Thanksgiving is past and the season of gift giving is here. The days are sure to be full of joy, events, giving, food, laughter, friends, family and, for most of us, a dose of stress. One way to ease holiday stress? Purchase gift cards that promote health and ease stress; give the gift of a massage.
Here are the Top 10 reasons massage is the perfect gift:
1. Massage is the gift of health, relaxation and time.
2. Massage saves time, energy and money – no need to spend countless hours shopping and carrying around heavy bags.
3. Massage gift cards are good for the environment – less driving and less wrapping paper.
4. Massage says you care about the health of your friends and loved ones.
5. Massage reduces stress for the giver and the recipient.
6. Massage warms up the body and tight muscles during the cold winter months.
7. Massage eases aches and pains after snow and icy removal.
8. Massage is a great way to end the semester after finals are complete.
9. Massage is a great and lasting value.
10. Massage can be personalized and enhanced.
Few things allow us to individualize an experience for the moment as massage therapy does. Here is a simplified breakdown of some of the more common massage techniques and optional therapies available at Massage Envy and their possible benefits:
Massage Styles
Swedish or Relaxation: A gentle technique that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to target the upper layers of the muscles to help relax and energize the body.
Deep Massage: Targets the deep layers of the muscles by using deep, slow and smooth strokes to ease the tension that may be beyond the reach of a relaxation massage.
Sports Massage: Designed specifically for the very physically active, it combines several techniques to concentrate on the body areas related to a specific sport; athletes often get sports massages to prepare for peak performance, prevent and treat an injury and reduce the buildup of lactic acid.
Trigger-Point or Neuromuscular: Targets areas of tender muscle points and tight muscle fibers that can form in the muscles following an injury or muscle overuse.
Myofascial Release: Gentle sustained pressure into the connective tissue that covers the muscles and is present throughout the body (much like a spiderweb) eases painful restrictions and restores range of motion.
Craniosacral: Extremely light pressure stimulates the muscles and fluids within the cranium (head) and around the spinal cord to help relieve stress and headaches.
Acupressure: Involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to relieve pain and promote health and wellbeing.
Streto Method Stretch: “Where your mind goes, the body will follow,” that’s why Massage Envy’s Streto Method starts at the head and neck and works downward to stretch and lengthen tendons and facia throughout your body.
Add-On Therapies
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences that have restorative properties; the oils can be applied to the skin or diffused into the room.
Hot Stone: Use of hot stones applied to the body to bring warmth and pressure to release tension, soothe and jumpstart the healing process.
Exfoliating Sugar Scrub: Gentle exfoliation using a sugar scrub followed by smooth application of shea butter exfoliates the skin and increases energy.
Enhanced Muscle Therapy: A great way to unlock tight muscles using a sequence of topical warming gel followed by topical cooling gel to flush the muscles of toxins.
Other Ways to Decrease Stress
- Close your eyes, breathe deeply. A big “sigh” can do worlds of good to help you relax.
- Eat right. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to have a favorite holiday dish or rich dessert, just remember to add plenty of plant-based fruit and vegetables and high-protein foods to offset all the carbs and sugar.
- Limit alcohol. Alcohol also triggers the body’s stress reaction, leaves you feeling tired in the morning and often can be the cause of the less-than-ideal behavior.
- Don’t skimp on the exercise. Exercise helps melt the stress away, increases energy, promotes good sleep at night and helps to keep us healthy. Don’t put your physical health on the shelf with the elf.
- Focus on people. When it’s all said and done, people remember the precious moments with family and friends.
Massage Envy gift cards can be purchased online by visiting massageenvy.com/gift-cards or by stopping by the Massage Envy Spa. FBN
By Mark Love
Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff, located at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center next to Safeway. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-526-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MEFlag. Schedule an appointment online – your time, your convenience, your massage.
