Managing Stress with Massage Therapy

“The mind, which before massage is in a perturbed, restless, vacillating and even despondent state, becomes after massage, calm, quiet, peaceful and subdued; in fact, the wearied and worried mind has been converted into a mind restful, placid, and refreshed.” - Dr Stretch Dowse, Eminent Victorian Physician, 1887.

Stress is a topic about which everyone is becoming increasingly aware. It seems that every day a new study is reported in the press or medical journals relating stress to one disease or another. Some physicians suggest that stress may be responsible for as much as 75% of all diseases including skin diseases, headaches and migraines, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and heart-related diseases, as well as, back-ache and muscle pain, depression and anxiety.

As our world becomes increasingly stressful both physically and emotionally we are left to learn how to deal with stress effectively. Because it is impossible to avoid stress the only real solution is to find ways to manage the stress we encounter every day. One very effective and pleasant way is the regular use of massage therapy.

Few experiences rival a full-body massage stress relief.  Word of the health benefits of massage therapy for stress relief has spread. In 2006, 39 million Americans -- one in six adults -- had at least one massage, according to a nationwide survey by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

 

Elixir Mind Body Prenatal Massage Posted by kia of bodi bear blog at 5:57 PM

I have been very fortunate this pregnancy to have many things go my way in terms of health and being able to appreciate the generosity of others. I was contacted by Spa Week Daily last week to see if I would be interested in a prenatal massage at a spa in Denver. The only catch is that they wanted me to share the experience with my readers and as many pregnant people in the Denver area as possible for their April 12-18 Spa Week Event.

Sure, I'll go to a spa for a massage, you don't have to ask me twice.

The spa is located in a sweet part of LODO with Coors Field a couple of blocks away and in view of the front door. As soon as I entered they were ready for me. Right after the receptionist handed me the intake paperwork she was around her desk taking my coat and placing a hot neck wrap on me. The massage therapist I was working with that day, Ketty, came out to greet me and give me water. She also gave me a pointer when I was selecting the music I would listen to during my session, do not check the box that says "nature" because it includes water sounds. This could be problematic for us pregnant ladies with our need for frequent bathroom breaks.

Ketty led me to the room we would be using where it was already dark with music playing. She left as I got undressed and on the table to position myself with bolsters and sheets. The table was heated, the soft sheets were warm. When she entered she then wrapped about three hot towels on each of my feet. I could have melted on the table from that experience alone.

She spent 30 minutes working with me face up. Since I didn't feel pregnancy soreness she gave me the option of spending extra time massaging my face and scalp. She also uncovered that my quads were a little worked from a hike the day before. I was then positioned sideline on both sides for 15 minutes each which included work on my hamstrings, glutes, and back. The massage was really nice, I kept going in and out, almost sleeping because I was so chill. The warm pads placed over my eyes added to that zoning out.

I have a lot of respect for the therapist. She genuinely enjoys working with new moms and pregnant women. One of her services that really intrigues me is the Infant Massage class you can do with your partner to learn how to massage your infant. I think that will be a perfect present for my husband after our baby is born.

However that is at least 14 weeks down the road. For now I hope I can impress on any pregnant women in the area to check out Elixir Mind Body Massage for your prenatal needs. Take advantage of the 60 minute Prenatal Massage Spa Week special for $50. Also for non-pregnant people their regular Elixir Massage will be $50 during this week. Look at their menu of services for descriptions of both treatments.

Elixir Body Mind Massage is located at 1518 A Wazee Street in Denver. You can reach them at (303) 571-4455. They are open daily from 10-8 and offer full services to drop-in chair massages you pay for by the minute.

You can take advantage of the Spa Week specials in the U. S. and Canada April 12-18, this is not just a Denver deal. Head over to Spaweek.com and start booking your massages, facials, body scrubs, waxes, slimming wraps, pedicures, haircuts, Botox, eyelash extensions, Velashape, Vajazzling, and other appointments on Monday, March 15th, when the full list of Spring Spa Week spas and treatments launches online.

Aromatherapy Massage

Combining the physical and emotional effects of massage with the medicinal and therapeutic properties of essential oils alleviates stress and improves mood.  Adding Aromatherapy to a massage is a powerful way to activate the body’s self-healing ability.

Each fragrance has the ability to affect our wellbeing.  Blends of multiple oils are often used to enhance the individual properties and potency.  Listed below are some emotions that can be addressed with the holistic healing approach of Aromatherapy.

STRESS
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang 

MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION 
Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary

FATIGUE, EXHAUSTION AND BURNOUT 
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood

ANGER 
Bergamot, Jasmine, Orange, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Ylang Ylang 

ANXIETY
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood

IRRITABILITY
Lavender, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Orange

- Sandy Stroehmann, Founder, Elixir Mind Body Massage

 

Stress:  The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good

We talk about cutting out all the stress in our lives, but we need those powerful fight-or-flight hormones our bodies produce when we're about to be hit by a car or when confronted with an unexpected deadline at work. When the brain perceives physical or psychological stress, it starts pumping the chemicals cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine into the body. Instantly, our heart beats faster, blood pressure increases, senses sharpen, a rise in blood glucose invigorates us and we're ready to do what is necessary. Short burst of stress can:

• Improve memory and protect against memory loss from aging
• Increase productivity and efficiency
• Improve immunity
• Improve athletic/physical performance
• Boost our energy
• Help us to protect ourselves or someone else from danger

The Bad

 Stress can be positive, but get too much of it — when the flood of hormones bombards your body longer than 24 hours, doctors say — and all kinds of bad things start to happen. Long-term, chronic emotional stress that lasts weeks or months is blamed for: 

• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions and disorganization
• Feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control
• Gritting or grinding your teeth
• Exhaustion, fatigue, insomnia and nightmares
• Neck and back pain and spasms
• Higher sensitivity to all pain
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Ulcers and digestive issues
• Depression, anxiety, panic attacks and excessive anger
• Frequent colds and illnesses
• Autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease         flaring up.    

 The Ugly

Long term stress is not only hard on your emotional and physical well being but it also shows up in ways that make you less attractive and can cause: 

• Hair loss or thinning
• Rashes and Hives
• Wrinkles and under eye bags
• Weight gain or loss
• Excessive sweating
• Excess belching and flatulence
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Lack of sexual desire and poor performance
• Nervous habits, fidgeting or feet tapping
• Increased irritability

Our goal shouldn’t be a total absence of stress. It's an unavoidable reality. Besides, without it, life would be very dull. The key is channeling stress energy into productive action then learning to shut it down after you have taken care of what was needed.  It takes some awareness but it is possible using some simple and effective techniques.  Meditation, deep breathing, exercise, massage, a warm shower or bath, interacting with our pets, playing and laughing are all easy and fun ways to break the cycle of stress and keeps our lives in balance.

- Sandy Stoehmann, Founder, Elixir Mind Body Massage