Massage News - Articles of Interest
 The leaves have changed and some have already begun to fall, which means the dread of the days becoming shorter and the nights getting longer is arriving. For some, this change is just an inconvenience. For others, it is the marker of a bigger struggle: the challenge of getting restful sleep. As the daylight dwindles, melatonin is naturally produced in our bodies. This hormone regulates sleep! However, this release usually isn’t enough to counteract the disruptive effects of reduced light exposure, changes in routine, or increased stress. These disturbances can cause frequent waking, trouble falling asleep, and even a pervasive sense of fatigue after a night's sleep. As the nights get longer, don’t underestimate the power of a massage and what it can do to benefit your sleep schedule! It’s more than just relaxing, which may be a selling point on its own, but it has real physiological and psychological benefits! There is a complex series of physiological responses that occur when a therapist is massaging those muscles, and they directly correlate with sleep. One of the ways that massage improves sleep is that it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is our system that helps us rest as well as regulates our fight-or-flight response. When the parasympathetic system is activated, our heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, and our breathing deepens and becomes more regular. When the shift from a state of heightened alert to one that is calm and relaxed is vital for preparing the body for sleep. When you feel that wave of relaxation during a massage, that’s the parasympathetic system at work! Massage also directly impacts our neurochemical balance. Massage has been shown to increase the production of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter crucial for the feelings of well-being and happiness. Serotonin also is the hormone that our bodies rely on to signal sleep. As you unwind on the massage table, you may notice a natural boost that makes you feel content and perhaps even sleepy. Plus, massage reduces cortisol levels, which is the body’s primary stress hormone. When you have high cortisol levels, you typically have trouble sleeping due to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Lowering those cortisol levels with massage helps quiet the mind, making the transition to sleep smoother and more effective With the days growing shorter and the nights getting longer, there can be a negative impact on your mental health as well. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even seasonal depression are normal feelings, but it is important to be aware of it and get help if you need it. Sometimes the therapeutic touch of a massage can give a sense of comfort and soothing when having feelings like this, and helps you detach and disconnect from your thoughts. This can be a powerful antidote to the mental unrest that leads to sleepless nights. The sense of peace that extends long after a session can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and stress, which allows for your body to fully rest. As the sun sets earlier and earlier, it is also important to establish a consistent pre-sleep routine. Incorporating a regular massage into this routine is a great way to ensure your mind is calm and body is relaxed. The shift in physiological and psychological states due to a massage sets the perfect foundation for nights of restorative sleep. Whether you are or are not struggling with the change of seasons, massage is a great thing to consider when wanting sleep that will improve your quality of life. It’s an investment into your well-being; proving your body and mind with relaxation and support. Don’t let your sleep schedule change along with the season, embrace the change and allow massage to give your comfort and balance. The holistic approach of a massage improves your overall well-being psychologically and physiologically. Book today to get the most out of sleep, your body and mind will thank you.
 Have you heard of a Myofascial Release? If you haven’t, you are missing peak body performance! Underneath the surface of your skin is the fascial system. This system plays a vital part in our movement and overall well-being. When this system becomes tight or damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. Yep - the pain you have been experiencing is due to a restricted fascial system! Myofascial Release is the massage that can take this pain away. What Is Myofascial Release Anyways? While we offer it at Living Touch, it is different from traditional massage techniques. Instead of kneading and rubbing muscles, you have to directly target the fascia itself. To do this, it is a gentle yet steady pressure applied to the areas of tightness/restriction, which allows the tissue to release. During this process, the release works on the relationship between the muscles and the fascial around them. The fascial can harden due to physical or emotional trauma, inflammation, or repetitive strain, which then hardens and dehydrates. These restrictions can put a lot of pressure on sensitive areas like nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Conventional medical diagnosis can miss typical symptoms of this occurring. A trained Myofascial Release therapist will be able to locate these restrictions by gently feeling for areas of tightness or immobility with their hands. Once a restriction is identified, the sustained pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. This allows for the viscous ground substance within the fascia to become fluid, which reorganizes and lengthens. The amount of time pressure is applied varies, as it depends on how long it takes for the tissue to naturally unwind and release. So What Are The Benefits? Prepare to be amazed. Not only will you get pain relief in that area, but your entire body will thank you!
What To Do Next: Book your myofascial release with Living Touch! It is safe for people of all ages and conditions, as it is a gentle pressure. If you feel like you have tried “everything” but myofascial release, it is time to give this a try! Restore your body’s natural function with this holistic technique.
 The sun is out and it is warm! Now that summertime is here, I’m sure the thought of getting sunscreen (if you haven’t already) is in your mind. Taking care of your skin is very important, as it is the biggest organ of the body! It's constantly working to shield us from the environment, regulate temperature, and eliminate waste - so it deserves some love. But did you know that massages have a lot of benefits for the skin? Incorporating regular massages into your wellness routine could be the secret you’ve been searching for to achieve a radiant complexion. Let’s talk about it! 1. Increases Circulation Enjoy more moisturized, glowing skin thanks to massage. The pressure from a massage can stimulate the receptors and increase the temperature of muscle tissues. This allows for blood vessels to dilate and cause more blood flow. Not only does this increase the flow of oxygen, but it can reduce lines, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eyes. This increased circulation can also boost muscle thickness and heal scars. 2. Skin Detoxification The summer heat brings sweat, dirt, and oil build-up! Personal hygiene is important with the warm weather, but sometimes it all doesn’t disappear. Getting a massage allows for build-up to escape out of pores. It gives a nice exfoliation of the skin, removing the dead skin cells that are lingering. The natural cleansing process and a massage go hand-in-hand! Below the skin’s surface, the lymphatic system is hard at work. Getting rid of the waste that goes into your skin will keep your face youthful, clean, with reduced puffiness. 3. Heals and Regenerates Massages are not only healing to the mind, but to your skin too! When you get a massage, collagen production gets stimulated. Collagen is the main protein in the skin. So with increased collagen production, your skin can heal and regenerate faster and safer than with harsh chemicals. Plus, getting a massage promotes better sleep. When you don’t sleep well, your skin doesn’t repair itself. When you get a relaxing massage, you are setting yourself up for top-tier rejuvenation. 4. Removes Skin Impurities Like stated above, with increased circulation and collagen, your skin can heal and regenerate faster. Reduced lines, wrinkles, dark circles, acne, and other skin imperfections can be reduced and removed. Reducing the muscle tension and pain by stimulating relaxation and healing in the body is another factor that massage can influence to reduce lines and wrinkles. 5. Tighten Skin After Weight Loss This one may really surprise you. Getting a massage after losing weight can help tighten the elasticity of your skin by allowing nutrients to refresh the skin. With the dead skin cells getting removed, opening of the pores, your skin can breathe and regenerate. Massage can improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging, and can contribute to a more lifted and sculpted look. Most people know the typical benefits of a massage, like relaxation or better sleep quality, but did you know these skin massage benefits? There are countless ways that massage benefits you, in ways that you might not even see right away. From boosting circulation and aiding lymphatic drainage to reducing stress, massage offers a holistic approach to achieving a healthy and radiant complexion. So, the next time you book a massage, remember that you're not just treating your muscles – you're also giving your skin a much-deserved dose of nourishment and rejuvenation. It's a truly skin-deep approach to beauty and well-being. Don’t let sunscreen be the only way you’re taking care of your skin this summer! Book a massage today.
A good stretch is a hug for your muscles! Don’t you just love a good stretch? Stretching and a therapeutic massage by a seasoned professional go hand-in-hand. It is important to recognize how they both improve your relationship with your body and its functions. There are so many benefits to stretching. Improving flexibility, reducing muscle soreness, increasing energy, and reducing risk of injury are just a few! It’s critical to keep those muscles loose and mobile for your body’s health.  Whether you’re the type to run a marathon or lounge on the couch–stretching is crucial. It’s important to always stay relaxed, no matter the activity. Listen to your body, if you are feeling discomfort take a moment to readjust. Doing some of these exercises multiple times per day will not only improve your physical fitness, but your mental well being. Pushing yourself to do stretches is not going to do your body any good, it could just cause more pain and problems. So always pay attention to what it is telling you. Here is a list of stretches that have been proven to increase mobility and ergonomics: Neck
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Remember to take care of yourself, your body deserves it! Implementing these stretches into your daily routine, along with getting a massage is the perfect way to promote healing and rejuvenate your muscles. Contact us today to get your personalized, professional massage! |
