. Along with a healthy diet of low sugar and processed foods, massage therapy could be your bodyâs answer to warding off a winter cold, achy muscles or even the flu.
Whereâs the Line? Your Massage Therapist is Not a Psychiatrist
  Once you start to develop a certain level of comfort with your massage therapist you may feel the need to talk a little more to them while in session. In the professional massage world, talking about your personal life in detail to your massage therapist or vice versa is more than often discouraged. Your massage session whether it be 30 minutes or 2 hours, shouldn't be a gateway excuse to treat your massage therapist like he or she is also a psychiatrist.
   You may find in your own massage therapy path that you either like to be spoken regularly throughout your session by your therapist or you donât. Being polite and clear about how you feel about talking during your session in important and necessary. If you donât feel comfortable talking directly to your therapist because you feel you might hurt their feelings, then ask to speak separately to the spa or wellness centerâs manager. Massage therapy is an excellent stress relief therapy but knowing the personal boundaries for your own safety and comfort and your therapistâs is essential.
Donât be afraid to shop around for the massage therapy or therapist for you. There are many talented therapists that have the right service for you and your wellness path endeavors.
Austin Lange is a part of the Healing Radius and team as a resident digital content manager. Her current interests include researching pet acupuncture and learning to make the perfect omelet. Austin dreams of someday owning her own Tuscan vineyard and hopes to someday actually finish the Sunday New York Times crossword.