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.

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.

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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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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Can massage therapy help improve mental health?

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Many studies have been made on the benefits of massage therapy, but few of them detail the relationship between this alternative treatment and mental health. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that more than 26 percent of Americans suffer from a mental condition. This amounts to approximately 60 million Americans reporting a mental illness, with nearly 21 million experiencing mood disorders and around 40 million suffering from of anxiety.

This alarming statistical figure is made even more disturbing by the suggestion that many individuals do not seek medical treatment either because of social stigma or ignorance. Additionally, sufferers may be hesitant to seek professional treatment because of the perceived cost. It is true that mental health treatments don’t come cheap, but individuals are encouraged to see the cost as an investment rather than an expense.

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New research has been made on affordable (yet still effective) alternatives for mental health treatments. In particular, many analysts are studying the connection between massage therapy and its benefits on mental health. Practitioners of massage therapy see it as a complete option because of its ability to soothe both the body and mind. Certain hand movements can trigger the brain to release hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which have been medically linked to particular mental illnesses.

These data have given hope to sufferers of mental illnesses and massage therapy is now being considered as another avenue for mental health treatment. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that many people view massage as an effective means to improve both mind and body.

Despite this general positive outlook, the medical community still recommends to visit a qualified and registered mental health practitioner. Massage may be beneficial for certain conditions, but only to a certain degree. Further research still needs to be done on its efficacy for severe cases.

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