Evidence of Massage Benefits Brings Exciting News to Spa Industry

Evidence of Massage Benefits Brings Exciting News to Spa Industry

Exciting news for the entire spa industry! When the New York Times runs an article about a new study showing that “a single session of massage caused biological changes,” it is time for our industry to celebrate!

Here is the scoop. Researchers, from a division of the National Institute of Health, conducted a study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in which one group of adults was given a deep-tissue massage and another group was given a light massage. Blood samples were taken before and after these 45-minute massage. The participants who received the deep-tissue massage displayed (among other favorable results) decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in white blood cells, an essential part of the immune system. Those who received the lighter massage had an even greater decrease in cortisol and increase in white blood cells, as well as an increase in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment. The study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

I found it amusing that the article mentioned the researchers’ reactions to the results as “a surprise.” Well…it’s certainly not a surprise to any of us in the industry, nor to most people who have had a massage and felt the physiological effects.

Kudos to the National Institute of Health for conducting this study. Now, if they could just relate this to the fact that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress helps account for two-thirds of family doctor visits (other studies show the percentage even higher), we would no doubt have people lining up outside of our doors to receive massages!

*Article from SpaFinder. Use link above to view original article.

The Perfect Combo: Pilates & Massage

What's the Big Deal?

"[Pilates] was created as a way to heal the body, to realign the skeleton and balance the muscles. As a society, we are out of alignment [...] We are stressed, and we carry the stress in our bodies" (Classic Form Pilates). Pilates helps manage stress; massage helps manage stress. Both Pilates and massage address the entire body and help individuals lead balanced and healthy lives.

Practical Examples

For starters, Pilates may be a safe and effective way to exercise for those with low back pain. When using the pilates reformer, you can often exercise with your back completely supported, instead of exposing it to the possible strain that can occur when using free weights. Pilates also recruits abdominal muscles that are critical in stabilizing your body and maintaining good posture. Sitting with a strong core and better posture (instead of hunched over at a desk) can help decrease neck and shoulder pain.

Pilates can help retrain and strengthen muscles that contribute to common injuries or muscle tension and soreness, while massage may help increase range of motion, relax over-stretched muscles and decrease hypertonicity. Pilates is a way of exercising that assists in establishing all-over strength and openness. So, a tailored pilates session may help sustain the positive effects of massage--all in a safe and supported environment.

As our friends at Young Pilates said, "Pilates has grown in popularity for one simple reason: it works."

I Need New Skin...Help!

Microdermabrasion can be a great way to press the reset button on your skin every season. It's a unique, non-invasive mechanical peeling method that uses vacuum action to systematically propel a sand-like substance onto the skin’s surface. This substance or corundum gradually abrades the skin's surface, giving way to a refreshed and healthy smooth appearance. It's a terrific option for skin types with sensitivities to chemicals, and it most successfully addresses skin conditions such as acne-prone, fine lines, uneven texture & mild scarring.

Why we love it!

• Revitalizes dull skin
• Reduces pore size
• Minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring
• Deep exfoliation (pain free!)
• Reduces uneven skin texture, stretch marks, and age spots

Now What?

We recommend doing one microdermabrasion treatment once per season for a deep exfoliation. However, having monthly treatments can also be a great option, depending on your skin type. Our favorite combo is a microdermabrasion followed by a customized facial because of its increased effectiveness on your skin. Microdermabrasion is oftentimes done in a monthly series anywhere from 6-12 times a year. Our recommendation for you will depend on your age, skin condition and your desired results.

When to skip the Microderm

Microdermabrasion can aggravate some skin conditions, so it's not for everyone. Give us a call and one of our skilled aestheticians can discuss the best option for your skin type. Microdermabrasion is not recommended if you are on oral blood thinners or Accutane or have any of the following:

• Active, uncontrolled or brittle diabetes
• Viral lesions, Herpes Simplex, Shingles
• Eczema of Seborrheic dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Skin cancer and some auto immune disorders
• Vitiliago
• Telangectasis
• Visible, broken blood vessels
• Sunburned skin

Ready for some reflexology?

Currently, our massage therapists are trying their hands (and feet) at reflexology and we will be adding it to our menu in March. For those not familiar with this modality, our friends over at Seattle Reflexology & Massage Center have summed it up nicely:

Reflexology is based on the principle that the feet, hands and ears are microcosms (mini-maps) of all systems of the body. Specific manual pressure to any of the microcosms stimulates the corresponding part (reflex) of the body as well as the nervous system. Focused stimulation of the reflexes helps release stagnant toxins, thereby reducing stress on the body.

Still not sure? Well, here are a few more tid-bits to put your mind at ease. A 2007 study published by the Oncology Nursing Society found that " [after receiving] foot reflexology, patients experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity and anxiety." (Vol.34,Num. 1/2007). Another small-scale study conducted on patients with "congenital anomalies of limbs development and trauma consequences" found that "reflexotherapy [i.e. reflexology] can accelerate the process of patients' rehabilitation" (Saratov Journal of Medical Scientific Research 2008).

As always, we practice our new modalities on each other. So you can rest assured that we won't be introducing anything to our clients that we haven't already tried on each other (and LOVED).

Hot Stone Massge

Hot Stone Massage is a great way to increase relaxation and melt away the winter blues.

At Le Visage Spa, you will have a relaxing session involving heated basalt stones that dissolve away the stress with every movement. The long gliding strokes help the nervous system relax and create a sensation of connectedness and wholeness. The stones become an extension of the therapist's hands and move smoothly in a relaxing rhythm.

Choose from lavender, orange blossom, coconut or unscented lotion and oil used to glide the stones and hydrate your skin. This massage will have you feeling warm and whole while your muscles feel loose and nurtured. Ready to give it a try?