By encouraging the muscles to relax and the circulation to improve, massage can help in the management and prevention of migraine, headache and fatigue, can speed recovery from injury and reduce ailments often related to anxiety such as poor sleep and digestive problems.
Communication is the key to getting the best massage possible. Whatever their training or specialties, a good therapist will tailor his or her treatment to the specific needs and wishes of their client. Talented, devoted and experienced they may be, but mind-readers they aren't, hence why the therapist will likely ask a number of questions about your health, click here family and lifestyle during your initial visit.
Massage may be an inappropriate treatment for some conditions, so always tell your therapist if you have osteoporosis, a heart condition, very high or low blood pressure or blood clots. Blood borne illnesses should also be mentioned so the therapist can act accordingly. If you are suffering from cancer, seek the advice of your oncologist before proceeding with massage therapy.
Less serious ailments, such as veruccas, warts and Athlete's Foot, wounds or skin conditions such as eczema should be pointed out so the therapist can avoid them if necessary. Also tell him or her if you have a fever or the chills; this could be the start of an illness and they will advise accordingly.
Your therapist will likely ask you if you have any allergies. This is especially important in massage, as nut oils such as Sweet Almond Oil are often used but can be simply traded for another oil if the client has a nut allergy. Many therapists use non-nut oils routinely to avoid this issue. Don't forget herbs and spices; as well as being used in techniques from the East, such as Indonesian and Ayurvedic massage, plant oils are habitually used in Aromatherapy, tailored, of course, to the client's condition and wishes.
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, it's important you tell your therapist. If pregnancy has been established, it's advisable to say how far into the pregnancy you are when booking your appointment. Most massage therapists learn about pregnancy during their training, and some specialise in pregnancy massage. As well as offering mums-to-be a chance to relax during this demanding time, pregnancy-specific massage helps manage the ailments and issues common during pregnancy such as fluid retention, morning sickness and poor sleep.
Don't feel you have to keep quiet during your massage. Though massage is usually deeply relaxing, and you may not feel the urge to chat, that doesn't mean you need suffer in silence. If you are too warm, catching a draft, or need to use the bathroom, tell your therapist; massage is meant to be enjoyable and beneficial, not a test of endurance!
The same goes for the depth of your massage, especially when visiting a therapist for the first time. The therapist may have an idea of whether you're enjoying the treatment from your muscle tone and expression, but nothing beats verbal communication. Tell them if the pressure they're using is too light or too strong, or whether they've got 'the spot' - and don't wait to tell them after the treatment!
If you're unsure of whether you'll need to come back, or how often you should book treatment for your condition, simply ask; you're paying to see an expert after all.
People often ask if they can drive or go straight back to work after their massage treatment. Given that clients occasionally leave the therapy room with something of a dazed expression, it's advisable to proceed with a little caution. If you schedule a massage in the middle of a working day, go for a shorter treatment, such as a 20-minute Head, Neck and Shoulders massage. Tell your therapist so she or he can incorporate some energising strokes into the end of their routine, and give yourself at least 10 minutes to adjust before heading back into the bustle of work.
As massage helps release toxins from the body, it is normal to feel a little tired after a session, and even more so if the body is working harder to support pregnancy or help recovery after injury or illness. Whatever your condition or the length or style of your treatment, always drink plenty of water to help the body flush the toxins from your system.
"Try and schedule your appointment so you don't have anything stressful immediately afterwards," advises Harumi Josifek, a massage therapist. "I often say to my clients, 'After this massage, please go and spoil yourself'. Often, the period after the massage is as important as the massage itself."
Destination luxury spas resorts all over the world offer getaways that fit both your relaxation and entertainment needs. Luxury destination spas can be found in areas nestled in beautiful surroundings for optimal self indulgence from the view to the amenities.
In Sedona, Arizona for example, resort destination spas are a plenty and offer a view of the mystic Sedona red rocks along with a mind/body spiritual feeling that Sedona has become known for. Any itinerary that includes Sedona should also include a trip to one of their healing spas, whether it's a resort stay, a weekend indulgence or a spa day visit full of massages, body rejuvenation, and aromatherapy.
More Than Massage
These days luxury destination spay getaways are much more than visiting the massage center. With more and more resorts offering spa-themed stays that include everything from the spa experience to hiking and mind and body renewal offerings, spa visitors are making these treks a top pick for annual vacations.
You can awake to a swim with natural waterfalls, play tennis, golf, eat a taste bud tempting lunch or visit the fitness centers in these destination spas. Top dollar linens and robes can be found at these destination spas along with smells of lavender and vanilla to help you find mind peace while you are given massages such as Reiki, deep tissue massages and even neuromuscular massages.
With candles and aromatherapy abundant, these themed resorts all are designed with calming massage centers that boast plush carpets, quiet hallways, and individual massage rooms that are full of mellow hues to enhance your spa experience.
Unique Seminars and Inner Exploration
Because destination spas have become so popular all over the world, most offer unique seminars such as how to cook and eat healthy, exploring your inner self with all sorts of topics, and retreats of inner exploration. Chances are if there is a self-help category you have always been interested in, a luxury spa resort can fill your need and desires.
With every serene surrounding, no matter what country or state, you can bet to find a day spa, a spa luxury resort or destination spa-themed hotel. The word "relaxing" is back in vacation methodology and running from tourist site to tourist site or taking those long site seeing trips is on the back burner these days when it comes to getaways.
Individual attention is key at these luxurious resorts, and every amenity, from the spa to the fitness center to the events offered to the delicious dining experiences, are planned and re-visited often to keep visitors coming back. Quality chefs from all over the world prepare top of the line meals, and wine selections are exceptional at every luxury destination spa or resort.
Choosing the luxury destination spa that is right for your needs is as easy as refining your Internet browsing search. If you are all about massage only or fitness and massage, you can find spas dedicated just to those needs, or ones that boast everything from manicures, pedicures and whole body comforts. If you are about hiking, golf, and renewal, there's a spa that will fit your needs.
No matter what type of luxury spa destination getaway you plan, you will find one enveloped in a serene and peaceful area full of natural surroundings that make you want to go back again and again.