Blog

How to Have a Happy, Healthy Summer

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Zen Massage , , ,

At Zen Massage Salt Lake, we’ve been feeling the heat this summer, so we thought we’d pass along these tips for staying cool and having a healthy summer from cancer.org.

Summertime in Utah

Summertime means longer days, sunshine, picnics, barbecues, and kids out of school. Here’s how to make the most of your summer and stay healthy, too.

Be active; be cool

Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle in every season. The warm summer weather can make it easy to exercise outdoors and get the whole family involved. Just be sure to take some precautions so you don’t get overheated in the hot weather.

  • Exercise in the morning or evening, when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors. If possible, exercise in shady areas. If it’s too hot to go out, work out at the gym, or walk laps or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.
  • Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Help your body sweat and cool down by drinking water frequently.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help sweat evaporate and keep you cooler. If possible, wear a light-colored, wide-brimmed hat.
  • Involve the whole family. Physical activity is important for everyone. Take children and oldsters to the park, turn on some music and dance, or get pedometers for everyone in the family and have a friendly competition to see who can log the most steps each day.
  • Plan an active vacation. Camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are great ways to spend time in nature and get a lot of exercise. If you’re visiting a city, consider renting bicycles or taking a walking tour.

Eat right and stay healthy

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor meal with friends and family. Refreshing salads, melons, and berries add color and flavor to picnics and cookouts. But because warmer temperatures can easily spoil food, you’ll need to be extra careful.

  • Wash hands, utensils, containers, and work surfaces before handling food to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.
  • Cook food the same day as the picnic, not in advance, to give bacteria less time to grow.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables before cutting, in case bacteria are present on the rind or peel.
  • Keep mayonnaise-based foods and other cold foods in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs.
  • Throw out leftovers that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F.

And if you’re cooking out, follow these tips for safe, healthy grilling:

  • Serve more chicken, fish, and vegetables, and cut back on ground beef, pork, sausage, and hot dogs.
  • Defrost and marinate foods in the refrigerator, and don’t reuse marinade that touches raw meat or poultry unless you boil it first. 
  • Bring one set of plates and utensils for handling raw foods and another for cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough. Hamburgers should be cooked to at least 160°F and chicken breasts to 165°F.
  • Cooking meat at high temperatures creates chemicals that may raise your cancer risk. Reduce the risk by cleaning charred bits from your grill before cooking and from your food before eating. Line the grill with foil poked with holes. The fat will drip off, but the smoke won’t reach the meat.

Stay safe in the sun

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and manmade sources like tanning booths. Protect your skin from the sun when you go outside, especially during the long, warm summer days.

  • Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Put more on at least every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.
  • Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

Have a happy, healthy summer, Salt Lake City!

Set up an appointment with the best masseurs in SLC today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Virtual Tour of our Massage Salon in Salt Lake City

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84117

Source

Massage Techniques for Fibromyalgia Relief

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , ,
Fibromyalgia Relief

Massage therapy is widely used for reducing stress, relieving pain, decreasing feelings of anxiety, and increasing overall well-being, all of which are great for people with fibromyalgia. Below are 5 massage techniques that have been shown to relieve fibromyalgia.

Attention: Massage therapy may not be for everyone suffering from fibromyalgia, but meeting with a trained and attentive massage therapist that eases you into the session may provide the relief you need. Make sure to communicate your symptoms and how much pressure you are comfortable with.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common massage therapy technique. This massage utilizes a variety of movements to relax the entire body, including long strokes, kneading, rolling, and circular movements. Swedish massage is widely known for reducing stress, increasing blood flow, and detoxifying the body, all of which are beneficial to fibromyalgia sufferers.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points–widely called knots–are painful spots found on muscles that are sensitive when pressure is applied. These points are very common, particularly around injuries, and can feel very sharp or like a dull ache. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to have more trigger points than the average person. Trigger point massage therapy aims to deactivate those trigger points by applying pressure and kneading the muscle. The pain relief is often immediate.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place. The myofascial release technique relieves pain and tightness in the fascia. The massage therapist finds trigger points and tightness which helps reduce fibromyalgia pain and stiffness.

Hot-Stone Massage

During a hot-stone massage, the massage therapist places heated, smooth, flat stones on key points of the body. These stones help the body relax, provide pain relief and release muscle tension.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is very similar to Swedish massage but with stronger pressure from the massage therapist. This massage focuses on releasing tension in the body’s soft tissue and relaxing and detoxifying the body. This massage technique is not recommended for those just starting with massage therapy for fibromyalgia relief as many with fibromyalgia suffer from a lower pain threshold. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia or consistent massage therapy sessions can actually help increase this pain threshold.

Fibromyalgia can feel debilitating, but with a multi-treatment approach, this chronic condition shouldn’t slow you down. 

Zen Massage in Salt Lake City, Ut. Set up an appointment with the best masseurs in SLC today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Virtual Tour of our Massage Salon in Salt Lake City

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84117

Source

Massage Therapy for Headaches

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Zen Massage , , , ,
Massage Therapy for Headaches

Nothing is worse than a headache disrupting your personal or professional life, and some headaches come with symptoms like nausea and fatigue, making it even harder to get things done and live your life.

Whether you suffer from chronic migraines or get random stress-related headaches, there is a good chance massage therapy can help you. Massages provide a variety of health benefits, many of which can prevent headaches from happening in the first place. 

What are your headache triggers?

It’s important to figure out what could be triggering your headaches so you choose the correct treatment methods. People have different headache triggers, especially those who suffer from chronic headaches like migraines. 

The most common triggers for all types of headaches include: 

  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Diet
  • Changes in sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Caffeine
  • Light

If your headaches are becoming more frequent or you are unsure what triggers your headaches, we recommend speaking with your primary care doctor. You deserve to know how you can live a headache-free life. From simple treatment methods to figuring out how you can avoid getting the headache altogether your doctor will have some helpful ideas.

How can massage therapy help?

One of the most common causes of headaches is Stress, a well-known benefit of massage therapy is stress reduction. Studies have shown long-term stress relief for people who get regular massages from a licensed therapist. 

Massage therapy also:

  • Increases serotonin levels
  • Relieves tension
  • Improves oxygen flow

All of which can contribute to headache prevention and relief.

Unlike a lot of the other headache triggers, stress is a pretty difficult thing to avoid. If you think stress is causing headaches, we recommend giving massage therapy a try for your headache relief.

Book Your Massage @ Zen Massage Luxury Massage in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage.

Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

7 Foods for Natural Healing

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle , , , , ,

Foods can heal your body after an accident or injury. Yes, it’s really that easy. Although hunger is not what leaps to mind after an injury, food is essential to help you heal and some foods help more than others. So let’s talk about 7 foods for natural healing.

Healing Foods

Even though you’ve been injured, don’t worry, your body is equipped with superpowers. Maybe not Super Girl powers, but still powerful and worth talking about. So, let’s chat about vitamins C & A, protein, greens, bone broth, zinc, and foods rich in curcumin.

Vitamin C & A

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, giving your body protection from harmful free radicals. C’s job is also to build new protein for skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. So eat your citrus, broccoli, and peppers. 

Vitamin A helps stimulate the production and activity of white blood cells that are vital to healing and fighting off infection. You can get some good A’s in sweet potatoes, carrots, and sunflower seeds.

Amazing Protein

Our bodies are made from protein, so it makes sense to eat it when you’re injured to rebuild your body. Protein is a key player in a number of important healing processes right after an accident. Foods high in protein include meat, eggs, yogurt, and quinoa. 

Great Greens

It’s true, greens are on every “good for you” list out there. And so healing is no exception. Greens, especially kale, are high in micronutrients and minerals. Choose any that look interesting to you such as spinach, chard, mustard greens, or arugula. 

Bone Broth

Bone broth helps to speed up the healing process. Use chicken bones, with lots of stuff left on them. You’ll end up with a broth that’s very nutrient-rich and precious to healing tissues.  With all the building blocks that ligaments, tendons, muscles, and skin need to heal. Bone broth is one of the best foods for healing, and it’s always comforting.

Super Healer, Zinc

Zinc helps you grow new tissue after an injury. It’s vital in the healing process. It’s an important player in the immune system and is also very important in wound healing. Foods with zinc include oysters, lamb, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, and cashews. 

Yellow = Curcumin

Yellow equals Curcumin. Turmeric is high in curcumin and turns curries that lovely yellow color. Besides the beautiful yellow color, it decreases inflammation which is necessary to heal from an injury. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. So it’s important to eat your pineapple, ginger, and turmeric when you need to heal.

Massage can also be a great way to enhance the healing process. Contact us about our Sports Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City.

Zen Massage Luxury Massage in Salt Lake City, Utah

Book Today

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84117

Source

Images

Rehab for Sports Injuries in Salt Lake City

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Sports Massage , , ,

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage in Salt Lake City

Today’s athletes expect the most out of their bodies to perform at maximum efficiency. This can cause serious stress to be put on the body which in turn can cause muscle fatigue and even serious injury. Sports massage therapy is a specialized massage therapy that identifies the muscle group in need of repair and works to minimize the stress put on the body by aggressive training. At Zen Massage, we help athletes maintain peak efficiency and recovery with targeted sports massage therapy at our Salt Lake City massage studio.

Sports Massage Therapy for the pros or the weekend warrior

You don’t have to play for the Utah Jazz to receive sports massage therapy in Salt Lake City. At ZEN Massage, our massage therapists can help everyone, including amateur athletes, weekend warriors, and daily joggers.

Reduce sports injuries and get back in the game faster

Frequent injuries and repeated motions can cause chronic pain and restrict your range of motion. If your body isn’t prepared to perform at its peak, you can be sure that you won’t reach the level of performance you desire. Our sports massage methods put emphasis on preventing injury and healing the stressed muscles and tendons by stimulating blood circulation in the affected area. At ZEN Massage, our sports massage therapy addresses the areas of motion which you use frequently to promote faster recovery and flexibility.

Perform at your best

If you are expecting to compete in an event, a preventative, stimulating massage will direct the blood flow to the areas of the body that are going to be used. This ensures that your blood is pumping, your muscles are ready, and you have a full range of motion to compete at your best.

After the big game or an especially grueling workout, there is nothing better for your muscles than a therapeutic sports massage. When you’re working at your best, your muscles are taking the beating of a lifetime. To prevent injury and promote muscle recovery, a post-event sports massage will repair muscles and normalize the body’s tissues.

Rehab from sports injuries

One of the most popular uses for sports massage is for the rehabilitation of a previous injury. Nothing slows you down like chronic pain from an old injury. Our massage therapists work on the injury location as well as on the muscle groups associated with the injury that may be causing additional pain from over-compensation due to the injury.

The massage therapists at ZEN Massage are ready to get you back in playing form. Contact us about our Sports Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City today!

Sports / Injury Therapy — 45 minutes for $65

Book Today

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

Massage Therapy for Nurses

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

Nurses suffer from back pain, neck pain, stress, and anxiety on a daily basis. A relaxing massage might just be the trick to rejuvenate and energize a worn-down nurse.

The Stressed-out Nurse:

With demanding schedules and workloads, nurses are under more stress than ever! This work-related stress takes a physical and mental toll in every facet of their lives. According to a 2016 study that examined 120 nurses from a Midwestern Hospital in the United States, they found that “92% of nurses had moderate, high or very high levels of work-related stress”.

This stress may lead to health issues, negative coping behaviors, and poor work performance. All of which can result in workplace burn-out, for dedicated nursing professionals.

The need for nurses is growing much faster than the average for all occupations. The reasoning being, that an increased emphasis is being placed on preventative care, growing rates of chronic conditions (diabetes and obesity), and the increased demand for healthcare services from the baby-boomer population. Baby-boomers are living longer and have much more active lives, than generations of the past.

How can we help our nurses?

If our nurses suffer, so do we! To help, we first must understand what their stress may be doing to their physical and mental health.

Unresolved stress has been shown to have numerous adverse effects on the body. Per the Mayo Clinic “stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts, your feelings, and behavior. Stress can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.”

Common effects of stress on the body:

  • Headache
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Change in sex drive
  • Stomach upset

Common effects of stress on your mood:

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of motivation or focus
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Irritability or anger
  • Sadness or depression

There are many options available to help reduce or manage stress, such as regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, socializing with family and friends, setting aside time for hobbies, reading, or listening to music. Primarily, learning to take time for yourself, reconnecting with yourself, and unplugging from activities that trigger stress.

Massage therapy is another great way to reduce stress. Massage therapy is scheduled relaxation time. It allows the brain, body, and soul to take a break, regroup and revitalize. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) lists the following benefits from getting a massage:

  • Relieve stress
  • Relieve/reduces pain for (postoperative, low-back, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic neck pain, lower joint replacement pain)
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Enhance exercise performance
  • Relieve tension headaches
  • Sleep better
  • Ease symptoms of depression
  • Improve cardiovascular health
  • Decrease stress in cancer patients
  • Improve balance in older adults
  • Temper effects of dementia
  • Promote relaxation
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Increase range of motion
  • Decrease migraine frequency
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea

An interesting aspect of massage therapy, is the increased interest by licensed nursing professionals, in also obtaining their massage therapy license. Finding a nurse, which is also trained in massage therapy, provides an asset to the patient and the hospital.

Having a comprehensive educational background in the traditional medical field and combining this knowledge with therapeutic bodywork, allows the nurse massage therapist to aid patients who suffer from a variety of specific medical and physical challenges.

Massage therapy is a benefit to both patient and provider. It is a combination of the nurses’ need to help decrease suffering, effect positive changes in patient health and comfort, and manage stress.

Consider treating yourself, a loved one, a co-worker, or a healthcare provider, with the benefits that massage therapy can provide. It could make a world of difference!

Book Yourself or Your Favorite Nurse a Massage @ Zen Massage

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

How often should you get a massage for anxiety?

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , , ,

Massages have so many benefits in the life of the individual. The benefits on pain, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular conditions, sports among others make massage something to consider.

Several of our clients have asked, “how often should I get a massage for anxiety?” The answer lies in your answers to the following questions:

  • How available are you for the anxiety massage
  • Do you have enough resources to get the massage regularly
  • How extreme is your anxiety
  • The type of massage therapy preferred
  • Availability of a massage parlor for stress and anxiety near me
  • Availability of qualified massage therapists.

For anxiety, depending on the stressfulness of your situation, it is recommended that you get a massage regularly after a week or two. This means you can get a massage twice, thrice, or four times in a month by a qualified massage therapist.

What are the best massage therapies for anxiety and stress?

Most of the massage types work on pain, stress, and anxiety. However, there are some anxiety types recommended if you have chronic anxiety or have an anxiety disorder.

Some of the best massage therapy for massage include:

  • Shiatsu massage
  • Swedish massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep tissue massage

These types of massage help in anxiety and work on the different body parts and stimuli for anxiety.

Massage is a good therapy for anxiety. It has been recommended by several senior psychologists and psychiatrists. It is also recommended in several books on anxiety. As one of the founders of anxiety disorder treatments, I always advise my clients to get a massage either by a qualified massage therapist or by the use of massagers.

Massage therapies also work on chronic pain, stress, depression, cardiovascular conditions among other disorders.

Set up an appointment with ZEN Massage in Salt Lake City today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

What is most important for customers/clients to know during Covid-19

First, you must schedule your appointment online before coming to our location (in other words no walk-ins). Book Online or set an appointment over the phone, call ZEN Massage at 801-467-3529.
Second, bring a mask for yourself. You will need to wear it for your full session. 
Third, Your Zen Massage Therapist will also be wearing a mask during sessions.
Fourth, Zen Massage Therapists will make sure appointments are spaced 30 min between each client and will meticulously clean and sanitize everything in between each of our clients. 
Last, If you feel ill please call and cancel your appointment. Thank you.

Hot Stone Massage in SLC

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Healthy Lifestyle, Hot Stone, Massage Service, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage is commonly used for the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression, back pain, and insomnia. 

Hot Stone massage is quite similar to Swedish massage, the flow of hand strokes, kneading and rolling, but in addition to using hands, hot stone massage as the name implies uses smooth heated stones for therapy. The therapist can sometimes hold the stones during therapy.

This massage is very useful in people with tension and pain in the muscles. It is also good for people who want to relax. It also may enhance blood flow and relieve stress.

The most used stones for this therapy are the Basalt river rocks. These stones are very smooth in addition to the ability to retain heat for some time. They are heated using a professional stone heater to a temperature of between 110 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heated stones are placed in different parts of the body. Qualified massage therapists use the body’s anatomy to place the stones in areas thought to balance the mind and body energy and wellbeing.

The weight and heat from the stones give relaxation and warming to the muscles. The therapist can then give a deep therapy massage to the areas warmed with little or no pain.

The massage is used for the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression, back pain, and insomnia. Research on all the massages has shown that they have benefits in prenatal depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions among others.

Book Your Hot Stone Massage @ Zen Massage

If you’re ready for a Hot Stone Massage and want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today!

Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

What is most important for customers/clients to know during Covid-19

First, you must schedule your appointment online before coming to our location (in other words no walk-ins). Book Online or set an appointment over the phone, call ZEN Massage at 801-467-3529.
Second, bring a mask for yourself. You will need to wear it for your full session. 
Third, Your Zen Massage Therapist will also be wearing a mask during sessions.
Fourth, Zen Massage Therapists will make sure appointments are spaced 30 min between each client and will meticulously clean and sanitize everything in between each of our clients. 
Last, If you feel ill please call and cancel your appointment. Thank you.

Massage Relaxation from Anxiety

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , , , ,

Massage has gained popularity in the recent past in the management of emotional disorders like stress, depression, and anxiety disorders. In addition, it also helps you to have quality sleep.

For anxiety, massage offers relaxation and helps to reduce the fears. It is also great in managing other symptoms of anxiety disorders. It also improves attention.

Common types of massage

Swedish massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most widely used type of massage. It involves gentle full body massage best suited for people who are having a massage for the first time.

It is also good for people who have lots of tension in the muscles and also those who are sensitive to touch.

The massage helps the whole body to relax and can also help to cure muscle tightness, hardness, and tenseness. Therefore, it is one of the best massages for relaxation and relieving minor pain.

The Swedish massage uses a combination of the following:

  • Long strokes for a start which flows in the course of the heart
  • Muscle rolling and kneading (Petrissage)
  • Pressure application on sore points
  • Passive joint movement procedures
  • Vibration, shaking and pattering of the muscles
  • Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)

Aromatherapy massage

This is an excellent massage therapy for anxiety and healing other emotional problems. This therapy uses diluted essential oils to offer soft, tender pressure on your body.

It is great in giving you the following:

  • A boost to your moods
  • Reduce anxiety, depression and stress
  • Cure the tense muscles
  • Offer relief from pain

In this massage, most of the time you are given essential oils to inhale in addition to the application on the skin. This is by using an essential oil diffuser. The diffuser disperses natural oils into the air for you to inhale.

It has been proven by several studies that inhaling lavender and other essential oils are effective in treating neurological disorders. These disorders include anxiety disorders, negative moods, sleeping problems, pains, and convulsions/ seizures

Reflexology

Reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet, ears, and hands so that you can relax and reduce stress. It can also restore the natural energy to the normal levels.

Reflexology focuses on the pressure points for people who do not want a full body massage but still want relief from stress and anxiety. In the procedure, the therapist may require you to wear loose clothing so that he/ she can access the feet.

There is a hypothesis that some parts of the feet relate to different organs in the body. From this theory, a massage in an area of the foot, in which a foot chart is used to guide, can lead to relaxation and therapy to the corresponding body organ or system.

Reflexology according to several studies has been shown to alleviate or reduce pain, anxiety, and stress. It has also been shown to facilitate quality sleep. It is also non-intrusive thus can easily be explored for anxiety therapy.

Book Your Zen Massage

If you’re ready to ease your anxiety and want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, contact us and set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today!

Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

What is most important for customers/clients to know during Covid-19

First, you must schedule your appointment online before coming to our location (in other words no walk-ins). Book Online or set an appointment over the phone, call ZEN Massage at 801-467-3529.
Second, bring a mask for yourself. You will need to wear it for your full session. 
Third, Your Zen Massage Therapist will also be wearing a mask during sessions.
Fourth, Zen Massage Therapists will make sure appointments are spaced 30 min between each client and will meticulously clean and sanitize everything in between each of our clients. 
Last, If you feel ill please call and cancel your appointment. Thank you.

Massage Basics

Amanda Sullivan Blog, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy , , , , , , , ,

Massage Basics

Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. There are several types of massage that focus on different parts of the body or healing approaches. Keep reading and decide which type of massage might be right for you.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s ideal for people who:

  • are new to massage
  • have a lot of tension
  • are sensitive to touch

It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.

For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively working on.

The massage therapist will use a combination of:

  • kneading
  • long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart
  • deep circular motions
  • vibration and tapping
  • passive joint movement techniques

Usually, a Swedish massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It eases muscle tension, improves blood flow, and relieves pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may help:

  • ease muscle tension
  • improve blood flow
  • alleviate pain
  • promote relaxation
  • relieve stress

During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also used.

You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massages are best for people who want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help:

  • boost your mood
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • reduce symptoms of depression
  • relieve muscle tension
  • relieve pain

Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.

During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing other than underwear, which is optional.

An aromatherapy massage is 60–90 minutes.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.

During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.

Sports massage

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.

A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.

You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and allows the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

Trigger point massage

Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.

Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.

This type of massage will usually last for 60–90 minutes.

Reflexology

Reflexology is best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option if you aren’t comfortable being touched on your entire body. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs.

A reflexology massage lasts for 30–60 minutes.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:

  • promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
  • helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
  • may relieve headache
  • reduces muscle tension

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage.

Shiatsu massages typically last for 60–90 minutes.

Couple’s massage

A couple’s massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage and sometimes provides you with access to the spa’s hot tubs, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are sometimes offered as part of a package.

You can usually choose which type of massage you’d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type of massage depending on your preference and the offerings at the spa. Your partner and you will be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist working on your body. You can talk during the massage if you wish.

Chair massage

A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a way to introduce you to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.

During the massage, you’ll remain fully clothed and sit in a specially designed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest pushes into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.

These massages are usually 10–30 minutes.

Communication 

Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your doctor before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.

Massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that is most ideal for you.

Zen Massage Therapists, Salt Lake City

When it comes to massage therapy, no amount of exotic marble, fountains, lights, and monograms on fancy terrycloth robes and slippers can equal the skilled, experienced hands of a master massage therapist. A luxurious interior can make a great impression, but when you’re back in your clothes again walking out the door, the only thing that matters is how you feel in the real world. The quality of any spa experience is quite literally in the hands of the therapist. Nobody understands this better than ZEN Massage of Salt Lake City. Our partner-therapists make ZEN Massage what it is. We partner with only the best therapists who share a sincere passion for the craft of healing and the art of massage. But most of all, our partner-therapists are approachable. They know how to listen and to understand. They want to make you feel great. They enjoy what they do because they do it exceptionally well.  

Book My Zen Massage

Zen Massage in Salt Lake City

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

(801) 467-3529

 

Source

Pin It on Pinterest