Keep yourself warm and healthy in winter with massage therapy

winter

Winter is coming quickly whether you like it or not. You have been wishing for it since mid- July, but now that the reality of Winter is around the corner. Winters are beautiful, but they bring along severe and prolonged health issues such as chronic colds, sore throats, asthma, dry skin etc. Often it becomes very challenging to combat these issues and maintain good health during winter season.

Taking time out to relax in the serenity of The Spa can increase your oxytocin levels and help to ward off the ‘winter blues’. Exfoliating treatment at the spa will not only renew your skin but will also help your skin to produce natural moisture. Massage therapy is proven to stabilize the collagen in your skin and also helps maintain your skin’s elasticity.

Beat the winter blues

Studies have shown that massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and it can help to slow your heart rate and bring your blood pressure down. Even breathing calmly for 5 minutes while you are in the Steam room, steam can bring stress relief. Spa treatments can help ease the pain of arthritis and other conditions during the colder weather.

Regular massage therapy treatments help boost the immune system. When your immune system is stronger, your body is more prepared to defend itself against those cold and flu viruses going around your workplace, school or even your home during the winter months.. So keep yourself healthy during the long winter months by scheduling regular massage appointments.

Massage Assists in Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a prevalent component in today’s fast-paced world which can negatively impact on an individual’s health and well-being.  The constant stress actually becomes “distress — a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.

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Massage therapy is a proven, non-invasive way to reduce chronic stress levels in the body. Research has shown that massage can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphins, your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Serotonin and dopamine are also released through massage, and the result is a feeling of calm relaxation that makes chronic or habitual as well as acute or short-term stress much easier to overcome. Clinical studies show that even a single 1 ½-hour session can significantly lower your heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.

 

Massage Assists in Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Taking care of your body should be at the top of your priorities. Stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy. It’s also a key component for anyone trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle.  By adding therapeutic massage to your routine now, you’ll feel, look and simply be healthier far into the future. In fact, stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind.

Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backwards

Does stress send you into a spiral of eating anything and everything that’s loaded in sugar or fat like ice cream or chips?

If so, you’re not alone.

 

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A recent Huffington Post survey of US adults found that almost everyone (91%) say they experience some level of stress in their life while 77% say that they’re regularly stressed out. Nearly half of these who said they’re stressed eat more as a response. .During times of stress, we often turn to traditional “comfort” foods such as macaroni and cheese, pizza, and ice cream. Ironically,

High-fat foods are usually the worst possible choices because they can make us feel lethargic and less able to deal with stress. Not only that, but stress can drive up our blood pressure and raise serum cholesterol levels, wreaking havoc on our arteries and increasing our risk of heart attack. If you don’t implement healthier ways to cope with your emotional needs, it will become increasingly harder to maintain a healthy weight.

 

So how can we prevent ourselves from going too far?

  • High-fiber, carbohydrate-rich foods: Low-fat, high-fiber, carbohydrate-rich meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables.Scientists believe carbohydrates cause the brain to produce more serotonin, a hormone that relaxes us. And lots of fiber is helpful in preventing late-night binging.
  • Fruits and vegetables:Chronic stress can weaken our ability to fight disease. By upping our intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, we can boost our immune system
  • Have a glass of water: Then decide if you still “need” to eat.
  • Just WAIT: When you’re reaching for ice cream, chips or a cookie, think WAIT, which stands for what am I thinking? In most cases, just thinking WAIT will help you realize that you aren’t physically hungry but you’re feeding your emotions.

Last but not the least; massage at your favourite spa can work as a perfect panacea for any stress. So next time you feel stressed, make it as hedonistic as a dessert!