by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Holistic Health, Massage
Simple things that mean a lot for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a holiday of love and romance that has been adopted all over the world. While it is meant to be celebrated, many partners find this time of year to be stressful. This special day doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple gift ideas that you may not have thought of:
-
Scavenger Hunt: Ask your significant other to answer riddles or find clues to items you placed around your home. This can extend into an all-day event where you travel around to your favorite romantic destinations.
-
Surprise your spouse with a romantic getaway together. It doesn’t have to be an extended vacation, but consider spending an evening at a local bed and breakfast or in a town close by. Make reservations ahead of time, and make the surprise even more amazing. Schedule a spa day and let your worries melt away.
-
Go on a date together at a place that means a lot to the both of you. If you can’t revisit your first date location, why not visit a place that harbors beautiful memories together?
-
Have a relaxing date night where you plan the menu, shop for the meal, and prepare the evening together. Listen to your favorite music and just enjoy one another’s company.
-
Order food from a take-out restaurant and turn your living room into a luxury getaway destination. Watch a romantic movie, or clear the floor and dance the night away.
-
Consider getting a couple’s massage. The side by side incredible massage experience can be relaxing and wonderful. Better yet, both of you can let your stress just drain away. (Hey! We know a great place to call…)
-
Take a vacation from work for Valentine’s Day and spend the morning enjoying time together. Consider making a simple, finger-food friendly breakfast with fruits, cheeses, and breads so you can share the delicious temptations with one another. Make each other your favorite morning beverage and enjoy the time together.
-
Start a new tradition. A couple that I know has an interesting tradition that I love. The wife doesn’t enjoy chocolates that are given at Valentine’s Day so she and her husband create new chocolate desserts every year. Their favorite so far is a chocolate chipotle brownie. They both agreed that making the chocolate confections together lets them experiment and have fun. You can create your own traditions based on things you love to do together.
-
Write a letter to your spouse. Take the time to make your writing clear, and think about what you want to say. Handwritten letters are so rare now.
-
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best. What makes your spouse’s heart happy? Sometimes, all you need is a lingering kiss and sincere appreciation for one another to ignite a wonderful holiday.
-
Make a list of 14 reasons why you love your spouse. Taking the time to do this will help you appreciate one another on a completely different level.
Whether you choose a spa getaway, a vacation in the privacy of your own home, or a couple’s massage, Valentine’s Day can be as exciting or relaxing as you wish. Just don’t forget to show your love throughout the year and not just on this special holiday.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Massage
Massage is a luxury that you might treat yourself to occasionally, especially when experiencing stress. It feels amazing and allows you to escape from real life for a while. Yet, there are many other benefits and reasons why receiving a regular massage can do more than just help you relax. If you are a person that enjoys creative pursuits or operates a creative business, a massage can be highly beneficial!
Whether you are writing a novel, working on a challenging project, or coming up with new creative content for a business –a massage will help. This is because one of life’s biggest stressors can come from prolonged intense focus on a particularly taxing subject. The intense focus creative projects require can place blinders on an individual. a massage helps lift these blinders and allows ideas to formulate. Left unattended, this added stress can lead to anxiety, lack of sleep and even mental mind blocks. Mind blocks definitely prevent creative juices from running free, which in turns leaves you concerned about completing your current project, adding to your stress levels.
A relaxing massage, even just 30-minutes once a week, can make all difference. Gently manipulating the muscles across your back, shoulders, or even feet can help loosen the blinders around the creative cortex of your brain, giving those notions and future ideas free reign to escape. A particularly good massage technique is Swedish massage, which has been proven to increase the level of oxygen in the blood, decrease muscle toxins, and improve flexibility and circulation. Increased oxygen levels and circulation can positively impact the brain and its functionality, including your energy levels. This encourages more motivation and focus for your creative project. Plus, a good massage leaves you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Regular massage will also improve your sleep levels. If you have been up all night trying to work out the next step in a book, or are hunched over a study book but can not remember any of it, a massage could finally allow you a good night’s rest. You will wake up with a refreshed mind and renewed energy to assist in developing a new idea, or making progress on an existing one. More than just the mental relief, a massage delivers other physical benefits for creatives. If you are sitting at a desk all day, or are working on a canvas/sculpture, you may find that your back in a lot of pain. You could develop posture problems that a series of deep tissue massages would correct. For those that partake in regular writing, or working with your hands on a project, a short hand massage eliminates the additional stress caused on your joints and muscles for this type of work.
Relieving stress all together is not easy, especially with the fast-paced, high demand of daily life. However, it is important to set time aside for yourself and to take care of your health. Not only will you feel better but tackling the issues that distract you will open your mind up to a world of creative possibilities.
We would love to talk with you more about the benefits of regular massage and how it has positively impacted our clients. For a full list of the massage services we provide, click here. Then call us today to schedule your next massage!
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Facials, Holistic Health, Massage
As the season of giving approaches, so does the stress of choosing the right gifts for the women in your life. If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone! We’ve compiled a list of the Top Gift Ideas any woman would love:
-
A destination experience. Know the heart of the woman you’re giving gifts to this year. Do they love hiking in the mountains? Swimming in the warm sun? Driving the backroads of small towns? Taking cultural tours of the city? Know what appeals to them and create a destination experience package. If she’s a ghost hunt enthusiast, for example, sign her up for a local ghost tour. Train enthusiasts may find seasonal rail travel to be fascinating. A tour of the best desserts in the area may bring joy to the hearts of chocolate lovers. The destination experience is unique to the individual.
-
Give the gift of facial bliss. Facials are relaxing and rejuvenating. They range from simple masks to in depth facial massages and relaxation techniques. It’s a tried and true gift. If your lady has a preferred spa, choose them. You may also consider doing some research to give the gift ultimate relaxation.
-
Gift of Time. Whether the lady in your life is a significant other, sister, friend, mother, or associate, consider taking them out for a night of fun that’s based on their likes. If the gift is one that comes in time, provide the gift in the form of tickets, a hint at the night, or a special invitation to a specific date and time.
-
Full body massages are a wonderful way to pamper the woman in your life. Gift certificates to her favorite spa is a wonderful idea. From pain and stress management to deep tissue therapy, there are so many massage options out there.
-
A gift of their heart. Every woman has a gift she wants to buy but always talks hers way out of. Whether it’s a stunning pair of shoes, a purse she can’t bring herself to purchase, or a tech toy that would make her blissfully happy to own, a woman will always measure her lifestyle against that desire. Find what they’ve been holding back on and buy it.
-
The comforts of home. From home spa essentials to warm, soft blankets, a personalized gift that enhances the comforts of home can be memorable and lovely.
-
Jewelry or accessories that complement the lady in your life is a wonderful way to bring bliss. Knowing what the gift receiver prefers is an important step. Some women prefer diamonds, precious stones, and precious metals while others prefer elemental stones, sustainable materials, and sentimental connection.
When it comes to holiday gift-giving, what has been the most successful gift(s) for the ladies in your inner circle?
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Massage
Massage is often seen as a luxury that you treat yourself to occasionally. It feels great and is a nice little vacation from real life, but there is so much more to massage than that. Regular massage treatments offer a wide variety of physical and psychological benefits and over time is believed to prolong your life.
One of the largest benefits of massage is stress relief. Experts estimate that around 90% of diseases are directly related to stress. Stress is known to age prematurely, both internally and externally. Relieving your stress can produce some amazing results. When you’re more relaxed, your sleep quality improves, your are more productive and you have a greater ability to focus. You are likely to fall asleep faster and experience a restless sleep, which will improve your general health and wellness. Energy levels will also increase and it could eliminate the suffering associated with chronic fatigue.
Stress causes your anxiety levels to increase, which can have crippling affects. Anxiety isolates you from others and causes you to withdraw from the things you would usually enjoy. Your focus is also affected greatly by high stress levels. It can be extremely difficult to think clearly when your mind is focused on other worrisome topics. Massage is one of the most effective methods for relieving anxiety and creating a calm and peaceful mental state. Not to mention, you feel great afterwards!
Diseases exist that are believed to be positively affected by regular massage. The movement of tissue improves your circulation, pumping more oxygen into your body. This allows your muscles to heal and recover from damage and encourages healthy tissue. Your immune system will also benefit from massage. Muscle work increases the lymph flow of your lymphatic system and spreads antibodies throughout your body to fight off illness. Pain from tight muscles and ligaments are often relieved as well. It is truly an incredible resource for your overall health.
Some of the health concerns that could be addressed through massage are:
Relieving stress all together is not easy, especially with the high demand our fast paced society requires. However, it is important to set time aside for yourself and take care of you.
We would love to talk with you more about the benefits we have seen personally through regular massage and how it has positively impacted our clients. For a full list of the massage services we provide, click here. Call us today to schedule your next massage!
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Massage
There are many types of massages available. Do you know which one is right for you?
Swedish Massage
This is the most common form of massage, and one that usually comes to mind. It involves relaxing the whole body by rubbing muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. While relaxation is a primary factor, Swedish massage has also been proven to increase the level of oxygen in the blood, decrease muscle toxins, and improve flexibility and circulation.
Swedish massage also takes additional forms. There are circular pressure techniques for the hands and palms, tapping on the skin, bending and stretching, as well as firm kneading. This is the most customizable of all massage methods.
Deep Tissue Massage
There are many ways in which deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but the differences are very important. Deep tissue massage involves the deepest layers of muscle tissue such as tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding your muscles, bones, and joints). A deep tissue massage has been proven to reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate. At the same time, it can boost relaxation by releasing oxytocin and serotonin. Deep tissue massage can also lower your blood pressure in certain instances.
Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is a small area within the muscle tissue that can cause pain to other parts of the body. A trigger point in the neck, for instance, can create pain in the head or shoulders. The pain ranges from a dull ache to sharp and insistent. Trigger Point Massage Therapy focuses on those tiny spots. It’s an interactive therapy in that it is designed to alleviate those sources of pain through cyclic isolated pressure and release.
This type of therapy releases constricted areas of the muscles. For those suffering from pain and stress due to chronic injuries, a trigger point massage may be exactly what you need.
Sports Massages
This athlete-focused type of massage can be considered part of a healthy training regimen. It can enhance flexibility, range of motion, reduce fatigue, help prevent injuries and more. Sport massages can combine different types of massage styles to provide the stability and flexibility needed for the active sport enthusiast.
Prenatal Massages
Extra care and consideration are a factor in prenatal massages. Soft cushions, proper positioning (usually on the side) and supportive equipment ensure that you are the most comfortable you can be. Prenatal massages can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Trigger point massages can be used for headaches, neck aches, and shoulder aches. Muscle tension created by the extra weight of a baby can be alleviated by encouraging blood flow to afflicted areas via a modified Swedish massage.
In addition, prenatal specific massages can ease cramps, fatigue, backaches, swelling, edema, and more.
If you’re unsure which method will work for you, consider meeting with a trained massage therapist to discuss your options. You put your body through a lot so take the time to help it relax and recover.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 15, 2017 | Holistic Health, Massage, Prenatal Massage
A common misconception I often run into is “Is massage safe during pregnancy” My response is simple! Unless you are experiencing a known high risk pregnancy massage, YES it is safe! Taking care of your body and baby, as well as maintaining low stress is of the utmost importance during pregnancy. Massage as well as facials can help keep stress out pregnancy.
“Massage can give reassurance.” This is largely because newly pregnant women may experience a range of emotions–elation, anxiety, contentment, and even fear–made more poignant by the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy.”
