Massage: More Than Just Feeling Good

Massage offers many more benefits than the ones about which we already know: relaxing the muscles, stretching, removing toxins.  One of the greatest benefits of massage is that which cannot always be so quantified.  There is great value and power in touch.  When people connect through touch, they share an energy and connection that is mutually beneficial.  Massage therapy may make you more alert and lessen symptoms of depression such as fatigue and irritability, according to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. “The healing power of touch extends across the life span,” says the Institute’s Tiffany Field, Ph.D., “from helping babies grow and children concentrate at school to decreasing chronic illnesses and disease.”  

Individuals can benefit from the power of touch through something as simple as a hug from a good friend or a friendly pat on the shoulder.  Other benefits, of course, come from regular massage therapy from a professional therapist.  Many therapists have experience in many modalities of touch and energy therapy, and working with someone who performs their therapy from an energetic perspective can help people to re-connect with their bodies, reduce stress, and greatly enhance sense of well-being.  By putting the body in a positive energy state, it can effect healing on its' own as well as open up the body to more traditional forms of healing.  Find out for yourself what true power touch can have in your life.

This holiday season, give the gift of health to yourself or to loved ones.... For a limited time, purchase a gift certificate for any of the following services at a reduced fee*:
Massage Therapy
Relaxation Training
Personal Training
Sports Conditioning
Nutrition Coaching
Weight Management Groups
Self-Esteem Groups
Parent Coaching

*Individual certificate = $75
Couples certificate = $150
Receive $20 off of your session for referring a new client

The Truth About Self-Care

You probably know, deep down, that taking care of yourself is important… But do you know what “taking care of yourself” looks like? You may say that caring for yourself means exercising, eating well, not smoking, etc.  And yes, self care does refer to these physical components. Taking care of one’s body involves regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular medical care.

But self-care is more than that. It also includes emotional wellness – an awareness of your feelings, an ability to express those feelings, and an ability to cope with your emotions. How does this relate to self-care? Well, where do you think your emotions go if you don’t identify and express them? Do they go away? Think about it. Have you ever noticed that even when you’ve “forgotten” something that has made you sad, that memory comes rushing back the next time you are sad? Or that when you are angry at someone, you can recall all of the other people who have done you wrong? For better or worse, emotions don’t just disappear; if you don’t deal with them, they live inside of your body. Taking care of your emotions is just as important in taking care of yourself as getting a good night’s sleep.

With the stressful holiday season fast approaching, it is tempting to put self-care on the back burner. But during this time of year, self-care is more important than ever. Not only are there more demands on your time, but emotions may be heightened. Practices such as listening to your body, setting healthy boundaries, and being aware of internal negative messages can help you get through this season in a much healthier way. If you don’t take care of yourself this season, who will?

The Staff at Total Health Concepts

www.TotalHealthConcepts.net