This holiday season, relax! You deserve it and it takes less time than you think. Here are some suggestions from our Licensed Massage Therapist Melissa.
- Acupuncture Treatments
I have personally used Acupuncture to help reduce my stress and anxiety. Acupuncture treatments vary depending on your symptoms. In conjunction with Acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be used to manage stress levels. Whitney and Natasha specialize in stress reduction and emotional support. They work with you to balance your body and emotions to help reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression and promote your emotional health. You are taught methods that you can use at home to continue your treatment and manage your stress.
- Massage Therapy
Benefits of massage therapy include relief of tension, reduction of stress, relief of anxiety, improvement of sleep, and promotion of relaxation throughout the entire body. My favorite and most common style of massage is Swedish. I use long, gliding, and kneading strokes with a light to medium pressure depending on the client’s preference. I also can combine gentle stretching and movement of the joints with the massage session.
My favorite enhancement is Hot Stone Massage! The techniques follow the same ideals of Swedish Massage with the addition of heated stones. The heated stones help lead to a deeper relaxation. In addition to enhancing relaxation, it helps clients suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain. Hot stones help relieve muscle tension and pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote sleep. They may help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and boost immunity!
- Hot Neck Wrap
A great way to decompress is by placing a warm wrap around your neck and shoulders for 5 to 10 minutes. The heat can help decrease muscle spasms, reduce neck stiffness, and increase blood flow. Adding aromatherapy, such as Lavender essential oil, can help enhance relaxation and produce an overall calming effect.
- Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom Salt is used to treat various forms of pain and musculoskeletal conditions. When exposed to water, the salts break down into magnesium and sulfate, and these get soaked into your body through your skin. When used in a hot bath, they can ease the pain of arthritis, body aches, fibromyalgia, muscle fatigue, soreness, and insomnia. I recommend soaking for 10-15 minutes for 1-2 times a week. You can find Epsom Salt at your local grocery store.
- Deep Breathing Exercises
Taking 5-10 minutes per day to meditate or deep breath can help ease anxiety. Sit in a calm and quiet place with no electronic devices, and focus on your breath.
- Hot Tea
Enjoy a cup of hot herbal tea to wind down at the end of your day. In the clinic, we like Gaia Sleep and Relax Tea. It has a calming blend of Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile to promote a sense of calm and prepare the body for a good night’s sleep.
I hope these tips help to reduce your stress this Holiday Season!
Melissa Danielson LMT # 23113