Essential oils enjoy the soothing effects of aromatherapy treatments

It’s probably just a matter of weeks, until the buds on the tree branches plump up, and new leaves burst forth in celebration of the spring season. All manner of scents will abound, as the earth warms and all things grow. And we’ll gulp great breaths of fresh air ,as we head out down the sidewalk.

Academy Massage Therapy aromatherapy is a bit like that, but the difference is -aromatherapy treatments are available throughout the entire year!

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing and a feeling of well being and relaxation, a practice which was in large measure refined by the ancient Egyptians. These oils have been used in many cultures throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits.

Essential oils are the highly concentrated version of the natural oils in plants. These oils are “essential” in the sense that they contain the essence of a plant’s fragrance, the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which the oil is derived.

Following are some commonly used oils and their main benefits:

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender is one of the most calming oils. It has a wonderful floral fragrance, which many people appreciate. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. It is also believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites.

LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemon has a refreshing and soothing aroma nearly identical to the freshly peeled fruit. It comes from a cold-press process of extracting the oils from the lemon rind, not the inner fruit. Lemon oil is popular for its refreshing scent and invigorating, purifying properties. Research shows that lemon oil contains powerful antioxidants, helps reduce inflammation, boosts energy levels and eases digestion.

ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL
This essential oil has a strong, fresh scent. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to strengthen memory. It is thought that its numerous other benefits include - reducing joint pain, easing stress, increasing circulation, stimulating hair growth and generally perking you up. NOTE: You are to avoid this essential oil during pregnancy, or if you suffer from epilepsy or hypertension. Also, do not use it if you are taking homeopathic medicines.

CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Chamomile oil has a warm, fruity aroma that is used for relaxing and calming both the mind and the body. While the leaves of the plant are widely used as a bed time tea, which helps you get a good sleep, the oil is credited with an ability to reduce inflammation, relieve depression, anxiety and insomnia, soothe muscle cramps, as well as symptoms of PMS and menopause.

There are several ways of applying essential oils, including adding the oils to your bath, or inhaling them, however, the most popular and effective way is through massage.

Talk to our front counter staff to find out more about aromatherapy treatments at Academy Massage. Or if you would like to have a more in-depth consultation and treatment - book an hour and a half Tuesday or Wednesday morning session, with one of our registered massage therapists (RMTs) to discuss the benefits of this treatment choice, and then have an aromatherapy centered massage.

Wishing you the fragrance of a new spring!

Much love,
Academy Massage Therapy

Active kids benefit from kids massage

According to the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association - soccer is the most popular youth sport in the city of Winnipeg, involving more than 9,000 league players ages 9 to 18, and more than twice that number in mini-soccer for children ages 3 to 8.

And believe it or not, soccer runs year round in Winnipeg - outdoors May to October, and indoors October to March.

Whether it’s soccer, skipping rope or skateboarding - spring and summer seasons are filled with all kinds of activities for children and youth. Some of these activities are supervised, and other activities consist of just tearing around and having great fun in the sun.

No matter how carefully you keep your eyes on your children, grandchildren or kiddletts who have no relation to you at all - there’s bound to be bumps, twists and falls.

“At Academy Massage Therapy we have targeted massage treatments for children and youth who have sports and recreation related needs,” says Debby Mackenzie, AMT owner.

Massage therapy treatment for children can:

• assist in recovery from, as well as prevention of injury
• decrease muscle tension and increase range of motion
• improve the quality of sleep, upping both energy, and concentration.

“At Academy Massage Therapy parents or guardians and their children under the age of 12 are in the same room for the child’s treatment session. In fact, the parent and the child may also both receive massage treatments are the same time!” Debby adds.

“In addition to treatment in the immediate to help your child through a sports or recreational mishap, also consider a schedule of regular massage therapy sessions, to help set the course for an active summer,” she also suggests.

Talk to us about our preventative and healing therapy treatments provided by our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs).

Please note, most insurance plans include coverage for children.

Here’s to all we’re going to do this spring and summer!

Much love,
Academy Massage Therapy

Reflexology -a step towards wellbeing

Feet - at first glance, they’re our body’s great stabilizers. But they’re also much more than something to stand on, walk on or squeeze into fancy dress shoes.

If you’re a reflexologist - each foot reflects the vertical half of a body - so, for example, the left foot corresponds to the muscles, organs and valves on the left side, and the same is true for the relation of the right foot to the right side of the body.

“In reflexology theory, points and areas on the feet, hands and ears correspond to specific organs, bones and body systems. Practitioners access these points on the feet and hands (bottom, sides, and top) and the ears (both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside) to affect organs and systems throughout the entire body,” explains a University of Minnesota website titled “Taking Charge of your Health & Wellbeing” in a section on reflexology https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reflexology-points

Theories surrounding reflexology date back as far as pictographs in Egyptian tombs, and images on the feet of Buddhas in India.

In 1000 BC a Chinese medical publication featured a chapter on “Examining Foot Method” that discussed the connection of life force to points and areas of the feet.

Marco Polo introduced Europe to reflexology and massage in the 1300's with the translation of a Chinese book on reflexology, and “Zone Therapy” was published in Europe in 1582.

Today the World Health Organization recognizes reflexology as one of the fastest growing therapy treatments in North America.

The particular reflexology application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet, hands and ears is believed to:
• stimulate nerve function
• boost circulation
• increase energy
• eliminate toxins
• prevent migraines
• promote deep relaxation

Think that a reflexology treatment is just the right thing to add to your regular Academy Massage Therapy treatments? Or have never had a therapy treatment, but are intrigued by reflexology, and have decide to jump in with both feet? Then book an appointment with us. Like you, we recognize that our feet are made for much more than just walking!

Much love,
Academy Massage Therapy

Sports Massage let us run with your active lifestyle!

The sidewalks are pretty much dry.
The grassy areas still have mucky and mushy patches.
And for most people, their toes are excited. Spring has arrived!

If it’s your thing, it’s time to go for a walk, head out on a hike, or continue your prep for the annual Manitoba Marathon, which this year is scheduled for Sunday, June 16.

One of the ways you can support your do it for you activities this year - is with a regular Sport Performance Massage or Maintenance Sports Massage from Academy Massage Therapy.

What are these two different types of massage treatments all about?

Sport Performance Massage
• is the application of techniques designed to provide relief from repetitive movements.
These techniques are best described as moving deeper and providing more stimulation than those used in Swedish Massage
- this treatment has been found to be extremely useful in enhancing day-of performance.

Maintenance Sports Massage
- facilitates muscle recovery using passive and active stretching with focused deep tissue massage. As the name suggests - best results are achieved through ongoing regularly scheduled massage treatments.

Overall the benefits of Sports Massage as listed on the closingthegap.ca website include:

• improving range of motion and flexibility
• reducing muscle and joint pain caused by athletic activity
• promoting tissue repair and muscle balance
• enhancing overall performance
• speeding recovery times
• preventing sports-related injuries

Want a bit more information about Sports Massage? Speak to our knowledgeable front desk staff, or schedule a consult/massage therapy session - a 1 1/2 hour session best booked between 9 am and 1 pm on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.

Talk to your RMT about your activity goals, and work out a regular Sport Massage plan which complements your own activities.

We’re here to help you - do it for you!

Lots of love,
Academy Massage Therapy