June 19th, 2014 • Posted by Enlightened Earth Healing • Permalink
When people hear the term "sports massage," they usually think of professional athletes or regular runners being treated to stay competitive. Yes, most professional sports teams employ massage therapist as part of their training and medical staffs. However sports massage can benefit everyone from the marathoner to the busy mom who simply wishes to keep up with her energetic toddler. According to the American Massage Therapy Association sports massage can reduce muscle tension, help athletes monitor muscle tone, promote relaxation, increase range of motion, decrease muscle stiffness, delay the onset of muscle soreness, reduce swelling and aid in recovery from injury. We could all benefit from that. Whether you are a world-class athlete or a weekend runner, it's time to incorporate regular sports massage in your game-plan for better health.
Getting in the Game
Research shows that even obese individuals, who have been inactive for years, can benefit from regular physical activity. However, years of inactivity take a toll on muscle tissue, joints and the general condition of body. Your massage therapist can use sports massage to help someone ease into an active lifestyle by gently manipulating muscles and incorporating stretching. Consult with your therapist about your goals. They can help you reach your goals by improving your overall health.
Sports massage can also help release toxins built up in the body. Reducing these toxins can aid in digestion and reduce stress, both essential to feeling fit. If you feel better, you are more likely to stay with a new fitness routine.
Staying in the Game
Those who run, bike or play sports recreationally benefit from regular sports massage to help ease muscle soreness and tension. Ask your massage therapist to add stretching to your massage to help maintain flexibility, essential for injury prevention. If you play recreational golf, tennis or racket ball regularly, your therapist can tailor your massage to your needs, designing a routine for before and after competition.
A 2008 study published in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy looked at the impact of massage prior to competition. It found that clients who received Swedish massage before an event "experienced the greatest reduction in blood pressure, whereas those who had received trigger point therapy and sports massage experienced an increase in blood pressure."
Improving Your Game
The National Football League is by far the most watched sports in the U.S. Whenever an NFL player catches a depilating cramp, a trainer rushes over to start massaging the muscles. Even world-class athletes who have devoted their lives to fitness rely on massage to improve their games. If you play tennis, a massage therapist can focus on range of motion in the shoulders and ease tension around the shoulder blades. Golfers who suffer from "golfer's elbow" can consult with their massage therapist about making adjustments to their swing that might alleviate pain.
Eliminating chronic pain and soreness through massage will give an athlete added confidence in competition. No matter how minuscule or magnificent your fitness goals, regular sports massage produces winning results.
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June 2nd, 2014 • Posted by Enlightened Earth Healing • Permalink
Have you ever wondered why the smell of lavender is calming? Or why
scents like eucalyptus are used as a decongestant? Studies show smells
have an important effect on the brain. Different smells invoke different
reactions. It's one of the reasons why aromatherapy is incorporated
into massage. Take a look why aromatherapy and massage go hand in hand.
Stress relief
The techniques a therapist uses to manipulate your body are meant to
relieve stress, but aromatherapy kicks the stress relief up a notch. A
lot of massage therapists use essential oils infused with lavender,
chamomile or geranium to induce an even deeper state of relaxation.
Improving emotions
When you're getting a massage and you take in the scent of chamomile,
your limbic system kicks into high gear. Your limbic system is
responsible for emotions and hormones. Studies show the right scent can
alter your emotions, in a good way.
Creating a welcoming environment
For many clients, a massage offers a deep state of relaxation. We go to
great lengths to create a warm environment. From soothing colors on the
walls to calming music, every aspect is taken into account. The
addition of aromatherapy is just another way to create a welcoming
environment.
To learn more about aromatherapy, ask us and we can chat with you about the benefits.
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May 14th, 2014 • Posted by Enlightened Earth Healing • Permalink
Have you heard of Reiki? This ancient healing process harnesses life energy to improve a person's overall well being. Here are a few things you probably didn't know about this ancient healing technique:
The process isn't draining on the practitioner.
During a Reiki session, our practitioner channels collective energy through touch. There are 12 different positions on the body that receive this energy, which will be selected based on your needs. Many people assume this transfer of energy is draining on the practitioner, but that's not the case. In fact, their ability to harness this energy is exhilarating.
More healthcare providers suggest it.
For years, doctors didn't embrace the potential benefits of Reiki, but that's changing. More health care providers are suggesting Reiki treatment in combination with traditional medical treatments to ensure the patient is completely taken care of.
It could improve you love life.
Americans are notorious for working hard and playing harder. These hectic schedules create high stress levels which can cause problems in a relationship. Reiki sessions can help partners reconnect and ease stress. By focusing on your energy and being present, you'll likely see an improvement in your love life. After you both have a couple of sessions you will feel closer and more connected.
We look forward to seeing you for your next Reiki session.
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