Do You Know?

Massages are what we want when we're feeling discomfort, stressed, or looking for to treat ourselves, but did you know some of the amazing lasting benefits massages provide? 

Here are some...and when you're through reading this list, call us for an appointment, or a few! :)

- 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.


- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.


- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
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- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.


- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.


- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.

Making the Most of Your Massage: How To Achieve Lasting Effects

By Nina McIntosh

Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Autumn/Winter 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

It may seem like all you have to do to get the most out of a massage is show up, relax, and let the massage therapist do the rest. In some ways, that's true. But there are also some things you can do that will make your experience even more enjoyable, all while building a solid working relationship with your massage therapist. Following are some "insider tips" to help you get the most out of your sessions.

Speak up about your concerns and questions.
I've learned that expressing myself to my massage therapist is an important key to my sense of security during the treatment. Of course, you want to let your massage therapist know if the room is too hot or too cold, whether the music suits you, and so forth. 

But beyond those comforts, you also have a right to ask questions related to the work at hand -- for instance, the therapist's training in a particular technique or any risks involved. Also, don't be embarrassed to ask for a clearer explanation of anything the massage therapist says that is too technical or in jargon you don't understand.

Don't be embarrassed by "betrayals of the body."
Your massage therapist knows that, as people relax, they can have responses not considered "acceptable" in polite society. People can pass gas or, when on their stomach, drool on the sheet. Men may have erections if they fall asleep or simply from the pleasure of relaxation and not because they are thinking about sex. Your massage therapist will generally ignore such unintentional occurrences.

Go regularly.
Though treating yourself to a massage every now and then is a valuable boost to your self-care, you're likely to see even more benefits with regular treatment. Try getting massage at least twice a month for a while to see the power of the cumulative effects.

Enhance the benefits both before and after the massage.
Most clients know they will get more out of their massage if they try to wind down before it starts and give full attention to it once it's begun -- turning off cell phones while also clicking off the mental switch on the day's concerns and problems. It's also helpful if you know to schedule your massage at the end of your workday and bring along your casual clothes to wear when you leave. Struggling into panty hose or retying a tie can be a nuisance after a relaxing hour. 

Keep appointments, and pay at the time of the appointment.
As with other professionals, massage therapists expect you to keep your appointments and pay for them at the time of the service, unless you make other arrangements ahead of time.

If you show up late, understand that your session will likely be shortened to be able to keep the therapist on schedule. Even if your therapist has no other appointments that day, she has a right to keep to her schedule.  

Similarly, if you show up early, your massage therapist probably won't be able to begin your appointment until the arranged time. Even if your therapist isn't with a client when you arrive, she may need the time to return phone calls or just gather herself so she can be at her best for you.

If you must break an appointment, know your therapist's policies. Most ask for at least a 24-hour notice. Because they need that time to fill the slot with another client, many therapists will ask you to pay if you cancel without enough notice. Of course, if you have an emergency, you usually won't be charged. 

If you miss an appointment altogether without notifying your therapist, don't be surprised if she crosses you off her client list. If you are able to make another appointment, expect to pay for the missed hour.

Be ready for home sessions.
If you receive massages in your home, be ready for the session to start at the appointed hour. You'll enjoy it more if you turn off the phone and don't have children running about or a baby to attend to. Try to give yourself uninterrupted time for the session.

In a spa, ask about tipping.
If you receive your massage at a spa, ask the therapist (or the front desk person) if tipping is appropriate. Often those who work in spas count on gratuities to supplement a relatively low salary. If the spa doesn't have an automatic percentage, adding 10 percent to 15 percent is customary.

When in doubt, shower beforehand.
Most people perspire as they go about their normal day, especially in warm weather. A slightly moist client isn't a problem for most massage therapists. However, if you've been working in the yard, jogging, playing tennis, or the like, jump in the shower or take a relaxing bath before you go to your appointment. If you're slippery with perspiration, the therapist will find it difficult to work on you, to say nothing of not wanting to push grime into your body. And it will only help you relax that much more in preparation for your appointment.

Mum's the word.
If you have a friend or family member who also sees your massage therapist, don't try to engage your therapist in conversation about them. While it's fine for you to talk about these folks, know that it will be a one-sided conversation. Your therapist is bound by confidentiality and can't answer questions or gossip about clients. 

Let your massage therapist know ahead of time about illnesses or contagious conditions.
Your massage therapist probably asked your about your history of physical conditions when you had your first appointment. However, keep your therapist current on any physical problems that come up, even if they seem to be temporary.

If you have a cold or flu, talk with your therapist before you go for your session. Your therapist may decide that a massage that day isn't a good idea, either because you may be contagious 
or because you might feel worse afterward.

If you have any contagious skin conditions, such as athlete's foot or poison ivy, be sure to let your massage therapist know. 

***

While it's your massage therapist's job to make sure you are pampered and taken care of, being "in the know" can make your massage sessions feel even more relaxing and worthwhile. 

Nina McIntosh has more than 20 years experience as a bodyworker. She's the author of The Educated Heart: Professional Guidelines for Massage Therapists, Bodyworkers and Movement Teachers, and Massage Bodywork magazine's Heart of Bodywork column. 

Culled from www.massagetherapy.com

What is Cellulite?

Are you frustrated that you can’t get rid of cellulite, no matter how hard you try?

Here’s a fact that may surprise you. Cellulite is actually caused by factors outside your control. Many believe it’s a fat problem, which can be addressed through diet and exercise. But fat isn’t the only culprit. Cellulite is a structural problem below the skin. And while you may have tried every treatment possible, you’ve never had a way to treat the very structure of cellulite

Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It generally appears on skin in the abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvic region, and it usually occurs after puberty. Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy in the medical field and as orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon in colloquial language. 

Cellulite is often classified using three grades. Grade 1 classification sees no clinical symptoms, but a microscopic examination of cells from the area detects underlying anatomical changes. Grade 2 cellulite requires the skin to show pallor (pastiness), be lower temperature, and have decreased elasticity in addition to anatomical changes noted by microscopic examinations. Grade 3 cellulite has visible roughness of the skin (like an orange peel) along with all grade 2 signs. Cellulite occurs in both men and women, but it is much more common in women because they are more likely to have particular types of fat and connective tissue.

What causes cellulite?  

The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

• Hormonal factors - hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.
• Genetics - certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.
• Diet - people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.
• Lifestyle factors - cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.
• Clothing - underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.

How can cellulite be prevented?

Eating healthy, low fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help one to avoid cellulite. Similarly exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress are recommended to prevent cellulite. In addition wearing thongs, boyshorts, or looser fitting undergarments can prevent cellulite that might form due to tight elastic.

Would you like us to recommend to you a product to treat cellulite? Then send us a mail at cevenesspa@gmail.com

Scars

Our skin is a seamless organ, like a fine piece of cloth cloaking valuable assets. Any burn, injury, surgery or other trauma to it can cause the formation of scar tissue that can be downright ugly.

Imagine if you had a fine piece of silk: Even one small tear can make a difference in how it looks. But we're human: Throughout our lives, we will have experiences that nip and tear at our skin, either self-inflicted, or completely out of our control.

A scar isn't so bad if it's small or in a location that's easy to conceal. But often you want a way to treat those scars other than hiding them under clothing.

How Does Scarring Happen?

Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury.

Various factors influence how your skin scars. Of course, the depth and size of the wound or incision and the location of the injury are going to impact the scar's characteristics. But your age, heredity, even your sex or ethnicity, will all affect how your skin reacts.

What Are the Types of Scars?

These are several different types of scars including:

• Keloid scars. These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical removal, or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you sustain an injury. Keloid scars most often occur in people with dark skin.


• Contracture scars. If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar, which causes tightening of skin that can impair your ability to move; additionally, this type of scar may go deeper to affect muscles and nerves.


• Hypertrophic scars. Raised and red scars that are similar to keloids, but do not breach the boundaries of the injury site. Possible treatments can include injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.


• Acne scars. If you've had severe acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Possible treatments will depend on the types of acne scars you have.

If you require special treatments or you need us to recommend products for your scars, send us a mail at cevenesspa@gmail.com

Welcome to our blog!

Hello Readers,

We warmly welcome you to our blog. here, we'll be sharing vital information about beauty, health and wellness. We are passionate about seeing you live a balanced lifestyle- spiritually, emotionally and physically. We believe that only a healthy mind dwells in a healthy body, and that's why we are committed to helping you achieve this.

Welcome aboard!