There are a number of massage rules and other massage etiquette that should be considered both before and during a massage. We’re going to discuss how to prepare for a massage and the rules and etiquette so you can have that magical and calming experience you’re wanting.

What to Do Before a Massage

There are several things that you can do to prepare for your massage while your still at home and as you are about to start your massage. Also think about what kind of massage you want – scalp massage, full body massage, Swedish massage, face massage, hot stone massage, etc. At home you should remove any jewelry or clothing that may get in the way of the massage, such as watches or tight clothing. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before the massage to help flush out toxins and prepare your body for the massage. Practice safe hygiene for everyone involved and shower a few hours before your massage. You don’t want to shower right before you leave for it, but showing up clean is a sign of respect for your therapist and the massage space.

Start thinking about your comfort level for your massage and what you want to get out of your massage. For example, do you want a man or a woman to give you the massage. Or do you want to keep as much clothing on as possible.

As you prepare to go to your massage you want to arrive early. Show up a few minutes before your scheduled massage time to fill out any necessary paperwork and get settled in. Relax and take a few deep breaths and try to let go of any stress or tension. Lastly, before you go in for your massage you should use the restroom to avoid interruptions during the session.

Before you begin your session it is good massage etiquette to communicate your wants and needs for the session. Let the massage therapist know about any areas of concern or areas to avoid, as well as any medical conditions or allergies you may have. Also, inform the therapist of the pressure you prefer: If you prefer a lighter or stronger pressure, let your therapist know.

What to Wear For a Massage

For a traditional full-body massage you will typically disrobe and lie on a massage table covered by a sheet and blanket. The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being worked on, and will use oils or lotions to help with the massage strokes.

You could wear loose-fitting clothes that you’re comfortable in, and that you can also move easily in such as yoga pants and a tank top. If you prefer to disrobe, it is best to wear comfortable and breathable undergarments or no underwear at all. The massage therapist will provide you with a sheet or towel to drape over your body ensuring your modesty and comfort.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed during your massage so wear what makes you feel that way.

Do’s and Don’ts During Massage For a Better Experience

Massage Rules and Etiquette: What You Should Do During a Massage

1. Arrive On Time for Your Appointment

Arriving on time for a massage is important because it allows the therapist to start the session at the scheduled time and ensures that the full amount of time is available for the massage. Additionally, being late can disrupt the therapist’s schedule and negatively impact the experience for other clients. Furthermore, it is respectful to the therapist who have set aside that specific time slot for you.

2. Silence Your Phone and Be Present During the Massage

Silencing your phone during a massage is important because it helps create a peaceful and relaxing environment for both you and the therapist. The sounds and vibrations of a phone can be disruptive and can make it difficult for the therapist to concentrate on providing the best possible massage. Additionally, it can be distracting for you, making it harder for you to relax and fully enjoy the massage.

3. Follow the Therapist’s Instructions

It is important to follow a massage therapist’s instructions because they are trained professionals who have knowledge and expertise in the field of massage therapy. Following their instructions allows them to provide the best possible massage tailored to your specific needs, goals, and any medical conditions you may have. Additionally, following the therapist’s instructions can ensure your safety during the massage, such as avoiding certain positions or movements if you have an injury or medical condition.

4. Respect Your Massage Therapists Boundaries

Respecting a massage therapist’s boundaries is important because it helps create a safe and comfortable environment for both you and the therapist. Massage therapists are professionals and have a code of conduct to follow. Any violation of these boundaries can make them feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. Also, respecting the therapist’s boundaries can help maintain the integrity of the massage session allowing the therapist to focus on providing the best possible service and allowing you to relax and fully benefit from the massage. Furthermore, respecting the therapist’s boundaries helps to build trust and establish a positive relationship between the therapist and the client.

Let the Therapist Know if You Experience Any Pain or Discomfort During the Massage

This might seem somewhat obvious, but at the same time you’d be surprised how many people try to tough through the pain and don’t speak up. It’s important to let your massage therapist know if you have any pain or discomfort during a massage because it allows the therapist to adjust their technique and apply the appropriate pressure and techniques to provide the most effective and beneficial massage. It also helps the therapist to avoid any areas that may cause pain or discomfort and to work on areas that need more attention. Additionally, letting your therapist know if you have pain or discomfort can help to prevent injury or further aggravation of any existing conditions.

Massage Rules and Etiquette: What you Should Not Do During a Massage

1. Talking Excessively or Making Too Much Noise

It’s generally recommended to not talk or make too much noise during a massage because the quiet helps to create a peaceful and relaxing environment for both you and the therapist. Talking or making noise can be disruptive and can make it difficult for the therapist to concentrate on providing the best possible massage. A quiet environment also helps you to fully relax and enjoy the massage. A noisy room can be counterproductive to the goals of the massage which is to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It’s also respectful to the therapist and other clients in the room. It’s also worth noting that during a massage, therapists usually use some specific techniques that require silence in order to concentrate and to use the right pressure, so talking or making noise can interfere with the effectiveness of the massage.

2. Moving Around or Shifting Positions Excessively

Moving or shifting positions during a massage can disrupt the therapist’s flow and technique. It can also make it difficult for the therapist to maintain proper body mechanics which can lead to fatigue or injury. Additionally, staying in one position allows the therapist to work on specific areas of the body more effectively and can help to create a deeper state of relaxation. Furthermore, moving or shifting positions during a massage can also interrupt the therapist’s focus which can make the massage less effective. It is also important to communicate with your therapist if you feel uncomfortable or need to change positions so that the therapist can adjust their technique and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the massage.

3. Being Rude and Disrespectful or Making Inappropriate Requests or Comments

This is a big no-no. It isn’t appropriate to make inappropriate requests or comments or to generally be rude or disrespectful in any way during a massage. It can make the therapist feel uncomfortable and can ruin the therapeutic environment. Massage therapists are trained professionals who have boundaries, and any violation of these boundaries can be considered as sexual harassment if the comments go too far. The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client can deteriorate and can make the therapist uncomfortable to provide service in the future. It is important to remember that massage therapy is a professional service, and the therapist’s primary goal is to help clients relax and alleviate pain and tension. It’s important to respect the therapist and their boundaries, and to communicate any specific concerns or needs you may have in a professional and respectful manner.

4. Being Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

You shouldn’t show up to your massage appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can affect your ability to relax and fully benefit from the massage, and can also be potentially dangerous for both the therapist and the client. Being under the influence can affect your ability to communicate effectively with the therapist, and can also make it harder for the therapist to adjust their technique to your specific needs.

Also, being under the influence can also put you at a higher risk of injury, as your coordination and balance may be affected. Furthermore, it can create a hostile environment and can make the therapist uncomfortable as they may feel unsafe. It’s also important to note that many massage therapists will refuse service to clients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as it is a violation of their policies. It’s important to be in a clear state of mind, and to be sober in order to fully benefit from the massage.

5. Trying to Negotiate a Lower Price

When you get a massage you’re getting a service from a trained and skilled professional. It is not generally considered appropriate to try and negotiate a better price with a massage therapist. It can be seen as disrespectful to their professional services and training. Massage therapists typically set their prices based on factors such as their level of experience and the cost of running their business, and may not have flexibility to lower their prices. It is better to research and compare prices among different therapists and choose one that fits within your budget.

6. Arriving Late to an Appointment

Arriving late is against good massage etiquette and can be disrespectful to the therapist. It can disrupt their schedule and the schedule of other clients. It may also result in a shorter massage session for you as the therapist may need to end the session on time to be able to see their next client. Massage therapists typically plan their schedule carefully and arriving late can throw off their entire days schedule. We recommend arriving early to ensure that you receive the full amount of time for your massage and to be respectful of the therapist’s time and schedule.

Do You Tip Massage Therapists

Now that your session has come to an end you might be wondering if you should you tip a massage therapist. Tipping a massage therapist is not required, but it is customary to do so. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, and a way to acknowledge the time, effort, and skill of the massage therapist.

The standard tip tip etiquette for massage therapy is 15-20% of the total cost of the massage, similar to other service-based industries like restaurants or hair salons. However, it’s important to consider your own budget, the cost of the massage, and the level of service you received when deciding on an appropriate tip.

If you received excellent service, it would be appropriate to tip more. On the other hand, if you were not satisfied with the service, it’s not obligated to tip. It’s also worth noting that some spas or massage facilities include gratuity in the cost of the massage, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand.

Ultimately, tipping a massage therapist is a personal choice and should be based on your own satisfaction with the service you received.

Conclusion

Massage etiquette is a set of unwritten rules and norms that govern the behavior and conduct of clients during a massage session. This includes things like arriving on time, communicating effectively with the therapist, being respectful of the therapist’s professional boundaries, and following any instructions or guidelines provided by the therapist. Learning how to prepare for a massage is also important. It is important to be clean and prepared before the massage, and to be mindful of the therapist’s time and schedule during the session. Following these guidelines will help to ensure that the massage is a pleasant and beneficial experience for both you and the therapist.

The post How to Prepare For a Massage and Other Massage Etiquette and Rules appeared first on Calming Journey.

In some circumstance you may visit a chiropractor with massage therapy as an added benefit. It would depend on what’s troubling you as to which one you’d see first. Nowadays, you can also get a chiropractic massage. This is where you’ll combine chiropractors with massage therapy.

So let’s dive in to what massage therapists and chiropractors do so you know who to go see.

What Does A Chiropractor Do?

The primary focus of a chiropractor is to make adjustments to the neck, spine, and other skeletal systems in the body. Chiropractors will also work on hard tissue in the body. When the neck or spine encounters repetitive stress or traumatic injury causing misalignment a chiropractor can work to realign vertebrates or other skeletal systems. The goal is to reduce the restriction of joints which will increase mobility and help with any pain.

Another theory behind chiropractic treatments is that by properly aligning the spine your body will have a better ability to heal itself. Oftentimes, a patient might be recommended to a chiropractor before an evasive surgery is performed to correct an issue on the neck or back.

What Does A Massage Therapist Do?

Massage Therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissue in the body. Working these parts of the body has a lot of benefits from reducing stress to reducing pain and improving sleep. A massage therapist will focus on trigger points which are specific muscles or tissue which are tight or giving you aches and pains. You can also get a deep tissue massage where the therapist will use slow movements and heavy pressure to target specific muscles. If you just want to feel more relaxed you can get a Swedish massage where you’ll have increased blood flow and circulation.

A massage can be focused on all parts of the body. We tend to think of the back and shoulders, but you can also focus on the face, scalp, and even sinuses. Taking care of your body with the occasional massage has proven to be beneficial to help you look younger, feel better, and improve your overall health.

Massage Vs Chiropractor

For Neck Pain

There’s probably not a person reading this that hasn’t had some neck pain. We’ve all woken up to a stiff neck or turned our head quickly that caused a little tweak in the neck. The same goes for your back. We’v all lifted heavy objects or experienced soreness for some other reason in the back. But at what point should we go see someone?

If the pain doesn’t go away on it’s own after a few days then you should consider seeing a chiropractor first. That’s because chiropractors work with the spine and hard tissue which would be the primary causes for most ailments in the neck. They can make adjustments to the spine, if needed, and alleviate pain with anything from misaligned vertebrae to a pinched nerve in the neck.

For Shoulder Pain

A chiropractor can also help with some of your shoulder pains. If the pain is caused by joint restrictions than a chiropractor can help realign the joints in the shoulder. The main shoulder ailments a chiropractor can help with are:

• Dislocated Shoulder
• Frozen Shoulder
• Shoulder Bursae 
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Strains & Sprains
• Tendonitis

However, you may also benefit from a shoulder massage. The best massage for shoulder pain is a deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage. A good shoulder massage can help relive tension, stiffness, and pain. which can give you relief in that area.

For Upper Back Pain

Most upper back pain involves the spine. For this reason you’ll likely want to see a chiropractor first. Even though there are muscles in your back the muscles are largely surrounded by the spine. These muscles help to stabilize and move the spine. The upper back is the largest area of spine, and also connects to the rib cage making the area a very complex part of the body.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common cause of back problems. The fascia, which is connective tissue supporting the spine and skeletal system, is damaged causing pain in the upper back. Chiropractors can help to apply direct pressure on the pain trigger points to help make you feel better.

Although rare, you may also suffer from a thoracic disc herniation. However, a disc herniation in this area is usually very painful. A chiropractor is usually consulted before going the surgical route since this would be a more invasive surgery. Another thing to consider, which a chiropractor can consult you on, is ergonomic training for your upper back if something like posture is a part of the problem.

For Lower Back Pain

An estimated 85% of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some point that’s severe enough to see a doctor. The lower back takes on the most stress from heavy lifting, bending, and twisting when it comes to our daily activities and routine. Therefore, this is the area that is most frequently injured and causes the most ailments.

Chiropractic care is not only a good way to realign any slipped or herniated discs, but can also help to reduce swelling in the area. You’ll likely also see some improved mobility, range of motion, and flexibility after working with a chiropractor. With improvements in these areas along with feeling less pain you might also notice that the muscle tone and strength will also improve in the lower back. The reason for this is with less pain you will knowingly or unknowingly use your back more as part of your daily routine. So you the muscles will strengthen.

Massage And Chiropractic Together

What Is A Chiropractic Massage

You may be trying to figure out who to go see – chiropractor or massage first? Something to consider is getting a chiropractic massage. This is combining chiropractors with massage therapy. So what can a chiropractic massage do for you?

Well, combining chiropractors with massage therapy can have many positive benefits. The chiropractic portion of the session will focus on realigning the neck, spine, or skeletal systems that are causing the ailments. Hopefully, the joints that are restricted are set back into place relieving any pain you have. Once those adjustments are made the massage therapy can begin.

The massage therapy portion of the session will help all of the aches and soreness involving muscle and soft tissue. A major benefit that comes with getting a massage after a chiropractic adjustment is that blood flow will be increased to the skeletal system that was just corrected. This benefit will not only help you feel better in the short term, but could also help with less frequent adjustments needed in the long term.

Final Thoughts On A Massage Vs Chiropractor

Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether you should get a massage or see a chiropractor first. Each serves a different purpose. The chiropractor adjusts the skeletal systems, and a massage therapist will help with muscle and soft tissue.
Unless you knowingly have a specific issue related to the skeletal system or your muscles it might be beneficial to get a chiropractic massage. Combining chiropractors with massage therapy is showing to be beneficial.

Personally, I like more frequent massages as part of a routine. Through a massage you’ll have increased blood flow and other benefits to the body which can help reduce your visits to a chiropractor. I try to reduce chiropractic adjustments if I can. At times, I consider a massage to be a preemptive therapy to not need as many chiropractic adjustments.

The post Massage Vs Chiropractor: Which One Do You Need? appeared first on Calming Journey.

Most ailments that originate from the sinuses are ultimately caused by nasal congestion. Now, there are many reasons that cause the congestion to occur and we’ll cover a few of those topics. But you’ll find that massaging the sinuses can help relieve the congestion and pressure which is causing you discomfort or pain.

One thing to keep in mind is that, believe it or not, your body produces about 1.5 liters of mucus per day! Even though most of it is swallowed it’s still a continuous flow through your nasal passages. A sinus massage is a very good home remedy, but it’s still often a temporary relief. A sinus massage is also not a substitute for seeing a doctor, but it can help you with pain relief. You can repeat the massage throughout the day if symptoms reappear.

What Are Sinuses, Anyway?

Sinuses are a group of four paired air-filled spaces in the skull, lined with mucous membranes. They are located in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of the nose. The four pairs of sinuses are named the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. Their main function is to produce and move mucus, which helps to moisturize the inside of the nose and trap dust, bacteria, and other particles.

Your sinuses also help to reduce the weight of the skull, make the voice sound resonant and also help to insulate the brain from blows to the head. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain. Your sinuses also contribute to the strength of your skull and help the head to resist trauma. There are actually four series of sinus cavities in the human skull.

• Frontal sinus: located above the eyes within the frontal bone of the skull.
• Maxillary sinus: located beneath the eyes under the cheekbones within the maxilla bone of the face.
• Ethmoid sinus: located in the ethmoid bone separating the eyes from the nose.
• Sphenoid sinus: located in the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull.

A couple of things you can do to proactively help with nasal pressure and congestion.

• Purchase a HEPA filter to filter out allergens and toxins from the air
• Using a nasal rinse like NeilMed helps remove mucus, allergens, and toxins from the nasal cavity. It’s kind of like a car wash for the nose.
• Wear clothing made of cotton or other natural fibers instead of synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics can produce an electric charge which attracts pollen or other toxins.
• Regularly vacuum your home.

A Sinus Massage Can Relieve Many Common Ailments

Once you learn how to massage your sinuses you should start noticing some pretty immediate benefits. In fact, treating your face well with massages can have many benefits to your health. But with a focus on the sinuses let’s get into how a sinus massage can make you feel better, breathe better, sleep better, and even help your partner sleep better.

Massage Away Sinus Pressure, Congestion, And Headaches

If the lining of the ducts connecting the sinuses become blocked with mucus the sinuses might not be able to drain normally. This is the start of nasal congestion. As mucus continues to build up the pressure also starts to build up within the blocked sinus. A blockage and nasal congestion can lead to pressure building up quickly! So not only does the pressure in the sinus cause pain, but that buildup is what also leads to a sinus headache.

A gentle sinus massage can help open the sinuses back up and allow the mucus to drain. As a result, the drainage allows for pressure to be released in the sinus which will relieve the headache. The massage may need to be repeated a few times a day. But if you’re feeling the effects of sinus pressure, nasal congestion, or headaches than a massage is a quick and easy solution to try.

Relieve Pain From Toothaches

I feel like most people don’t think about sinus pressure causing a toothache unless they’ve actually experienced it. As sinus pressure builds from nasal congestion the sinuses also begin to swell. The swelling of the maxillary sinus, in particular, can apply pressure to the teeth below as the sinus begins to swell. Pain is most likely to occur to the upper rear teeth.

Knowledge on how to massage sinuses, especially, the maxillary sinus will give you the most benefit for a toothache. A sinus massage may help to relieve toothache pain by increasing blood flow and draining mucus from the sinus cavities. This can help to reduce pressure and inflammation in the affected area. To perform a sinus massage, apply gentle pressure with your fingers to the areas around your cheekbones and above your eyebrows, and massage in a circular motion. Once pressure is released from the sinus you should also see some relief from your toothache.

Sinus Massages Can Help Relieve Allergies

Those dreaded allergies! So many of us have them and so many of us will try anything to get rid of them. Allergies occur when the body is overloaded with stress, toxins, or outside elements our body decides it does not like. As a result, your body releases histamine which is our natural chemical to fight off the allergen.

Unfortunately, these histamines produce more mucus as a defense mechanism against the allergen. It sounds strange that the body produces something that makes us feel worse to try and also make us feel better.

With the increase in mucus the sinus cavities aren’t always capable of handling the increased mucus production. A sinus massage may help with allergies by promoting drainage of mucus from the sinus cavities, which can reduce pressure and inflammation in the affected area. Massaging the sinuses can also increase blood flow to the area, which can help to bring in more oxygen and white blood cells to fight off the allergens. Additionally, the massage can help to reduce muscle tension and pain caused by sinus inflammation. Like other causes of nasal congestion a sinus massage can help relax and open up the sinuses to help give you relief from the sinus pressure.

Stop Snoring And Sleep Better

In order to understand how a nasal massage helps with snoring we need to understand why we snore to begin with. The direct cause of snoring is the relaxation of muscles in the neck. But the underlying reason we snore goes a little bit deeper than that. Snoring is often the result of poor air flow so your body is working and breathing harder to compensate for the poor flow of air.

Massaging the sinuses, especially the ethmoid sinuses, can help open up the airways, reduce inflamation, and improve your breathing for better airflow to reduce snoring. Additionally, massaging the sinuses can also help to reduce muscle tension and pain caused by sinus inflammation, which may contribute to snoring. Performing this massage before you go to sleep can help alleviate some of that nuissance of a noise that impacts millions of people.

How To Massage The Four Different Sinus Cavities

1. Frontal Sinus Massage

The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead, above the eyes in the bones that form the brow ridge. They are the largest of the sinus cavities and are separated from one another by a thin bony partition called the intersinus septum. They are also connected to the nasal cavities via small openings called ostia. The frontal sinuses are the first pair of sinuses to develop in the human fetus and are the last to develop in the human adult. They are also the most variable in shape and size among the sinuses. The size and shape of the frontal sinuses can have an impact on sinusitis symptoms, as well as on the risk of sinus infections or other sinus-related conditions.

How To Massage The Frontal Sinuses

1. Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
2. Warm your hands up by rubbing them together. This generates heat which promotes healing.
3. Place your index fingers above your eyebrows and apply gentle pressure to the areas above your eyes.
4. Slowly massage your forehead in a circular motion working outward from the middle of your forehead to your temples for 30 seconds.
5. Move your fingers to the inner corner of your eyes, above the eyebrows and repeat the circular motion for 30 seconds.
6. You’ll only need to massage each area for about 30 seconds.

2. Ethmoid and Sphenoid Sinus Massage

The ethmoid sinuses are located in the ethmoid bone, which is between the eyes, just behind the nose. They are situated between the eyes and the nasal cavity and they are divided into several small cavities called labyrinths. They are located near the nasal cavity, and open into the nasal cavity through small openings called ostia. They are one of the most complex and variable sinus cavities, and are often involved in sinus infections and sinusitis, as well as other sinus-related conditions. Because of their location and the potential for serious complications, infections of the ethmoid sinuses often require prompt medical attention.

Meanwhile, the sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone, which is at the base of the skull, behind the ethmoid sinuses and between the eyes. They are not as well defined as other sinuses and are relatively small. They are located deep inside the head, behind the eyes and the nose, and in front of the brain. They open into the nasal cavity through small openings called ostia. The sphenoid sinuses are not as commonly affected by sinusitis as the other sinus cavities, but when they do become infected, the symptoms can be severe and the infection may spread to other areas of the head and face, such as the brain. Because of their location and the potential for serious complications, infections of the sphenoid sinuses often require prompt medical attention.

How To Massage The Sphenoid And Ethmoid Sinuses

1. Warm your hands up by rubbing them together to heat which promotes healing.
2. Find the area on the bridge of your nose between your nasal bone and the corner of the eyes with your index finger.
3. Firmly apply pressure on that spot for about 15 seconds.
4. Stroke downward along the bridge of your nose with your index finger for about 30 seconds.

3. Maxillary Sinus Massage

The maxillary sinuses are located in the maxillary bones, which are the largest of the facial bones, and form the upper jaw and the cheeks. They are the most frequently affected sinuses in sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. They are located behind the cheeks, above the upper teeth, and below the eyes. The sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity via small openings called ostia. They are the largest of the paranasal sinuses and are situated below the eye sockets. Maxillary sinusitis is a common condition that causes pain and pressure in the cheeks, upper teeth, and around the eyes, it can be a result of a cold, flu, or allergy, and can also be caused by a structural problem, such as a deviated septum or a polyp.

How To Massage The Maxillary Sinuses

1. Rub your hands together to warm them up to promote the healing process.
2. Place your index and middle fingers in the area above your teeth and below your cheekbone to the side of the nose.
3. Massage the area in a circular motion for about 30 seconds.

Tip: For stronger pressure you can also use your thumbs.

Final Thoughts On How To Massage Sinuses

Although a sinus massage may not be the cure-all to every ailment knowing how to massage sinuses can have a positive impact for a lot of people. In fact, there’s some debate among professionals as to how significant the benefits are. But for something that doesn’t cost anything it’s worth a shot to try a sinus massage and see if it works for you.

One of the key’s to success is to not give up if the massage doesn’t work for you the first time around. Sinus massages often need to be repeated throughout the day to have more of a lasting impact. The time investment for these massages is not very big so we suggest you stick with it for a little to see if you have benefits from the sinus massage.

If the pain is severe or you have a high fever you should skip the sinus massage and go see your doctor. These symptoms can mean that you have a sinus infection or another underlying issue so it’s best to play it safe and seek medical attention.

The post How To Massage Sinuses To Relieve Pain And Congestion appeared first on Calming Journey.

I started giving my wife a scalp massage years ago not even knowing all the positive effects that it had. We actually just called it a “head rub” or “head pets”. All I knew was that when I did give one she usually ended up falling asleep. We’ll go more into that in a little bit. But I never thought about the positive impacts other than that I knew it put her to sleep, and it also relaxed her and made her feel good. And by all means don’t think that I knew exactly what I was doing. Because I had no clue.

But sure enough, there’s actually a lot of reasons why a scalp massage promotes good health. Things that I initially never thought of beyond the obvious things like that it promotes relaxation and sleep. So let’s start off by talking about the two basic types massages that can be used for your scalp.

Two Basic Types Of Scalp Massages And Techniques

Effleurage

The effleurage movement is a french verb meaning “to stroke” or “skim over”. It’s a slow motion with a smooth and continuous stroke using the flat of the hand with the fingers held together. Although the fingers generally lead the massage the palm of the hand provides the most amount of pressure and is what the recipient should feel the most.

With an effleurage massage the movement is repeated several times over the same part of the scalp with outward and return strokes. In fact, this repetition has a large part to do with what provides relaxation to the recipient. Remember to keep the motion of the hands slow and consistent throughout the massage.

An effleurage massage not only works well for the scalp, but also works well for facial massages, also.

Petrissage

Although a petrissage massage technique covers a range of movements like kneading, skin rolling, wringing, and knuckling most of those aren’t really appropriate for a scalp massage. After all, most people wouldn’t want to go through a massage feeling like they’re getting punched in the head! However, there are techniques in a petrissage massage that can be used for the scalp.

The most common type of petrissage massage for the scalp would be the kneading and lifting of the scalp using your fingers. The recipient of the massage may actually like this technique more than effleurage because the petrissage will also provide a gentle stroking of the hair.

Scalp Massage Benefits

It’ll Do Wonders For Your Hair

Your hair and scalp is more complex than most people would think. I’m not a scientist, so I’ll let the scientists explain how your scalp works. But we do know that there are a lot of scalp massage benefits beyond what you might have originally thought. It’s more than just something that feels good so lets get right into it.

1. It Lubricates And Conditions The Scalp

If you’ve seen any shampoo commercials lately they often talk about a dry scalp, and how their shampoo or conditioner can help with a dry scalp. Well, one of the pay offs of a scalp massage is that it’s like a lubricator for the scalp. If desired, you can also add a massage oil to help lubricate the scalp and take care of any flakes or brittle hair.

Coconut oil is ideal for all hair types, but really helps with dry, damaged, or dull hair. It also helps with brittle hair or split ends.

2. Helps Strengthen The Roots Of The Hair And Prevent Hair Loss

Keeping your scalp lubricated is kind of like keeping your plant watered. The roots stay strong and the plant grows. Your hair and scalp works the same way when you keep your scalp lubricated. The roots of the hair stay strong and your hair will grow thicker and stronger.

3. Helps Soften And Condition The Hair

With healthy roots your hair will remain stronger and softer. And not only will the existing hair be stronger, but the scalp massage will also promote the growth of new hair.

4. Spreads Natural Oils Of The Hair

We’ve talked about adding some oil to the hair when you massage your scalp. But the goal is to help keep your hair naturally oily. Natural oil is created in the sebaceous glands and distributed through the hair during a scalp massage. As these natural oils are spread your hair will start looking more vibrant and lustrous.

5. Improves Resilience Of The Hair

Now that we’ve helped build nice and strong hair (if you didn’t already have it) we can help keep the hair strong and resilient. A consistent scalp massage is kind of like keeping your car oiled and maintained. With proper maintenance your hair will be less prone to damage and will help to prevent hair loss like we mentioned earlier.

6. Can Help Thicken And Regrow Hair

Believe it or not, massaging the scalp can help thicken and regrow hair and is recommended for those with slow hair growth. Some oils are recommended to aid in this process although it is beneficial. The living hair follicles get stretched and stimulated to produce thicker hair.

If your primary goal for starting a scalp massage is to regrow hair you might want someone else to monitor the growth and take pictures. When we look in the mirror we can only see our head and hair from certain angles. Getting someone else involved and taking pictures will give a more objective look at your progress.

Plus All The Other Scalp Massage Benefits…

7. Reduces Stress

This scalp massage benefit is similar to what you get from other massages. A scalp massage feels good and helps to keep you relaxed. As you become more relaxed the body naturally starts to release tensions from stress. The good news is that this reduction of stress doesn’t end when the massage ends. It carries forward as the body continues to be relaxed well after the massage ends

8. Improves Your Mood

This is a continuation of the stress reduction and tension release. Add in the fact that it should have felt good you should naturally be in a better mood after you receive a scalp massage.

9. Improves Blood Circulation

The increase of blood flow is common with body massages. But did you realize that it’s important to increase blood circulation to your scalp? With an increased blood flow to the scalp after even a 4 minute scalp massage you’ll increase enough blood flow to the area to help the hair follicles remain healthy. As a result, this again will promote healthy hair and the regrowth of any hair if it has been lost.

10. Scalp Massages Reduces Muscle Tension Throughout The Head

A scalp massage will help you feel relaxed and release tension. But it’ll also ease muscle tension throughout your head and neck as the nerves on the skins surface get stimulated. There’s a lot of muscles in the scalp, and some of those muscles lead down to the face and neck. So as you massage the scalp muscles that lead to other parts of the body are also impacted in a positive way.

11. Natural Remedy For Migraines And Headaches

When a lot of us get headaches we start to naturally rub our heads to help ease the pain. It’s usually a targeted approach for pain relief. The pain relief comes as a culmination of increasing blood circulation to the area, and the sensation which helps the body to relax and naturally fight the headache.

12. Helps Balance The Nervous System

We now know that the scalp and head has lots of nerve endings. As the sensory receptors fire from the scalp massage that information is passed along the nerve pathways between the brain and down through the spinal chord. As a result, a balance between the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system.

When the systems are unbalanced the body tends to remain in fight or flight mode with an increased level of stress. So if your a Star Wars fan you might say you want there to be a “balance in the force”.

13. Improves Sleep And Your Immune System

A large part of this benefit comes from the body becoming relaxed during the massage. This is especially beneficial if you’re encountering stress and have other things on your mind. As the body and brain becomes more relaxed and comfortable drowsiness sets in and sleep is likely to follow.

Like other scalp massage benefits the promotion of sleep doesn’t end right after the massage. If the body and mind are more relaxed than you might find it easier to fall asleep days after you received your last massage.

Your immune system also improves as you begin to sleep better. With proper sleep your immune system grows stronger and will even do a better job of preventing and fighting off colds and viruses.

How To Give Yourself A Scalp Massage

We talked a lot about scalp massages, and the implication was that someone else would be giving the scalp massage. But can you give yourself a scalp massage? You bet! You can give yourself a scalp massage and still gain all the rewards we mentioned before including stimulating hair growth.

Here’s how to give yourself a s scalp massage

1. Let’s set the mood first. Find a relaxing place to sit preferably in a room that has dimmer light. Put your phone away or at least turn it on silent. If you wish you could even listen to some calming music.
2. Run your fingers through your hair from front to back in a straight motion using the tips of your fingers. This is the petrissage style we talked about earlier.
3. After a couple of minutes transition from the straight motion to a circular motion. You’ll want to make small circular motions as you work your hands from the front to the back of the scalp.
4. After another couple of motions you’ll want to repeat steps 2 and 3, but now you’ll start at the back of the head and work your way forward from the back to the front of the scalp.
5. Now we transition to the sides of the scalp. Start above the ear making circular motions with your finger tips, and work your way to the back of the head. You don’t want to end up at the back of your neck though. The massage should continue to the side of your neck.
6. Place the palms of your hands on top of your head and rub back and forth. This is now the effleurage motion discussed at the beginning.
7. We’re going to finish up by rubbing behind the ears with the finger tips in a circular motion.

Using an oil for the massage will also be beneficial when giving yourself a massage.

Other Ways To Give Yourself A Scalp Massage

There’s also a lot of technology that can aid you in giving yourself a scalp massage. If you purchase a scalp massager it’ll allow you to relax a little bit more. A lot of these aids are very inexpensive and won’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts On Scalp Massage Benefits

Making a scalp massage part of your routine will have a very positive impact for your overall health. It’ll not only prevent hair loss but will even promote hair growth. If you tend to get an itchy scalp you’ll also find relief from the itch and flakes. But the scalp massage benefits don’t stop with what it can do for your hair.

For most people, you should find yourself a little less stressed and could even sleep better at night. We hope you decide to try it because the impacts should be all positive.

The post 13 Scalp Massage Benefits To Start Making It A Routine appeared first on Calming Journey.

Imagine this. You’re in complete anticipation of getting a wonderful massage. Even the thought of it feels relaxing. The time for your massage comes and you see the massage table and the calming look of it relaxes you even more. The anticipation and build up of excitement is now turning into a little bit of adrenaline for the massage to begin. You get on the massage table, and then you go from tremendous excitement to feeling utter disappointment. The reason is because you’re now on massage table sheets that just don’t feel good.

If you’re a massage therapist then you really need to take your linens and covers into consideration. Especially, since the price of a quality set of sheets is not very expensive.

We’re going to review the 5 best massage table sheets that will provide the ultimate comfort for your massage. Let’s face it – sheets matter. Even if it’s a facial massage and not a full body massage. You’re body is supposed to relax and unwind and your mind is supposed to become a little more worry free.

A massage is very sensory experience. Every touch matters, whether it’s another persons hands and how pressure is applied or your comfort on the sheets right through to the comfort of the massage table itself. You might be on the best massage table pad, but since that’s not your direct contact for the skin then it’s not as helpful.

Top Picks If You’re In A Hurry…

3 PC Flannel Massage Table Sheet Set – Saloniture

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3 PC Microfiber Massage Table Sheet Set – Saloniture

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Massage Table Sheet Set with Blanket – Saloniture

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Microfiber Flat Sheet – NRG

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Tranquility Microfiber Massage Sheet Set – Body Linen

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Best Massage Table Sheets

1. 3 PC Flannel Massage Table Sheet Set – Saloniture

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• Double-brushed 100% cotton flannel provide a lavish and comfortable experience.
• Fits a standard size massage table well.
• Better price and quality from Saloniture than other competitors.
• The sheets are thick, incredibly soft, and have some weight to them so they stay in place.
• Can be cleaned in the washing machine and the sheets wash well (also see negatives on this).

• There’s no fitted sheet. Only two flat sheets.
• If you’re in warm weather without A/C the flannel may make you or your client hot.
• There have been reports of pilling and shedding when washing in the washing machine. However, most of the feedback from users is that these wash well. This feedback is common for all flannel sheets.

Saloniture is known for producing high-quality massage equipment and supplies. This is a great set of flannel massage table linens, especially, for the cost. It’s our top pick and the best massage table sheets you can buy for the money. If you choose this set of sheets the expectation is that the sheets will not only live up to your expectations but surpass your expectations. They’re soft, comfortable, and should be easy to clean in the washing machine.

2. 3 PC Microfiber Massage Table Sheet Set – Saloniture

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• 100% ultra-light microfiber material.
• Great feel against the skin.
• Fast-drying, stain-resistant and wrinkle-resistant.
• Perfect linens for summer or winter weather.
• Holds up to many wash cycles.
• Doesn’t easily stain when using oils or lotions.

• Might have some wrinkles and static electricity after drying.

This set is our top pick and we consider these the best massage table sheets when it comes to the microfiber material. This set of sheets fits a standard massage table well, and doesn’t tend to stain easily.

3. Massage Table Sheet Set with Blanket – Saloniture

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• Autumn motif sets a great mood for a massage.
• Fits a standard size massage table well and includes a fitted sheet.
• Doesn’t easily stain when using oils or lotions.
• The covers are thick, incredibly soft, and have some weight to them so they stay in place.
• Linens can be cleaned in the washing machine and the sheets wash well (also see negatives on this).

• If you’re in warm weather without A/C the flannel may make you or your client hot.
• There have been reports of pilling and shedding when washing in the washing machine. However, most of the feedback from users is that these wash well. This feedback is common for all flannel sheets.

These massage table linens are a lot like the first set of flanel sheets that we mentioned. But with an added fleece blanket and awesome autumn colors it’s hard not to mention this beautiful set of sheets, as well.

4. Microfiber Flat Sheet – NRG

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• These massage table sheets feel like silk and are really smooth!
• Multiple colors available to mix and match colors and room settings.
• Doesn’t easily stain when using oils or lotions.
• Perfect for insulating heat and providing warmth in cold climates.
• Can be cleaned in the washing machine and the sheets wash well.
• Microfiber sheets can be washed up to three times more than traditional cotton or flannel sheets and they dry quicker.

• A fitted sheet is not included in the set.
• These are sheets only and without a face hole in any of the sheets.

We think that you’ll love these microfiber massage table sheets from NPG. What prevents these sheets from being our top pick? It’s really only because that a fitted sheet is not included with the set. Also, there is no face hold in any of the sheets. Although they still work well with massage tables it’s not the perfect set of sheets for a massage table.

5. Tranquility Microfiber Massage Sheet Set – Body Linen

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• Tranquility Microfiber Massage Sheet Sets offer a supremely smooth and dry feel, with maximum breathability.
• Thickness is rated 125 GSM, bringing just the right amount of lightweight durability.
• Microfiber can be washed more than cotton sheets.

• The material tends to stain more than other microfiber sheets.
• The fit is not as good as other sets.
• The sheets are thinner than others on our list.

This set of microfiber massage table sheets from Body Linen are among the best, but didn’t quite make the top of our list. Body Linen is a well resepected company, but with questionable sheet sizes and fit issues along with a tendency to stain more we had to move this set further down the list.

Final Thoughts On The Best Massage Table Sheets

The sheets that go on your massage table are critical when it comes to the overall experience of a massage. The best sheets need to be comfortable, not prone to staining, and also be easily cleaned for repeated uses. Whether you’re looking for a flannel sheet or thinner sheets that feel like silk we hope we were able to provide the perfect sheets for your massage table.

As a therapist, it’s important that you make your clients as comfortable as possible. The price you pay for a good set of linens is well worth the money for your clients comfort.

The post 5 Best Massage Table Sheets For Ultimate Comfort appeared first on Calming Journey.

When most of us think of a massage we think of laying on a comfortable table with warm sheets in a wonderful spa setting. A masseuse will come in and completely soothe our stress away. The massage, most commonly a body massage, takes us into a state of relaxation and all of our aches and worries seem to drift away. But how often have you thought about getting a facial? For most people, seeking out a facial is not very common. Yest there are many face massage benefits you might not have been aware of?.

Your face has muscles in it like other parts of the body we massage. In fact, we have over 40 muscles in our face! So it actually makes sense to get a facial and treat our face as we would with other parts of our body. There are a lot of techniques to getting a facial, and you can even give yourself a face massage. So let’s dive into the techniques, face massage benefits, and how it can help you look beautiful and feel better. And it’s not just about beauty. There are many positive impacts to your health!

How To Give Yourself A Face Massage

The video below is a great instructional on the techniques to giving yourself a facial. You don’t need to go to a spa and see a professional! One of the best things you can do is to follow some simple techniques and give yourself a facial when you need to relax.

You’ll want to apply an oil or cream as a lubricator, and apply a gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips. One area you definitely won’t want to ignore is your cheeks and jawline. That’s where we hold the most stress, and massaging this area will help to detoxify and relax your skin. Also, you might want to separately perform a sinus massage for any sort of nasal pressure or congestion.

As you work your way up the face to your eyes you’ll want to use the ring finger to massage the eye area. Using only one finger will help you massage the more sensitive areas around your eyes. Believe it or not, it’s important that you use the ring finger. This finger allows you to massage with a softer touch, and the angle of the finger to areas of the eye gives more of a “head on” approach to the massage. You don’t want to feel like you’re bending your wrist or fingers abnormally during the massage.

Once you reach the forehead you should try some light tapping in addition to rubbing and massaging. This tapping promotes blood circulation and cell turnover in the forehead area. This would be similar to raindrops on your forehead.

Products Shown In The Video

CLINIQUE CLEANSING BALM-/3.8OZ

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Carrot Butter Cleanser

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Una Brennan Vitamin Super Facialist Cleansing Oil

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DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

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Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Serum

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NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum

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Relieves Stress And Tension

You might have known that this would be one of the face massage benefits. Unfortunately, the face is often ignored when it comes to the world of massages. Most times we target other areas of the body such as the back or shoulders. But actually, we tend to hold most of our stress above our shoulders.

That’s right. A lot of our stress is held in our jaw and brow. Relieving stress and tension in the face can also proactively help prevent that stress from trickling to other areas of the body. Think of it as if you were to change the oil on your car before your car started running hot which than caused the engine to seize.

Increases Blood Circulation

Let’s also explain how and why a facial can increase blood circulation. There are many factors now that impact the health of our skin. External factors such as makeup, air pollution, air travel, smoking, and other elements not mentioned can all have an impact. Not to mention that many of us don’t get the 7-9 hours of sleep we should get every night.

By ignoring your face the skin might begin to look puffy and pale over time. There are lymph nodes beneath the skins surface, and a face massage will help to flush out liquids which will help reduce puffiness and make the skin look younger. Oxygenated blood and nutrients will also increase helping to lead to healthy and beautiful skin.

You’ll Look Younger With Better Skin

Prepare to inject some beauty into your life! If you’re younger in life than a face massage will help you look younger longer. If you’re a little bit older a facial will help make you look younger because of the multiple benefits to your skin.

Reduces Wrinkles

Building on our previous comments on how a facial improves the skin we now can say that it also reduces wrinkles. In fact, it’s the best way to prevent wrinkles and keep your skin looking beautiful. The increased blood circulation helps reduce wrinkles, but wrinkles also develop from the frequent tightening of facial muscles.

Did you know that the tightening of muscles also develop from stress? So by treating your face well the occasional massage will help relax those tight muscles and minimize the lines and wrinkles in your face. Facial massages would be a big contributor to making you look younger.

The reduction of wrinkles was one of the face massage benefits. But you’d also find that your face will look less puffy, as mentioned before, and a brighter skin tone. This is also due to increased blood flow and oxygen to your face.

A Natural Face Lift

One of the other face massage benefits is that the massage will increase collagen. So getting a facial is kind of like a natural face lift. Collagen is a natural protein that maintains your skin’s elasticity, That elasticity is what helps keep our skin tight and looking beautiful. Therefore, the production of collagen will also help reduce wrinkles and retain moisture in the skin.

By stimulating collagen growth and preventing its breakdown, facial massages can help your skin appear younger longer.

Reduce Acne And Rosacea

However, there are additional benefits of a facial massage than reducing wrinkles. Because a massage can help open up the pores in your skin you could also see a reduction in acne. And although the medical field isn’t exactly sure what causes rosacea, facial massages have been known to help the symptoms of rosacea.

Eliminates Toxins

We mentioned earlier that our environmental surroundings have a pretty big impact on our skin. These toxins can build up on the skin and have an impact on the condition of your skin. But don’t think that it’s just the environment that causes toxins for your skin.

The beauty products most women, and some men, use can also cause toxins in the skin if they’re used excessively. In fact, there is an entire industry surrounded by products that claim to help detoxify your skin. Luckily, all of those products might not be necessary.

Cleanses and detox products don’t actually do much to eliminate the toxins in your skin. They can remove dirt from your skin, but don’t actually remove toxins from the bloodstream. Actually, most toxins aren’t generally poisonous and the human body does a remarkable job of removing the toxins on it’s own.

A face massage can help release these toxins from your skin and bloodstream. A massage causes chemicals to be released within the body, which will bring the toxins out of your muscles. During a massage electrical signals in the body go to the area being massaged and all around the body. This natural reaction helps release toxins through the lymphatic system.

Final Thoughts On Face Massage Benefits

A face massage is another way you can maintain a happier and healthier body and mind. In fact, I think we were able to link a lot of benefits together where the face massage benefits are all related in some way or another. A nice facial massage can help make you look younger, feel better, and feel beautiful.

One of the best parts is that you can give yourself a facial at home. You don’t need to spend the money to go see a professional masseuse in a spa. Personally, I enjoy massages more in the comfort of my own home with my spouse. It also helps create a connection between us. So in my mind there’s no need to go to a spa and see a professional.

The post 7 Face Massage Benefits You Didn’t Know About appeared first on Calming Journey.