Ancient therapeutic methods for modern muscles

Though these days it is all about living in a modern, electronic, and fast-paced world, when it comes to our therapies, many people still like to depend on centuries-old techniques in relaxing tight muscles and soothing tired bodies. Probably because when it comes to techniques for comfort and relief, many still think "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Here are some of the more famous of these ancient therapeutic methods.

1) Hot stone massage: This technique was supposedly first used more than 2,000 years ago in China, but other sources say that placing heated stones, typically basalt, on the body to relax muscles was an ancient Native American practice.

Hot stone massage, also sometimes referred to as river rock massage or LaStone therapy, the latter after Mary Nelson who popularized the massage method in the modern world) offers benefits such as soothing painful conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, relieving tension, and lubricating joints for mobility.

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2) Cupping therapy: This treatment, which traces its roots to several places, namely ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, has two main methods: dry cupping and wet cupping. Both types have therapists apply suction cups to the skin thus allowing the blood to flow and heal the body.

With the dry version, the cups only suction to mobilize the blood's flow while wet cupping practitioners will first suction the skin the make small incisions to draw out blood to clean the body of toxins. This is generally recommended to those suffering from anemia, arthritis, and migraines, among other conditions.

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3) Ayurvedic therapy: This comes by way of centuries-old Indian medical traditions. This holistic wellness philosophy believes that health is hinged on a balance between the mind, body, and soul. Thus, in practice, Ayurvedic therapy involves a nutritious diet, exercise, oiled massages, and even music.

Adherents believe that Ayurvedic therapy can purge the body of toxins, revitalize the body, restore balance, improve immunity, offer stress relief and rejuvenate a person.

These therapeutic traditions may be old, and it may be tempting to think them antiquated or obsolete. Still, even modern healthcare professionals see the merit in the continued practice of these therapeutic arts for improving peoples' well-being. No doubt, hot stone massage, Ayurvedic therapy, and cupping therapy aren't going to disappear anytime soon.

Massage Envy Spa is a nationally-recognized name in high-quality yet affordable massage therapy and spa services. Follow this Twitter account for updates on the company's services and offerings.

Bodybuilders improve results with regular deep tissue massages

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Serious weightlifters understand the importance of deep tissue massage in their training programs. It is untrue that bodybuilding only involves strenuous activity. Medical research has shown that the recovery process in a weightlifter’s program is just as important as the exercise. There are many options for soft-tissue treatment, but massage therapy is the most favored method. These procedures are used to speed up the recovery of torn muscles and ligaments following heavy single workouts, high-intensity cycles, or competitions.

Remember that bodybuilding or any form of exercise is inherently the damaging of muscles, with the body renewing itself so that when faced with the same stimuli (e.g. the same weight or form of exertion), the person will not experience pain or fall short of the challenge. This is why many exercise programs are particular about resting in between intense workouts. The body must be allowed to heal. Deep tissue massages hasten this process. It also plays a significant role in the prevention of injury – particularly those that might arise from overuse or overload. Massages increase the health of body’s internal tissues by improving the circulation of nutrients and blood while simultaneously flushing out toxins. Deep tissue massages also help release tension and pressure buildup in the muscles, which allow the muscles to stretch lengthwise and sideways for a more natural flow of circulation.

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The frequency of massages should be dependent on how often the bodybuilder exercises, but typically should be done one every two weeks at the very least. This, of course, varies per individual and should be discussed with a personal trainer or medical professional for better and more optimized results.

Massage therapies extend to more than just recreational purposes. There are medical benefits that can be found as well. Find out more by following this Massage Envy Twitter account.

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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