How Often Should You Get a Massage?

Every day! Well, maybe that’s not practical, even though it would be nice. This is one of the most common questions clients ask about massage therapy, and it really all depends on WHY you get massages. Do you get massages for health benefits? Or, to help you relax and handle the stress of everyday life? Most likely it’s a combination of the two, so let’s look at some of the most common reasons to get regular massages:

Relaxation & Stress Relief

One of the very best reasons to get a massage is for relaxation. Relaxation massage helps to support your body, including blood circulation and flexibility of joints. Regular massage can help prevent pain, muscle tension, and stress points from building up and causing problems. Why wait until you have a problem to get a massage? Massage is perfect for preventing issues with your tissues. Relaxation massage is usually recommended at least once per month, or as often as you want!

There may be times in your life where you experience higher levels of stress and more muscle tension than normal. It is especially important

to practice good self-care during these times. When we “don’t have time” for a massage, is usually when we need one the most. Make yourself a priority even during stressful times, your health is worth it.

If you are in a high-stress job or you work in an environment where you stay in a certain position for a long period of time (at a computer for example), you may begin to develop tight or “knotted” muscles. This will frequently occur in your shoulders, arms, and back. All of this increased muscle tension will make movement harder and can cause a great deal of pain. Regular massage can help to keep you loosened up and will help to prevent pain and stiffness.

Living with high levels of stress for a prolonged amount of time increases the risk of contracting heart disease and other diseases. It has been estimated that 75 – 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. The good news is, massage can help! Just knowing your massage is coming up in a few days can help to relieve stress, and a massage every 2-4 weeks will help with stress related tension.

Sports Recovery

Are you a weekend warrior, or do you just like to stay in shape? Either way, massage can help with sports performance and recovery. Many athletes and physically active people receive sports massage because it enhances their performance, prevents injury, and speeds up their muscles' recovery. Competitive sports can put a lot of stress on a person's muscles! Research conducted at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging at McMaster University in Ontario shows that massage reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of new mitochondria, the energy-producing units in the cells, after strenuous exercise. This means that massage can help relieve pain, build muscles and help with muscle recovery too! For these benefits it is recommended that you get a massage up to three times a week or at least three times a month.

Chronic Health Conditions

People with ongoing health issues often find massage very helpful to alleviate symptoms. Chronic health problems that greatly benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain, and localized inflammation. If you get therapy for specific issues, the frequency of getting massage therapy varies with the type of condition you have and how severe it is. Relief from pain can usually be achieved with 2-4

massage sessions per month. Your massage therapist will work with you to help you get on the best schedule for your body.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women can greatly benefit from massage therapy! Prenatal massage and is popular among expectant mothers, who often experience a lot of aches and pains as their pregnancy progresses. Many women suffer from back pain, hip & sciatic pain, headaches, and tired legs & feet. But you don’t have to, a certified massage therapist can help to relieve those discomforts.

Going to your massage therapist once or twice a month can help with the symptoms caused by pregnancy, and it can even help you sleep better. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor and your massage therapist to ensure that you don’t have any pregnancy related conditions that would contraindicate massage therapy for you. Most women experiencing a healthy pregnancy can and should enjoy regular massage sessions.

 You also need to consider that everyone is different  and not one persons body is the same at the next. So that means what is good for one person and recommended for them may not be good for you. Listen to your body it will let you know when you need a massage!

Green Smoothies

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  Green Smoothies
  
  
  Some of the benefits of Green Smoothies are:
  
  • Whole food nutrition from the fruits and veggies you choose, better than juice because you get all the fiber as well.
  • You can get your veggies in without even noticing the taste of the veggies is usually covered up by the flavors of the fruit.

• They are easy and inexpensive to make with a few basic ingredients and a blender.
• Because they have fruits and veggies green smoothies give you longer lasting energy than just eating fruit.
• Green smoothies are low calorie, filling and hydrating. So let's get started! You will need:

1. Greens - baby spinach (that is the best one for beginners), or "juicing greens" mix, kale, turnip greens
2. Fruit - I always use at least half a banana for sweetness, berries, pineapple, apple, peaches, mango, ect...Carrots are good too
3. Liquid - milk (almond,coconut, cashew, soy) juice or water
4. A blender or Ninja
5. Optional - Protein powder, yogurt or super food like Spirulina

I use 1 cup - 1 & 1/2 cups of greens, half a banana, 1 cup of other fruit put all that in the blender smash it down, cover with your liquid and blend on high until smooth. I add about 1/2 teaspoon spirulina and sometimes protein powder too and I use some frozen fruit because they taste better nice and cold!

Hands On – Keeping Hands Healthy This Winter. 

Winter is harsh on your skin, but while we’re all ahead of the game by now when it comes to protecting our face, our hands can still take quite a beating when the temperatures fall and the wind howls. There’s no escape from the onslaught indoors either as air-conditioned and over warm homes, shops and offices all conspire to dry out and damage the delicate skin of our hands. The combination of different factors at this time of year can leave the skin on your hands so dehydrated that they crack, peel, and even bleed. So how can you protect your hands this winter? Put Up a Barrier. Protecting your skin starts with a moisture-sealing barrier. Your skin’s natural barrier is made up of proteins, lipids, and oils, and it usually works pretty well. If it’s weakened it leaves you prone to skin conditions like eczema, and symptoms that include itching, inflammation and drying out. The key is to stop it from losing moisture as much as possible in the first place, and replace any that you do lose regularly. This is where hand creams and treatments are essential – you need a physical barrier and to put the moisture back in topically – no amount of drinking water will hydrate skin that’s been chapped by the wind or cold. Start moisturizing before your hands start showing any signs of dryness, and for the best protection look for hand treatments that contain emollient and humectant ingredients. Your professional esthetician will be happy to advise you on a range that’s suitable for you and the conditions you need it for. Go in Thick. Sometimes you need a little more support with dry skin, and if your hands are already seeing signs of winter damage, repair it with therapeutic products designed to nourish and soothe cracked, chapped and bleeding skin. Choose a thick, rich moisturizer that contains richer, soothing ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, dimethicone or beeswax. Ask your esthetician what she recommends. If you have eczema, or any other skin conditions that are exacerbated by cold, wet weather, you may also benefit from doctor’s advice and medicated products. Slather on a thick layer of your chosen moisturizing product at bedtime, pop on some cotton gloves and leave in overnight to soak in. Watch How You Wash. It’s important not to let your skin dry out through frequent handwashing. You can keep your hands hydrated as well as clean if you opt for a mild hand wash or soap, stick to warm water (not too hot) and remember to apply hand cream as soon as you’ve dried off. If you work in a profession where you have to wash your hands repeatedly, or your skin is very dry, you could also try gel or hand wipes instead of soap and water as they won’t dry your skin out as much. Pop Your Gloves On. Mom was right; you need to wear gloves outside when the weather is bitter! Try to wear mitten or gloves outdoors as much as possible when it’s cold or wet to protect skin from as much of the elements as possible. If you’re wearing gloves and they get wet, apply your hand cream as soon as you can. Looking after your skin through the winter can pay off in spades when you get to spring and can take your gloves off and show off that new manicure with pride!

Ten Commandments for a Less Stressful Christmas

It’s Christmas again. Happy holidays! The atmosphere is all calm and serenity, we are all full of festive spirit and goodwill to all men, and everything is organized.

Who are we trying to kid?

In reality the Christmas holidays can be stressful. There’s the practical stuff of course, like gifts, food, and parties. Families can be an issue too – step families, relatives we feel sorry for but who nobody really likes and family dynamics all play a part.

Cash issues can cause friction too. The Christmas credit card bill gets bigger every year despite Black Friday and stores pretending to be on sale. Also, for some people, the holidays are a lonely time; everyone else seems to be focused on their families, friends and significant others so if you already feel isolated, it can be an even more isolating time of year to get through.

To help with the issues that Christmas brings, and to help you really enjoy the fun stuff, we’ve got Ten Commandments for a Less Stressful Christmas.

Get yourself a cup of chamomile tea, take a few deep breaths, book a massage or a facial and remember that even though it feels like your to-do list will never end, getting stressed is terribly counterproductive. December will be over before you notice, and it comes back around every year. Even if it’s a disaster this year there’s always next Christmas...

10 Commandments for a Less Stressful Christmas – we hope you have an absolutely awesome time and a very happy 2019...

• Thou shalt not even try to be perfect
• Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin and wear thyself out.
• Thou shalt learn to say “NO” and actually mean it.
• Thou shalt not try to be everything to everybody – you will just
  end up being no good to anybody.
• Thou shalt leave undone some of the things that you think
  ought to be done – they probably don’t, really.
• Thou shalt make time for thyself.
• Thou shalt learn to switch off and do nothing whenever you
  feel you have to.
• Thou shalt be as boring, untidy or unattractive as you feel like
  being if you so desire.
• Thou shalt not feel guilty about any of the above things, at all.
• Thou shalt not be thine own enemy.

PS: These commandments apply to the rest of the year, too! Merry Christmas from us all.

Book a Massage or Facial today!

Top Three Ways Thinking Positively Helps with Aging. 

 Your mind is very powerful tool. Research shows that positive thoughts have an effect on almost every area of our lives. The theory is that the more you are grateful for, the more you will have to be grateful for in your future. Thinking positively is equated with drawing even more positive things into your life. What does this all have to do with aging? Studies are showing that the way we choose to think will have a direct impact on how we react to the changes of aging. There are three ways that thinking positively can help in the anti-aging process. Resilience aka bouncing back, is one of the key factors in staying positive and aging gracefully. Everyone has setbacks, disappointments and unexpected life events; however, how an individual reacts to such events is key to keeping the mind, body, and spirit alive and active. When you are resilient, you have the ability to take another look at things. When one door closes, you can see other opportunities and choices. Being resilient in your younger years equips you to face those changes that come (what seems like) fast and furiously in your older years. Having a positive mindset is something comes easily for some but, for others, however, it is a bit of a struggle. The good news is that being positive is something that you can learn, through practice and mindfulness. Starting a gratitude journal is a great first step! People who practice positivity, have a tendency to keep that sunnier disposition throughout the aging process. Having a positive outlook, knowing that you lived your life as best as you could – mistakes and all – is a benefit for you as you age. Learning to have a positive outlook and making it a part of your nature helps you to face unexpected health issues, changes, and the losses that inevitably occur in later years. Who would have thought that just thinking positively would have real health benefits? Studies show us that even smiling or listening to happy music may have an impact on our health. The release of certain chemicals and endorphins to the brain can create a happier and healthier person! A happier and healthier person is likely to age more successfully than someone who is negative. Learning to be and stay positive is good for your health!

                             

Can You Have a Massage If You’re Having Cancer Treatment?
The simple answer is YES!
Don’t be afraid of treating yourself, or someone you know, to a massage treatment while going through treatment for cancer. There’s no reason why anyone who has cancer should avoid massage, in fact it can be an incredibly life-affirming treatment that should boost wellbeing and help with the stress of gruelling cancer treatments.
Having a massage while having medical treatment for cancer can really put you back in touch with your body again. It can feel almost alien while you’re being examined and prodded by medical experts, given harsh chemical cocktails and treatments that make you feel bad, and having test after test. The simple pleasures of touch and massage can help reconnect you with your body, making you feel more human and ‘normal’ at a difficult time. If you want to talk about how you’re feeling with your therapist, it’s safe place to chat, and share your thoughts and fears in a safe space.

You should feel relaxed after a massage session; your therapist will listen to you and adapt techniques to your needs. It can be nice just to feel listened to when you’ve been seemingly at the mercy of the medical profession for a while.
It doesn’t just feel nice; clinical studies have shown that massage can reduce symptoms such as stress, nausea, pain, fatigue and depression, all too common when you’re dealing with a serious illness.
Don’t worry – research shows that massaging muscle and soft tissue doesn’t spread cancer cells – that’s a myth.
A relaxing massage is perfectly safe for people at all stages of cancer treatment, although the massage therapist will be careful to avoid any treatment or tumour sites while massaging you, to prevent any discomfort.
The myth that massage can spread cancer came about because some people believe that the cancer affected cells can be moved around the body via the lymphatic system. This isn’t true; circulation of lymphatic fluid actually happens naturally as we move, and it can’t cause cancer to spread.

Cancer develops and spreads because of changes to a cell’s DNA, not through cells being circulated around the body. There’s nothing to worry about!
Scientific studies have shown that massage may reduce:

• pain
• fatigue
• nausea
• anxiety and depression
  in people having cancer treatments like chemotherapy and surgery.
  What Are the Health Benefits of Massage for Cancer Patients?People who’ve had massage therapy sessions during their cancer treatment say that they’ve noticed a wide range of positive effects afterwards. These include:
  
  • Better sleep
  • Improved healing of scar tissue
  • A better quality of life

• More mental clarity
• Better range of movement.
  A large American study from 2004 [1] looked at the effects of massage therapy on almost 1300 people with cancer over three years. The study found that massage therapy reduced pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression, and the longer the massage sessions, the more relief people reported.
  Another smaller study [2] looked at how safe and effective massage was in reducing stress hormones in people who had blood cancer. People were given aromatherapy, massage or rest;
  massage significantly reduced amounts of stress hormones in the people who took part in the study.
  So, if you, or someone you know, is dealing with cancer, or has just been through treatment and needs a pick-me-up, choose massage.
  References
  1 Fellowes D, Barnes K, Wilkinson SSM. Aromatherapy and massage for symptoms relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Iss 4.

2 Stringer J et al. Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and prolactin. Psycho-Oncology 2008 Oct; 17 (10): 1024–31.

Restore - Body - Refresh - Mind 

We invite you to enjoy peace, tranquility and relaxation. Our goal is to provide a therapeutic treatment in a relaxing environment that nourishes your body, mind and soul. 

We are a leader in improving the health and wellness of our community. We enjoy fostering wellness education and improving our clients overall health. 

The Radiant Touch strives to live up to its promise of helping clients achieve complete wellness through body, mind and soul.

We will be using this Blog to post educational material to help empower you on your wellness journey! 

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