Sand Dollar Spa & Massage | Sand Dollar Spa & Massage

2009.05.01 00:38:43

It’s on everyone’s minds right now, come on admit it, you are concerned about the outbreak of Swine Flu too, right? Well I am not here to advise you about that, but I would like to talk about how regular massage as well as just plain taking care of your body can strengthen your immune system. I know massage sounds like a horrible way to stay healthy right? HA!

The body is an amazing machine, and your immune system is in place to defend and protect itself from its environment which is filled with bacteria, toxins and viruses, not to mention regular everyday stresses that plague us all. They are all looking for a nice home to set up and have a housewarming party. They look for the weakness in your body and move in. When something is going on with you whether it is stress from work, home life or our economy, your body goes into the fight or flight mode, it is looking to protect itself. On guard all the time, ready to combat the enemy no matter who or what that may be. Your body is at attention ready to protect itself at any cost. That is what it is designed to do. So think about it, if your body is at attention at all times when does it get a chance to relax? Where is the vacation day? I mean, we take time off sometimes but do we really take it off? When was the last time you just sat outside with a glass of lemonade and watched the clouds. Ok, I know that has proved difficult here in the Pacific Northwest as of right now, but there are other ways to relax.

When you relax, really relax, your body goes into what’s called Parasympathetic mode and it is now ready to start looking at all the damage and the stress that toxins and viruses have caused. When you sleep or meditate or just lie still and calm yourself down your body takes that opportunity to access everything that is going on. So think about it when you are going continuously with out taking time for yourself, how and when is your body going to regroup and do what it needs to do to keep you healthy. We live in a world filled with places to be, people to see and things to do. When is it time for you?

Here is a short list of ways to help you stay healthy.

Regular massage: I know it sounds crazy that something so wonderful could be so healthy. But when you get a massage your body relaxes and gets into that parasympathetic state. So while you are cozy and relaxed on the massage table your body gets to work making repairs. Regular massage can mean anything from once a month to once a week. Talk to your massage therapist and come up with a plan that is right for you.

Eat healthy foods. I know, easier said then done right? But it really is important you eat the right foods to give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs in order to have the tools to keep you healthy. Seriously think of your body as a house, the right foods are the tools that will help fix that leaky roof or squeaky floor.

Drink a lot of water. We all know that we are supposed to drink 64 ounces of water a day but how many of us actually do it? I know this has been a struggle of mine for a long time. I am finally at a point where I do get 64 ounces in or more. I crave water now. I don’t drink much else other then coffee but I know I am doing good things for my body by getting in my water. Water helps flush any toxins you have residing in your body away. When you get a massage, you are usually told to drink water after. The reason is because massage increases your circulation and kind of stirs up your blood which can release some of these “toxins” into your system. So drinking water will help flush those “toxins” out of your system.

Detox yourself. There are many ways to help flush those toxins out of your system. It could be a hot bath with a mixture of sea salts, it could mean going into a steam room or sauna to sweat it out. It could also mean a wrap at your local spa, like our Seaweed Wrap which also sweats out toxins. Or even our ever popular Volcanic Hot Stone Massage. The heat from any of these treatments gets you sweating, therefore allowing the environment's toxins to escape your body.

Sleep is also a great way to stay healthy. Like with massage, when you are asleep your body is able to go into that parasympathetic state and repair any damage done. We all know that we should get a good 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. But how many of us actually do that? Many of us get much less sleep then we need, or we watch TV when we are trying to sleep. We have way too many distractions in our lives now what with computers and internet, television, Wii and Guitar Hero! Your body needs this time again to repair and fix itself.

Our bodies are amazing machines and we need to keep them happy in order for our bodies to take care of us. Stay healthy and you can do more. When you feel tired, don’t grab another cup of coffee, your body is telling you to slow down and take it easy for a while. Take a nap, book a massage or go watch the clouds roll by!

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sanddollarspa

What the heck is a Stone Massage?

2009.04.24 00:32:55

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “What is a stone Massage and how will having you rub me with rocks help me?” Hot stone therapy is growing in popularity not just because it feels great and is a very relaxing experience but because it really is an exceptional treatment that can help you in many ways. Not only does it relax your body but it also relaxes your mind.

First let me explain what I do in a stone massage; I use the stones as an extension of my hand. You will receive the same relaxing experience you have come to expect with a Swedish massage but have the added benefit of heat. I use the stones to massage your muscles and then I place them on specific pressure points on your body to help melt away tension and creating a calming atmosphere. This allows the heat to penetrate your muscles and relax them even further. As your muscles relax they allow me to get to the underlying and deeper muscles giving you a deeper massage without any of the pain or discomfort associated with a deep tissue massage. Insomnia and depression have been known to be very much lessened with Hot Stone Massage sessions because your mind is able to relax at the deepest level. Say goodbye to all of life’s annoyances, work, deadlines and the outside world.

Hot Stones have been used in many different countries from as early as 1500 BC in China. Native Americans used hot stones to release toxins, and clarify the mind. European cultures would place the stone on an injury for relief from the pain. Today Hot Stones are used in the same way and produces the same benefits. In just one session you will feel more relaxes, sleep better and have less muscle aches.

People suffering from the following Conditions are often treated with Hot Stone Massage:

Muscular aches and pains
Back Pain
MS
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Stress, Anxiety
Circulatory problems
Insomnia
Depression
Promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation
Improves circulation
Alleviates stress
Relieves pain
Improves circulation
Releases toxins

Hopefully this answers some of your questions about Hot Stone Massage. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me any time. Call me to book you Hot Stone Massage today!

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sanddollarspa

Lavender - Not just a pretty plant!

2009.04.16 00:41:15

Since it was discovered in the 1930’s by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse lavender has been known for its healing properties. But come on, how can a plant "heal" certain ailments? It's just a plant right?

I can say I've been right there with you, a skeptic. But I can also personally attest to the healing effects of lavender. Most recently I was suffering from a major headache, it was bad. I was on the couch in agony and had already tried all of the usual ways to decrease the pain, took some aspirin & was even drinking water as fast as I could get it down in hopes hydrating would help. But nothing did help. Finally my husband said, "Did you use any lavender?" Now if you knew my husband here is where you would laugh uncontrollably! He is the biggest skeptic known to family and friends yet here he is asking if I used any lavender. Embarrassed that I hadn’t thought of it I confessed that I didn’t and blamed that on the fact that I was in so much pain! So he kindly brought me my trusty lavender water spray. I shook the bottle and sprayed around my face and deeply inhaled the lovely scent. I did this about four times and then all of a sudden the pain was gone. Seriously, just like that! It was amazing!

I have been a true believer in the effects and healing properties of lavender for about 6 years now, but it does always take me by surprise when it works. For years I've kept lavender essential oil on hand mainly for burns. I'm a menace in the kitchen and get minor burns a lot! Call it the klutz in me! I've also been known to spray it at my children when they get a little rambunctious, helps to calm them down and relax them. Lavender was actually discovered by Gattefosse when he burned his hand in his laboratory and immersed it into some lavender oil. He began to study essential oils in more depth after being impressed at how quickly the burn healed.

Lavender can be used in many ways and has been known for helping with many ailments. Keep it on hand in a spray bottle or put a few drops of essential oil in some hot water and put a hand towel in there and wrap it around your neck then inhale deeply. For more ideas or to purchase lavender items please feel free to contact me.

A few of the ailments lavender can have a positive effect on are:

Cuts- Put a drop or two on cuts to cleanse the wound and clear bacteria as well as to stop bleeding
Scar tissue- to reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, add a few drops of oil to a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil and rub into affected area.
Bruising
Eczema
Headaches
Indigestion
Burns- including sunburns
Insect repellent
It is also calming and relaxing which can help you sleep better

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