Category: Massage

Beyond Just the Physical: Massage for Mental Health - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

10/15/2020

The Mind-Body Connection
While massage is frequently associated with healing the physical body, there is a growing awareness of its beneficial role in the treatment of psychological distress and mental health disorders. A study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine increased an average of 28% and 31%, respectively after massage. The study further concluded that massage may significantly alleviate depressive symptoms, including lethargy and anxious thoughts.

Massage for Stress Hormone Reduction and a Happier You
Stress, perhaps the greatest contributor to mental health issues today, can create a vicious and complicated cycle of issues that affect both the body and the mind. When the mind is stressed, the body will manifest symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches or immunity issues. And when the body is in pain, the mind becomes distracted by discomfort and consumed by trying to figure out a way to alleviate the pain. Massage can lower the stress of both body and mind by reducing the amount of cortisol in the body as well as addressing pain.

Clinically Proven
Research supports that massage can relieve stress in patients with chronic pain, generalized anxiety disorder and healthy adults. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the effects of massage therapy on trait anxiety and depression is nearly the same as those found in the research studies of psychotherapy for those with the same condition. Regular massage has the potential to improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, which produces better sleep and more energy.

Why not schedule a massage and see how it can improve your mental health and stress levels?

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How to Use Massage to Heal Repetitive Strain Injuries - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

10/7/2020

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Repeat, Repeat, Repeat...Pain!
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are injuries that occur when the same movement is repeated over and over again. While RSIs are frequently associated with athletics, (for example, tennis elbow, golf elbow or a rotator cuff injury for a baseball pitcher) people from all walks of life often suffer from these injuries based on their jobs or frequent hobbies. Some of the most common instances of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain in the wrist and hand from excessive typing or other hand activities; and plantar fasciitis, a recurring pain in the bottom of the foot caused by extended periods of running, walking or standing. Repetitive Strain Injuries begin with pain while performing the particular activity, but as the injury progresses, pain, numbness and tingling may occur while doing unrelated activities or upon waking. Left untreated, RSIs can progress to a level in which medications, steroid injections or surgery are recommended to alleviate symptoms.

How Can Massage Help?
Massage therapy can be used as an alternative or a complementary treatment for these painful injuries. Massage therapy is a non-invasive way to increase the mobility of joints by relaxing the tendons and muscles of the affected areas. Unlike pain medications, massage comes with no side effects besides relaxation. It will get new blood flowing to the affected area, which removes toxins and promotes healing. Regular massage can increase range of motion in the affected areas, which decreases the risk of injury. This eliminates the need to compensate with other muscles, and will improve movement efficiency.

Relieving the Stress to Heal
Finally, healing occurs most rapidly when the body is relaxed. While recurring pain can be stressful to both body and mind, massage releases endorphins to ease pain and improve mood at the same time. Your massage therapist can work with you to create a session that will address your physical concerns while putting your body into a relaxed state for optimal healing and emotional well-being.

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How to Get Lower Body Relief Between Massages - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

9/30/2020

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A simple restorative yoga pose to relax the mind as well as the low back and legs...

Massage Therapists perform a variety of techniques during a session in order to relieve pain, stress and tension in your lower back and legs. But there is also a simple exercise that you can perform at home or at work that can help ease the discomfort when you’re not able to come in for a treatment.

Viparita Karani, also known as “Legs Up the Wall Pose” is a restorative yoga posture that relieves stress and tension in the lower body and simultaneously allows the mind to relax. All you need to do is find a comfortable place on the floor—grab a pillow, a towel or a blanket if you’d like-- shimmy your hips as close to the wall as possible and walk your feet up until your body is in an L-shaped position. If straightening your legs is uncomfortable, you can keep your knees bent. Another option is to lie on your bed and place your feet up on the wall or the headboard.
Stay present and focus on your breath or the sensations in your body. As you stay in the position, the muscles in your hamstrings and lower back will begin to relax, which will then help ease tension in the joints, tendons and ligaments of your legs, hips and lumbar spine. Elevating your legs in this pose is also great for circulation, draining any excess fluid from sitting or standing all day and facilitating the return of blood back to the heart.

Try Viparita Karani after a long day, intense physical activity or whenever you feel you need it. Or you can play some music, burn a candle and make it a daily ritual. Aim for keeping your legs elevated for five minutes when you first start, and work your way up to fifteen if you find it helpful. Please note this exercise is not recommended for anyone with glaucoma, hypertension or a hernia.

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Benefits of Massage for Immunity - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

9/25/2020

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In 1903, frustrated with the healthcare model in his day, Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Today, as we encounter new challenges in the realm of healthcare, we are fortunate to have an arsenal of tools and modalities that help to prevent illness by boosting immunity. One of these modalities is massage therapy.

Massage Stimulates Immune Cells to Strengthen Defenses
While many people use massage therapy as a way to reduce pain, alleviate injuries or muscle soreness, the benefits go far deeper than the musculo-skeletal system. Research has shown that massage not only stimulates a larger quantity of T-cells and B-cells—those cells that protect your body from invading antigens—but it can also help increase the strength and effectiveness of the cells. Studies have shown that massage increases the activity level of cytotoxic T-cells (sometimes called “killer T-cells), which fight off viruses.

Stress Reduction Key to Immunity
Massage is also shown to cause a decrease in the hormone Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), which is responsible for feelings of aggression and the release of the hormone cortisol, which provides that all- too-familiar sensation—stress. And stress, in addition to the uncomfortable emotions and thoughts it brings, increases inflammation, which can decrease the functionality of your immune system and make you more vulnerable to illness.

Finally, massage is a great way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Sometimes referred to as the “rest and digest” system, the parasympathetic system conserves energy, slows the heart rate, and increases intestinal and gland activity. Basically, it helps our body to relax. Which helps our mind relax. Which allows all that beautiful healing and immunity strengthening to take place.

So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your immunity, to relax and to feel great, consider scheduling a massage today!

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Benefits of Couples Massage - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, Florida

6/11/2020

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What are the Benefits of a Couples Massage? - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

What are the Benefits of Couples Massage?
Besides alleviating pain, healing injuries and lowering stress levels, massage also releases the “feel good” chemicals of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These are the hormones that promote bonding and feelings of affection and intimacy. A couples massage is a great way for two people to experience these physical and mental benefits while spending quality time together. A couple may choose to use this time to chat and catch up with each other or to simply relax. Either way, this shared experience can increase individual well-being while strengthening the bond of the relationship.

What Exactly to Expect with Couples Massage
Before the session, each person will consult individually with the therapist who will be performing his or her massage. This will allow for the session to be customized for each person’s physical concerns and preferences. The couples massage will take place in one large room with two beds set up. Couples may choose the session to be one hour, ninety minutes or two hours in duration. They can also choose to include hot stones, cupping and/or aromatherapy in their treatment.

Not Just for Romantic Partners
While a couples massage is often seen as an activity for romantic partners, it can also be a great activity for friends or family members who want to try a new activity together. For those who may be intimidated by an individual massage session, having a couples massage with someone they know can provide a level of comfort and security.
So, if you’re looking for a gift idea or simply want to relax with someone you care about, why not try a couples massage?

Scheduling Your Couples Massage
We offer couples massage on most days of the week at The Wellness Hub. You can give us a call at 904-834-0740 or go online to schedule your couples massage. Please read the instructions for booking online carefully should you choose to book online. You'll need to reserve two appointments that start at the same time.

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Beyond Just the Physical: Massage for Mental Health - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

How to Use Massage to Heal Repetitive Strain Injuries - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

How to Get Lower Body Relief Between Massages - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

Benefits of Massage for Immunity - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

Benefits of Couples Massage - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, Florida

What are the Benefits of a Couples Massage? - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

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