Posts Tagged ‘Benefits Of Massage’

THAI YOGA MASSAGE – A NEW SERVICE AT ISLAND ESCAPE MASSAGE & SPA, INC.

I am excited to be offering a new service, THAI YOGA MASSAGE. You might ask what Thai yoga is and who could benefit from this technique.

Thai yoga massage originated in Thailand and is used there as a highly physical branch of traditional Thai medicine. This technique can be described as assisted Hatha yoga.

Thai yoga is performed on the floor with clients wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The technique incorporates palming and thumbing the “sen” energy lines creating a slow, flowing massage based on some martial arts moves and some yoga positions to balance the body energetically and physically.

Not only does this technique tone and stretch muscles, like other benefits of massage, circulation is improved, and muscle tension and spasm can be reduced.

With the amount of physical position going on, the ideal client would be flexible, athletic, willing to explore new types of massage.

For the first few months, I will be offering a special price of $90 for a 75-90 minute Thai Yoga Massage. Come exercise and get calm at the same time.

Give us a call at 850-936-0515 to schedule your time with Kathi.

These are the top ten reasons why people have not tried massage therapy for wellness and health.  Trust me, I’ve heard them all.  And, when you get right down to it, none of these arguments are strong enough to deny yourself the benefits of massage!

1. Some tell me “I NEVER HEARD ABOUT THE MANY BENEFITS OF MASSAGE.”  If that’s the case, then go to my Navarre Massage site, there I list a number of benefits of massage, to include many physical, mental and emotional benefits.  Massage can reduce chronic pain and relieve tired and aching muscles.  But, did you know massage can also improve muscle tone, reduce heart rate, relieve cramps and muscle spasms and calm the nervous system?

2. Many believe that “MASSAGE IS TOO EXPENSIVE.”  Well, it all comes down to a matter of personal choice.  If you find the right therapist who understands your goals and knows a variety of techniques, how can you not afford to take control of your health and start on a path of wellness?

3. I often hear that people are UNCOMFORTABLE” with taking off clothes for a massage, and that’s absolutely normal.  In Florida, therapists are required to drape all private areas and you remain properly draped during your entire session.  Each person’s comfort level ranges from bare to fully-clothed.  Experienced therapists work to your level of comfort. Don’t be shy … be healthy.

4. Some believe that “MASSAGE HURTS.”  That simply is not the case.  Everyone has a different pain threshold, and an experienced therapist understands that the client determines the pressure level and type of treatment.  Talk to your therapist during the treatment.  There are many different modalities in massage.  Each modality has specialized strokes and pressure levels, and at Island Escape Massage & Spa I practice a variety of modalities. 

5. Some people equate massage with “LUXURY.”  True, a massage from an experienced therapist can be absolutely luxurious.  But, it’s not just something reserved for the rich and famous at exclusive health spas that cost an arm and a leg.  Massage can help anybody’s aching muscles, improve one’s mood, relieve mental stress and provide a general feeling of well-being.  With such a profound effect on one’s health, it need not be exclusive to celebrities. 

6. Similar to the issue above, some spouses discourage massage as an “INDULGENCE.”  I have a great solution for that!  Buy your spouse a gift certificate so that he or she can share your benefits?

7. Many people have complained to me that they are “NOT SURE WHERE TO FIND A GOOD THERAPIST.”  The American Massage Therapy Association has a therapist locator service that guarantees you’ll find a licensed and trained therapist who is maintains currency by annual continuation training.  There are also state associations, for example the Florida State Massage Therapy Association.  At Island Escape Massage and Spa, I am an active member of both and maintain current qualifications in each of my massage modalities.

8. Some people believe that massage is “ALL PASSIVE” and that they can enjoy greater health benefits with more active and vigorous activity, such as exercise.  I mean, you just lie there, right?  Well, not exactly.  In fact, massage and exercise are meant to complement each other.  Many of my massage techniques involve stretching and isometric resistance.  Massage increases your circulation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to your cells which increase your energy level and enhance your exercise sessions..

9. I’ve heard it from many people.  Unless you’re a runway model or Olympic athlete, you’ll be “EMBARRASSED” on the massage table.  Please, don’t perpetuate that myth!  A Navarre massage vacation is for all body shapes & sizes.  Whether you are small, medium, large or extra large, when I am working on you I don’t judge.  I’m a professional, and I am trained to let your body tell me what is happening at a deeper level.

10.  Oh, but I don’t have the “TIME.”  After reading this far, and learning about the many reasons why you should get that massage, what are you waiting for!  Make the time to do something genuinely good for yourself and your health.  No one is more important.  And remember . . . YOU DESERVE TO BE KNEADED

By Jessica Ryen Doyle, Fox News

Massage therapy isn’t just for the rich and famous who want to spend a luxurious afternoon at the spa.

Twenty-four percent of Americans have had a massage at least once in the past 12 months, according to the American Massage Therapy Association’s Web site.

The demand for massage therapy comes as adults realize the potential health benefits that can result from the soothing touch of hands. Thirty percent of those who have had a massage in the past year said they did so because of health concerns such as pain management, migraines or injuries, according to the Association.

A massage not only relieves tension, but it allows your body to release natural painkillers and boost the immune system.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other benefits of massage therapy include:

— Reduced anxiety

— Easier labor during childbirth

— Increased weight gain in premature babies

— Lower blood glucose levels in children with diabetes

— Higher self-esteem

FOXNews.com spoke with Ann Marie Cilmi, director of education and development for Manhattan’s Bliss Spa, who gave us the lowdown on five popular rubdowns:

1. Swedish massage

“At least in the U.S., this is the most common type of massage, for numerous reasons,” Cilmi said. “Its simple relaxation technique treats all sorts of conditions, using five basic strokes.”

These strokes are:

— Gliding, or effleurage. “This helps to stimulate circulation,” Cilmi said. “We start and stop the massage with some sort of effleurage. It’s an opportunity for the therapist to asses what is going on underneath the skin.”

— Kneading. “This milks the muscle,” Cilmi said. “With each stroke, the therapist can adjust the patient’s comfort level.”

— Friction. This is a deep tissue, or cross fiber technique used to loosen up tense muscles.

— Trigger point therapy. The therapist works on one specific point and this works to relieve knots. This stroke works well on the trapezius muscles.

— Hacking or cupping. A karate-type maneuver, the therapist uses the side of her hand. This stroke will also help loosen mucus in the lungs.

— Nerve stroking. A light, soothing touch; it’s good for anyone who has nerve damage.

2. Eastern massage

Otherwise known as reflexology, this massage technique is based on the mapping of the hands and feet.

“The entire body can be seen on the foot,” Cilmi said. “It’s manipulation of the reflex zones. The main goal is balancing the body through the feet. It’s incredibly relaxing.”

This type of massage is also best for someone who may feel uneasy about disrobing in front of another person, or for someone who is stressed at work, Cilmi said.

3. Shiatsu (acupressure)

Shiatsu is based on the theory that energy channels run through our bodies and relate specifically to various organs like the lungs, heart and liver, Cilmi said.

The energy – or chi – is the life force that runs through these channels.

“It’s very different than Western medicine,” Cilmi said. “Sometimes there is an excess of chi, or a deficiency of it, which can lead to an ailment. Acupressure manipulates certain points to help balance the flow of energy.”

4. Hot stone massage

Typically done with smooth river rocks, the stones are heated to 105 degrees and then cooled some for the actual massage. The therapist holds the stones in his or her hands to perform the various strokes. Also, by placing the stones on the patient’s back, the heat helps to melt the tight muscles.

“It’s best for general relaxation or anywhere that heat is indicated for injury,” Cilmi said. “Or, you could use cold stones to constrict the capillaries and get rid of any swelling.”

5. Lymphatic drainage

“Typically, this is done during a full-body massage because it takes about two hours,” Cilmi said.

The therapist does not use heavy pressure in this type of massage.

Ideal for anyone wanting to rid the body of toxins, or get rid of excess fluid that the body may be retaining, the massage involves gentle, pumping manipulations to remove the fluid.

“The great benefit is reduction in water retention and bloating,” Cilmi said. “But, any massage can have that side effect. Massages not only remove waste, but bring nourishment to the area that is affected.”

Massage Therapy is available by professionals right here in Navarre Florida.  Stop by Island Escape and allow us to assist you in feeling better today!

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