What Is Massage?
Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.
Benefits of Massage:
Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain
Regular massage can lead to:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
The inhaled aroma from these “essential” oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties.
Benefits of Aromatherapy:
The implementation of aromatherapy in your massages and daily life can lead to:
- Enhanced mood
- Strengthened immune system
- Reduced stress
- The ability to fight off depression
- Manage pain, aches and headaches
- Improved blood pressure
What is Cupping?
Cupping is an ancient therapy that is used for relaxation and pain relief. It is done by placing small cups made of glass, bamboo or silicone on the skin to create a gentle suction. Skin is lifted into the cups through the suction using negative pressure, lifting the muscles and tissue to relieve pressure.
Benefits of Cupping:
- Help relieve pain and inflammation
- Promote blood flow and relaxation
- Release trigger points
- Improve circulation
- Promote mobility and range of motion
- Improves scars
Cupping can be used to treat:
- Headaches
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Fibromyalgia