Couple massage and self care

Valentines Day is right around the corner lets talk about couples massage and why it's a most this year! When you think of couples massage what comes to mind? Bonding? Relaxation?  A couples massage is a great way for you and your partner to take a time out from your busy schedules and practice self care together while spending time together.  Self care is so important in a relationship because as we all know if you aren't function at your best you can't really give anything back into a relationship.  Massage helps reduce stress and lets your body take a time out and recharge your body.  Doing this together with your partner can help bond you together in a healthy way.  Another benefit with doing a couples massage is usually spas do added bonuses or packages with the purchase of 2 massages.  I don't know about you but I love getting deals on massage services.  At the spa I work for we add on complimentary hot stone and essential oil to every couples massage, so don't forget to ask if they offer any specials. Now that we know it's a great self care benefit what do you do when you get there right ? Well a couples massage is the same as any other massage except you are in the same room together.  If you want to talk to each other I always say it personal preference but please keep it light and no arguing please (trust me it has happened not fun for the therapists or the couple).  The great benefit is you can bond without talking.  If you aren't feeling the Valentines Day love and aren't with anyone special know you can always do a mother/daughter massage cause it doesn't have to be with a significant other.  Either way look into the great self care benefits and discount benefits a couple massage can offer this Valentines Day!

Tips for after a massage

Here are some post massage self care tips that will help you get the most out of your massage:

1. Drink lots of water for the next 48 hours! This is the most important thing you can do so if this is the only thing you do,  do this. I just want plain old water nothing added in and tea and or coffee definitely don't count. So I am so serious drink your water!!
2. Drink water, did I say that already?
3. Eat light after a massage and into the next day. Massage helps with digestion so you don't want to overload it with heavy foods such as meat and diary. You should though eat light throughout the next day so definitely don't forget to eat.
4. Take it easy, don't overload your body. If you normally work out that should be fine just don't overdue lifting with weights and or cardio. A nice walk or light run should not cause an issue.
5. Pay attention to how your body is feeling after the massage and adjust cordially. Some may need to ice after if the therapist was working deeper into the muscles. A good rule of thumb for ice is 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off depending on discomfort.
6. Stretching your body the day after a massage can also be a good idea if you are experiencing soreness. I love using a foam roller or tennis ball or the stick to help aid in the stretching process.  Here are a couple links I suggest checking out if you are new to these types of helpful aides or have never heard of them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3nnOGAfdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFMjp_JSO7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-7CXAHxfY


These tips seem pretty basic but they are important for your body after a massage. Everyone reacts different to massage but following these simple tips will help you get the most out of your massage.

New Year New Cupping

The new year is upon us again and like every year people are making resolutions. I have been a cupping therapist for 4 years now and I think it should be on everyone's list this year. Cupping like massage therapy has many healthy benefits and helps aid with chronic issues. Cupping has been around for centuries, yes even before Michael Phelps made it very popular in the Olympics a couple years ago. Cupping uses cups placed with suction there are several different ways this is done but most are glass or silicone cups. Before trying out cupping this year there are a few things one should know:

1. It should not be painful
As massage therapists we aim to make your session as comfortable as possible so if you feel any discomfort during your session let the therapist know. The cups are placed on the skin with suction so we can adjust the pressure on the cup to make sure comfort level is tolerable. I always say you will feel pressure but should never feel pain.
2. Marks on the skin
You could possibly be left with markings on the skin which is completely normal. Whether the therapist is leaving them stationary or massaging with them, cupping can leave red circle markings or streaking on the skin for a couple weeks depending on the person. This is just from things being brought up to the surface whether from old injuries or chronic
. This is why drinking a lot of water is very important after a cupping session so you can flush it out of your system.
3. After care
Besides drinking a lot of water you should take it easy for the next day or two depending on how you feel. Everyone reacts different to cupping some maybe a little sore while others may feel no effect. A woman I recently did cupping on had severe pain after the treatment but the next day her hip pain was dramatically better so it all just depends on the individual.

These three things are just basic guidelines to help you feel comfortable with getting a cupping massage. If you don't like the idea of massage being part of it cupping can also be done by leaving the cups stationary in one area with the same great benefits. Whether you want to get rid of a chronic issue or just relax for the year before I think cupping is something you should add to your 2018.