The Healing Power of Physical Touch

Massage Therapy: The Healing Power of Physical Touch

The pandemic years brought many changes to our lives. But what changed drastically was how limited we were in interacting with each other. Social distancing forced us to experience a lack of physical contact. 

As a result, many of us are unknowingly experiencing something called touch starvation or touch deprivation. You might have noticed a craving for physical contact with family and friends in the last few years. 

Let’s dive into the importance of touch…

The Importance of Touch

Research shows that touch is crucial to humans, both for social development and mental health. 

Skin is our largest organ and has receptors that transmit feelings of positive or negative touch to our brains. From the moment we’re born, touch is the major way we interact with each other. Skin-to-skin contact is highly encouraged right after a baby is born because it boosts healthy physical and social development — skin-to-skin contact is also a powerful bonding component. 

Touch starvation feels different for everyone, but the most reported symptom is a feeling of overwhelming loneliness or feeling deprived of affection. 

Negative Effects of Lack of Physical Touch

• Increased feelings of anxiety or depression
• Higher levels of stress
• Feelings of loneliness
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia

Positive Effects of Physical Touch Through Professional Massage Therapy

• Increases oxytocin levels in the brain
• Feelings of relaxation
• Feelings of psychological stability
• Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine
• Reduces pain
• Supports skeletal and muscular realignment 
• Promotes overall improved wellbeing

How Massage Therapy Fills the Void

With the brunt of the pandemic behind us, we’ve been able to return to some sense of normalcy. However, we don’t want to understate that the world is changed, and some may still be dealing with the lack of physical touch.

This could be for a variety of reasons, especially for those who are immunocompromised. 

Massage therapy can fulfill the fundamental need for physical touch in a professional setting. Not only do licensed massage therapists adhere to strict health and sanitation protocols, but they also abide by a strict set of ethics. 

Getting regular massages will encourage your body to relax by reducing tension and moving you into a calm state where healing can happen. Massage improves blood circulation and increases lymphatic flow to support a strong immune system. 

Massage therapy offers a healthy, safe environment to receive the healing benefits of touch. Many people categorize massage as a luxury to pamper yourself or something only athletes need. However, many would benefit from this essential element of healthcare on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. 

How Often Do You Need to Get Massaged to Feel the Benefits?

Most massage therapist’s agree that a monthly massage is adequate for physical maintenance and general wellbeing. But if you can fit in regularly treatments, there’s no reason not to book a weekly massage. 

Of course, if you’re experiencing an injury or working with your doctor, they may recommend more frequent visit to the massage therapist. 

Massage Now is Here to Help

At Massage Now, we’re dedicated to healing not only your body, but your mind and soul. If you’re feeling touch starved, it’s okay – we live in a world where we generally keep to ourselves. 

Schedule a therapeutic massage and safely experience the contact you ned in a tranquil and healing environment. 

by Massage Now Team

5 Common Massage Myths That Clients Have

5 Common Massage Myths That Clients Have

Did you know that massage therapy has been around for five thousand years? That’s right, the history of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BCE. So, of course, there has been plenty of time for pervading myths to come up and linger on today.

Read on to debunk the five most common myths about massage therapy that most clients ask us about…

1.    Massages are all the same.

At first glance, all massages might appear the same due to the relaxing setting, scented oils, and a licensed professional using their hands, elbows, and forearms to work out the knots in your back, arms, and legs.

However, every massage therapist or massage business offers all sorts of different massages. At Massage Now we offer thirteen types of massage, including other beneficial services like facials and therapeutic cupping.

Each type of massage offers different benefits. Take a look at our services and the descriptions of each massage—all massages are relaxing, but some offer deep tissue, improved flexibility, total body rejuvenation, and more.

2.    If you’re not sore the day after a massage, it didn’t “work.”

The amount of soreness you feel after a massage depends on your body and the intensity of the massage. It’s more common for people to feel sore after deep tissue manipulation, if you are on the more sensitive side, or new to massage.

A massage therapist will work on all of your major muscles group, and there may be some muscle groups you don’t usually use, which can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)—and it’s totally normal.

Soreness will pop up in places where you hold a lot of tension.

In the end, whether or not you feel soreness after a does not mean it wasn’t effective.

3.    Massage is not safe for pregnant people.

Pregnant people can experience an abundance of benefits from massage therapy. Pregnancy is a significant life event and can be very stressful physically and mentally. Some benefits of massage while pregnant are a heightened sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep.

If you want to incorporate massage during your pregnancy, it is crucial to seek out a massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• The American Pregnancy Association says you can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy, but please consult with your doctor and your massage therapist.
• If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy—uncontrolled high blood pressure, preeclampsia, etc.—talk to your doctor first.
• Make sure your massage therapist specializes in prenatal massage.

4.    You must drink water after a massage.

Many massage therapists will tell you to drink water after your massage in order to flush out ‘the toxins released during the massage.’ If your kidneys and liver are functioning normally, they’ll do that work for you—a healthy body does not need help to rid itself of anything, especially toxins.

It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day but especially prior to your massage appointment. Drinking water before your massage will prevent any muscle soreness.

5.    Massage flushes out toxins and cleanses the body.

Massage therapy has plenty of benefits but flushing out toxins in your body is not one of them.

The many benefits of massage include:

• Reducing stress, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Decreasing muscle soreness and joint pain
• Increases endorphins and immune function

Merriam-Webster defines a toxin as “a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation.”

Toxins mainly get into the body through ingestion, injection, inhalation, or absorption. Luckily, the human body has five organs that process toxins and waste: the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines. And the body expels them in three ways:

• Catabolic waste – this is why we need to stay hydrated.
• Metabolic waste – this is why we exhale.
• Digestive waste – this is why we have regular bowel movements.

Toxins and waste leave the body with or without a massage.

Want to come debunk these myths yourself? Book a massage today, or give us a call! We’re always happy to answer questions and discuss our services.

by Massage Now Team

How Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve PTSD

It’s common to think of massage therapy as a service to treat pain or relieve stress and tension, but for many clients, massage therapy can offer an effective path towards coping with the symptoms related to emotional, physical, or mental trauma. This is particularly true for individuals who are dealing with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

If you, or a loved one, are suffering from PTSD, massage therapy can provide another layer of care by alleviating stress, physical pain, and tension commonly associated with PTSD. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD refers to a psychiatric condition that occurs after someone has experienced a traumatic event. Originally, PTSD was associated with individuals who were engaged in war or combat, but over time, psychiatrists have found that PTSD can affect individuals who have witnessed or experienced other traumatic events, including sexual assault, serious or life-altering accidents or injuries, abuse, or natural disasters. 

Like many conditions that affect our emotional and mental life, PTSD symptoms can manifest differently for everyone. For example, some people may experience debilitating flashbacks and nightmares, while others may have intense feelings of fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, or stress. 

These feelings can last well beyond the initial event and can make it difficult for individuals to engage in daily activities, maintain relationships, or otherwise move forward with their life.  

Though PTSD is associated with mental and emotional pain, over time, those symptoms can also lead to physical pain and other conditions, including joint pain, muscle pain and tension, headaches, nausea, an increased heart rate, and hypertension.  

Is massage therapy good for PTSD?

Combined, the emotional, mental, and physical effects of PTSD can be debilitating. Treating PTSD, therefore, often means taking an integrative approach to medicine. 

Traditionally, many PTSD patients turn to their psychiatrists and physicians to treat symptoms, but massage therapy is becoming an increasingly popular complement to treatment or management. 

Massage therapy relieves symptoms commonly associated with PTSD, like pain, tension, digestive issues, and anxiety. However, if you’re looking for an alternative or additional form of treatment, then a regular massage may be just what you need to help you on your journey towards healing. 

If you are considering massage therapy for PTSD, keep in mind that the goal is to find peace, comfort, and relief. That means being aware of your comfort level and any circumstances that may trigger intense emotions. 

As such, it’s essential to communicate any concerns or limits you may have with your therapist before the beginning of your session. Doing so will assist your therapist in determining the best treatment plan and allow you to experience the benefit you deserve. 

What type of massage is best for PTSD?

As if often the case for massage therapy, the best massage service for you depends on your unique needs; however, some services may prove to be more efficient when coping with the symptoms associated with PTSD:

Swedish Massage

During a Swedish massage, your therapist will use their fingers, palms, and forearms to apply gentle-to-medium pressure to your arms, legs, back, neck, and shoulders to ease tension, increase blood flow, and help your body and mind relax. This type of massage therapy is also known to improve sleep, lower anxiety, and reduce stress.

Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient form of massage therapy that focuses on the relationship between your hands and feet and other organs and systems in the body. During this massage, your therapist will apply pressure to specific points on your feet and hands to stimulate nerve endings to address pain and tension throughout the entire body. Reflexology is an excellent option if you want to experience the benefits of massage therapy without a full-body massage. 

Lomi Lomi Massage

The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage blends techniques from Swedish and Deep tissue massage with spirituality and love. During this massage, your therapist will use various levels of pressure and strokes to relax muscles and address energy or circulation blockages. 

In addition, they’ll work with you to focus on slow, deep, and healing breaths. Because this service focuses on the body, mind, and spirit, clients often consider the Lomi Lomi massage one of the most healing services we offer. 

CBD Massage

Massage therapy alone can help improve your mental and physical state, but CBD can take your experience to the next level. Often credited with providing relief from chronic pain and anxiety, CBD oil can calm your mind without the psychoactive effect of THC. 

When combined with massage therapy—typically Swedish or Deep Tissue techniques—you can expect healing relief from pain, tension, and stress that lasts for several hours. 

Living with PTSD can be a constant challenge, but regular massage therapy can provide relief and help you heal and regain control of your mind and body. 

If you’re considering massage therapy as a way to cope with or treat PTSD, call us today. We’ll be happy to discuss our services, including those above,  and help you find one that best suits your needs. 

by Massage Now Team

Wondering What to Expect Before And After Massage?

You’re looking forward to experiencing your first massage, but you can’t help but wonder, “what happens before and after my massage?” or “how should I prepare for my massage?” 

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many first-time clients have questions and concerns about their initial massage experience. 

To help you prepare for your therapeutic journey, we’re answering some of the most common questions about what to expect before and after massage therapy. 

What should I do before a massage?

Even though the massage itself is a form of self-care, it’s a good idea to add in some additional self-care steps before you arrive. One of the most important things you can do is stay hydrated. 

Aside from the general benefits of regular hydration (e.g., increased energy, healthy organ function, etc.), drinking plenty of H20 during the 24 hours leading up to your appointment will help your body flush out toxins and prime muscles for the experience. 

Another thing you may want to consider is taking a shower with warm water (not hot). This isn’t a requirement, but it can help you feel better, be more relaxed, and, like hydration, prepare your body for what's to come.  

Finally, we recommend that you try to relax and get comfortable before your appointment. Though it’s not always possible, it’s helpful to arrive at your appointment with enough time to decompress and let go of the day's worries before entering the massage room. 

We also recommend that you wear comfortable, loose clothing that’s easier to put on and won’t cause discomfort after your massage. 

What should I not do before my session?

You may not always have a lot of control in the hours leading up to your massage appointment, especially if you’ve booked it immediately following work or other obligations. Still, there are some things you may want to avoid if you’re going to get the most from your experience.  

Drinking alcohol or many caffeinated beverages can make it harder for you to relax and may even make it more difficult for your body to flush out toxins. We also recommend that you avoid a heavy meal or eating or drinking anything that may cause intestinal discomfort before or during your massage. 

Another thing you may want to forego before your massage is makeup and any elaborate hairstyling efforts. You’re welcome to do those things prior, but you’ll quickly find that your efforts were for nothing. 

Depending on your booked service, your massage therapist will use their hands to massage your facial muscles and scalp, which will likely interfere with your hair and makeup. 

Finally, we recommend that you try to book your appointment at a time when you won’t be forced to rush or manage stressful engagements. A massage can certainly help you let go of stress and tension, but if you’re rushing to get to your appointment or still thinking about a work dilemma, you may not be able to enjoy the experience fully. 

What should I do after a massage?

After your massage, you should follow the golden pre-massage rule: stay hydrated. Doing so will continue to support your body as it flushes toxins. 

In addition to hydrating, you may also want to consider taking time to relax and stretch in the hours after your leave. Gentle stretching can prevent muscles from tensing and prolong the benefits you received during your appointment.  

In some cases, mainly if you’ve booked a deep tissue massage, you may experience some minor muscle soreness. This is a common reaction to muscle stimulation, especially if it's one of your first times on the massage table. If this happens, consider taking a warm bath or apply heat therapy to affected muscles. 

What should you not do after my session?

Much like your pre-massage routine, your post-massage routine should cultivate a feeling of relaxation and allow you to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. Avoid eating a heavy meal, participating in strenuous activities, or engaging in stressful situations (e.g., going directly back to work). 

Do I need to rest after a massage?

The unequivocal answer to this question is, “yes!” You definitely should relax and rest, if you can. Resting will make it more likely that you maintain that calm and relaxed feeling, but that’s not the only reason you should take it easy. 

Massage therapy targets muscles, and those muscles need time to recover after a session. Resting gives them ample time to do so. 

How long do the effects of a massage last?

Everyone’s body is different, and how long the effects of a massage will last depends on many factors. For instance, if you booked a massage to cope with stress and achieve a state of relaxation, resting and avoiding stressful situations can help you extend the benefits. 

If you immediately jump back into the demands of life, you may find that calm feel dissipates quickly. Do your best to give yourself the time and space to practice self-care and extend the benefits as long as possible. 

If you’re booking a massage to cope with an injury or chronic pain, you may find that regular visits—every 2 to 4 weeks—may elongate the effects of massage therapy and provide long-term healing.

Massage therapy is an excellent way to treat your mind and body. If you recently booked or are considering booking your first massage, congratulations! It’s an excellent step towards the self-care you deserve. 

We commonly hear questions similar to those above, and we know that by answering them, we can provide you with a more comfortable and effective experience. If you still have questions, please let us know. We’re happy to help you make the most out of your first massage service.

by Massage Now Team