Herbs for the skin: Nature’s best herbal remedies

Herbs are good for almost everything—including your skin. Many herbal plants contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients that make the skin look smooth, fresh, and glowing.

The following is list of some of nature’s best herbal remedies for maintaining a healthy skin:

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Chamomile. According to Jessica Wu, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school, chamomile contains natural anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce redness, itchiness, and swelling.

Oats. Studies show that oats can be used externally to help clear up and relieve the pain and itching of skin conditions like dryness and eczema. One effective way to reap its medical benefits is by taking an oatmeal bath for 15 to 20 minutes to calm itchy skin.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and other substances that fight skin damage. Keri Glassman, nutritionist and author of “The O2 Diet,” suggests that the herb has more antioxidant value than half a cup of blueberries.

Burdock. Eat them raw can help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The plant contains anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal some of the worst chronic skin diseases.

Calendula. Often used for hair rinses, this herb can also serve as an alternative medicine for curing irritations such as rashes, insect bites, and sunburns.

Since skin conditions vary from person to person, it is best for you to consult your dermatologist before trying out any of these herbs.

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A business of beauty and wellness: The profitability of spa services

Spas, which serve as a sanctuary for wellness and relaxation, have boomed worldwide, earning billions of dollars from an assortment of services they offer. Unlike other types of businesses, spas are considered among the most flexible with the ability to gain profits, catering to low, mid-range, and high-end clientele.

Case in point is the steady growth of the massage-and-facial franchise chain, Massage Envy. Over the past decade, the spa has transformed into an empire using an affordable membership model that has propelled the business to grow to more than 1,000 locations in 49 states in U.S. To date, the spa is considered the country’s largest employer of massage therapists with impressive annual system-wide sales that average up to $1.2 million.

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Attesting to the spa’s success is Rick Davis, a former tech executive who helped raise millions of dollars in venture capital. Davis ventured into the spa industry when he decided to invest in a franchise chain of Massage Envy. A former owner of a fast-food chain, Davis reasoned that maintaining a spa is less more rigid than his previous venture due to its steady revenue, which is often sourced from its one-year memberships that costs $59.99 to $79.99 a month.

Today, Davis is the owner of five Massage Envy clinics in the Seattle area. He revealed that 70 percent of his revenue came from those membership fees. He professed: “I’ve raised big money in Silicon Valley, but this is the most successful and fun business venture I’ve ever been in.”

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For people like Davis, the spa industry has proven profitable with the right choice of franchise and business and business model. It is a capital-intensive business venture that provides promising returns to investors.

Massage Envy Spa is the pioneer and national leader of affordable massage and spa services. To learn more about the company, visit this website.

Nasty knots: How massages treat the most common source of back and neck discomfort

Painful, uncomfortable, and all-too-common, knots sometimes develop in muscle tissue over time, usually through excess strain that could come from either strenuous physical activity or prolonged bad posture.

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Knots, which are also known as myofascial trigger points, get their name from their tactile consistency when felt with fingers, which is an apt description of their nature as knotted up muscle fibers. They are formed where certain small points in a muscle, when contracted, do not release, causing inflammation and immense soreness as a result.

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The pain they cause can either be caused in a localized region and only when placed under pressure or, if they form near a nerve, cause pain to travel to a location some distance from the knot itself.

Getting rid of the pain involves a number of methods, among them non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and massaging. Massages are the most common way of dealing with knots and involves ample pressure to the bunched up fibers and causing them (and the muscle) to gradually relax.

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Knots that form in some parts of the body can be gently massaged over time by the persons themselves, so long as they are reachable. More isolated (and numerous) knots such as in regions of the back may require assistance from a masseur to reach adequately. Massages for these knots bring almost an instantaneous relief, but only after the masseur applies an immense amount of pressure.  

Massage Envy Spa's innovative new pathway to accessible professional massage therapy and spa services has built it a distinct niche in the wellness industry. Visit this website for more on the spa and its services.

Scented and soothing: The most commonly used massage oils

Oils are an essential part of any spa or massage therapy. The scent, the texture, and the feel all contribute to the massage’s overall quality. These oils, which vary in grades and calming effects, can address almost every type of wellness need. Essential oils and massage drive a healthy circulatory system, facilitate detoxification, and improve lymphatic drainage, among other benefits. Below are four of the most commonly used oils in well-established massage centers:

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1. Sweet almond oil. Not only is it the most ubiquitous, essential oil in spa clinics but sweet almond oil is also among the friendliest on the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, which are excellent for skin health. In fact, most skin care and cosmetic products have these vitamins mixed in them.

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2. Apricot kernel oil. Unlike most oils that leave greasy residue on the surface of the skin, apricot kernel oil is easily absorbed, offering optimum comfort for the user. Its moisturizing effects are particularly sought after by customers with sensitive skin.

3. Fractionated coconut oil. Considered as the healthiest of all oils, coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which make it very chemically stable and sustain long shelf life. Often, coconut oil is used as a carrier oil, which is mixed with other oils to produce a high-quality therapeutic substance.

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4. Sunflower oil. This oil contains significant amounts of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Its relative affordability also makes it ideal as the base oil for other essential oils.  

MassageEnvy Spa uses only premium-quality essential oils to provide its clients with absolute comfort and wellness. Locate the nearest center from your home or office website. Tags: massage, massage oil, spa, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil

Want faster recovery and improved athletic performance? Get a massage

Many athletes, from recreational runners to elite powerlifters, consider sports massage as an important part of their training and recovery regimen. Sports massage is more than just a way for athletes to relax after a strenuous bout of exercise. It provides numerous physical and psychological benefits. The following are some examples:  

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Reduces swelling and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

When a person exercises, it creates microscopic tears in the muscles involved, causing pain, swelling, and even joint stiffness that develop 12 to 24 hours after physical activity. This phenomenon is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS.) A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training concluded that post-exercise massage is effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30 percent and reducing swelling.  

Increases range of motion

Sports massage therapists incorporate stretches and other massage techniques to relieve muscle tension and connective tissue restrictions. This helps restore an athlete's natural range of motion and improve flexibility.  

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Improves athletic performance

Increased range of motion and flexibility, coupled with faster recovery times, leads to improved better performance. Some studies support this. One study had participants (a group of children with cardiovascular disease and a control group of healthy children) perform two exercise tests: one with a pre-exercise massage, and one without. Both groups of children had higher peak heart rates, peak VO2, and peak minute ventilation when they received a massage prior to the exercise test.

Relieves stress and anxiety

Athletes who feel anxious before a sports event can find relief in sports massage. While massage is considered alternative or secondary medicine, many hospitals prescribe massage sessions to complement traditional interventions to soothe anxiety and relieve stress.

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The stress hormone cortisol can increase blood sugar, drive up sugar levels, and suppress the immune system. A series of studies found that individuals with stress or depression problems experienced decreased cortisol levels of up to 35 percent and increased dopamine and serotonin, the “happy-making chemicals,” immediately after a massage session.

Massage is beneficial both as preventative maintenance and as a recovery tool. To get the most benefit out of a sports massage session, make sure to get a qualified and certified therapist with experience in delivering massage to athletes.  

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The smell of cure: How aromatherapy soothes your senses

Aromatherapy is built around the idea that scents can strongly influence thoughts, actions, and behavior through the olfactory potency of essential oils. Essential oils from the flowers, stems, barks, leaves, and roots of plants are extracted and distilled into its purest for use as a stress reliever, mood booster, odor remediation, and antiseptic. As a natural medicine, essential oils promote mind and body wellness when inhaled, applied topically, diffused, or combined with lotion and other essential oils during a massage. The health benefits of aromatherapy are endless, as there are many different types of aromatics that have healing properties. Some of these are:

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• Lavender – Provides relief from headache, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress
• Lemon - Contains antibacterial properties and helps relieve sore throat and colds
• Chamomile - Reduces inflammation, relieves restlessness, and heals rashes, wounds, and burns
• Oregano – Good for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, fungal infection, weak immune system, intestinal parasites, and muscle pain
• Rose oil – Contains aphrodisiac, antidepressant, anti-phlogistic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-viral properties.

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The strongest of the senses, smell, bears a powerful connection to people’s emotions and plays a vital role in a host of physiological functions. Studies show that odor receptors are not just found in the nose but also throughout the body, particularly in skin cells where it’s said to induce healing and cell regeneration when exposed to a certain type of odorant. Scientists suggest that chemical stimuli like odorants alight with the matching receptor to set off a chain of biochemical reactions that help to inhibit mechanisms that can lead to health problems. This insight underlines the importance of olfactory receptors in the essential aspect of biochemical processes at the cellular level. It’s in this function that aromatherapy can support a person’s physical and emotional well-being and provide additional supplementation as a natural medicine to specific types of conventional treatment options.
  

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Aromatherapy is an expertise of Massage Envy Spa, a recognized leader in affordable wellness services with over 1,000 branches nationwide. Click here to learn how you can benefit from a personalized aromatherapy massage offered by the spa service.

Choosing the right massage for you: Types and techniques

Going for a massage is an easy decision for most people, but this may not be true for others, who may have difficulty choosing the type of massage that will best suit their needs. With a vast list of services available in spas and an array of unfamiliar (sometimes foreign) massage techniques, it's perfectly understandable for customers to be slightly confused. Below is a list of the most common massage types and techniques for first-time spa visitors.

 

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Swedish massage

When people think of massages, the first that comes to mind is Swedish massage. This massage is characterized by long, sweeping strokes (effleurage), kneading and rolling (petrissage), and rhythmic tapping, which aims to relax the entire body. Aside from relaxation, Swedish massage also helps improve blood circulation and muscle flexibility.

Deep tissue massage

This type of massage is very similar to the Swedish massage. The difference between the two is that the deep tissue massage requires more pressure in order to focus on the deepest layers of muscle tissues, tendons, and fascia. This massage is beneficial for people suffering from chronic muscle tension.

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Trigger point therapy

Trigger point therapy targets tight areas in the muscle tissue that cause pain in other parts of the body (also called referral pain). The massage is designed to ease the pain through localized pressure and release at certain trigger points.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone therapy utilizes warmed basalt stone and hot oils to release tension, alleviate tightness in muscles and improve circulation and metabolism. It is considered as one of the most relaxing massages because of the combined heat and pressure from the stones.

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REPOST: What to Expect From A Four-Handed Massage

Massage has been used all over the world to relieve stress and move a person immediately into a deep state of relaxation. But how does it feel to have two massage therapists working on your body? This article from Yahoo shares the positive health benefits of four-handed massage.

What makes the difference between a two-handed and four-handed massage? | Image Source: yahoo.com

Up high on the list of luxurious beauty treatments is a decadent massage—second only to an extravagant facial. But with luxury comes a hefty price tag that often requires some convincing to give into. Let us do the persuading.

If you’re in high school, prom plans may already be driving you up the wall with a laundry list of decisions to make. What color will you wear? Whose limo will you ride in? Where will you head for the after-party? And so on.

And if you’re a college student, not so fast! Sure, prom is so last season for you and we hate to burst your Spring Break bubble, but before you know it, finals week is going to encroach upon you sending your stress level through the roof.

At every age, there are daily stressors that can take a toll on your mind and body and quite frankly, we all deserve a little T.L.C. as often as possible. So stop into that spa you’ve been eyeling lately, and splurge on an indulgent massage that will get any kinks out of your pressure points.

This year, it’s all about the four-handed massage! “Think of it as a normal full-body massage times two,” says Jill Haidler, director of The Waldorf Astoria Spa New Orleans. What’s that even mean, you ask? The four-handed massages features a synchronized massage by way of two trained therapists. Yes, it’s as relaxing as it sounds. See below for everything you can expect from your first four-handed massage, then get to booking!

You will be more relaxed than any other massage service.
If the goal of a massage is to calm your body and clear your mind, you should not be wondering when the therapist is going to make their way to the other half of your body. With the four-handed massage you won’t. “With the four-handed massage, everything is being stimulated at once,” says Annie Cantrell, lead massage therapist at The Waldorf Astoria Spa New Orleans. “It’s kind of amazing how your brain is capturing that.”

You’re more than likely to fall asleep.
The point of any massage is to draw you into your most relaxed state, so falling asleep is totally acceptable and even encouraged! “I personally always fall asleep during the four-handed massage and when I wake up, I feel amazing!” says Haidler.

You should not be in pain.
“It’s important to be completely honest with your therapists because they’re not mind-readers,” says Cantrell. “It’s your hour, your experience, so communicate every feeling you’re having, whether you’re cold, in pain, or even ticklish. Whatever you’re feeling, speak up!” Deep tissue massages can tend to be painful, but Cantrell and Haidler agree that anyone under 25 should generally stay away from such structural integration massages.

You must drink water after the massage.
Water is a must after any massage. “Because you’re moving blood and toxins that are stored in your body around during the service, it’s important to flush your system as soon as your session wraps,” says Cantrell.

You may feel light-headed afterwards.
Don’t panic if you find yourself getting dizzy after your massage. “It’s a very common response,” says Haidler. “At the end of the massage, there are pressure points at the bottom of the feet that your therapists will probably target to center you before you stand up,” Cantrell chimes in. “If you’re still feeling a little off balance, that cup of water post-massage should help.”

You should book another in a month.
That’s right, if you can, enjoy a four-handed massage on a monthly basis to keep things on an even keel. And if you’re an athlete, double-up! “If you’re involved in something very active or repetitive like sports, frequent massages really do help the muscles, so consider upping it to twice a month.”

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Five reasons to go to the spa right now

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Many still make the mistake of thinking regular visits to the spa is a luxury that people with busy lives either can't afford or don't have time for. However, that isn't necessarily true. A visit to the spa will do wonders for you. Here are five reasons to rethink your opinion on spas:

To relieve stress

The top reason for visiting the spa is to de-stress. The spa is a place where you can break free from your stressful routine of waking up early and going to work. Spa treatments will help you relax and give you more energy to face life.

To detoxify

The environment is full of toxins that affect the body negatively both physically and mentally. Some spas offer massages and facials that help break down these toxins, which (if not removed from the body) may cause energy loss, bloating, and constipation.

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To boost health

Many services offered by spas are not just for beauty and pampering. They are also good for your health. Treatments including heat therapy, massage therapy among others help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure. Some spas also help in losing weight by designing a diet that is both healthy and effective in reducing fat.

To manage pain

It's a good idea to visit a spa if you have ailments like arthritis, muscle pain, headaches, and other body aches. Massages can help reduce tension in the muscles and decrease and alleviate pain.

To pamper yourself

Spas can help you feel better about yourself. While beauty is subjective and not everyone agrees on its standards, a visit to the spa can help you feel beautiful. Some days it's just good to feel pampered and have someone else doing what you don't have time to do for yourself like getting a facial or a manicure and pedicure.

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A touch to the heart: Massages to ease loneliness

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It is very easy to get lost in the month of love. Inundated with countless heart cutouts, love reminders, flower merchants, and what have you, singletons around the world are reminded of their relationship status. February becomes especially hard among older adults and the elderly who might have already lost their life partners.

This separation often leads to negative psychological effects, which can eventually manifest into physical symptoms. It is not surprising depressed individuals often complain of back or chest pain. Scientists have extensively studied the relationship between the brain and physical wellness, and have seen that these two are constantly and continually affecting one another. Those who are healthier often report feeling happier and are usually well-adjusted and balanced individuals. On the same note, those who complain about their physical well-being generally score low in happiness scales.

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The relationship between the two has pushed many alternative health practitioners to suggest massage as a means to alleviate symptoms of loneliness. Massage, or touch therapy, stimulates certain pressure points that have a cumulative relaxing effect on the muscles. This alternative form of therapy is often used to alleviate pain caused by strenuous activity or locked joints. However, it is now being considered for its psychological effects as well.

Many studies have researched the mental benefits of touch therapy. Data suggest that a simple touch can have several small yet positive effects on a person’s well-being. Applicable for a wide range of psychological conditions, including loneliness, massages negate any ill feeling and often leave a person feeling more relaxed and well-conditioned.

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REPOST: A salubrious massage

This article shares the benefits of postnatal massages to newborns and mothers. 

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Some age-old postnatal practices are in existence for a reason. They have a well-rooted intention that is beneficial to both, the mother and the newborn, writes Tejashree Joshi.

Pregnancy and child birth are taxing phases for a woman, both physically and mentally.

Traditionally, regular massage of the baby and mother by an experienced and skilled masseuse has been an integral part of the care process, after the delivery. Being followed since generations, the significance of postnatal massage is well-documented in medical literature and is backed by present-day health experts, too.

During the first few months after delivery, daily massage of the mother substantially helps in relaxing her tense muscles, specially of the abdomen, lower and upper back.

After the exhausting delivery process, a massage relieves muscle spasms, improves blood circulation, soothes the nervous system and rejuvenates the mother’s body.

A massage also stimulates the release of oxycontins, which boosts milk ejection reflex, thereby making breast-feeding easier. It triggers the release of endorphins, which are the ‘feel-good’ hormones and natural painkillers. Moreover, regular body massage enhances overall wellbeing and tones the stretched muscles in the abdominal region, promoting speedy restoration of pre-pregnancy weight.

For the first three to six months, massaging the infant with the right strokes helps strengthen the muscles and bones, while enhancing the infant’s sensory awareness.

Daily massage improves flexibility of joints, enhances blood circulation, improves metabolic activity and digestion, and helps the baby gain weight. Massage also regulates hormone secretion in the baby’s body and reduces stress.

Studies have also established numerous benefits of massage for preterm and low-birth-weight babies, including weight gain, improved bone density and shorter hospital stay. Besides the physical benefits, a massage also has psychological advantages for both, the mother and the infant. Massage encourages pre-verbal communication between the mother and child.

The dynamics of infant massage facilitate parenting skills, infant-mother interaction and a mother’s ability to understand her baby’s positive and negative cues, such as eye contact, smiling, making babbling or cooing sounds, pulling away, crying or squirming.

It is, thus, imperative to sustain and encourage postnatal massages in order to ensure that newborns and mothers of the next generations are not deprived of its numerous benefits.

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