Massages for Headache Relief

Massages for Headache Relief

headacheHow often do you get a headache?

Whether it’s from stress, migraines or just everyday tiredness, many of us who experience a headache will often do the same thing to relieve it. Our hands go to our temples or the bridge of the nose in an effort to ease a headache. You probably do this as well, but did you know that this is a form of massage?

More than just for relaxation, massage is an effective treatment for aches and pains. And even if you can’t get to a massage therapist, you can still use simple techniques to reap the benefits of massage.

Among the basic things to know when treating headaches using massage are the pressure points located in the following parts of your body:

  • In the middle of the forehead, between your eyebrows
  • The corners of the eyes, just behind the bone of the eye socket
  • Under the base of the skull, about an inch away from the spine on both sides (tilt your head back as you press upward during your massage)
  • On the hand, between the thumb and index finger
  • On the top of each foot, between the big toe and the second toe

Once you have found these pressure points, use the following techniques to massage away your headache and migraine. For pressure points on the forehead, the eye corners and the base of the skull:

  1. Use only the pads of your first two fingers.
  2. Breathe deeply during the massage.
  3. Press the area lightly at first, just enough to feel resistance or tension under your fingers. Adjust the pressure if you feel too much pain.
  4. Use tiny circular movements.
  5. Count to 10 as you gradually increase the pressure.
  6. Release the pressure slowly, while maintaining deep breathing.
  7. Repeat the massage as necessary.

For pressure points on the hand and foot:

  1. Use the pads on your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the pressure points on the opposite hand or the foot.
  2. Breathe deeply and use circular movements.
  3. Apply light pressure at first, gradually increasing as you count to ten.
  4. Release the pressure slowly, while maintaining deep breathing.
  5. Repeat the massage, applying more pressure as necessary.

As with full-body massages, self-massage targeted to treat specific aches are effective because they relax the muscles and increase circulation to the area. Use these techniques properly on the associated pressure points to get relief from headaches and migraines. You can also use them to enhance your concentration and increase energy, as well as facilitate a good night’s sleep. Remember, however, that severe headaches may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Always discuss with your doctor when you have any concerns. Otherwise, continue to enjoy the benefits of massage, whether it’s done by a professional massage therapist or something you do to get headache relief.

Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Can Help with Arthritis Painarthritis and massage therapy

Arthritis is a painful condition that often affects the hands, knees, and other joints. Sufferers experience symptoms that range from just annoying to severely debilitating.

The good news is that there are things you can do to ease the discomfort caused by arthritis and even help prevent its onset. One of these is massage therapy.

Related10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements

Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation caused by a type of stress hormone. While it most often occurs in the knuckles, wrists, knees, and spine, it can manifest anywhere in the body.

In some of these areas, localized swelling is the result of excess fluid, which in turn impedes circulation. There is often discomfort and limited motion in the affected area. The disease may be associated with:

  • frozen shoulder syndrome
  • carpal tunnel
  • hip tension
  • sciatica
  • pain between the vertebrae.

Along with its growing popularity in pain management, massage therapy is also gaining recognition as an effective medication-free treatment for arthritis. Massage accomplishes this in two ways: by loosening up the joints, and by improving circulation.

Thai Massage and Arthritis

Thai massage is a type of full bodywork that improves joint flexibility and mobility. During the session, the massage therapist stretches and applies light pressure on the limbs and joints (legs, arms, hips, etc.). It is a great modality to use for easing arthritis that affects large areas (shoulders, hips, etc.).

Hand and Feet Massage TherapyFoot Massage Therapy for arthritis

If you’re suffering from arthritis on your hands and feet, you don’t need to get a full body massage in order to see benefits.

A shorter session focusing on just the outer extremities will still give you relief from pain and inflammation. Arthritis in the hands and feet is accompanied by fluid backup, which causes pain in the affected joints. The massage therapist thus uses light pressure, and a combination of circular and long movements, to relieve this backup and improve circulation.

Frequency of Massage Therapy for Arthritis Relief

You will experience relief from arthritis pain even after just one session of massage therapy. But, in order to maximize the benefits, it’s best to get a massage on a regular basis. A recommended frequency is once a week for a month, followed by a session once every 4-6 weeks. Over time, you will experience less pain, less stiffness, better handgrip, and an increased range of motion. As with any medical condition, consult with your doctor about seeing a massage therapist for your arthritis. You will also want to inform your therapist about your condition so that she can customize your session according to your needs. The best way to help prevent and/or reduce arthritis is through physical activity. However, not all of us are able to frequently engage in activities that ensure that our joints are healthy. For the more sedentary among us, or as a complement to physical activity for those who maintain active lifestyles, regular massage therapy is a great way to reduce and prevent arthritis pain and inflammation.

Contact me to schedule your massage session today.


Please note: Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by Turmeric have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.  All Body Kneads does not receive any monetary compensation for providing 3rd party information on our website. 

 

Massage Plus Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Massage Plus Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

aromatherapy for stress reliefHow do you use aromatherapy for stress relief?

We often talk about how massage therapy can help ease stress (and who doesn’t need that?

Did you know you can take the benefits of regular massages one step further by using aromatherapy for stress relief?

Massage by itself already has amazing benefits, both for your body and mind. No matter what type of massage you get, you come away more relaxed. Muscles are less achy. Your mind is calmer. Your massage therapist always creates a soothing environment that will help you benefit the most from the healing power of touch. This environment includes soft lights and calming music. Aromatherapy adds an extra dimension by involving the sense of smell.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an age-old practice that uses essential oils derived from plants. These days, you can find many aromatherapy products in the form of candles, bath soaps, oils, even little pillows filled with sweet-smelling herbs. When combined with massage, aromatherapy uses the properties of essential oils to achieve specific results. Massage with aromatherapy goes beyond reducing physical aches. When inhaled, the scents induce both physical and mental responses. Depending on the oil that is used, the overall effect could be ultimate relaxation, rejuvenation or re-invigoration. Relaxing scents reduce the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in our bodies. Invigorating scents increase our energy and wakefulness.

Types of Oils for Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Any essential oil used for massage therapy should be natural and organic. These oils are extracted from plants, not made in a laboratory. They are processed in a way that their natural scents and properties are retained. Going to a certified massage therapist will help assure that the oils used are of high-quality and meant specifically for massage therapy.

Relaxing oils include lavender and chamomile.

Lavender has been shown to calm down fussy babies and promote sleep. Essential oils derived from citrus, such as lemon and orange, are invigorating oils. Others, like eucalyptus, helps clear the mind while spearmint lifts your spirit and improves concentration.

Rosemary, on the other hand, promotes contentment and positive emotions. Your massage therapist will help you choose an aromatherapy oil to use during your massage, depending on your overall condition and goals for the session.

Listen carefully to her instructions as she tells you what to expect from each essential oil she has available.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Once you have chosen the essential oil for your session, relax and let your massage therapist do her job. She will use the oil throughout your massage. In addition to the added benefits of scent, the oil also helps your therapist’s hands glide smoothly across your skin. The reduced friction lets her work your muscles effectively without any discomfort to you. The oil also moisturizes your skin during your session. Breathe deeply and let the scent work its magic. Think happy, relaxing thoughts and just savor the experience as it envelopes you.

After your session, linger for a few minutes on the massage table. Don’t hurry off to get back into your busy day.

Finally, ask your therapist for a bottle of the essential oil that you picked. Some oils can be used for self-massage, or to add to warm water for a relaxing bath. You can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy for stress relief, even in the comforts of your own home.

What is your favorite relaxing smell?

Massage Therapy and Healthy Sleep

Massage Therapy and Healthy Sleep

massage therapy and healthy sleepWhat do massage therapy and healthy sleep have in common?

Massage therapy helps promote a healthy lifestyle, through relaxation and stress relief. It is often viewed as a luxury activity. However, it can be a powerful tool in addressing a common problem that people have these days: lack of sleep. Although we all know that we need 8 hours of sleep every night, many people still try to get by with 6-7 hours, and often even less. At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in health problems like obesity, heart issues due to stress, and chronic fatigue. We trudge through our days, and drink quantities of caffeine in an effort to just function at minimum levels.

Benefits of Sleep

Adequate, restful sleep is essential not just for physical health, but also for mental and emotional well-being. When we spend sufficient time in the different stages of non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and REM sleep, we reap the following benefits:

1. Physical energy Anyone who’s had only 4-5 hours of sleep during the night can attest to the fact of its negative effect on an entire day. It’s as if our body is reminding us that it needs more sleep than we’d given it. We are sluggish and feel as though a nap is in good order even in the middle of the day. People who literally bounce out of bed in the morning, ready to take on anything that comes their way, are more likely to be those who have slept 8 hours or more.

2. Mental alertness Lack of sleep results in reduced alertness and short-term memory loss. These, in turn, affect our capacity to perform and stay with complicated mental tasks. This is why students are often reminded to get a good night’s sleep before an important exam. No matter what the industry, sleep deprivation negatively affects job performance.

3. Appetite control Research has shown that a chemical associated with hunger signals are released in large quantities during sleep deprivation. At the same time, lack of sleep suppresses another chemical that signals when we’ve had enough to eat. This double chemical whammy, plus the fatigue brought on by sleep deprivation, wreak havoc on people who want to lose weight. No matter what diet they are on, people who are sleep deprived night after night find themselves struggling to control their appetite. Any weight-loss strategy must be coupled with adequate sleep in order to succeed.

4. Healthy immune system Simply put, the body needs adequate rest in order to fight infections. Even though we may compensate for the decreased alertness by imbibing caffeine, there is no substitute for the regeneration that our cells undergo during sleep. Healthy cells mean higher chances of beating germs that bring sickness.

5. Ability to combat stress High-quality sleep contributes to the body’s ability to fight stress. When we are sleep-deprived, our stress responses tend to go to extremes and/or last longer than necessary. This is why chronically-sleep deprived individuals are more short-tempered and irritable than those who make their 8-hour sleep a priority. In addition to these benefits, healthy and adequate sleep has also been shown to decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments.

Massage Therapy and Healthy Sleep

The best way to achieve healthy sleep habits is by natural medication-free means. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy reduces fatigue, promotes relaxation, and contributes to high-quality sleep. The benefits of massage are both immediate and long-term.

People who receive massages experience a more restorative type of sleep, both immediately following the massage and even several hours afterward. Their bodies are more relaxed, with reduced aches and pains, and able to fall more quickly into a deep sleep.

Parents who have given their babies gentle massages can attest to similar results. Infants who have been massaged are more relaxed and undergo fewer disturbances of their sleep.

In addition to a regular massage, we can encourage healthy sleep by:

  • establishing a set bedtime
  • avoiding caffeine a few hours before bedtime
  • ensuring that the sleeping area (bedroom) is quiet, dark, and comfortable
  • turning off electronics such as TVs, video games, and smartphones at least an hour before bedtime

Sleep is one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. Regular massage therapy is one of the things you could do to help you achieve better sleep and stress-free days and nights. Do you want to sleep better tonight? Call me!

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

MassageOne of the most common questions about massage therapy is how often one should get a massage. The right answer differs from client to client.

How often you get a massage depends on many factors. These include:

  • your general health
  • the reason for getting a massage
  • how you felt after your last session
  • your time
  • your budget

Today I’ll focus on the purpose of your massage as a factor in deciding how often to schedule your appointments.

Why Are You Getting a Massage?

Before you and your massage therapist decide on a schedule, you need to talk about why you’re coming in for treatment and the specific modalities that will be used.

General Relaxation

Some people get massages for health maintenance and general relaxation. The purpose of these sessions is to support proper body functions, including blood circulation and joint flexibility. Regular sessions like these prevent pain, stress points, and muscle tension from building up. Massage therapy for relaxation may be scheduled every three or four months.

Stress Relief

In spite of regular massages for relaxation, there may be times when you will experience periods of higher stress and greater muscle tension. If you are in a high-stress job or work in an environment that requires you to be in one position for a prolonged period of time, you may develop tightly-knotted muscles in your back, arms and shoulders. These may result in reduced movement and significant pain. In addition, constant stress increases your risk of heart disease. To help you cope with high-stress situations, get a massage once or twice a month.

Sports Performance and Recovery

Athletes and other individuals who engage in intense physical activity require specialized massage therapy to enhance performance, prevent injury, and speed up their muscles” recovery. Competitive sports, for example, puts a lot of stress on the body. Massage therapy helps to strengthen muscles before the activity, and to heal afterward. The frequency of sessions may range from one to three times a week to three times a month.

Treatment of Chronic Issues

If massage therapy is performed as part of treatment for specific issues, the frequency varies according to the type of illness or injury, as well as overall health. Relief from chronic pain may only be achieved after a program of therapy that includes up to three sessions a week, and additional sessions at diminishing frequency over a few months. Chronic issues that may benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain and localized inflammation.

Pregnancy Massage

Expectant moms experience a range of aches and pains as their pregnancies progress. These include back pain and swelling of the ankles. Regular massage sessions, performed by a certified pregnancy massage therapist, may help ease these discomforts particularly toward the end of the pregnancy. A once- or twice-a-month massage will go a long way towards helping you feel great. As always though, check with your doctor to make sure a massage is appropriate for you during pregnancy. ** There are many other reasons people come in for massage therapy.

Additional Considerations

Likewise, there are additional considerations to take when you think about how often to get a massage.

These include the following:

  • Your General Health. If you are a fairly healthy person, with no injuries or chronic conditions, you can pretty much get a massage as often as you want. If you”re suffering from an injury or chronic illness that could benefit from massage, you might come in for regular treatment with a focus on your specific condition.
  • How You Felt After Your Last Session.  Every time you get a massage, you should evaluate whether you are getting the maximum benefits that you want. If your chronic pain is getting better through massage, you and your therapist might change your schedule accordingly.
  • Your Resources. Your time and finances are important factors to consider when scheduling your appointments. Make the most out of your resources by going to an excellent therapist and by using coupons and special offers.

If you want to know more about how often to get massage therapy that would work for your situation and resources, contact me today.

The Science and Art of Massage Therapy

The Science and Art of Massage Therapy

Have you ever though about the art of massage therapy?the art of massage

Did you know that massage therapy is both a science and an art? Far from being just a luxurious way to spend one’s time, there are sound scientific principles behind the practice and benefits of massage.

First of all, the process of becoming a certified massage therapist requires study and training. At the same time, a successful client-therapist relationship is nurtured through an approach that is closer to art than science.

The Science of Massage Therapy

Not everyone can become a professional massage therapist. Many states require licensing before one can practice massage therapy as a business. Massage therapists need to complete hundreds of hours of classroom instruction using an approved curriculum.

In addition to massage theory and application, massage therapy classes cover human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of human movement), and pathology.

Massage therapists are expected to know how muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and joints work together in the human body. They study the effects of injury, stress and pain on physical and emotional well-being, as well as overall health.

They are familiar with medical terminology and use this knowledge to help patients with chronic or temporary medical conditions. Massage therapists also receive instruction in injury prevention and practices to aid in physical rehabilitation and the relief of specific conditions. Some may even take specialized classes in skin health and nutrition. In addition to formal classroom instruction, massage therapists are licensed only after they accumulate hours of practical experience in a supervised environment. Many accredited schools have their own clinics where students get hands-on training, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

The Art of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy doesn’t simply involve manipulation of muscles to achieve relaxation and pain relief. It also requires that the therapist essentially listen with their hands and offer an environment that provides compassionate care to their client.

The massage therapist thus blends science and art toward the goal of providing a total experience. Several elements go into a successful massage. Among these are:

  • the layout and appearance of the therapy room
  • sensory details such as the touch of the sheets
  • the scents of aromatherapy oils
  • the sound of soothing music in the background.

During a massage session, the therapist uses her hands to find areas that need specific attention and adapts her techniques to meet those needs. As with art, the experience is different for each client and even for each session. Each massage therapist blends science and art by using her knowledge, skills and ability to relate with her client to provide the best benefits every time. The result is an overall encounter that soothes both the body and mind.

A Short Primer on Five Different Types of Massages

A Short Primer on Five Different Types of Massages

How Many Different Types of Massages are There?

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. Some of these services may be familiar to you, but some may be new. So, here’s short primer on some of the different types of massages I offer, with descriptions and how each can help you live a more relaxed and energized lifestyle:

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage. When people talk about massage therapy, they most likely mean a Swedish massage. It is sometimes called a “classic massage.” A Swedish massage is characterized by long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness. It also improves circulation, and facilitate healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable, and could be very gentle and relaxing. As such, it’s a great massage for new clients, or people who have never received a massage before.

Sports Massage

Sports massages are intended for athletes as a way to enhance their performance, prevent injury, and recover after an event or competition. Before an athletic event, a sports massage can be employed to warm up the muscles and increase blood flow. Afterward, the goal is to help the body deal with toxins released during physical exertion. A sports massage is also helpful for athletes who are healing from an injury. The therapist can focus on a specific problem area instead of the whole body.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. You can get a chair massage at public settings such as airports and malls. You can even host one at your place of business.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal (or pregnancy) massages are given to expectant mothers to help reduce stress and anxiety, and alleviate aches associated with a changing body. It”s a great therapy for back pain and swelling in the legs and arms. Proper positioning is needed to support the client”s body during a session. There are also techniques and areas of the body that must be avoided during a prenatal massage. Thus, it is very important than an expectant mother receive services only from a therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. A massage therapist who is certified in this technique has received advanced training and understands the structure and workings of the human body. A Deep Tissue Massage can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage. These are only five of the various types of massages that I offer. As you can see, there is a massage technique for practically every need. You can contact me to learn more about these or any other services. You can also ask me questions before we begin your session.

Join a Club and Receive Additional Massage Discounts

Join a Club and Receive Additional Massage Discounts

Here at All Body Kneads, I treat my repeat customers like friends. In addition to giving discounts on massage services for cancer survivors and caregivers, I offer many ways to save on my services, such as the various clubs you can join to take advantage of special pricing options.

Birthday Club

You deserve to relax and pamper yourself on your special days. What”s better than a massage, complete with your favorite aromatherapy scent? Members of the All Body Kneads Birthday Club receive VIP pricing on birthdays, anniversaries and other special days. The club is open to individuals and families with the same last name.

Rub Club

The Rub Club is for those who want to take advantage of package pricing, without having to pay the full amount upfront. For example, the regular price of a 60-Minute Full Body Massage is $55.00. You can save by purchasing a package of Ten 60-minute massages at $450. By joining the Rub Club, you won”t have to pay the full $450 upfront for the package. Instead, as a member, you”ll pay $45 for each of the 10 massages, as you come in. So you”ll get the package price, without the upfront cost. In addition, you”ll get a free add-on service. The Rub Club is open to both individuals and families.

Knead Club

This is the ultimate club for my regular customers. Knead Club members lock in current prices for as long as they want. I want you to be relaxed, and come in knowing you”ll get the same excellent service at the same affordable price, forever! Plus, you get to choose a free add-on service with each massage. You can join the club as an individual or with your family.

More Massage Discounts!

In addition to these clubs, I also offer discounts on massage services for students, and members of the military and their families. To find out more about my special pricing options, see my discounts and clubs page, or contact me. I”d love to hear from you!

Lansing Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Receive Massage Discounts

Lansing Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Receive Massage Discounts

All Body Kneads Massage in Lansing believes in giving back to the community and supporting repeat customers by offering opportunities to enjoy massage services at discounted rates. As a cancer survivor, I have deep compassion for those who have lived with and won the cancer fight. For women who have experienced and survived breast cancer, a 25% discount is applied for every massage and service purchased. All cancer patients and survivors benefit from massage, not just breast cancer survivors, so a 20% discount is given to anyone who is fighting or has fought any type of cancer. Special gratitude is shared with those hardworking caregivers too! Each caregiver receives 10% off their first time visit plus receives an add-on service for free. Future appointments will garner caregivers $5.00 each massage and a choice of a free add on to their massage. Learn more about our unique Massage Clubs in the next post. Please contact me with any questions. Peace

A Good Belly Rub Can Bolster Fertility

A Good Belly Rub Can Bolster Fertility

Husband and pregnant wifeYes, really! Fertility Massage has garnered a tremendous success rate, even with clients who have been told that they’d never conceive. This news is heartwarming and the research I have done increased my desire to become certified through Claire Marie Miller Training. I learned Claire Marie was blessed with a pregnancy after just one cycle following her fertility massage treatments and has tracked success rates of her students and patients consistently.

How Does Fertility Massage Work?

So many women have fertility concerns and often experience financial burdens, emotional stress and devastating disappointment while seeking solutions. Through noninvasive techniques, fertility massage enhances relaxation and gently manipulates the muscles and tendons that hold the belly organs in place and return them to alignment to promote proper functioning. I felt a strong desire to bring fertility massage in Lansing and I am happy to offer Fertility Massage services to All Body Kneads clients.

The Benefits you can experience from a Fertility Massage

What I feel is the most beneficial in this massage protocol is balancing cranial-sacral alignment. I will administer cranial holds until I can feel the true release desired. Because each body is different we schedule a 70 −90 minute session so that you can relax fully and achieve cranial-sacral alignment. I will also administer shiatsu and reflexology techniques. These modalities assist in increasing the body energy (chi), balance hormones, plus stimulate reproductive areas and endocrine glands. The additional benefits of deep relaxation, stress reduction and increased circulation throughout the pelvis increases the effectiveness of the fertility massage protocol.

What to expect in a Fertility Massage Session

  • A relaxing oil pack and instructions for at home cleansing of the digestive system and dissolving adhesions, cysts.
  • Calming and centering cranial-sacral holds for balancing and centering
  • Integrative Reflexology® for fertility, stimulating reproductive areas, endocrine glands and the digestive system
  • Deep pelvic work to break up adhesions and increase blood to all pelvic organs
  • Shiatsu points to increase the chi (energy) through the reproductive areas
  • Fertility wisdom – includes knowledge about timing and awareness for potential conception
  • Specific aromatherapy for optimal hormonal functioning
  • Visualization techniques for tuning in and opening up the conception channel

It is best not to receive Fertility Massage work when menstruating or possibly pregnant. Let’s talk about the best time for you to schedule a fertility massage at All Body Kneads, I will make sure timing is optimum for best results. Bilky Joda-Miller CMT All Body Kneads 517-898-2899