Why a massage makes the very best gift
 
Massage might be something that’s always on your to-do list, but there are some people who just never seem to get around to me-time, and they need to know the restorative powers of a good massage session.
 
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who seems to have it all, or even just someone close to you that needs spoiling, here’s why a massage is the best choice for a gift!
 
It shows that you’ve put a little thought into the gift
 
You could wander around the gift selections in stores or just order something online, but if you treat a friend or a loved one to a blissful massage, it says “I really thought about you, and I thought you needed a massage.”
 
Flowers and chocolates can be uninspiring, even if we all enjoy them, but for a truly unique gift, search for a massage treatment that your recipient will adore. If they have had massage before, why not give them a type they’ve not experienced; a hot stone, Reiki or Thai? 
 
It might be the nudge somebody needs towards trying massage for themselves
 
Some people have never had a massage, and it’s people like that who need one the most, so why not think of their wellbeing and find them a lovely, relaxing massage center local to them? They might have thought massage wasn’t for them, or that it’s something people treat themselves to on spa trips, but once you’ve introduced them to the joy of massage, they’ll be hooked. Everyone loves massage; some people just need to try it.
 
Everyone needs a little time out
 
Some people never seem to make time for themselves. Everyone is too busy. Treat someone special to the gift of paid-for me time, and give them a massage voucher so that they can have an hour, at least, where they don’t have to put everyone else first.
 
One of the best gifts that you can give anyone is time. Why not give someone who’s eternally busy the gist of time out. Some space to breathe and disconnect from everyday stresses? An hour or so of blissful quiet and relaxation could be the best present anyone gets this year!
 
It shows you care for their health 
 
Massage is the gift that keeps on giving, the option that says you really do care for someone’s health and wellbeing. It gives the recipient a healthy dose of happy hormones, promotes movement and increased flexibility, and eases aches, pains and stress. What better way to treat someone?
 
The ideal gift shows that you really care - well enough to want to make someone happy, rather than handing over something expensive and overpriced that you saw in the store and took a fancy to. A voucher to book a massage will result in a big smile and it ticks all the boxes. And there’s one more thing we haven’t mentioned…You get to go along if you book one for yourself at the same time

If you are seeking out massage therapy, then you are probably committed to improving your overall health and wellness.  But did you know that there are a few things to make your massage even better and more effective?
 
Before your session

1. Take a warm shower.  A warm shower, or even some time in a sauna or hot tub, can help start warming the muscles and relaxing the body.
2. Do eat and drink water before. It is important for your body to be hydrated and nourished, but do not eat a large meal right before your appointment. Schedule your appointment 1-2 hours after a main meal.
3. Arrive early. Plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to give you time to prepare your mind and body for the session.
4. Communicate. Give your therapist a quick rundown of your goals and specific areas you want worked on during the session. Make sure to mention any changes in medications and medical conditions.

During your session

1. Relax and Breathe. Once on the massage table, it is important to try to let go of everything else for a little while. The body takes its cues from the mind. Concentrate on your breath. Making sure you are breathing deep and even with help release the tension.
2. Speak up. If the pressure isn’t right, the music too loud, the room too cold, etc. just say something. The session is all about you, and your therapist won’t mind adjusting for your comfort.

After your session

1. Hydrate. There is a reason massage therapists offer you water after a massage. Massage moves cell waste through your body and water helps flush it out. If you’re dehydrated, you will have a higher chance of being sore or fatigued after a massage.
2. Do your homework.  I try to offer my clients simple stretches that they can do at home to help enhance the work I did on the massage table. In most cases, if you don’t do something in between massage sessions your body will revert to its previous condition.
3. Get massaged regularly.  This isn’t a ploy to make more money. You wouldn’t exercise once a year and expect lasting results. You wouldn’t do maintenance on your car only when it’s not running right. Booking regular massages, even if it’s only every 4-6 weeks, can have a profound effect on your wellbeing. And it takes more than one 60-minute session to work out chronic muscular tension and relieve pain. 

Every day! Well, maybe that's not practical, even though it would be nice. This is one of the most common questions clients ask about massage therapy, and it really all depends on WHY you get massages. Do you get massages for health benefits? Or, to help you relax and handle the stress of everyday life? Most likely it's a combination of the two, so let's look at some of the most common reasons to get regular massages:

Relaxation & Stress Relief
One of the very best reasons to get a massage is for relaxation. Relaxation massage helps support your body, including blood circulation and flexibility of joints. Regular massage can help prevent pain, muscle tension, and stress points from building up an causing problems. Why wait until you have a problem to get a massage? Massage is perfect for preventing issues with your tissues. Relaxation massage is usually recommended at least once per month, or as often as you want!

There may be times in your life when you experience higher levels of stress and more muscle tension than normal. It is especially important to practice good self-care during these times. Living with high levels of stress for a prolonged amount of time increases the risk of contracting heart disease and other diseases. It has been estimated that 75-90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. The good news is, massage can help! Just knowing your massage is coming up in a few days can help to relieve stress, and a massage every 2-4 weeks will help with stress related tension.

Chronic Health Conditions
People with ongoing health issues often find massage very helpful to alleviate symptoms. Chronic health problems that greatly benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain, and localized inflammation. If you get therapy for specific issues, the frequency of getting massage varies with the type of condition you have and how severe it is. Relief from pain can usually be achieved with 2-4 massage sessions per month. I can help you get on the best schedule for your body.

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The word Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) literally translated means “Universal Life Energy”
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on energy healing technique that originated in Japan.  It works on all levels; physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual to help balance and restore energy levels.
A session is usually carried out with the recipient lying down in a comfortable and peaceful environment. There is no need to remove any clothing. The Practitioner places their hands gently on or over the body; there is no massage or manipulation.
Reiki may be experienced as a flow of energy, mild tingling, warmth, coolness, other sensations, or nothing at all.
Benefits
★ Reiki promotes balance to all levels of your being:
       Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual
★ Aligns, clears and balances chakra energy centers
★ Alleviates associated pain
★ Promotes relaxation and balance
★ Releases energy blockages, toxins or impurities
★ Relieves stress and anxiety
★ Activates your body’s natural ability to heal
 
Reiki is not a “miracle” healing or magic. Reiki is not a religion, but it is spiritual. Reiki energy is intelligent and goes where it is needed. It is not controlled by the practitioner, but by an individual’s needs. Reiki is not a replacement for medical advice or visits.

When you think of getting a massage what image pops into your mind?  Do you see a hot stone massage at a fancy spa? Maybe a table massage on a secluded beach? Most people imagine some scenario where they are being pampered in an exotic location. But getting a massage is only for the rich and famous, right?
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Therapeutic massage is so much more!  Research supports how massage can help with a variety of conditions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a little pampering either!
The graphic below, put together by the AMTA, shows 25 reasons to get a massage. These are just the tip of the iceberg!

​There are also some situations when massage would not be beneficial, and may be harmful to a person’s condition.  If you have any concerns about this, talk with your massage therapist – we are here to help.