Winter Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is defined as winter depression. It is triggered by the onset of winter, and is thought to be due to the decrease in sunlight, which decreases vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that low vitamin D may be linked to depression.

SAD is typically treated with light therapy, psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in things you were once very interested in, irritability, fatigue, sleep changes, decreased energy and general low mood. In the winter months, people stay inside more, so activity levels change. These changes decrease the body’s production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD also consider therapeutic massage. Massage is, in essence, its own medicine. Massage greatly reduces the symptoms of depression. Massage decreases cortisol levels, and with decreased cortisol levels there is a decrease in stress. Massage allows the body to restore parasympathetic nervous system functioning. In this state the body is at rest. Massage increases the level of endorphins (the body’s natural anti-depressant) which interrupts the fight or flight mechanism. Massage strengthens the mind/body connection. It increases our general sense of wellbeing and increases our immunity and vitality.

General side effects of antidepressant medicines can include:

·        Nausea, loss of appetite, or diarrhea

·        Anxiety or nervousness

·        Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness

·        Headaches

·        Sexual dysfunction

For most people experiencing winter blues symptoms, this type of therapy is indeed a good antidote. In addition to eating nutritionally sound meals or obtaining light therapy or counseling, a massage is an excellent way to enhance the outlook of anyone suffering from the winter blues as well as lessen the incidences of fatigue or anxiety.

For your added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. Ask about our free aromatherapy upgrade to receive your choice of a free upgrade of Aromatherapy or 10 minute Peppermint Scalp Treatment.

Contact us at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.

#winterdepression  #sad  #endorphins  #winterblues  #depression  #lighttherapy  #cortisol

 

Aromatherapy Massage

 

 

Aromatherapy massage is a beautiful way to express caring and help relieve the stress of a loved one. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help promote and maintain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

On its own, the benefits of massage are many including massage for diabetes, sports massage, seasonal affective disorder, Raindrop Aromatherapy and more which have been discussed in previous articles in this blog.

But when combined with aromatherapy, massage takes on a remarkable synergy that dramatically enhances the massage session...

               • Essential oils are comprised of the naturally occurring chemical constituents found in the botanical that they are distilled from. The classification of esters, for example, found in Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils are both naturally sedating/relaxing and anti-inflammatory. Essential oils are not oily feeling, are highly aromatic and are much different than vegetable (carrier) oils.
               • Combining well chosen essential oils (such as the example of Lavender or Roman Chamomile given above) with a carrier oil can promote relaxation, reduce stress and/or help to improve circulation and reduce swelling and pain. 
               • Some massage oils contain synthetic mineral oil that can potentially impair the skin's ability to breath. Wave Crest Massage uses natural oil as the massage oil base and as the "carrier oil" for essential oils. Natural oils can help to lubricate, moisturize and nourish the skin with EFAs and other important fatty acids, anti-oxidants and important nutritives (while fatty acids must be limited in the diet, they are important and nourishing for the skin).

This basic aromatherapy massage oil acts as a wonderful lubricant for massage while also diluting the concentrated essential oils for safe application to the skin. The carrier oil also helps to nourish and moisturize the skin.

Wave Crest Massage has the following essential oil blends:

Ø  Stress blend contains clary sage, lemon and lavender
Ø  Sleep Inducing and / or Anti-Inflammatory blend contains black pepper, peppermint  and eucalyptus
Ø  Sore Muscle blend contains ginger, black pepper, peppermint and eucalyptus
 

#aromatherapy  #aromatherapymassage  #essentialoil  #massageoil  #aromatouchtechnique 

                                                                          

 

CrossFit / WOD Massage

As CrossFit Athletes, we understand that we must endure some aches and pains as a result of our WOD’s. We hold a lot of those aches and pains in our shoulders, traps, hamstrings and quads. CrossFit massage speeds recovery and aids those aches and pains with trigger point massage therapy and deep tissue massage therapy. A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body.

 

Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release.

Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension with the focus being on the deepest layers of muscle tissue and tendons.

A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people’s blood pressure fell after a single 45-60 minute deep tissue massage.

Deep Tissue massage and trigger point therapy help greatly in the renewal and recovery of the CrossFit athlete. These techniques not only give our bodies the release of muscle tension after a rigorous workout, but they also assist in providing necessary toxins and gases to release from our muscles.

 

 

 

For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen.

Set up a time to talk with Roy about a plan that will work best with your training schedule and budget in mind.

Give Roy a call at 631-375-0962 or email him at:    roy@wavecrestmassage.com

#crossfit  #wod  #crossfitmassage  #wodmassage  #sportsmassage

 

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Heated Bamboo Massage

What is Heated Bamboo Massage
Heated bamboo massage is a technique for anyone wanting a relaxing and luxurious spa massage or for anyone who needs some serious deep-tissue bodywork for overworked and injured muscles. Throughout the massage, different warmed pieces of compressed bamboo are used to work the tension out of each muscle. Long fluid strokes in different styles like Swedish, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, or neuromuscular therapy are used to stretch and compress the muscle and tissue. 

Heated bamboo massage incorporates the use of oil and essential oils to allow for smooth, long strokes and varying levels of pressure. Some strokes will start at the feet and continue all the way to the hands in one unending movement. Your session will usually start with a lighter touch with progressively deeper techniques varying from Swedish strokes to deep tissue and has the added benefit of deep penetrating heat.

What are some of the benefits of Heated Bamboo Massage?

• Increases circulation
• Flushes body of metabolic wastes (i.e., lactic acid) for faster healing time and detoxification
• Decreases muscle spasms
• Breaks up tissue adhesions
• Releases endorphins to promote relaxation and pain reduction

Who should receive Heated Bamboo Massage?

Anyone who has tissue adhesions, long periods with little movement, spasms, muscle tightness, insomnia, strains, sprains, headaches, a cold (tail-end), and plain old daily stress.

 

Heated Bamboo massage would not be advised for people with:

• Lymphatic Cancer
• Nausea
• Fever
• The beginnings of a cold or flu
• Any condition that taxes the circulatory system (i.e., uncontrolled high blood pressure)
• Most bacterial infections

For added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. During the month of December you will receive a 10% discount and free upgrade of  Heated Bamboo Massage with Aromatherapy.
Contact us at 631-375-0962 to schedule your next appointment.

 

 

Always consult your doctor to see if massage or specific massage types are right for you.

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#heatedbamboomassage  #bamboomassage

Massage For Back Pain

Can Massage Help Your Back Problem?

For most of us, the answer is probably 'yes', since massage is non-invasive and considered very low risk for most people. In addition to physical benefits, certain types of massage have been shown to help psychologically via relaxation and increased production of 'feel good' chemicals that the body naturally produces (endorphins)--helpful for people with both acute back problems and chronic back pain.

 

Research shows that massage therapy has several potential health benefits for back pain sufferers, including:

•Increased blood flow and circulation, which brings needed nutrition to muscles and tissues. This aids in recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity or soft tissue injury (such as muscle strain).

•Decreased tension in the muscles. This muscle relaxation can improve flexibility, reduce pain caused by tight muscles and even improve sleep.

•Increased endorphin levels--the "feel good" chemicals in the brain. This mood enhancer can ease depression and anxiety, which can help reduce pain and speed recovery--particularly important for those suffering from chronic back or neck problems.

Most episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by muscle strain, such as from lifting a heavy object, a sudden movement or a fall. The low back pain can be very severe and last for several hours, several days or even a few weeks. When back muscles are strained or torn, the area around the muscles can become inflamed. With inflammation, the muscles in the back can spasm and cause both severe lower back pain and difficulty moving. The large upper back muscles are also prone to irritation, either due to de-conditioning (lack of strength) or overuse injuries (such as repetitive motions). Upper back pain may also be due to a specific event, such as a muscle strain, sports injury, or auto accident. Massage can help work out the spasm/irritation and improve range of motion.

Final Thoughts

Patients with severe back pain should be checked by medical personnel before beginning massage therapy, and patients should always obtain an accurate medical diagnosis for the cause of their back pain prior to beginning a new treatment such as massage therapy to rule out potentially serious conditions.

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#Backpain  #Backproblems  #Lowbackpain  #Upperbackpain  #Sciatica  #Massage  #Neckpain 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deepest parts of the muscle tissues and tendons. This therapy also focuses on the fascia, which protects joints and muscles. Massage is ideal for people who have particular trouble areas in their bodies. Massage therapists apply slow and deliberate strokes that are less rhythmic compared to other forms of massage.
Deep-tissue massage offers a variety of emotional, biological, and physical health benefits.

1. Muscle Tension Relief

Deep tissue massage offers long term relief from muscle tension and muscle cramps. This massage is therapeutic because it focuses on the muscles that are tense. The pressure helps to relieve tension by enhancing blood circulation in the affected area.
Improved circulation helps to offer immediate relief. Muscle tension is common among people who suffer from chronic pain. The massage is an ideal way to deal with this kind of tension.

2. Toxin Release

Toxin build up is one of the main causes of degenerative diseases in human beings. Exposure to environmental chemicals can lead to toxin build up. However, we also get toxins through normal internal body processes.
Toxins can be stored in the body tissue and this can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases. Deep tissue massage helps the body to release toxins by increasing oxygen and blood circulation in the tissue.

3. Chronic Pain Reduction

Deep tissue massage has been identified as one of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain. It is also affordable compared to the prescription and over-the-counter medications that most people rely on to reduce pain. The pressure applied during this kind of massage promotes blood flow in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation. Most chronic pain is caused by inflammation.

4. Promote Scar Healing

People who have scars from injuries or surgery can use deep tissue massage to promote healing. This form of massage helps to break up the tissue that forms after injury and surgery. The scar tissue can disappear after repeated massage sessions. It works because it enhances circulation in the lymphatic system.
The pressure put on the tissues also promotes drainage in the lymphatic system. The presence of scar tissue can cause stiffness and constant pain. Deep tissue massage offers relief and it is ideal, especially if you are recovering from an accident or surgery.

5. Enhance Emotional Health

A deep tissue massage can help to promote emotional health by reducing stress levels. Stress is a part of daily life and it is considered necessary but when it gets out of hand, it can have adverse effects on your emotional and physical health. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol.
This stress hormone is released in response to any physical or psychological stress that you face. The massage lowers the levels of stress hormones in your body. It also reduces heart rate, which goes up when you are stressed.
A massage also improves your mood and promotes relaxation because it triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin in the body. When your serotonin levels are up, you feel happier. Hectic day-to-day activities can cause stress and this leads to tense muscles, tension headaches and bad moods. A deep tissue massage relieves the stress and lifts your mood.

For added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. During the month of December you will receive a 10% discount and free upgrade of Aromatherapy.
Contact us at 631-375-0962 to schedule your next appointment.

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#deeptissue #deeptissuemassage #massage

Massage and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined as winter depression. It is triggered by the onset of winter, and is thought to be due to the decrease in sunlight, which decreases vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that low vitamin D may be linked to depression [1].

If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD, consider therapeutic massage. Massage is, in essence, its own medicine. Massage greatly reduces the symptoms of depression. Massage decreases cortisol levels, and with decreased cortisol levels there is a decrease in stress. Massage allows the body to restore parasympathetic nervous system functioning. In this state the body is at rest. Massage increases the level of endorphins (the body’s natural anti-depressant). Massage strengthens the mind/body connection and increases our general sense of wellbeing, our immunity and vitality.

For added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. During the month of December you will receive a 10% discount and free upgrade of Aromatherapy.
Contact us at 631-375-0962 to schedule your next appointment.

Footnotes:

1 — A recent study of more than 12,500 people aged 20 to 90 showed that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D were more likely to report symptoms of depression, compared to those with higher levels. This relationship was strongest among people with a history of depression. 

#seasonalaffectivedisorder  #sad  #winterdepression