Why you should self-massage in between professional sessions

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Therapists recommend getting a massage at least once a month to keep the muscles pliant and to maintain overall well-being. This advice, however, is usually taken for granted. People tend to visit their local massage therapy center only during moments of acute physical pain. Professional therapists can only address these problems as well as they could but some conditions require a few more sessions before the body returns to normal.

In order to facilitate better recovery, many massage therapists highly recommend self-massaging in between professional sessions. These exercises should neither be demanding nor time-consuming. A minimum of 10 minutes is required every day or in periods of extreme physical stress.

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Most people know when they have exerted enormous amount of pressure on their body. During exercise or other physically demanding activities, one is often told to stretch before and after the workout to prevent muscle strain or injury. These stretches can be supplemented by a 10-minute self-massage to maximize efficacy. The practice is incredibly simple. One just has to rub pressure on the affected area, drawing lines back and forth. The use of oil is optional. The movement should be repeated until the tension is lessened or eliminated. This, coupled with stretching, significantly reduces the propensity for injury.

Patients are still recommended to visit their massage therapy center every so often to ensure proper alignment of their body parts. When combined with self-massaging techniques, these regular massage sessions could be all the more relaxing and enjoyable.

Massage Envy is a recognized therapy center, boasting a superior portfolio of quality massages. To learn more, follow this blog.

Three simple ways to protect your spine

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The most common complaint among adults is back pain. This typically involves a series of muscle strains around the spine. While not detrimental, back pain is inconvenient. But it is easily preventable. There are three simple ways the spine can be protected.

Sleep flat: Today’s work environment is not conducive to spine health. Many adults sit in front of a computer for most of the day. The spine easily becomes fatigued and over time, can develop pain. A simple way to prevent this is to lie flat while sleeping. This allows the spine to relax and heal efficiently. Some people like an additional pillow or mattress to support their back. It is a personal preference. What is most important is that the spine should be properly supported. If a hand can go in between the curve of the back and the mattress, the mattress is too hard. If there is no space at all between the body and the bed, then the mattress is too soft.

Get regular massages: Massage serves more functions than just a general stress-reliever. Massage therapies also encourage blood flow, which speeds healing. Trained masseurs can also pinpoint specific muscles that are cramped or strained. With the use of the correct pressure, these muscles are allowed to heal faster.

Wear the correct shoes: One thing people forget is that there is a direct impact to one’s footwear to spinal health. Regardless of the activity, shoes support the lower back. Good shoes help the spine keep itself aligned.

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Those with mild to moderate cases of back pain should consider getting a massage. This is the simplest and fastest way to alleviate pain. However, those with severe cases of back pain should consult with their physician. This may be a sign of another underlying condition.

Massage Envy Spa helps clients relieve themselves from back pain or any muscle tension. Learn more by liking this Facebook page.

Improving mental health: Massage therapies for mental wellness

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Most people know that massage therapy is a useful way to get rid of muscle soreness and certain sport injuries. However, less people know about its mental health benefits.

During a massage, mood-enhancing chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are stimulated because the nerve cell receptors underneath the skin are pushed. In addition, massage encourages the release of endorphins, which give the body a feeling of tranquility.

A study published in Support Care Cancer Science a couple of years ago shows how receiving massage therapy can help in the treatment of depression. The study reported that participants in the study, who are breast cancer patients, experienced reduction in depression and anxiety after receiving half an hour of massage therapies weekly for five consecutive weeks.

Moreover, Taiwanese researchers have conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies that shows how massage therapy alleviates symptoms of depression. Science shows the link between depression and low levels of serotonin. Since massage stimulates serotonin production, it helps in treating patients with depression. Although there is no definite cure for depression, massage therapies can aid people’s coping mechanisms.

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Massage also improves the sleep quality of people suffering from insomnia. The participants in a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported experiencing an improved quality of sleep after a massage therapy.

Other studies suggest that receiving massage also helps in treating addictions, extreme negative feelings, and obsessions. After a great massage session, an individual should expect feeling of bliss, clarity of mind, reduced stress level, and increased energy and rational thinking.

Massage Envy Spa provides a wide variety of massage and spa services that include maximum therapeutic relief. It has over 900 clinics throughout the U.S. For more information on the benefits of massage therapy, follow this Facebook page.

Sun-blocked: What sun exposure can do to the skin

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A lot of people like going out to catch some sun. They make sure they have time to get a tan at the beach or have a nice walk in the park. But what most people don’t know is that too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots, or even skin cancer. This is the reason a 25- year-old lady can have the skin of a 40-year-old.

People associate glowing skin with good health, but this is not always the case. Going to the tanning salon or sunbathing for hours can speed up the skin’s aging process and expose one to developing skin cancer. UV rays damage the skin’s elastin. This causes the skin to sag and lose its ability to go back to its original form after being stretched.

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The skin is as important as the other parts of the body. Spas like Massage Envy offer facial treatments that are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help reverse the results of the skin’s exposure to pollution, sunlight, smog, and stress.

Meanwhile, treatments like Massage Envy’s Murad Infusion Technology Environmental Shield® Vitamin C Facial help restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Such facials also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, and spots and repairs and prevents future damage.

Massage Envy Spa offers affordable massage and spa services. It has over 900 clinics across 49 states. Learn more about its facial and spa treatments by visiting this blog.

True or false: Using massage therapy to treat scoliosis

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What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the spine. The severity of scoliosis depends on the degree of the curve: mild to moderate cases report a 5 to 20-degree angle; while those higher than 30 or 35 may indicate severe cases. The curve of the spine often causes back pain, arthritis and sometimes difficulty in breathing.

There are two types of scoliosis: structural and functional. Structural scoliosis is usually present at birth and is caused by the irregular development of the spine. The latter is also known as "fixed" or "secondary" scoliosis and can be identified when bending or rotational movements improve the curve of the spine. Functional scoliosis may worsen over time, which makes it harder to treat.

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While there aren't any sure ways to cure scoliosis, there are two mainstream treatments for moderate and severe cases. The first is to wear an orthopedic brace, which does not improve or correct the curve but rather prevents it from getting any worse. The second is bone-fusion surgery, usually done for the most severe cases. The surgery is risky, but it can almost straighten up the spine.

Another option to consider for treating the effects of scoliosis is deep tissue massage. It may not straighten the spine, but it can relieve the pain and decrease the stress and tension in the problem area. It also improves blood circulation, increases flexibility, and strengthens the muscles of your back. It's not a cure, but it is an effective option for pain management and the overall reduction of scoliosis-related problems.

Massage Envy Spa offers a multitude of options for rest and relaxation. Check out the website for a full list of services and find a branch near you.

Getting rid of adult acne

Acne can be a pesky problem whether you are 13 or 30. If you think your skin will naturally clear up as you age, you are mistaken. According to studies, more and more women are suffering from adult acne. The culprits? Stress, diet, and hormones. To end the battle against adult acne once and for all, here are some tips on how to achieve your perfect, acne-free skin:

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Eat healthier

A poor diet can cause troubles for your skin. Avoid sugar and highly-processed foods and instead, load up on antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect your skin by fighting cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Use the right products

When choosing your facial cleanser, look for ingredients like salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. Topical retinoids are also highly effective adult acne treatments as they not only fight acne but also aging with their collagen-building properties. Make sure, however, not to wash the face too frequently or intensely as doing so might dry the skin.

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Avoid stress

When you are stressed, your body produces a stress hormone called “cortisol,” which increases oil production. Keeping your stress levels at bay will help you prevent breakouts. Make sure you get enough sleep daily and don’t forget to exercise. Even 30 minutes of low-intensity workout every day will do wonders for your skin. Lastly, do not forget to pamper yourself. Always set aside time for leisure and relaxation so your body can properly rest and rejuvenate.

MassageEnvy offers quality and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services in over a thousand spa clinics across 49 states. Visit its website to learn more about the company.

Start from the toes: How reflexology improves health

Feet are usually the most abused part of the body. Endless walking and moving brings so much stress to tired toes and ankles. Rarely do people, however, pay attention to their tired feet. The ancient Chinese massage technique called reflexology focuses on the feet, as these are believed to be the gateway to the body’s energy channel. This energy channel called Qi is where the source of wellness flows. When its flow is blocked, the negative energies flow through the body, causing pain and discomfort.

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There is a corresponding system or body part for each point on the foot. Reflexologists use their thumb and forefinger to target good circulation for these parts through a massage. People who are uncomfortable with foot massages can instead opt for hand massages, which have almost the same points. However, reflexing the foot also gives it the necessary therapy. Therapists believe that wellness flows when the foot is relieved of the stress. A relaxed body leads to a relaxed mind. On the road to wellness, it’s best to start from the toes.

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With thousands of nerve endings, the foot whose circulation is increased indeed leads to the wellness of other body parts. The body is a whole system with interconnected functions. If one part is not well, the others are also unwell. Easing the burden on a single part paves the way for healing. With reflexology, the body’s harmony is restored, promoting relaxation and wellness.

A leader in providing therapeutic massage and spa services in the U.S., Massage Envy Spa is one of the pioneers of affordable services in the country. To date, it has over 900 clinics in 49 states and serves more than 1.5 million members and guests. Find out more about its their personal services through its