Massage: for Mind, Body and Immune System?

The holiday season is quickly approaching and many stores have already begun to promote their holiday products.  All too soon people will be rushing to finish their holiday shopping and asking where the time went.  On top of that people are expected to attend holiday parties where they are likely to (over)indulge in hearty foods, rich desserts and festive cocktails.  All this activity and potential for stress, coupled with the cold weather can wreak havoc on your immune system; and as everyone knows with the holiday season comes cold and flu season.   

 

Everybody has their own “home remedy” for the common cold or flu, most commonly upping your vitamin C intake, eating chicken soup or taking herbal supplements.  But why bother treating the symptoms when you could prevent the illness in the first place?  There are many things you can do to protect yourself from everyday illnesses; things as simple as getting more sleep, increasing the amount of exercise you participate in, disinfecting hands and surfaces regularly and reducing the amount of stress in your daily life.  The latter may be easier said than done, but taking some time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of the season could be more beneficial than you think. 

Massage therapy stimulates relaxation and the reduction of stress and anxiety; many people also attribute a positive change in their sleeping habits to regular massage therapy sessions.  The mentally and physically therapeutic benefits of massage are widely known, and have been for years.  In more recent years studies have been done on the healing benefits of massage, specifically the benefits to the immune system.

The immune system’s purpose is to detect a wide variety of agents within the body and distinguish them from its own healthy tissues.  A controlled study recently determined that the physical stimulation provided through massage increases the body’s natural production of the hormone oxytocin and reduces the production of the adrenocorticotropic hormone.  Put simply, massage increases the body’s natural production of a “feel good” hormones and cells that boost the immune system and reduces the production of an anxiety or stress related hormone.  By having regular massage therapy sessions, you can assist your body in its process of natural protection and healing by boosting your immune system. 

Many people don’t realize one of the body’s natural healing processes is the fever; by raising its core temperature it increases the production and release of white blood cells into the blood stream, and slows the growth of bacteria and viruses.  Some people believe that steam therapy can be used as an “artificial fever” and stop a common illness before it starts.  Although it does not have quite the same widespread natural effects within the body, it does bring a form of relief to most people.  For everyone to benefit from any sort of treatment thought it is best to get it before you get sick.  Who knows, by doing so you might never get sick!  

A Chill in the Air

As it does every year, fall has crept up on us once again.  The leaves are changing colour and falling, sunlight is getting harder to come by and kids are anxiously looking forward to showing off their Halloween costumes (and getting their hands on some candy!).  To help you ease into the changing season and fight the chills, we’re putting on a special offer!  For the month of November you can receive a half hour steam and one hour reflexology session for $10 off of regular price – only $65!  Contact Academy Massage to book your session today!  

The Results Are In…

Over the years we have been asked many different questions about massage; how we know how much pressure to apply, does everyone fall asleep and should I reschedule if I haven’t shaved my legs!? (Don’t worry ladies; we've all seen leg hair before!).  We also get asked a lot of questions about massage techniques and massage etiquette.  After raking our brains, polling the staff and crumpling up and throwing  away list after list, we have compiled a (final) list of the top five questions we are asked most! 

1.       Will my insurance cover my massage without a note from my doctor?

Plan coverage and policy differs by provider, in most cases a note is not needed for a percentage of the massage cost to be covered.  Prior to booking your massage it’s a good idea to check your insurance plan’s policy on the matter.  We do offer direct billing for several different providers and our full time receptionists are always here to answer your questions.

2.       I have been suffering from back and neck pain; will massage therapy help with my pain?

All of our massage therapists will complete an in-depth assessment prior to any treatment being performed.  This is done to ensure the best course of treatment possible is discussed with you and followed so that you can focus on relaxing and healing.  Clients always tell us they feel a great sense of relief after receiving treatment.

3.       What do I wear during a massage? 

Your comfort level is our guide.  Some clients choose to keep their undergarments on, while other clients are comfortable with just the draped sheet.  Again, your comfort level is our guide; at no time should you feel uncomfortable or over exposed.  If you do feel this way tell your massage therapist and they will do all they can to remedy the situation. 

4.       Can I receive a massage if I've been diagnosed with cancer?

Yes!  If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or are in remission, please request to be matched up with one of our therapists who are specifically trained to treat your specific needs.  Our massage therapists are constantly learning and educating themselves on new techniques and procedures in the massage therapy industry and stay up to date with the latest therapeutic treatments.  

5.       Do I tip the massage therapist?

Massage therapists receive over 2200 hours of training in anatomy and physiology so they can better understand how your works body and what it needs to relax and heal itself.  A monetary tip is never expected by any of our therapists.  The best tip you can give a massage therapist is to tip off your friends and family to the excellent experience you had!

If your question wasn't answered here you can check out our FAQ page.  If you still can’t find the answer, you can reach us on Facebook, Twitter or through our contact form; or pick up the phone and give us a call, we’re always here to help!

Fall into a New Routine

Image courtesy of Gualberto107 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

From the time we were six or seven, we have been taught that September means a new start – almost like a “second new years”.  It signifies the time of year when you notice a change in the weather, the plants and trees and the world around you.  It’s also “back to school season”. 

Whether it’s your first day as a teacher or a student, back to school is a stressful experience.  As a student new to post-secondary it can be overwhelming navigating your way through residence and a different school, finding all your classes and taking everything in.  As a teacher trying to remember the names of all the kids in your class can be staggering, meeting new staff or even adapting to living in a new city can be a nightmare.  Adjusting to a grueling new school routine can be difficult; don’t let stress be a part of it.  Make massage a part of your new routine.

Back to school means many new post-secondary students are getting their first taste of “The Real World” they have heard about for years.  This can mean different first time experiences, including juggling time between school and work, balancing expenses, paying bills and dealing with insurance companies for the first time.  Some post-secondary organizations offer students the option to purchase affordable health insurance for the duration of their academic career.  Several students don’t realize this opportunity is available to them and as a result never take full advantage of it.  This health coverage often covers products and services such as prescriptions, eye exams, dental work, physiotherapy and even massage therapy! 

Swedish massage, also known as “relaxation massage” is a common “introductory” technique for people who are new to massage.  It is well known for its relaxation benefits, as it uses variations of an assortment of different styles of strokes to relieve the targeted muscles.  Different massage therapists will use different techniques, depending on their style and what they are trying to accomplish, but generally all use varying forms of sliding or gliding strokes - often in the direction of the heart, kneading and circular movements.

Teachers, parents and students alike know the stresses that can come from “back to school”.  By taking the time to relax and recharge, you are better prepared to deal with any task that may come your way.  Academy Massage offers gift cards, for that person in your life who never seems to take the time to pamper themselves.  They will perform up to a half hour long massage for children and hour long massages for teenagers, with a parent present.  Academy Massage also offers direct billing services to eligible clients with approval from their insurance provider and doctor’s prescriptions in applicable circumstances.  They will direct bill to most major health benefit providers, including Great West Life, Blue Cross and Chamber of Commerce.  Contact Academy Massage today to help your family, friends and those around you reap the benefits of regular massage!      

Academy Massage – Good as Gold on September 4th, 2013!

On Wednesday, September 4^th Academy Massage will be taking part in the Courage Rocks On awareness campaign.  Courage Rocks On is a local grassroots movement to raise awareness about Ewing’s Sarcoma.  They are not asking for donations, they simply want to help people educate themselves and enable them to spot the symptoms and early warning signs that are often brushed off as “nothing”.

Come down to 561 Academy Road between 9:00 am-9:00 pm and ask any of the staff members wearing a Courage Rocks On t-shirt for more details about Ewing’s Sarcoma and be entered in a draw!