massage therapy

Gain Mental Clarity by Zenning Out

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

Why should you zen out?

You have so much you want to do and accomplish, but life has a way of stepping in and presenting challenges. These challenges can cause you to go into stress mode, compromising your ability to think clearly or in an emotionally balanced way.

Many of the issues we have with mental clarity and emotional imbalance can be traced directly to stress. Stress, which signals a natural hormonal response to our fears, and negative perceptions of information, events, challenges, and issues, has a way of depleting our peace of mind. This leaves us open to negative thoughts and self-talk, unfounded fears, anxiety, and depression that can release an overwhelming dose of fight or flight hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, into our bloodstreams.  These hormones are what make us physically feel our stress. They speed up our breathing and create shallow breaths. They tighten the muscles across our shoulders and can leave a queasiness in the pit of our stomachs. Stress hormones can cause insomnia, headaches, toothaches, backaches, and other illnesses that arise from a lowered immune system, like colds and infections. The best ways to override the symptoms of stress are to know your signs of stress, and consciously avoid them by getting your zen on.

Getting your zen on is all about managing and eliminating your stress by taking yourself easily into a relaxed state on a regular basis. In your zen state, you will realize that it is your perceptions of things that cause you pain, not the thing itself. You will also realize that you have the mental power to choose how you process and understand information, as well as how you respond to issues and challenges.  Below, you’ll find some ideas on how to get your zen on.

What is zen and zenning out?

Zenning is the new version of an ancient Japanese Buddhism practice that emphasizes the value of meditation and intuition. In Japanese, zen means ultimate meditation. Zenning out is the combination of mind, body, spirit actions you can take, to raise your ability to meditate, heighten your intuition and release the stress that is interfering with your mental clarity and emotional balance.  

How to zen out

  • Meditate – A neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School did an extensive study that found, meditation not only reduces stress and relaxes you, but it actually restores grey matter to various areas of your brain and helps you to retain your short term memory longer. If you are not good at meditation, try a guided meditation app, like Calm, or find a free one to help you get going. Take a look at this list of meditation apps to see if any of these will work for you.
  • Practice yoga – Yoga can help to gain and maintain mental clarity by increasing your body’s awareness, relieving stress, and reducing muscle tension, and inflammation. Yoga also sharpens your attention span and calms your nervous system as reported by the American Psychological Association. To get started you might look for classes in your area or try a health spa.
  • Get a massage – Massage therapy can actually treat anxiety and other mental health disorders like depression, because of its ability to reduce cortisol levels in highly stressed individuals. Also, you need to know that massage releases toxins from your muscles into your bloodstream for elimination, so after a massage, drink lots of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Also, avoid getting a massage when you are feeling sick. To get a professional massage you might look for deals in your area or if you live in Salt Lake contact us at Zen Massage https://zenmassage.net/ 
  • Take Tea – In general, low or reduced caffeine teas can promote calm serene feelings, but according to a 2017 study, reduced caffeine green tea shows great promise as an aid for helping you to sleep better as well. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to gaining and maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance. Don’t just drink tea, learn how to Take Tea. Try this zen tea music with your tea.
  • Take a stroll – All exercise is deemed beneficial to mental and physical health, but according to the website, Walking for Health, consistently walking for 90 minutes a week, can improve your self-perception, self-esteem, mood, and sleep quality, all while helping to reduce your stress, anxiety, and fatigue.  Lace-up a good pair of walking shoes, find a scenic path, and get to walking.
  • Clearing – Clearing is a lovely ritual, of getting rid of things that are no longer useful to create sacred space for positive energy; be it clothing, habits, or even thoughts. Clearing will open your mind and heart and allow peace to flow freely in and around you. 
  • Cleansing  – When we cleanse as a form of meditation, cleansing becomes a ritual of commitment to personal harmony and beauty.  When we cleanse, we are detoxing and purifying everything that contributes harmony and beauty in our lives; be it our minds, bodies, homes, or even relationships, cleansing can help us find mental clarity and emotional balance. 

How do you zen out? 

Come in and Zen out @ 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

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WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE?

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

What is Aromatherapy Massage?

Well, Aromatherapy Massage is a specific type of massage therapy that incorporates the use of scented essential oils into a massage. The massage involves alternating between gentle and harder pressure while using a specific blend of essential oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and are applied along with lotion during the massage. Not only is the client’s body benefiting from direct contact with the essential oils, but the oils are alleged to have specific healing properties upon inhaling after exposure. 

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapeutic massage not only has the client leaving with a full body massage but they also allegedly provide emotional healing and relaxation. The benefits are on a long list that includes some of the same benefits as other massages. Below are a few benefits of a massage that incorporates aromatherapy:

  • Stress-reducing
  • Anxiety reliever
  • Increased calmness and relaxation
  • Decreased muscle tension
  • Pain relief
  • A reduction of symptoms of depression
  • Ease of pain from these conditions:
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Chronic lower back pain
    • Myofascial pain syndrome
    • Arthritis
    • Insomnia relief
    • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
    • Peripheral neuropathy
    • Polymyalgia rheumatica
    • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
    • Premenstrual syndrome
    • Rheumatoid arthritis

As you can see above, the benefits of aromatherapy are fruitful. There are many different essential oils that correlate to many different healing paths so it’s up to you to communicate with your therapist to decide what oils are best for you to use. If you are someone who has trouble sleeping or needs to relax, something like lavender would most likely be applied during your session. If you are suffering from emotional distress, perhaps rosemary or rose will be applied. 

How Does It Work?

The process of aromatherapy is just like any other massage. After scheduling an appointment with your therapist, you will then discuss any issues you have or what you need to work on (only if this was not discussed prior). Then after you let the therapist know what type of condition you have or what specific oils you would like they will then give you your options. If a client isn’t requesting a massage to heal any nerves, muscles, or joints, they can ask for a more general request such as an energizing, uplifting, relaxing, or decongesting massage. Once you choose your oils, the therapist will give you time to un-robe and situate. Then your experience will begin.

In terms of the research that backs the science of essential oils; it is conflicting. There is clear evidence of essential oils aiding people in their healing process, but there is no clear research that shows how essential oils directly correlate to that healing process.

Here are the facts:

  • Essential Oils can make people feel good
  • Aromatherapy is a widely used practice
  • So far the dangers of oils arise only when clients are allergic to them (which is not common)

Why Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has very few precautions attached to it. The main thing to worry about when dabbling in the realm of essential oils is making sure that you are not allergic to any of them. Not only are you inhaling the scent of the oils, but they will be in direct contact with your body and it is not safe to expose yourself to any substances you are allergic to. Other than that, essential oils and aromatherapy massage are holistic methods of healing that does not involve any sort of drugs.

If you are someone who is interested in healing with minimal drug usage, then investing your time in learning about essential oils would be great for you.

Book Your 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

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Therapeutic Massage for Seniors

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

Therapeutic Massage for Seniors

As we grow older, our bodies tend to start slowing down as we begin to experience some of the pain and stiffness that comes with aging. It may be difficult to stay involved with all the physical activities you enjoy due to chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or ailments like Parkinson’s disease. However, staying physically active is vital for seniors because regular exercise can help improve mobility, flexibility, and even your mental health.

Massage Therapy for Seniors

According to a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association, approximately 9 million people over age 55 had a total of 39 million massages in the last twelve months, mainly for medical purposes. Massage therapy for seniors can be an effective, non-invasive way to help alleviate some of the symptoms of many age-related conditions, especially when used to complement traditional medical services. With regular massage, seniors can experience an improved quality of life, increased energy levels, and feel healthier overall.

Massage therapy offers numerous benefits to the entire body. It helps ease joint and muscle pain, and can even reduce the increased levels of stress that tend to come with aging. The massage techniques utilized for seniors include lighter, gentle stroking and kneading as well as the application of pressure to specific points on the body. Even the most gentle massage has proven effects on the nervous system and blood circulation, two of the most vulnerable systems of the body that feel the effects of aging.

Typically a massage for a senior involves a short session lasting around thirty minutes. Soothing hand motions help improve blood circulation, especially in diabetic feet, and relieve muscle tension while relaxing the body and mind.

Senior Massage Benefits

Massage therapy for seniors has been proven to have positive effects on:

  • Pain due to osteoarthritis. A study showed that seniors who utilized massage as part of their treatment for osteoarthritis had less pain and stiffness and improved physical function over the course of a few months.
  • Sleep habits and quality of sleep. Seniors who receive weekly massages report that they are sleeping more deeply and for longer lengths of time. This results in an overall feeling of better health as the body is being allowed more time to repair itself.
  • Agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that slow-stroke back massage on Alzheimer’s patients helps alleviate some of the agitation expressions that come with the disease, like wandering, pacing, and resisting.
  • Alleviating depression. Touch has been proven to provide comfort to the elderly- especially since so many of them are deprived of it- which can help improve mental health.
  • Physical and mental relaxation. Massage has been shown to decrease the unhealthy buildup of cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” in the body, allowing the body to enter a rest and rejuvenation period.
  • Quicker healing from injuries or illnesses. As we age, our joints and muscles tend to tighten, which can make it more difficult to heal from an injury because our range of motion is restricted. Massage therapy keeps muscles, connective tissues, joints, tendons, and ligaments more fluid and even less injury-prone in the long run.

Try incorporating massage into your healthcare routine to see what benefits and relief you begin to experience yourself. Please consult your Doctor before seeking new treatments and therapies.

Book Your 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

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Pain, Emotional Wellness & Massage

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Massage Advantage, Massage Therapy , , , ,

Pain affects every single one of us at many stages of our lives. Pain is the leading reason people seek medical attention from a general practitioner and accounts for approximately 80% of all physician visits. It is estimated that currently, 50 million Americans experience chronic pain such as:

  • back pain
  • headaches
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • osteoarthritis
  • neck and shoulder pain
  • fibromyalgia

It doesn’t have to be chronic pain to have negative effects. Anyone who has had muscle aches, or shoulder or back pain that comes and goes, or a temporary injury, has likely noticed the connection to negative emotions like anxiety, stress, or depression, or general mood swings. Left unchecked, this can have long-term negative consequences, affecting your overall health and getting in the way of everyday tasks and responsibilities.

Not to mention pain really throws a kink in your active lifestyle, preventing you from doing the things you love—the things that make you, you!

Pain is a multi-dimensional, subjective experience unique to every individual. Weirdly, pain doesn’t only affect your emotions, causing you to be anxious or depressed, it can also be the expression of your anxiety and depression. That’s right, your unaddressed emotional baggage could be causing pain, and/or your pain could be causing you emotional distress. Talk about a knot to untangle!

The good news is, there is significant evidence supporting the inclusion of massage therapy to help alleviate the different types of pain that plague so many of us—and even prevent them from getting severe in the first place.

So how does massage help combat these negative impacts and help to manage all kinds of pain?

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis found that “massage therapy may be beneficial, with minimal safety concerns, for treating various pain and function-related outcomes in pain populations.” The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new guidelines for treating low back pain that recommends massage and other complementary therapies such as applied heat and acupuncture over “costly and potentially harmful drugs.”

It’s also important to point out that in addition to pain relief, massage therapy can play a big role in the management of anxiety and depression which have become so common in modern-day. In fact, stress and anxiety reduction are among the most common physician referrals and patient requests for massage therapy.

So whether it’s physical pain causing emotional stress, vice versa, or one or the other, massage is a definite win-win-win-win.

Clearly, this isn’t a secret. According to the American Massage Therapy Association in 2019, 21% of adult Americans received a massage, with 52% reporting it was for a health or medical reason and 26% reporting it was for relaxation and reducing stress.

When it comes to seeking relief from pain and discomfort, or anxiety and stress, or all of the above, massage therapy can play a large role in your management solution. That’s the upside. And there really is no downside. Massage has been shown to have few risks or adverse side effects and is generally recognized as safe, therapeutic, and effective.

Come “Zen Out” at Zen Massage therapeutic massage customized to meet your unique needs!

Book Your 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

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Chair Massage

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Advantage, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , ,

Chair massage focuses on your neck, shoulders, and back to give you quick relaxation and relief from stress. It can also be used to ease someone in the world of massage.

What is a chair massage?

The massage utilizes light to medium pressure to offer relief. In the session, a person sits on a massage chair, fully clothed. The massage therapist may request you to sit while facing the chair for him/ her to access your back.

The benefits of chair massage include:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Offers relief from soft tissue and muscle pain.
  • Helps to cure or reduce the intensity of headaches (both chronic headaches and migraines)
  • Gives relief from arthritic pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Helps to cure body tension and offers relief from fatigue
  • Offers a cure for back, shoulder and neck pain
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Improved blood circulation to the hands and brain

In addition to lowering stress and increasing productivity, massage can significantly improve employee problem-solving abilities. A recent study in American Psychologist gave one group of workers a 15-minute rest, and another, a 15-minute massage. The group that received the massage performed significantly better on complicated tasks like math problems.

Massage also improves creative thinking and relieves fatigue.

How to choose the best massage therapy for you

There are several considerations however to make before deciding on the type of massage therapy that you should get. The following are the common things to consider:

  • Is it your first time getting a massage or do you frequently get a massage? The Swedish massage is the best massage if you are getting a massage for the first time. However, other types of massages can be used when it’s your first massage.
  • Do you have major pain or minor pain? And where is the pain located?
  • How much time do you have for the massage?
  • Are you comfortable with aromas?
  • The type of muscles targeted/ the area of focus. Some massages like Swedish massage target the superficial muscles whole others like deep tissue massage target the deep-lying muscles, tendons, and joints.
  • Cause of the injury or pain. Pains caused by repeated use of a muscle like in sports are better treated using deep tissue massage or sports massage
  • The end result desired: A Thai massage gives an energy boost and mental stimulation while a Swedish massage gives improved relaxation and sleep.

All of these are things to consider and to speak with your masseur about when booking your appointment.

Book Your 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

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.

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.

Therapeutic Massage for Anxiety & Panic Disorder

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

How Massage Therapy Can Help Ease Anxiety and Panic Disorder Symptoms

Massage therapy can help the body relax, which in turn can help one let go of anxious and fearful thoughts. Massage can relieve muscle pain and tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. As a relaxation technique, massage therapy can work to manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically overactive among people with anxiety disorders.

The fight-or-flight reaction is responsible for causing fearful thoughts and reactions that often far outweigh any actual threat in the environment. For example, people with agoraphobia often fear having a panic attack in a large crowd or confined areas where it would feel embarrassing or difficult to escape.

The fight-or-flight reaction typically leads to uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, accelerated heart rate, excessive sweating, and chest pain. Massage therapy can have an opposing effect on the body by eliciting the relaxation response, reducing tension, lowering heart rate, and generally making a person feel calmer.

Physical Benefits of Massage

  • Less muscle pain and tension
  • Improved circulation and flexibility
  • Lower heart rate

Mental Benefits of Massage

  • Less anxious thoughts
  • Tamed fight-or-flight response
  • Lower tension and more feelings of calm

Getting Started with Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is often offered at many spas, salons, and wellness centers. However, as it continues to become a more mainstream treatment option, massage is now offered at many hospitals and clinics. Some insurance companies may even cover massage therapy services.

When meeting with your massage therapist for the first time, make sure to discuss your medical history, including your panic and anxiety symptoms.

It is important to schedule these services with a licensed or certified massage therapist. This ensures that you will get treatment from a qualified practitioner who has followed the standards and requirements for their state licensure. Licensed massage therapists can be found through website directories, including the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and the American Massage Therapy Association.

Let the massage therapist know if you have any areas of discomfort throughout your body. Also discuss what you hope to get out of the massage, such as muscle or stress relief.

Generally, massage therapy only has a few potential adverse side effects. Many people experience some soreness throughout their body the first few days following a massage. However, you should never feel pain or discomfort during or after a massage. Massage is also contraindicated for certain medical conditions. Always consult your doctor before getting a massage if you are unsure if it’s right for you.

Studies have supported the safety and effectiveness of utilizing massage therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression—but if you are experiencing panic attacks and other symptoms of panic disorder, talk to your doctor before trying this and other CAM practices.

Your doctor will be able to assist you with conventional treatment options, such as medication and therapy. Massage may be beneficial in helping you manage your condition but is not a substitute for traditional medical care. Massage therapy may be incorporated into your standard treatment plan to assist you in coping with panic disorder.

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

(801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

Are Massages Safe During COVID-19?

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service , , ,

Healthline has some great info. about getting a massage during COVID-19. We found this article to be very helpful and thought our clients would too.

  • Experts say it can be safe to get a massage or acupuncture treatment during COVID-19 if certain guidelines are followed.
  • They urge people to check with businesses to make sure they clean tables in between visits and have sufficient air circulation in rooms.
  • They also recommend that people decide if a treatment is a necessity or a luxury.

Health officials advise people to remain 6 feet apart during the COVID-19 pandemic, but for services such as massages and acupuncture, that’s difficult to do.

So, should you cancel your appointment?

Experts say the answer is complicated.

“Social or physical distancing is not really possible with massage and acupuncture. If the prevalence of COVID-19 in the local community is low and appropriate precautions are maintained, these services can be delivered relatively safely. That said, if the prevalence of COVID-19 infections is high locally, you might want to wait until the number of cases decreases,” Dr. Michelle L. Dossett, MPH, an assistant professor of general internal medicine at UC Davis Health, told Healthline.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is mainly spread from person-to-person contact. This can be among people who are in close contact and through droplets produced when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

As SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, data on its spread on surfaces is limited. But Dossett says it is feasible the virus could be spread via a massage table that hasn’t been cleaned.

“If someone who was infected with COVID-19 left respiratory droplets on the massage table an hour or two before your massage, you could theoretically catch it if the table was not cleaned in between clients,” she explained. “That said, professional societies and public health guidelines are recommending that massage therapists and acupuncturists do clean table surfaces between clients.”

How to protect yourself

Dossett says there are many ways individuals can protect themselves if they feel they need to continue having acupuncture, massage, or similar services during the pandemic.

“You should wear a face covering. Make sure the therapist is wearing a face covering and requiring other clients to do the same. Consider having a massage or acupuncture session outdoors or, at the very least, in a room with open windows,” she said.

“Ask the therapist about their practices to reduce the spread of infection; how often are surfaces cleaned? If indoors, how much time elapses between different clients in the same room? For example, if a massage therapist has two rooms and alternates using them, leaving an open window to air out the room for an hour between clients, that is a lot better than having back-to-back clients in the same room with windows closed,” she added.

During a period of sustained stress for many, Kim says services like acupuncture and massage may be more important than ever.

“We have to also consider the health of people holistically. The mental health aspect has maybe affected just as many or more people than COVID itself. We have to be cognizant of that,” she said.

“There are a lot of patients that may benefit from acupuncture and massage, and it should be considered a medical modality and obviously those are allowed during this time. It can be done; we just need to be thoughtful about it,” she added.

Read the full Healthline article here: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/are-massages-and-acupuncture-treatments-safe-during-covid-19

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