Should I find time to unwind....

If you take the time to ease yourselves back and forth between your life and relaxation; the gap between the two states is softened and life doesn’t seem so harsh and hectic. I have monthly massages and believe the benefits are priceless. There are serious ailments, pain and disease that are caused by stress alone and massage is a great reducer of stress. To increase the effects of massage, I make time before and after each appointment to unwind and then transition back. What do I mean? Well, I simply breath and focus on my inner calmness. At first, it takes effort to unwind. Sounds silly but I have to focus on keeping out the random thoughts, worries and to do list. After my massage, I take time to slowly edge my way back into a pace that is slow but productive in my regular day to day life. So the stress doesn't jump right back into my life as soon as the massage is over. I want to hold onto as much calmness that I can so my body will benefit the most.

 

Some full spas will have hot tubs, whirlpools, gyms, and even relaxation or reading rooms. Any of the heat/water treatments, like steam rooms, tubs and saunas, will have physiological effects such as relief from muscle soreness or stiff joints, immune system enhancement, lymph detoxification, blood circulation improvements, and sinus congestion relief. If I don’t feel like beginning my relaxation with one of these therapies, I sit in a quiet, soothing atmosphere, stripped of any attachments to my outside world. I deepen my breath and quiet my thoughts. Sometimes I try a simple meditation exercise. There's no need to make a big production or feel intimidated about meditating. You don’t need to be a certain type of person to do it. You can achieve meditation anywhere at anytime! It's especially easy in a soothing environment created for you at spas. As you inhale, think about positive growth and change then envision eliminating all negative thoughts as you exhale. This simple meditation will put your whole body in a positive, receptive space. I use the relaxation lounge after my massage.  In the lounge, I might find reading material, soft sounds or music, and healthy refreshments. Allow for transition after receiving any massage treatment. It can be shocking to instantly return to the fast paced, task loaded life we are accustomed to. As a massage therapist, I hope that all clients will leave the spa feeling at peace and ease.
That's the point I'm trying to make- Find little ways to get the most out of your massage treatment, Enjoy!

Written by: Taylor, Licensed Massage Therapist

More information on Taylor:

School attended: Massage Institute of New England

Year graduated: 2004

Start date at The Right Touch: October 2004

Specialties: Swedish massage, result based treatment, focus work on head, neck, shoulders, and hips.