Elements Therapeutic Massage - East Longmeadow

Five Steps to Making a Difference in Your Community

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:11:00 -0500

Before you pull out your checkbook and write another donation check to a national organization this year, it may be beneficial to look first at local volunteer opportunities that will positively affect those living in your neighborhood and the greater good of your community.

With so many local and national non-profit organizations available to choose from, it may seem like a lot of effort at first to find an organization that will be a good fit for you both personally and professionally. By simply following the five steps below you will be on your way to making a difference in your community.

Step One: Pinpoint Your Top Interests
Whether you are passionate about rescuing animals, helping the homeless, providing services for women and children or volunteering at schools, the first step is to find a non-profit that matches your interests. If you aren’t sure about what interests you, start by making a list of your three favorite activities or things to do. Use this initial list to pinpoint your top interest to focus on. Or, if you already know your top passion, move full-speed ahead in finding an organization that matches your passion.

Step Two: Do Some Research
A lot of non-profits are so busy focusing on helping others that they may fly under the radar in regard to advertising and getting the word out about their organization. An initial online search can be an easy first step to uncovering and vetting organizations. I also suggest leveraging the resources at your Chamber of Commerce to make initial connections within your community, as well as reading community bulletin boards to get a finger on the pulse of your city.

Step Three: Reach Out to Your Networks
The most meaningful and fulfilling community service projects are the ones that have a personal connection.

Step Four: Make a Realistic Commitment
Whether you have weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly availability to get involved in the community, be honest to yourself and your charity about the time you have available to help. Also, it’s important to remember that making an initial appointment with an organization doesn’t mean you’re committing to that organization. These are just fact-finding meetings to gather more information and decide whether it’s a good fit for you and the organization.

Step Five: Start Making a Difference Today
Start today by taking the first step toward doing something great for your community. It may sound like a lot of effort at first. But focus on keeping it simple and taking one step at a time to start making a difference. And remember, when you aren’t focused on yourself, you can get so much more out of your life.

Therapist Thursday: "What's the best piece of advice you ever got from your Mom?”

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:54:00 -0500

It's "Therapist Thursday", and we're paying homage to Mom.

This week's question was “What’s the best piece of advice you ever got from your Mom?" I posed this question to my team yesterday, and received many different and some funny responses. We'd love to hear from our clients on the timeless advice they've received from Mom throughout the years.

Here is what my team had to say:

1. Do not rush to grow up.

~ Ida

2. Education is the best investment.

~ Katerina

3. Don't make the same mistakes I made. Be creative! Make your own.

~ Abbi

4. The golden rule: treat others the way you would want to be treated.

~ Andrea

5. Back when I was a freshman in college, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can say without a doubt that it was the hardest moment of my life -- my mom is my world. Despite the chaos and the chemo and the constant barrage of radiation and doctors visits, my mother stood firm. She told me, "Sam, life is an adventure and sometimes you just have to go along for the ride." I do and thankfully, 12 years later, she does too.

~ Samantha

6. To be honest, it was simply her whiskey sour recipe.

~ Jamie

We are upping the ante once again for this weekend's Mother's Day holiday...we will post this question on our Facebook page today. You could win a FREE 3-pak of 55-minute massages to use or giveaway as gift cards. Here are the 3 ways to win:

1. Post your answer to this week's question on our FB page (you must 'like' our page)

2. Post a comment on our blog

3. Come in or click on our website and purchase one of our Mother's Day gift card specials (www.elementsmassage.com/eastlongmeadow)

Best of luck, and above all else, thanks Mom...

Therapist Thursday: "What’s the best thing I can do to get a good night’s sleep?”

Thu, 02 May 2013 06:45:00 -0500

We continue on with our weekly blog post called "Therapist Thursdays".

This week's question was “What’s the best thing I can do to get a good night’s sleep?" I posed this question to my team yesterday, and received an overwhelming response.

Here is what they had to say;

1. Eat a light dinner, don't watch tv and stretch before lying down for the night.

~ Ida

2. Sleeping is when your brain and body rest. Truly rest. It is usually the only time in a day that you will actually lay down. Work on turning everything off. And remember, that "Game of Thrones" episode you missed will still be there in the morning.

~ Patty

3. Use a sleep mask. Even the light from your alarm clock can be enough to disrupt REM cycles.

~ Abbi

4. Avoid caffine in the afternoon and evening; stay active, and take time out to meditate or unwind without tv, internet, or mobile devices prior to laying down each night.

~ Andrea

5. I find that exercise, especially in the sun outside helps me sleep.

~ Katerina

6. Sleep in a slightly cool room. Also, no big meals at night :)

~ Jennie

7. Meditation and listening to soft relaxing music always works for me.

~ Hideko

We are upping the ante...we will post this question on our Facebook page today. Submit your answer and have a chance to win a FREE 55-minute massage to use during the month of May!

Best of luck, and happy sleeping...

Therapist Thursday: "How can I take better care of my hands?”

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:01:00 -0500

We continue on with our weekly blog post called "Therapist Thursdays".

This week's question was “How can I take better care of my hands?" I posed this question to my team yesterday.

Here is what they had to say;

1. I use my hands in everything: cooking, cleaning, building, painting, gardening, stacking wood, art, massage. For a lack of a better phrase, I am a hands-on kind of girl. Because I don't pamper them, I think that makes all the difference. I let them face good, bad and everything in between. I feel like if I pampered them and watched out for them it would make them more prone to injury... or make them less used to it and capable of handling a sprain here or a bruise there. They constantly are stretched, moved, and worked. They are the best extension of me and let me do everything I love!

~ Samantha

2. Before and after work you should stretch them. Check out good stretching and strengthening techniques at sportsinjuryclinic.net. If sore after work put them in ice water. It is very soothing. Do this for about 1-5 minutes to reduce swelling.

~ Carolyn

Engage in conversation with us on Facebook or Twitter and mention this week's topic for a chance to win our free upgrade for the week. The upgrade is your choice of free hot stones or extend a 55-minute massage to 80-minutes.

Good luck!

Therapist Thursday: "What are some ways to reduce stress while driving?”

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:10:00 -0500

We continue on with our weekly blog post called "Therapist Thursdays".

This week's question was “What are some ways to reduce stress while driving?" This seems to be a hot topic since I received an overwhelming response from my team.

Here is what they had to say;

1. Driving is tough especially when you are running late to your destination. Give yourself extra time when you can and don't tailgate. ~ Carolyn

2. My favorite thing to do is sing. Sing to the person who just cut you off. Sing to the fact that you are going to be late for work no matter what shortcuts you take. Sing! Roll those windows up and have at it! By the time you reach your destination you will feel much better. ~ Patty

3. Plan your trip. If you are driving an unfamiliar route, pre-program your GPS or look over a Google map. ~ Jamie

4. Leave yourself plenty of time, and plan on hitting traffic or getting caught behind a school bus. ~ Ellen

5. Ahh, the benefits of proper breathing to enrich the body with oxygen. Just take little short breaths throughout the day. Simply take in a deep breath through the nose slowly, then release from the mouth throughout your drive. This is a relaxation technique I used on my way to massage school daily. ~ Mark

6. I listen to soft, relaxing music to keep my mind right. ~ Ida

Good luck!

Therapist Thursday: "What stresses you out most about tax season?”

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:16:00 -0500

Today marks the third week of our Therapist Thursdays.

This week's question was “What stresses you out most about tax season?" Taxes can cause stress for many people, including those whose job is to provide stress relief for people (our wonderful massage therapists).

Here are 2 answers from my team and one from myself as well:

1. Paying to have them done for me and not getting my full return.

~Carolyn

2. The slight chance of getting audited when I submit my family taxes without any paid guidance.

~Mark

3. Not getting a return at all, and having to pay good ol' Uncle Sam.

~John

Good luck!

Therapist Thursday: What are some of the not-so-common benefits of getting a regular massage?

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:03:00 -0500

Today is the second blog entry for Therapist Thursdays.

This week's question was “What are some of the not-so-common benefits of getting a regular massage?"

Here are 3 different answers from my team:

1. With massage therapy, pre-term infants have improved their weight gain.

~Jennie

2. Massage helps with the prevention and breaking down of scar tissue.

~Linda

3. Massage therapy provides a boost to the immune system - possibly from reduced stress and flushing out toxins from the body.

~Andrea

Good luck!

Our First Therapist Thursday: Engage w/ the Team & Win Upgrades

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:03:00 -0500

Today marks the beginning of our Therapist Thursdays! This week's question was “What are some simple stretches you can do at work?”

Here are 3 different answers from my team:

1. Simply, from a standing position with knees locked or slightly bent try to touch toes or at least knees then shins then toes as a goal. Perform two times a day, hold for 20-30 seconds.This stretch immediately helps to stretch the lower back and hamstrings. Best done during the day or evening.

~Mark

2. Back in my office days, I did the following at least once an hour to help keep me from getting overly tight working at a computer:

Knitting the fingers together and stretching the arms forward, palms out. Then slowly raising the arms overhead.
Crossing the arms over the body, using the opposite hand to hug the arm closer to the chest.
Grabbing each side of a door frame at shoulder height and stretching the torso forward.

~Samantha

3. Simple neck stretches: turning right and left, leaning the head right and left, chin to the chest, head tilted back. Repeat 5 times.

~Linda

Introducing...Therapist Thursdays: Starts Tomorrow!

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:10:00 -0500

To highlight the expertise and personalities of Elements' amazing therapists and increase engagement with clients, we're introducing “Therapist Thursdays” online.

The basic concept is pretty straightforward:

1. I pose a wellness question to my team, and get up to 3 different answers that directly help you increase your overall wellness.
2. I post the responses on the studio blog.
3. I promote the blog post through our social media platforms [Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn].
4. As always, discussion and additional questions from you are encouraged.
5. Let's keep the conversation going!

The question for March 28th is "What are some simple stretches you can do at work?"

Be sure to check our social media sites and blog for the answers!

~JLP

Meditation: Worth 15 Minutes Every Day

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:07:00 -0500

Meditation is a wellness practice that has been in existence for centuries, and continues to prove that the mind is a powerful tool to heal, inspire and guide human beings.

Ideally, one would meditate for at least 10-15 minutes immediately after waking in the morning, obviously without distraction. If this requires you to wake 15 minutes earlier than usual, I strongly urge you to make that time a priority in your life. It is well worth it.

Check out the 21-day meditation challenge put forth by Deepak Chopra here: https://www.chopracentermeditation.com/Bestsellers/LandingPage.aspx?BookId=178

Easy and quick meditations go a long way to help you get your head on straight each day and tackle the obstacles that are surely waiting for you.

Today's message: "I am one with the breath of life". This is a simple reminder to breathe consciously and recognize that air is your life, nurture the breathing process and slow down every now and then.

Priceless advise if you ask me.

~JP

1-10 Lifestyle Change Scale...Start Making Progress Today!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:58:00 -0500

As Spring weather approaches, many of us often think about making healthier lifestyle choices, and perhaps even revisiting the failed and forgotten resolutions that were attempted 90 days ago.

One powerful and impactful lesson regarding making these changes is to learn the 1-10 scale of goal setting reality. This concept states that you must ask yourself the following question when trying to make a change: "On a scale of 1-10, 1 being that I am not able to make this change, 10 being that I am committed to making this change and it will happen quickly, where am I?"

If you are anything less than an 8, then the change is too big or daunting. At that point, you must strip down this big goal to a smaller, more realistic version. For example, if your goal is to take a vitamin each day with your breakfast, and you are honestly struggling to do this, start with a 10 goal such as simply buying the vitamins. Don't worry about taking them yet, just obtaining them. Once you obtain them, then start with taking a vitamin just one day with breakfast. This pattern continues on, and before you know, 90 days later you've made a lifestyle change that is permanent.

By being honest with yourself, as well as setting small 10 goals that you can accomplish, you will make the positive and permanent changes you seek this Spring.

Go Green This St. Patrick's Day w/ Watercress Salad

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:50:00 -0600

Check out this amazingly tasty and nutritious watercress salad recipe for a healthy alternative for St. Patrick's Day.

Avocado and Watercress Salad

Ingredients:

1/4 cup rice vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot (or sweet onion)
4 teaspoons tamari soy sauce
2 teaspoon agave syrup or honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
6 cups watercress (thin stems and leaves only; from 1 large bunch)
2 firm-ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

Directions:

Stir or shake together vinegar, shallot, tamari soy sauce, and agave until well mixed, then stir in oil.

Gently toss watercress with enough dressing to coat. Divide watercress onto serving plates, layer with avocado and drizzle lightly with additional dressing.

Serve immediately, and enjoy a healthy St. Patrick's Day treat!

A Bit of Inspiration...

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:40:00 -0600

Perhaps Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not only talking about social progress, but also the need to keep moving to be well. Ask any healthy, vibrant person in their 90's what their secret is and they'll tell you...just keep moving.

Make movement your goal today, all else will fall into place.

JLP

Nip Your Spring Allergies in the Bud

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:16:00 -0600

Check out these great allergy relief tips from the Mayo Clinic

Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable. But before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple strategies to keep seasonal allergies under control.

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):

Stay indoors on dry, windy days — the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
Remove clothes you've worn outside; you may also want to shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wear a dust mask if you do outside chores.

Take extra steps when pollen counts are high

Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there's a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure:

Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the Internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.

Keep indoor air clean

There's no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help:

Use the air conditioning in your house and car.
If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.
Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/springtime-allergies/AA00060

Make Valentine's Day Special: Top 5 Romance Tips

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:34:00 -0600

Every year Valentine's Day is either happily welcomed as a chance to celebrate love and romance, or it is rejected as a Hallmark holiday that can remind us of our loneliness. If you are trying to make Valentine's Day a joyous occasion, learn these 5 tips that will surely pay dividends in your relationship:

1. Don't act as if Valentine's Day does not matter to your significant other. Trust me, it matters.

2. Don't do the same thing everyone else does. Find unique and special gifts and make this year different. It's not always about spending more money, small gifts are more romantic sometimes.

3. Don't forget the simple power of giving a well-thought out Valentine's Day card.

4. Forget roses, go with something more exotic like calla lilies or tulips. It'll prove that you put some serious thought into this day.

5. Don't be afraid to take control. Don't ever ask "Where would you like to go to dinner tonight?" This sounds so much better: "Don't worry about where we're going tonight, I've got it all planned out, you just enjoy the adventure." Spontaneity and assertiveness can be very sexy.

Above all, don't ever let the romance die on February 15th. Keep it alive and practice daily moments of romance and appreciation for your partner.

True Romance: 5 Ways to Have a Healthy & Romantic Valentine's Dinner

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:58:00 -0600

It’s February, the month of LOVE, and yes romance is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a special day for lovebirds, but one day is far too short a time for all the romance of February. Why not show your significant other your love and concern for their health by preparing (or ordering) romantic and superbly nutritious dinners for two? Here is a list of the 5 Ways to have a healthy and romantic dinner:

1 Prepare (or order) heart-healthy Mediterranean-style food: Take a vacation from ho-hum meals. Imagine you are sitting at a table for two alongside the ocean on a Greek Island. Dinner is an all-night affair with the freshest food straight from the garden and the sea. Eat like you’re in Crete and you will be eating heaps of vegetables, legumes, fresh fish, whole grains—seasoned simply with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and garlic and washed down with a glass of red wine. The flavors are rich and the health benefits are hard to ignore. Now this is the true gift of love.

2 Atmosphere counts: Candles, fresh flowers, beautiful dinnerware and crystal glasses can make a huge difference in whether your romantic dinner is romantic or the same old, same old. Make an effort to spruce up your dinner atmosphere and you will definitely be adding to the charm and romance of the evening. Don’t forget to plan ahead and ditch the kids for the evening, dim the lights and add some music.

3 Toast to love: Add a glass of red wine to your Mediterranean meal and toast to your love for one another. Red wine is chock full of antioxidants (most notably resveratrol and flavonoids) known to help ward off heart disease (our nation’s leading cause of death in men and women). What could be more romantic than that? CHEERS…a toast to your health and to love!

4 Savor your meal: Americans tend to wolf down their food without really tasting and appreciating the beauty of what’s on their plate. Take a romantic tip from the Europeans and make an evening of your meal—savor each delicious bite of artfully prepared, healthy course and enjoy the company and the artful preparation as much as the food.

5 All you need is LOVE (and Dark Chocolate!): Ahhh chocolate—the food of love. Did you know that Casanova, the world’s most famous lover, savored chocolate before every romantic interlude? Chocolate is an aphrodisiac and if you choose the dark kind, a superfood. Dark chocolate is good for the heart. Dark chocolate (with a high percentage of cocoa solids) prevents plaque buildup in the arteries, improves blood flow and prevents blood clots (the root cause of a heart attack). It has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity—good news for diabetics. Just remember to savor your dark chocolate by the piece (and not the pound) as with the heart healthy ingredients comes lots of sugar, fat and calories. And don’t forget the other “love foods” like oysters, strawberries, figs, bananas, honey and almonds!

Let it go and remember that the evening is about enjoying each other’s company--which is really all that counts. Take time for yourself and your loved one alone, eating healthy delicious food and you will truly be celebrating this month of love.

Massage May Be All You Need

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:26:00 -0600

Make therapeutic massage a part of your regular stress management program and you’ve found a new method to maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and even alleviate mood swings commonly brought on by the winter weather.

Natural stress management and healing techniques like massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture can prove to be all you need to stay well, no matter the season.

Spring Into a New You by Re-Enlisting Your New Year’s Resolutions

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:10:00 -0600

Your New Year’s resolutions may be taking a back seat now that it has been a few weeks since the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve and the hustle and bustle of your daily life has taken over full speed. But before you give up on fulfilling your resolutions and reverting back to your same old habits, take a minute today to reconsider your New Year’s goals and decide whether they are worth re-focusing on. It’s never too late to spring into a new you by jump-starting your resolutions starting right now. The following are some guidelines to get you started again on the path to overall health and wellness for your mind and body.

Release Mind and Body Tension: Whether you are logging long hours sitting behind a desk or juggling a hectic schedule full of personal and professional obligations, mind and body tension can build up in no time. When you are burdened with heavy tension, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals and aspirations. To stay on track to accomplishing your New Year’s resolutions, make it a point to regularly release your pressure and tension in a healthy way. Start and end each day with slow, deep breathing exercises to keep you focused on your goals and find a tension outlet like an activity or sport to routinely release your mind and body’s tension.

Stay Healthy and Active: When your mind and body become immobile, it can be very difficult to focus on the big picture, as well as take the steps necessary to accomplish your goals. The repeating routine of everyday life can take a toll on your body and before you know it you are playing catch up in every aspect of your life. To stay on top of your game mentally and physically, while consistently working toward your overall goals, it is important to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle that incorporates well-rounded nutrition with regularly scheduled fitness activities and mental/emotional release outlets.

Spring into Your New Year’s Resolutions with Massage Therapy: To successfully re-start the New Year’s resolutions that you have abandoned and re-focus on becoming the new person you desire, you should enlist the help of expert therapeutic massage therapists to balance your mind and body. Regularly scheduled massage helps keep you on top of your health, rather than playing catch-up when aches and pains begin to develop. Massage also remedies the tension caused by your hectic daily routine, as well as improves your general attitude and outlook on life.

Put a Spring In Your Step By Relieving Lower Back Pain

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:14:00 -0600

Does the cold winter weather and grey skies leave your mind and body feeling fatigued and sluggish? Are your lower back muscles stiff and tight from shoveling snow over the winter and staying cooped up in your house during unfavorable weather conditions? If so, it is time to put a spring back into your step and relieve your lower back pain with the following four lower back healthy habits.

Focus on Good Posture: If you spend your day sitting at a computer or driving the family to/from activities/school/etc., it is important to focus on maintaining straight body alignment by elongating your posture. Instead of leaning forward with your shoulders and neck while in a seated position, pull your shoulder blades back, engage your mid-section and breathe from your core for healthier posture throughout your body.

Strengthen Your Core: The root of lower back pain can stem from weak core muscles. Strengthen your abdominal core and lower back muscles by adding simple core exercises to your regular fitness routine. Only 15 minutes of core exercises such as the Superman (extending both arms and legs while lying on your stomach) and Plank (holding your body off the floor by leaving your forearms and toes touching the floor) three to four times per week can help build a stronger core that can help to alleviate lower back pain.

Incorporate Daily Stretching: Loosening tight muscles and elongating your body with daily low intensity stretching exercises can help keep your body fluid and moving pain-free. You can relieve and revive tired back muscles with 10-15 minutes of light stretching per day by incorporating popular yoga movements such as Child’s Pose (kneeling on floor, lower head to ground, extending arms forward and hips backward) and Standing Ragdoll (bending forward, cross your forearms and loosely let your head and arms hang freely toward the floor).

Schedule Regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy Sessions: Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness by providing relief from lower back pain, reducing stress, increasing circulation and improving range of motion. A deep tissue massage can best be used to treat chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recover from injury, while a hot stone massage can help ease muscle tension without deep pressure. If you are new to massage therapy, a Swedish massage is a great way to experience muscle relaxation and stress relief for both your mind and body.

Waiting On You Hand and Foot

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 07:15:00 -0600

As old man Winter blows in dry, cold weather this time of year, your hands and feet may be suffering from dry conditions, irritated skin and stiff muscle aches. Your hands and feet can really take a beating throughout the course of your busy life, but especially during the Winter season, making this time of the year the best season to give your hands and feet the attention they deserve. If you and your spouse’s hands and feet need some warming and reinvigorating tender loving care, try the following hand and foot massage techniques to pamper each other this Winter.

Give Your Hands the TLC they Deserve: Sitting by a warm fireplace or snuggled under your favorite blanket, pamper your spouse by massaging out all of the kinks and tension in his/her hands. Begin massaging at the base of the thumb area by applying circular pressure and hitting all of the pressure points around the thumb area. Gently move to the web area between the thumb and first finger, repeating the circular movements as you move to the padding between each finger at the palm. Massage both the palm and side of each hand, remembering to relax and breathe as you pamper your special someone.

Give Your Feet a Relaxing Treat: After shoveling snow all Winter long and running around to school, work and family events, your feet may be feeling tired, sore and neglected. Treat your feet to a relaxing foot massage with your special someone. With your knees and feet propped on a comfortable pillow, roll a tennis ball forward and back on the arch of the foot, followed by side to side. Complete the foot massage by placing the ball on the heel and make circular motions to release all of the tension that builds up in your feet.

Rejuvenate Dry Skin with Overnight Moisturizing: The skin on your hands and feet should be soft and tender, but after frequent hand washing during the Winter flu season and boot wearing during snow season, your skin can be left feeling rough, dry and brittle. To transform your hands and feet from unfavorable Winter conditions, add moisturizing cream or warm massage oil to your hand and foot massages. Also, apply a moisturizing cream to your feet and hands before bed and cover them with socks and gloves while you sleep to allow your skin to absorb and soak in the much needed moisture.

Pamper yourself and your special someone with a therapeutic massage, it'll make Winter that much easier to handle.

5 Simple Commitments for an Amazingly Healthy Year

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 06:31:00 -0600

It's that time again...time to make resolutions for the New Year. If you find yourself in the same postition each January making promises to yourself that you know you won't keep, then break the cycle and stop making resolutions. Make commitments!

Instead of focusing on that big audacious goal that is out of reach, make small daily commitments towards better health. All of your other goals for the year will stem from feeling better, looking better, and achieving a higher level of wellness. So, start with these 5 small, but extremely impactful, commitments:

1. Take a multi-vitamin each morning with a well-balanced breakfast.

2. Commit to at least 20 minutes of activity each day, and yes, walking counts.

3. Absolutely no eating after 7PM.

4. Make a commitment to drinking at least 60 oz. of water each day.

5. Be grateful. Give thanks each day, and remember that no matter how bad your day is going, you have many blessings.

If you can start your New Year with these 5 commitments in your personal wellness plan arsenal, you will certainly be on the right path to total wellness of body, mind and spirit.

Happy New Year!

Tune Up Sore Muscles with Sports Massage Therapy

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:13:00 -0600

With fall endurance events coming to a close and spring endeavors on the horizon, the winter months are a perfect time to re-tune and rejuvenate your mind, body and muscles with regular massage therapy sessions. Whether you are looking for relief from pain, release of tension, reduction of stress for your mind and muscles, or simply to relax and feel your best as you prepare for your next event, a therapeutic massage can help to promote your mind and body’s health and well-being.

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting an athlete’s health and wellness before, during and after training for and competing in a sporting event. Regular massages not only help with relieving back and neck pain, but they also can help to reduce the mental and physical stress associated with competing in a sport, while increasing your body’s circulation and range of motion. Sports massage in particular is an excellent massage technique for non-competitive and competitive athletes alike to prevent and treat injuries, relieve muscle soreness and pain, and enhance athletic performance.

Specifically, therapeutic massage can increase an athlete’s health and well-being by:

• Increasing circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders.
• Releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, which can be critical for recovery from injuries and surgeries.
• Improving range of motion.
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles from repetitive training or intense competition.
• Reducing muscle spasms and cramping before and after a sporting event.
• Increasing joint flexibility.
• Reducing recovery time from strenuous training workouts and eliminating subsequent risk of muscle strain.
• Reducing post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.

While massage therapy is widely known as a technique for relaxing your mind and body, it also is a critical tool for ensuring the health and wellness of individuals who live an active lifestyle. In fact, recent consumer surveys conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA) found that 75 percent of individuals surveyed said their primary reason for receiving massage was medical (43 percent) and stress (32 percent) related. Additionally, 87 percent of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness. (1)

Recent research also indicates that massage therapy reduces inflammation of skeletal muscle acutely damaged through exercise. A study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University found evidence supporting the benefits of massage therapy for those with musculoskeletal injuries and potentially for those with inflammatory disease. Specifically, the study revealed evidence at the cellular level that massage therapy may affect inflammation in a way similar to anti-inflammatory medications. (2)

Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or routinely active individual, studies support and peers agree that incorporating sports massage therapy into your training regimen is not only good for your mental health, but also for the health and wellness of your body’s muscles, joints and internal systems. Recuperate your mind and body this winter with regular massage therapy sessions.

(1) 2011 and 2010 AMTA Consumer Surveys, American Massage Therapy Association®
(2) J. D. Crane, D. I. Ogborn, C. Cupido, S. Melov, A. Hubbard, J. M. Bourgeois, M. A. Tarnopolsky, Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. Sci. Transl. Med. 4, 119ra13 (2012); Retrieved from www.amtamassage.org.

Massage Benefits Everyone

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:57:00 -0600

Almost everyone can benefit from a regularly-scheduled massage. Even if you’re not currently experiencing pain or mobility challenges that keep you from running, biking, or other physical activities, massage can provide just the amount of relief you need to stay calm in hectic surroundings. Think about how that can improve your general attitude and outlook on your life and the lives of those around you.

For most individuals, aches and pains don’t exactly develop overnight. Pain most often surfaces as a result of things you do over an extended period of time, like working a desk job; it’s likely to reoccur simply due to the routine of everyday life and the toll that it takes on your body. Massage helps you keep on top of your health rather than playing catch-up all the time.

The Stress Factor

It’s inevitable; stressful situations are a large part of our lives and we cannot control whether they happen or not. You can attempt to remedy the situation with stress management techniques like meditation, but it’s still quite challenging to completely prevent the natural chemical reactions that stress triggers in your body.

There are, however, ways to manage or combat the lasting affects on your health by finding ways to detox that stress on a normal basis. Regular massage helps your body sustain its stress resilience mechanisms and keeps stress hormones in balance, in turn reducing the risk of health conditions and illnesses such as high blood pressure, insomnia and obesity.

Therapeutic massage can become a part of a regular stress management program. Making this is a priority can help you maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and even alleviate depression in certain situations.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:01:00 -0600

Here's a great article from Lisa Druxman from active.com on staying healthy this holiday season:

December is usually synonymous with an abundance of eating and a lack of exercise. We want to encourage you to start this New Year on the right foot. The holidays are a time for celebration and family, not to put on weight. It's almost as if we've come to accept that we are going to put on 10 pounds during each holiday season.

Celebration doesn't have to mean gluttonous eating, or deprivation for that matter. It's time to bring the focus back to the purpose of the holiday. Enjoy your friends and family, the time off and the traditions of the holidays.

The holiday season might not be a time to lose weight, but it doesn't have to be a time to lose your health. The key is to go into the holidays with a plan. Here are five ways to keep your health over the holidays.

Tip #1: Shop Well For Yourself

It is more important then ever to stock your kitchen with healthy foods. Have healthy snacks handy. The more convenient they are, the more likely you are to eat them. Instead of thinking about what you shouldn't eat, promise to eat your 3 to 5 servings of vegetables each day.

Tips #2: Schedule Your Exercise

Your schedule will be very hectic this holiday season. Schedule your workouts just as you would any other appointment. It's ok if you can't make it to class, but make sure that you get some activity in at least three days per week.

Tip #3: Just Say No

You probably aren't aware how much extra food you consume just from people offering it to you. A sample at the market here, an extra cookie at an office party there and it all adds up. Just think twice before you take that food and decide if you really want it.

Tip #4: Skip the Baking

Do you make baked goods for giving? Chances are you eat much of what you bake. Who wouldn't? Instead make non-food gifts, or prepare ingredients for baked goods and put them in pretty jars--let your gift recipient bake it up. That way, they can eat it when they want it and you don't have to be tempted in the kitchen.

Tip #5: Hydrate

Keep your water bottle with you at all times. You should be drinking eight, 8-oz glasses of water each day. One handy trick is to buy a 64 ounce water jug. Fill it up in the morning and know that you need to finish it by the end of the day.

Lisa Druxman, M.A., the creator of Stroller Strides, is a nationally recognized speaker, author and highly regarded expert in the field of pre/postnatal fitness.

Holiday Shopping Night for the Open Pantry of Springfield

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:36:00 -0600

Elements will be at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, MA Thursday night 5-9PM with 40 other vendors for "Holiday Shopping Night" to benefit the Open Pantry of Springfield. There will be cocktails and complimentary hors d'oevres.

We will be selling gift cards for the holidays at a special discount.

Be sure to bring non-perishable items for the Open Pantry. The holidays are a special time to remember that there are millions in need right here in America, and hunger strikes hard in the cold months.

Hope to see you there for this great cause.

Good Night, Sleep Tight, It’s Time for Restful Sleep Tonight!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:53:00 -0600

One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four, five sheep, six sheep, roll over and start counting some more. If your normal sleep routine consists of counting fluffy white animals over and over again until you finally fall asleep, it’s time to realign your sleep routine into a more relaxed, restful experience. By incorporating the following four pre-sleep bedtime tips, you will be able to better prepare your mind and body for a more relaxing and enjoyable night’s sleep.

Schedule a Consistent Bed Time

Bed times aren’t just for children anymore. Adults can gain huge benefits from consistently going to bed around the same time each night. Research indicates that adults need an average of 6-8 hours of sleep per night in order for their minds and bodies to function properly. Sleep not only rejuvenates and refreshes a tired brain, but a good night’s rest also helps muscle recovery by repairing tired muscles, ligaments and body systems.

To ensure you give your body enough downtime at night to recuperate, determine what time you need to go to bed in order to log 6-8 hours of restful sleep. Set your alarm for your determined bedtime to remind yourself to turn off the television, shut down your house and head to bed at the appropriate time for a good night’s rest.

Lights Out Before Bed

At least 30 minutes before your determined bedtime, turn off all electronic devices (television, mp3 player, computer, eReader, etc.) to unplug your mind and body from technology and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. In today’s over wired, always connected to an electronic device society, your brain can easily become over stimulated throughout the day. Your brain needs at least 30 minutes of no technology and distractions to decompress before bed so your mind and body are prepared for a relaxed state of sleep as soon as your head rests on the pillow.

Breathe Easy, Relax Often

During your 30 minutes of pre-bed downtime, you can take your relaxation to new levels by practicing some self-meditation techniques such as slow deep breathing. You can choose to either rest on your bed or on a mat on your bedroom floor, dim the lights, close your eyes and practice taking a slow, deep breath that originates from your stomach versus a typical day-to-day short breath that starts in your neck region. After a few deep breathing rounds, you also can work on relaxing the tight muscles in your body by doing some light stretches to elongate your neck, back, legs and arms.

Enhance Sleep Quality with Regular Massage Therapy

To maintain healthy sleeping habits and to enhance the quality of your sleep each night, it is important to incorporate consistent relaxation techniques into your lifestyle like regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions. One of the main benefits of therapeutic massage is relieving muscle and stress tension that builds up in your mind and body throughout the day. By engaging in regular massage therapy, you can enhance your sleep quality each night by establishing deep relaxation and relief for your mind and body that can carry over throughout your day and into the sleeping hours of the night.

Elements to Donate 3% of Sales to Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 04:29:00 -0600

Hurricane Sandy greatly affected our neighbors in parts of New York and New Jersey, among other regions.

This week (Wed thru Sat), Elements will donate 3% of all massage sales to the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to help assist those in need.

Be mindful today of your blessings, and thank you for contributing to this cause. A neighbor in need always deserves helping hands.

Thank you.

Mama’s Secret Recipe to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:57:00 -0600

What do you get when you start with an over-scheduled holiday schedule, mix in winter break for the kids and end-of-year work deadlines for the parents, add in-laws visiting and staying at your house, beat in financial pressures to complete your holiday gift list, and top it off with sprinkles of cold, dark, long winter days? The result of this typical holiday recipe is burnt out parents, over tired children and an unsettling household that is bubbling with constant chaos.

If a holiday season full of stress, hectic schedules and total exhaustion sounds all too familiar for you and your family, it is time to re-write your family’s holiday recipe this year to include plenty of doses of health, wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation to fuel an enjoyable, family-centered holiday season. The secret recipe to a stress-free holiday includes the following key ingredients.

Begin with an Organized Schedule

Holiday schedules can quickly get out of hand when you try to be everywhere and do everything at one time. Before the holidays get into full swing, sit down with your family and make a list of the “must-attend” events like school performances and holiday work parties, a “maybe” events list such as local community festivals, and a “save for next year” list for events that may not be a good fit for your family this year. By prioritizing and organizing your family’s schedule ahead of the holidays, you can reduce the risk of over committing yourself and your family when you are in the middle of the busy holiday season.

Stir in Simple Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family to Enjoy

With so many great ideas from Pinterest, holiday magazines and television talk shows, holiday craft projects can quickly become overwhelming and intimidating. Before getting your elbows deep in pounds of gingerbread dough and legs tangled in rows of popcorn strands, take a deep breath, relax and pick only one meaningful holiday project this year to create lasting family traditions. Remember, the actual project isn’t as important as the time spent as a family making holiday memories together. And, don’t worry about making a big mess either – accept that messes happen with projects and make family clean up part of the overall project. This helps eliminate the stress of gooey project leftovers and spills falling on only one family member’s shoulders (usually mom or dad!).

Mix in Perspective and Continually Add True Reasons for the Season

With last minute holiday sales, coordinating family travel plans and juggling winter break activities, it is easy to lose sight of the true reasons for the holiday season. Whatever your family celebrates this holiday season, make sure to keep the purpose of the season at the forefront of your holiday activities. Maintaining a focused perspective can help eliminate the common holiday noise and pressures that can end up causing unnecessary stress on you and your family.

Substitute Consumer Chaos with a Slimmed Down Holiday Gift List

Finding the latest and greatest technology gadget on the market or the hottest toy on the top gift lists can quickly become exhausting and de-motivating. Instead of spinning your wheels racing your shopping cart down store aisles or frantically navigating your mouse during an online cyber sale, reduce the “stuff’ on your holiday gift list and increase the “meaning” of one or two heart-felt, genuine gifts. If you have a large family and are overwhelmed financially and mentally trying to buy for everyone on your list, suggest that your family set up a gift giving exchange system where each person in the family is responsible for giving a gift within a certain price range to only one other family member. This easy system can help eliminate going overboard in the gift category and reduce New Year clutter of gadgets and toys that only end up collecting dust after the holiday season ends.

Skip the Abundant Sweets and Treats of the Season

Holiday sweets and treats can be delicious this time of year, but too much of a good thing can stress your body’s internal systems and leave you feeling mentally tired and irritable. While skipping sweets altogether during the holidays is unrealistic, make it a priority to pace yourself throughout the season by being mindful of portion control and eating sweet treats that are only available during the holiday season.

Top Off Your Holiday Season with a Special Treat of Therapeutic Massage

When it is all said and done, those who survive the hectic holiday season with the least amount of physical and mental stress are the ones who understand the importance of taking time out for yourself during and after the activity-packed holiday season. Topping off your holiday season with a therapeutic massage session is a key ingredient to releasing the stress and tension that builds up in your mind and body during the holidays. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. A therapeutic massage will provide you with increased levels of relaxation and rejuvenation so you can close out the holiday season stress-free and ready for new adventures as you embark on the New Year.

Power Down Your Brain at Night to Reset and Revamp Your Mind

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:28:00 -0500

Ending your day on a relaxing note will promote overall health and well-being by creating an environment focused on recharging your mind and body. At least an hour before going to bed, make it a habit to turn off all technology – television, phone, e-mail, Internet, social media, music, etc. This will help you power down your brain at night to prepare your body for a restful and fulfilling night’s sleep. Another key component to resetting and revamping your mind is ensuring that you allow yourself an adequate amount of sleep each night. When you get home from work, set your alarm clock for whatever time you need to go to bed to ensure 7-9 straight hours of shut eye. When the alarm goes off at night, you should be in bed ready for sleep. An adequate amount of sleep will help you have a more energetic, productive and healthy attitude during the day.

Refuel with Weekly Appointments with Friends and Fitness

Work, family and personal everyday commitments can leave your mental tank empty and craving some “ME” time. Refuel your tank by picking one stress relieving activity that you enjoy and schedule it on your calendar on a weekly basis. This could be as simple as reading a book/magazine for an hour, arranging a coffee date with a friend, volunteering or playing racquetball. By taking time out for yourself on a weekly basis, you are fueling your tank of self worth and demonstrating not only to yourself, but to your friends and family, that your mental health is important enough for you to set time aside each week for emotional and mental fulfillment.

Similarly, it is important to fuel your body by incorporating fitness activities into your weekly routine. Physical activity not only helps your body’s fitness levels, but it also is an excellent source for preventing and managing stress. Whether it’s taking your dog for a 30-minute walk, going for a jog, biking the kids to/from school, taking fitness classes or swimming laps, consistent activity is good for not only relieving stress in your muscles/body, but also the stress in your mind.

Restore and Revitalize with Monthly Massage Therapy

To keep your mind and body aligned and working in sync, monthly massage therapy appointments are important to restoring and reinvigorating your overall health and well-being. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Some of the most common massage therapy techniques include:

Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury.
Swedish Massage: Focuses on relaxation, stress relief and overall health and wellness.
Hot Stone Massage: Specializes in easing muscle tension without deep pressure.
Trigger Point: Focuses on highly localized muscle knots where the body holds tension and carries stress.

As you sit down to create your personal health plan, it is important to focus on reasonable and attainable goals that are easy to incorporate into your everyday life. By using the daily, weekly and monthly tips in this article, you will be well on your way to not only setting goals that will stick with you throughout the year, but also help you establish a well-rounded lifestyle focused on overall health and wellness.

Sources:

¹ University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 58, Issue 4, 2002.

² USA.gov, Popular New Year’s Resolutions, October 2011.

³ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, May 2011.

Don't Miss Our Biggest Sale of the Year 11/9 12PM-8PM

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:36:00 -0500

Join us Friday, November 9th from 12-8PM for our 4th Annual Pre-Holiday Gift Card Sale!

This sale is one day only, and only comes around once a year. In addition to having the biggest gift card savings of the year, we will also provide food & refreshments, FREE chair massage, and a one-of-a-kind raffle including a foursome round of golf (plus cart) at Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, among over 30 other prizes.

Gift card specials include:

1. Members Only - Buy One Gift Card, Get One Free!

2. Non-Members - Buy Two Gift Cards, Get One Free!

Plus, sign up for a wellness membership on November 9th and receive 2 FREE gift cards!

*There is no limit to how many gift cards you may purchase*

*Rates based on full retail value for all promotions. Must remain an active member for 6 months in order to validate 2 free gift cards.

Improve Health and Well-Being by Beating Workplace Stress

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 06:32:00 -0500

Tight deadlines, never-ending multitasking, huge project piles and multi-source pressures from bosses, customers and co-workers are all too common characteristics in today’s workplace environment. Working every day in this type of environment can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted.

Workplace stress is so prevalent that 69 percent of employees report that work is a significant source of stress in their lives and 41 percent say they typically feel tense or stressed out during the workday (1). While eliminating stress altogether is unrealistic, there are some easy day-to-day techniques that you can incorporate into your daily work schedule to help reduce workplace tension and stress. Try incorporating the following stress busters before, during and after your workday to improve your health and well- being at work and at home.

Stress Buster One: Start the Day Early Feeling Refreshed and Relaxed

As soon as the hustle and bustle of the workday begins, it is easy to lose track of time, projects and deadlines. To help get a hold of your workday before it gets out of control, push your start time 30 minutes earlier before the majority of your co-workers get into the office. Setting aside 30 minutes at the beginning of the day can give you an opportunity to reduce daily workplace stress by planning your day, getting a jumpstart on lingering project deadlines and answering any left over e-mails/last minute to-do items from the day before. By the time your company’s workday begins, you are refreshed and ready to take on the day’s challenges in a more productive and effective manner.

Stress Buster Two: Break Up Workday Stress with Regular Relaxation Breaks

Stress can be a huge player in reducing company productivity, employee efficiency and project accuracy. In fact, 51 percent of employees said they were less productive at work as a result of stress.1 To help combat constant workplace stress, it is important to take regular breaks throughout the day to give your mind and body the opportunity to recharge, refresh and prepare for the next task on your list. Whether it’s a short five- minute water/coffee break in the employee lounge or a longer lunch break, make it a priority each day to get away from your workstation for regular short amounts of time, interact with co-workers face-to-face and step outside for a quick breath of fresh air.

Stress Buster Three: Finish Off the Day On Time and Organized

To finish off your day stress-free, find a good stopping point on your project/task list and shut down your work around the same time each day. Humans are creatures of habit so the more consistent you are with ending your day, the less stress you will carry with you as you return home from work. To create end-of-day closure, it also is important to clean up your workspace by organizing your paperwork and leaving your work area organized and ready for the start of the next day. Since chaos breeds stress, organize your thoughts and priorities before heading out the door by making a task list for the next day. By physically preparing your workspace and mentally preparing your mind at the end of each day, you are setting yourself up for a more productive and stress-free work environment.

Ongoing Stress Buster: Regular Monthly Massages Lead to Stress-Free Living

To keep your mind and body aligned and working in sync, monthly massage therapy sessions are important to restoring and reinvigorating your overall health and well-being at work and at home. Regular monthly massage provides relief and relaxation to people of all ages, occupations and workplace environments. Massage therapy can address a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Some of the most common massage therapy techniques include:

• Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury.

• Swedish Massage: Focuses on relaxation, stress relief and overall health and wellness.

• Hot Stone Massage: Specializes in easing muscle tension without deep pressure.

• Trigger Point: Focuses on highly localized muscle knots where the body holds tension and carries stress.

Today is as good of a day as any to start taking steps toward living a more stress-free life at work and at home. By incorporating the above stress buster tips into your daily work environment, combined with regularly scheduled therapeutic massages, you will be on your way to increasing your productivity and efficiency at work, while improving your overall health and well-being.

(1) American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2009.

Get Out, Get Active, Get Healthy

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 05:36:00 -0500

The golf fairways are still green (perhaps frosty in the morning), the Autumn race schedules are published, and your running shoes are ready to ditch the pavement and start logging miles on mountain trails.

The only thing that may be missing in this picture is a physically conditioned body that is prepared to endure all of the strenuous activities Fall has in store. To get yourself to the start line without injury and prepare your body for optimal performance this year, it is important for both men and women to incorporate frequent massage into their Fall training, performance and recovery plan.

Massage is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, but especially if you live an active lifestyle. And, to be clear, an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean being a competitive athlete or extreme sports enthusiast. An active lifestyle can mean coaching your child’s sports team, regular recreational gym use or playing flag football with family on a beautiful Autumn afternoon. Either way, massage can play an active role in improving athletic performance for anyone ranging from weekend warriors to competitors.

Top Ways Massage Can Increase Athletic Performance

Increased Psychological Readiness. Athletic performance is 50 percent physical and 50 percent mental. If you take care of the physical part by putting in the training, mileage, etc. needed to accomplish your goal, massage can help prepare you for the mental toll of competition. Studies have shown that massage increases your psychological readiness to prepare you for tackling a challenging physical activity. Whether it’s running your first marathon, hiking a fourteener or playing 18 holes of golf every weekend, massage can help you block out negative energy (self doubt, anxiety, nervousness) and tune your focus toward accomplishing the physical endeavor at hand. Massage also is also a great mood enhancer that can help with mental preparedness by stimulating our natural endorphins.

Enhanced Physical Performance. The physical benefits of massage have been realized for years by professional and novice athletes across sporting events. In order to realize peak physical performance, it is important to keep the body’s engine in tip-top shape. Deep tissue and sports massage techniques play an essential role in maintaining and advancing physical performance by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, flushing out toxins, lengthening muscles, increasing overall range of joint motion, and decreasing muscle stiffness. Massage also has been known to enhance overall performance by decreasing exercise-induced fatigue in athletes. In a British Journal of Sports Medicine study, subjects performed a warm up cycle exercise, followed by 30-second high intensity exercises that were interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery. The subjects’ heart rates, peak power, mean power and fatigue index then were recorded after either receiving 20 minutes of massage or passive rest. The study found that a significantly lower fatigue index was found in individuals who received the 20-minute massage versus rest alone.¹

Reduced Injury Risk. By incorporating massage into your active routine, you are taking a proactive approach to not only avoiding injury, but also increasing your chances of enhancing and maintaining peak performance in the short and long term. The key to reducing injury, though, isn’t massage alone. The combination of massage, stretching and movement creates a more fluid, strong muscle and body structure that can endure higher levels of wear and tear. Massage also is an integral component to balancing muscle groups and soft tissues in your body, minimizing the tendency for stronger muscle groups to overcompensate for weaker ones, which eventually can lead to injury or strain to the stronger muscle group.

Increased Recovery Time. Each year as you get older and try to maintain the same level of physical performance as before, recovery times seem to become longer and longer. Recovery time is an essential component to overall peak performance because the longer it takes to recover from strenuous exercise, the longer you spend watching the game on the sidelines. Studies have shown that massage after exercise fatigue significantly improved quadriceps performance when compared to rest alone,² and muscle soreness intensity was significantly lower when massage was used within 48 hours post-exercise.³ Get back into your active lifestyle more quickly between workouts by incorporating massage into your daily routine. ³

As you embark on your outdoor activity adventures this year, make sure to always include a regularly scheduled therapeutic massage in your arsenal of must-have supplies for peak performance success. Massage not only supports greater training intensity by shortening recovery time between workouts and feeding essential nutrients to the soft tissue of the body, but it also can be attributed to improving range of motion and muscle flexibility that results in improved efficiency, power and performance.

Get out, get active and start expecting more performance results from regularly scheduled therapeutic massages this Fall.

______________________________

¹Robertson, A., Watt, J.M. & Galloway, S.D. (2004). Effects of leg massage on recovery from high intensity cycling exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 4, 173-176.

² Rinder, A.N. & Sutherland, C.J. (1995). An investigation of the effects of massage on quadriceps performance after exercise fatigue. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery, 1, 99-102.

³Hilbert, J.E., Sforzo, G.A. & Swensen, T. (2003). The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness. Br J Sports Med, 37, 72-5.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 07:35:00 -0500

It’s no secret that the fastest-growing segment of the American population is 65 or older. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the number of people 65 and older numbered 39.6 million and represented 12.9% of the US population in 2009. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million people 65 and older, or 19% of the population. As this population group grows, there will be an increased emphasis on health, quality of life and well-being.

Massage therapy offers many possibilities to this senior group of citizens. Massage can provide relief from various types of muscle tension and overall discomfort for seniors who are still very active as well as those who are living with limiting conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

Therapeutic massage, provided by a licensed massage professional, has been proven to do the following:

Decreases anxiety and stress
Lessons the symptoms of depression
Stabilizes blood pressure
Helps alleviate sleep disorders
Increases circulation
Improves joint mobility
Decreases inflammation
Increases the sense of well being
May lesson dependence on pain medications and other types of medications
Improves the flow of lymphatic fluid
Improves digestion
Provides much needed touch and nurturing

Additionally, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that massage therapy can improve the quality of life for those in hospice living or comfort care.

Most licensed massage therapists are knowledgeable of the conditions that can occur in seniors, and can provide light to medium touch massage for specific, individual needs. Of course, all therapists are sensitive to each client’s sense of modesty and privacy and will respect and accommodate special requests. Before undergo any massage session, it is always recommended to discuss your needs and make sure the therapist is trained in massage techniques for seniors.

Some may wonder if a physician’s approval or a prescription is required for massage therapy, and it is generally not. However, there may be instances when a client should consult with their physician to insure safety before beginning a massage program. For example, someone who has an acute illness, is undergoing chemotherapy, has osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or has had recent surgery, should talk to their doctor first.

Let Your Back Loose

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:46:00 -0500

It doesn’t matter whether you are a desk jockey, athlete, construction worker, stay-at-home mom or retiree, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain and discomfort throughout your life. Researchers and doctors agree that low back pain is one of the leading major health problems in today’s society. With cooler temperatures and less than favorable conditions, back pain can be even more present this time of year heading into Fall and Winter.

According to industry reports, 70 to 85 percent of people in the U.S. experience low back pain some time in their lives. Each year, 5 to 10 percent of the workforce misses work due to low back pain and almost 10 percent of all patients are at risk for developing chronic pain and disability.¹

Back Pain Triggers

One of the most frustrating characteristics of back pain is its ability to sneak up on you when you least expect it. You bend over to pick up your toddler from the bathtub and an unexpected pain shoots through your back and shoulders. You end the day feeling great after going on a weekend bike ride with buddies or playing a friendly flag football game with family, but wake up the next morning with your back muscles as stiff as an iron rod. Or, you may have spent the day in a long board meeting with few scheduled breaks and by the time you get your exhausted body to bed, all you can do is toss and turn because of a dull constant pain buzzing throughout your neck, back and shoulders. Sound familiar?

Industry statistics indicate that 97 percent of non-specific back pain problems are triggered by outside influences such as muscle strains, awkward movements, staying in a static position for too long, or when the combination of minor stresses occur together. The most common reported causes of low-back pain include:

Heavy Physical Work
Bending
Twisting
Lifting
Pulling and Pushing
Repetitive Work Patterns
Static Postures

Back pain usually is discovered when causes like the ones listed above are combined with an individual’s poor body stability, tone, flexibility and balance.²

Back Pain Remedies

So, what types of remedies should you use to combat back pain? Experts suggest taking a holistic approach to reducing back pain incidents by keeping your body fit with proper exercise and diet, using relaxation techniques such as massage and yoga, and enlisting proper posture practices such as ergonomically correct computer stations, strengthening core muscles and sleeping on your back or side with pillows supporting your knees and back.³

Massage

As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to combating back pain based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. A 2011 study compared structural and relaxation (Swedish) massage techniques, and found that both types of massage worked well to remedy chronic low back pain with few side effects. The study also found that massage helps people with back pain function better even after six months, which can help support their ability to work, take care of themselves and be active.⁴

For those who use massage as a preventative measure to back pain or to manage daily back stress, one massage a month is common. Weekly massage sessions may be necessary for injury relief or to relieve chronic neck or back tightness that interferes with your daily life. If this is the case, weekly sessions are essential in order to build on each week's improvements in healing until the desired results have been achieved.

Yoga

The backbone of yoga practice and purpose is increasing an individual’s flexibility, while lengthening and strengthening a body’s muscles and mind’s focus. In relation to alleviating back pain specifically, recent studies have revealed that yoga classes have been linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain. In one of the largest U.S. yoga studies to date, back-related functionality improved and symptoms were diminished with yoga at 12 weeks, while clinical benefits such as reduced use of pain medications lasted at least six months.⁵

Balance and Stability

Another common remedy to combat back pain is adding balance and stability moves to your daily activities. There are various poses and stability exercises that target your back muscles and core, but three simple balance movements that can get you started include: Bird Dog (extending your opposite hand and leg while on your hands and knees); Superman (extending both arms and legs while lying on your stomach); and Plank (holding your body off the floor by leaving your forearms and toes touching the floor). Start by holding each movement for 10 seconds and increase your time as you become stronger.

At some point in your life, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain. Whether it’s spending too much time hunched over your computer, shoveling heavy loads of wet, dense snow, or twisting your body during a workout, back pain has a way of creeping up on you. The key to alleviating back pain is to take a holistic approach to treating and preventing your muscle aches and strains. By using a combination of the relaxation, flexibility and stability building techniques described above, low back pain can become a thing of the past, allowing you to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Sources:

¹Buselli P, Bosoni R, Buse G, Fasoli P, La Scala E, Mazzolari R, Zanetti F, Messina S. Trial Abstract for Effectiveness evaluation of a SMATH System, October 2011.

²Chaitow, Leon. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, June/July 2006.

³ Buford, Darren. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, August/September 2001.

⁴ Group Health Research Institute. Annals of Internal Medicine, July 2011.

⁵ Karen J. Sherman; Daniel C. Cherkin; Robert D. Wellman; Andrea J. Cook; Rene J. Hawkes; Kristin Delaney; Richard A. Deyo. A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011.

Self Massage Techniques to Rejuvenate from Autumn Activities

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:13:00 -0500

Biking, walking, cleaning up the yard and playing with the kids are healthy, fun Fall activities, but the prolonged bending over and muscle strain can lead to neck and lower back pain that isn’t so enjoyable. The following tips demonstrate massage techniques that alleviate neck and lower back pain caused my common Autumn activities.

Neck massage: Place your right hand on your left shoulder with your thumb firmly placed against the base of the neck. Move the thumb slowly back and forth along the base of the neck while applying pressure. After a few minutes, tilt the head towards the side of the neck you are massaging in order to shorten the muscle and provide an even deeper massage. Switch hands and repeat the motions on the other side of the neck.
Don’t just stop massaging at the neck, rather follow the muscle all the way around the neck and up behind the ear and the back of the
Lower back massage: Place two tennis balls inside of a tube sock. Lie on the floor with knees bent and lower back supported. Place the tube sock just above the sacrum (the large, triangular bone at the base of the spine) so that one ball is positioned on each side of the spine. Roll back and forth slowly using your arms and legs for support.
How to treat an acute strain: If a muscle is stained from over exertion, it is important to apply ice to the muscle throughout the first 72 hours in order to decrease the swelling. A moist heating pad can be applied afterwards to ease the muscle.
Massage long strokes, following a body part until you hit bone where the origin of the muscle lies.

Always remember, you are your best source of wellness and pain relief on a daily basis.

4 Massage Techniques to Boost Your Golf Game

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 05:43:00 -0500

Sports massage therapy has become increasingly popular among athletes. With golf season in full swing, the following tips offer ways to enhance your golf game through massage.

Despite being a low-impact sport, golf can be physically and emotionally demanding. Here are some simple tips for golfers looking to enhance their game and de-stress the body and mind:

Pre-game massage: Though many people think massages are intended for after physical activity, relaxing before heading out on the green can make a marked difference in your game. It’s important to invigorate and loosen those muscles before working them, especially with the repetitive twisting and torqueing in golf.
Golf club hand massage: Golf clubs aren’t just for hitting the ball. In between holes, use the rubber end of a golf club for a quick hand massage. Apply pressure to the base of the thumb and your palm; make circles with your hand in that area and move it around to hit all the pressure points.
Mid-game foot massage: A quick foot massage on the course can go a long way towards keeping you relaxed. With your shoes off, start with a golf ball on the ground while seated on the golf cart or standing. Roll your foot forward and backward slowly; apply enough pressure to feel a pulling but not enough that you are in too much pain; then roll your foot side to side. Next place your heel on the ball to make circular motions; finally cross your leg over the left ankle and take the ball and roll it up and down the arch of your foot; repeat with the left foot.
Post play recovery: After a long day of golf, it’s important to get your muscles back in balance. Back and shoulder muscles are shortened on one side due to the repetitive motion of the golf swing, and tight hamstrings, especially in men, can play a tug of war with your back leading to lower back pain. Post-game massages help golfers avoid achy muscles and get back to the next round in tip top shape.

Massage + A Healthy Diet: The Perfect Combination to Balance Back-to-School Stress

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:46:00 -0500

Eating healthy is never an easy task. While the Autumn months provide many opportunities to eat light and avoid over-indulging, challenges will always exist. Get an early start to forming your healthy eating and de-stressing habits this season by calming your digestive system and balancing your body with these quick tips.

Healthy Eating Habits:
Prepare yourself and your meals – Ensure your schedule has time for good health by planning ahead. Plan out your meals and make the trip to the grocery store or local farmer’s market early to stock your kitchen with a nutritious array of foods and on-the-go-snacks.

Manage your plate size – Try to fill only half of your plate with lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and complex whole grain carbs. The other half should consist of fruits and vegetables.

Drink water – The goal here is to drink at least six eight-ounce glasses a day. This amount increases based on your activity level. Drinking water throughout the day aids your body’s detoxification process and boosts energy and digestion.

Do not skip meals – Eating smaller meals more frequently can boost your metabolism and your ability to burn calories. Be sure to eat breakfast, even if it consists of a small portion of fruit or a homemade smoothie of your favorite nutritious ingredients. Carry healthy snacks throughout the day to remedy your cravings with a nourishing solution.

Sleep – A sufficient amount of sleep can act as a mental reset button as well as help you to maintain an ideal weight by omitting cravings for both sugar and carbs. Seven to eight hours is an adequate amount of sleep for the average adult. Despite what some may believe, the attempt to recapture lost sleep on the weekends does not benefit the body as much as maintaining a consistent and healthy sleep pattern will.

Massage and The Digestive System

Therapeutic massage sessions can promote a healthy digestive system by relaxing tense abdominal and intestinal walls, as well as stimulating activity of your major digestive organs (kidneys, colon, small and large intestines) to improve circulation and waste removal. When combined with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbs, massage therapy can help regulate your bowel movements, flush out the toxins in your system and leave you feeling more energetic and rejuvenated.

Find Balance for Your Body With Therapeutic Massage
Studies have found massage helpful for stress relief and for balancing your body by aiding its ability to handle anxiety and depression, as well as boosting immunity. Massage has been shown to help regulate naturally-occurring chemicals in the body (hormones including norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin) that are associated with stress and relaxation.

These benefits of regular massage can help you cope with stress when it’s occurring — and also develop a stronger everyday resilience to future stress.

Whether you need to release tension, reduce stress or simply relax and feel your best, regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions are essential for promoting your overall mind and body well-being. Regular monthly massages provide relief to people of all ages and all walks of life. It is the perfect recipe for helping you unwind and prepare yourself for a happy healthy back-to-school season.

Sleeping with the Enemy? (Hint: It's Stress)

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:22:00 -0500

Lying awake at night? Can’t stop your mind from worrying about what happened yesterday and what will happen tomorrow? It’s not healthy — and that’s not just a saying.

Stress and the way you react to it may be affecting your health, even though it may not be apparent to you. You may think that persistent headache or inability to focus is caused by a physical illness, but the culprit may actually be excessive ongoing stress in your life. And it can lead to serious health problems.

According to the National Institute of Health, stress is at the root of 80 percent or more of all illness and doctor visits in the U.S.. Here's how stress increasesyour risk of serious disease, your healthcare cost and your productivity.

Health effects of stress

The health effects of stress identified by The Mayo Clinic can range from relatively minor symptoms and conditions including …

Headache
Back pain
Upset stomach
Sleep problems
Irritability
Lack of focus
Forgetfulness
Overeating

… to more acute and critical health conditions including …

Chest pain
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Depression
Decreased immunity

What can you do to reduce stress?

First, recognize that you can’t prevent stress. It’s part of everyday life — and some level of stress is actually good for you. It’s how you react to stress, as well as a lifestyle that brings a frequently elevated levels of stress into your life, that can get you and your state of health into trouble.

Health experts agree that making lifestyle changes to help you identify your stress triggers and, most importantly, better manage your reactions to stress, can bring numerous health benefits.

Stress management techniques recommended by medical experts include massage as well as exercise, guided relaxation and breathing techniques, meditation, yoga and tai chi. (please spell check)

How massage can help you manage stress

The Mayo Clinic notes that studies have found massage helpful for stress relief and for managing anxiety and depression, as well as boosting immunity. Massage has been shown to help regulate hormones including norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin — naturally occurring chemicals in the body that are associated with stress, relaxation and mood.

Beyond the physical effects of tactile manipulation of the muscles, tissues, joints and organs, the stress-relief and health benefits of massage also come from the caring and comfort of physical touch.

These benefits of regular massage can help you cope with stress when it’s occurring — and also develop a stronger everyday resilience to the stresses life will inevitably bring.

5 Ways a Prenatal Massage Should Be Different

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:13:00 -0500

Pregnancy can be so uncomfortable! Time for a massage — but do you need a special kind of massage when you’re pregnant? What’s different about it besides the fact that you might not be able to lie on your stomach? Here’s why the experience, techniques and benefits of a prenatal massage are different from a standard massage.

When you’re expecting a baby you’re likely to feel all kinds of aches and pains. The added weight you’re carrying, along with the way it’s centered in the front of your body, can cause changes in your posture and gait as your body tries to compensate for your changing center of gravity. But as the uterus expands, the baby grows and your hormone levels shift, it’s more than just backache that can ensue.

There are several ways in which a real prenatal massage is different than the average relaxation massage you receive at a typical day spa. These differences become more important and more pronounced as your pregnancy progresses — with more adjustments made in your second and third trimester vs. in your first trimester.

Prenatal massage techniques are designed to …

Reduce swelling. Special manipulation techniques can be used to stimulate soft tissues to reduce edema (fluid retention). Edema is often caused by the fact that the heavy uterus can reduce circulation and increase pressure on major blood vessels, notes the American Pregnancy Association based on research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Relieve sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain is a common complication during pregnancy because the uterus rests on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles. The pressure radiates pain through the sciatic nerve into leg muscles, in turn causing those muscles to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy can reduce inflammation in the nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many pregnant women experience significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain through regular massage.
Balance hormone levels. Recent studies have shown that massage during pregnancy significantly improved regulation of the hormones norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin — hormones associated with stress, relaxation and mood. These improvements can help expectant mothers balance out mood swings and reduce the risk of low birth weight or complications with delivery, reports the APA based on an article on massage therapy effects on pregnant women suffering with depression, in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Keep baby safe. The intensity of the pressure applied to the muscles and tissues, and the positioning of the mother’s body, should be adjusted to ensure that the baby is protected.

5 tips for getting the right prenatal massage for you

Tell your massage therapist how far along you are and when your due date is.
Ask for a massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage techniques. These professionals specialize in prenatal and postnatal massages.
Advise the therapist of any particular troubles, concerns, aches … Point out where you’re feeling pain or discomfort, when it tends to be at its worst, and what activities seem to aggravate it or cause it to flare up.
Be specific. “Feels like” comparisons are helpful here — does it feel like a needle in your back every evening, or a dull ache in your hip when you try to bend?
Ask about Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a recommended prenatal massage method because it is effective at relieving many discomforts related to the changes in hormone levels, spinal and joint alignment, and circulation that are often experienced by pregnant women. Swedish massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. The therapist uses long, gliding strokes and kneading and tapping techniques on the top layer of muscles; and may also manipulate the joints gently to improve range of motion.

Be sure to consult your doctor first about whether a massage is suitable for your condition.

When you’re nearing delivery, schedule yourself for a postnatal massage. This type of therapy is differs from a prenatal massage in that it focuses on toning a new mother's body and reducing fluid retention. And of course, it can help ease the stresses of all the change you’re experiencing at home (like getting up with the baby in the middle of every night) — and that release and renewal can help you be a better mom.

Therapeutic Massage Q & A

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:03:00 -0500

Therapeutic Massage provides relief to people of all ages—from infants to seniors—and from all walks of life—from the weekend warrior or competitive athlete to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive.

Q: Why am I so lethargic after a full-length professional massage, rather than rejuvenated?

There are several reasons you may feel lethargic after a massage including: release of toxins in your body that need to be flushed out, having a latent virus in your system that can be activated by the massage, or the quiet setting (think of the contrast from our over-stimulating society to a massage room), and massage will lower your blood pressure and heart rate, which adds to the lethargic feeling. If you want to feel more energized or rejuvenated after a massage you can ask your therapist for some "tapotement" (light alternating percussion strokes) at the end of the massage and/or a faster speed of massage stroke. It will also help if you are well rested and hydrated prior to your massage.

5 Superfoods That Cook Up Great on the Grill

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:48:00 -0500

Juicy peaches, red ripe and sweet tomatoes, fresh picked corn-on-the-cob. Its summer, the produce stands are brimming with farm fresh fruits and vegetables—two food categories that Americans simply do not eat enough of. So why not try grilling them to help you up your daily intake? What’s great about grilling veggies is they taste better grilled than just about any other way! Remember that marinating fruits and veggies first (such as coating quickly with a touch of olive oil and balsamic vinegar) will help them caramelize better to bring out the flavors. So, try these five superfoods that grill up perfectly, and give your summer BBQ a healthful makeover:

1. Pineapple. Most fruit is too fragile to grill. Not true for pineapple! Hearty pineapple is definitely an exception to this rule and tastes sweet and delicious after just a few minutes on the flame. Brush with a touch of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), toss on the grill and you have the perfect garnish to jazz up a burger or place under a grilled lobster tail. Nutritionally speaking, pineapple is low in calories and packed with vitamin C—1/2 cup provides you with 20% of your daily needs.

2. Asparagus. A simple marinade of EVOO and balsamic vinegar makes this super easy to make and flavor-packed veggie a must grill side dish. Nutritionally speaking, asparagus is actually a member of the lily family—extra low in calories yet rich in fiber, folic acid, potassium, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, and C.

3. Corn. Grilled corn-on-the-cob is a popular menu item for BBQs and clam bakes and fortunately is a healthy nutrition choice too. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in corn—and allows its natural sweet flavor to surface without the need for too many unhealthful additives. Roasting the corn in the husks is the best way to cook them (just be sure to soak in lightly salted water for 30 minutes before tossing them on the grill). Corn is quite nutritious—filled with phytochemicals, B vitamins, folic acid as well as a notable amount of protein.

4. Zucchini. Zucchini, sliced lengthwise, are super easy to grill and with their ability to capture those perfect crosshatch grill marks make them a nice visual addition to your menu. Flavor with a touch of EVOO and lemon juice, toss on a low heat and you’re good to go. Nutritionally speaking, zucchini falls into the super low calorie vegetable class (one entire zucchini contains a measly 20 calories). And for those 20 calories, you get a nice amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, calcium and iron.

5. Portobello mushrooms. Marinate these meaty mushrooms in a little EVOO, balsamic vinegar, garlic and onion for an hour, toss them onto a hot grill and it just doesn’t get any better than this for both taste and nutrition. Dense and flavorful, you can use them as a burger substitute, make them into pizzas, or serve them sliced as a side dish. Any way you eat them; these super-tasty and hearty mushrooms are the perfect low-calorie addition to your summer BBQ. Nutritionally speaking, these mushrooms pack a wallop. For just about 70 calories you get a nice amount of B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium and copper.

Make sure to add these five superfoods to your summer menu and enjoy the flavor and health benefits of bringing your nutrition outdoors and enjoying this favorite American summer pastime—grilling! Tap into the season’s bounty of fresh nutrient-packed foods. Use grilling for a flavor-packed light and healthy meal and enjoy the perfect outdoor cooking method. Don’t forget to combine your healthy summer BBQ with frequent workouts to keep your body beach-ready.

Eat Like an Olympian: Go for the Nutritional Gold

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:46:00 -0500

We can all take inspiration from the remarkable athletes competing in this year’s summer Olympic games (in London from July 27, 2012 to August 12, 2012). These athletes not only train their bodies and their minds to perfection, they also know that their nutrition plays a key role in the recipe for an Olympic champion. Training and competing in the Olympics involves an immense amount of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Eating a healthy diet sufficient in nutrients and with enough calories to fuel competition and training is an important component of all athlete’s training plans and just may be the deciding factor in that tenth of a second that distinguishes gold from silver. Take this opportunity to tap into the Olympic energy swirling around the world this summer and see if you can incorporate some or all of the 6 nutrition tips below and you will eating like an Olympian!

1. Eat breakfast and wake up a winner. Mom was right, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Athletes know that they must fuel their workouts with nutritious foods or they will not be able to train and compete to the best of their ability. Ideally it is best to “break the fast” with a whole grain (oatmeal wins the gold for heart health), mixed with a calcium and protein-rich liquid (such as fat-free milk or soy milk) and topped with vitamin and antioxidant-rich fresh fruit (such as blueberries).

2. Eat at home more often. Athletes must ensure that what they put in their mouths is top quality food that has the highest nutrient to calorie ratio. This means that athletes minimize the amount of “empty” calories they consume by limiting refined sugars, flours, and “bad” fats. When we eat out, we are served gargantuan portion sizes packed with too much sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and refined carbs. Cooking at home more often will allow you to control what goes in your mouth. Start with fresh, unprocessed food and flavor your meals with more healthful alternatives.

3. Eat small frequent meals for endurance. Another principle many professional athletes embrace is to eat small, frequent meals. Olympic athletes begin early by fueling-up with a quality breakfast and then continue to fuel throughout the day with healthy meals consisting of low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and “good” fats. Eating lots of healthful mini-meals keeps energy levels up and powers the body over a 12 hour time span. Although the main nutrient in an athlete’s diet is healthy carbohydrates (such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains such as quinoa, steel cut oats, potatoes, brown rice, and 100% whole wheat pasta and breads), athletes also know to include quality protein sources such as lean beef, poultry, eggs, beans and fish as well as a smaller amount of “good” fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish.

4. Rehydrate but limit liquid calories. Athletes drink plenty of water to keep hydrated through the day, and so should you. Sports drinks have been marketed as the elite athletes “secret weapon” for peak performance, however in reality this is not the case. Hard core athletes know that sports drinks were designed to be consumed during training or during the event - not to drink all day long. Water is still the best for rehydration (for most of us) unless we are competing in long distance endurance events.

5. Eat those carbs. Athletes look at what they put into their bodies as essential fuel to perform. Carbohydrate is the muscle’s primary form of energy so the athlete’s plate will most often consist of foods that are packed with carbohydrates (as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals) to maximize performance.

6. Eat healthy fats and limit fried foods. Fried foods are not only high in calories, but often contain “bad” fats. Athletes typically limit their intake of fried foods and instead compliment their meals and snacks with more healthful plant based sources of fats such as nuts, avocados, olive oil, canola oil, and fatty fish.

Membership Definitely Has Its Perks

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 05:49:00 -0500

Become a member of the Elements Wellness Program and enjoy these exclusive value benefits:

$30 savings on your monthly massage
$40 savings on any additional massages during the month
Purchase gift cards at Wellness Program rates
Membership-only specials (sent conveniently via email)
Unused massage sessions roll-over
Your first massage as a Wellness Member is FREE (sign-up today, this promotion won't last long!)

How the Elements Wellness Program works:

Associate Member (immediate family member or significant other) may share member's massages
Payment made via auto-debit once per month

**Regular massage therapy has many health benefits such as boosting your immune system and raising mood-elevating brain chemicals. Here at Elements Therapeutic Massage, we make staying healthy easy and enjoyable for you, your family and your friends with The Elements Wellness Program.**

Elements Adds More LMT's to the Staff

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 06:01:00 -0500

We welcome Katelynn and Christine to our great staff at Elements. Both new hires are licensed massage therapists with amazing skills. We are already hearing rave reviews, come check them out for a wonderful deep tissue massage.

Katelynn and Christine's bio's will be available shortly on our website, just click on thsi link to read about all of tremendous team members:

http://touchofelements.com/eastlongmeadow/page/our_therapists

Have a wonderful week!

JLP

How Massage Can Benefit Cancer Patients

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:47:00 -0500

Cancer is affecting millions of people all over the world. Hearing this type of diagnosis is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. What's more, cancer treatments are often taxing to the body and leave a person feeling completely drained. Thankfully, there is a fantastic and natural therapy that you can incorporate into your treatment to boost your sense of well-being and peace. This therapy is called massage, and it can be one of the best things you do for yourself on your journey to health and wellness.

There are several advantages to massage therapy that all cancer patients should be made aware of. The first benefit is the ability for massage to boost your sense of well-being. You will find that after a long and relaxing session, you are able to feel rejuvenated and peaceful. Massage allows the mind to relax and the body to heal as a professional works to ease muscles and joints. There is simply nothing more beneficial than being able to feel better naturally without having to take another pill or medication.

Yet another benefit to massage therapy is its ability to ease pains you may be feeling from a cancer treatment. Most cancer patients are well aware of the pain that comes when they undergo certain treatments. This pain can last for weeks and can cause a person to feel like they have no energy or motivation to do anything. Massage will help to ease these pains gently so that you do not have to worry about feeling so exhausted. A professional massage therapist will know your situation and will be gentler with you knowing that you have recently undergone a specific type of treatment for your mesothelioma or other form of cancer.

It is important that you make an appointment with a massage therapist in your local area if you would like to make use of this type of therapy. There is absolutely no reason for you not to try this natural therapy and you may even be amazed at how good you feel after an hour-long session. Massage therapy is not a cure for cancer, but it has helped many cancer patients to manage their stress and avoid excessive pains after undergoing treatment for their illness. Massage can very well benefit you as well if you make an appointment with a professional in your local area.

Massage has a variety of benefits that you have now been made aware of. You should discuss your options with your doctor to ensure that this type of therapy is a good choice for you. Some cancer patients who may be suffering from mesothelioma need to consult doctors about what kind of treatment may be best for them. You will enjoy being able to relax and have something that rejuvenates you when your life is filled with such stress.

Stress management with massage therapy is vital for any cancer patient who is simply trying to finish their journey to good health. Consult your doctor and find a therapy that works for you and your treatment. Give your body, mind and spirit a vacation from some of life’s everyday stressors and get out there and physically feel better about yourself!

Add Massage to Your Summer Training Regimen for Increased Health and Wellness

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 05:54:00 -0500

Do hill repeats, long runs/rides, brick workouts or lap swims fill your summer training calendar? Are your upcoming weekends full of family hikes, golf tournaments, beach volleyball games or family camping trips? If so, then regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions should be an essential element to your active lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, weekend warrior, activity enthusiast or your ultimate goal is to finish your first 5k, incorporating massage into your summer routine will not only revive your health and well-being, but get you to the start (and finish!) line healthy and happy.

According to 2010 research published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, massage to support a healthy lifestyle dates back to early civilization and it is a common technique today for the management and prevention of sport injuries. Massage also has been used to successfully increase flexibility and provide a greater range of motion. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1917-1924, 2010.

To prepare you for your active summer lifestyle, we offer the following tips for feeling restored, pain free and vibrant as you trade in your suit and high heels at the end of the workweek for athletic gear and fun-filled weekend adventures.

TREK DOWN THE TRAINING TRAIL

Just as every training program lays out a master plan for you to succeed in your big summer race, event or tournament series, don’t forget the most important element to any training schedule – regularly scheduled therapeutic massages to repair your tired, tense muscles and relax your training-focused, wired brain. A highly skilled massage therapist can be an extremely valuable member of your training team by helping you reduce the risk of injury, flush out toxins from your body, lengthen and stretch tight muscles and minimize the longevity of injuries.

Experts agree that if you treat common overuse injuries (sore ankles, tight back, sore shoulders and tight hamstrings, for example) with massage as soon as you feel the first muscle tweak or pain, you will be more likely to keep your training schedule on course, while setting up your body and mind for a successful summer event.

Suggested Massage Techniques during Training: Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage

LOOSEN UP PRE-EVENT JITTERS

Before you lace up your shoes and pack your gear for your big summer event, prepare your muscles for the strain and intensity of the planned activity by scheduling a therapeutic massage 2-3 days prior to the event date. The goal of this massage is to release tension in your muscles without leaving them sore, as well as reduce any pre-event stress or anxiety so that you can maintain a positive mental focus on race day. Your massage therapist will loosen any last minute muscle kinks and warm up muscles to prepare you for a successful event.

Suggested Massage Techniques Prior to Event: Swedish Massage

CELEBRATE YOUR EVENT SUCCESS

You’ve trained hard, raced hard, played hard and now it’s time to treat yourself to an after-event massage. Instead of waiting in a 25-person deep line for an on-site post-event massage that only lasts five minutes, schedule at least an hour long massage for the day or two following your event. The goal of this massage is to help your muscles recover from the strenuous activity, as well as improve your body’s range of motion and reduce any spasms or cramping that may have been caused by the event. You will be better hydrated 24-48 hours following the event and will have more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor as your mind and body relax and unwind through the healing touch of a highly skilled massage therapist.

Suggested Massage Techniques Following the Event: Deep Tissue Massage

What Kind of Massage Do You Need Right Now?

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:04:00 -0500

Choosing from a menu of massage techniques may sound like a heavenly dilemma (so many techniques, so little time …). But the choice you make is a weighty one — and it’s not just about your preferences for light or deep pressure, but also your health and physical condition right now.

So how do you know which massage therapy technique is best for your health concerns and priorities? Here’s how to know your options so you can get the greatest therapeutic benefit from your massage.

Swedish massage

Best for: Relaxation, stress relief, first massage

The most common form of massage therapy in the U.S., Swedish massage is designed to warm up the muscle tissue to release toxins, tension and soreness. The strokes are longer and slower than with many other forms of massage. It’s usually done using the hands, sometimes with the forearms. Swedish massage can be done using lighter or deeper pressure, but the strokes are long — from the shoulders to the low back and back up, for example, or from wrist all the way up the arm into the neck and then back down again.

This form of massage is typically very relaxing and is an ideal technique to experience if you’ve never had a massage before.

Deep tissue massage

Best for: Chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, recovery from injury

Deep tissue massage is a combination of various techniques used to increase the level of pressure applied to the body. It’s often done more with the forearm or elbow to help exert more pressure into the tissue. Two of the most common specific forms of deep tissue massage:

Petrissage is a massage movement that is much like kneading bread; the therapist uses this technique to get the blood flow into a traumatized area of the body. It’s typically applied in a specific area of the body rather than used as a full-body treatment.
Friction is another technique that produces heat and helps bring more concentrated blood flow to an area.
Tapotement (tah-pōt-ment´) is often described as karate chopping but can be done in other ways as well, such as using the fingertips or with the hands cupped. The main characteristic of tapotement is a rapid, rhythmic tapping motion, usually with a higher intensity of pressure applied to the tissues than with many other forms of massage.

Most deep tissue techniques are done at a slower pace, with lots of communication between the therapist and the client. The therapist should check in with you during the treatment by asking, “With this pressure would you like me stay here or go deeper or lighter?”

There might be a certain level of discomfort — what we call ‘in a good pain range’ — for deep tissue massage to be effective. But it should not feel too uncomfortable. It’s similar to stretching — it may not feel very good to start, but if you breathe and hold the stretch, it starts to feel better.

Trigger point work

Best for: Highly localized “knots” where the body holds tension;

Trigger point work is designed to get into those little knots. It’s often done using the thumb, knuckle or elbow to apply static pressure to those points. The therapist can feel that knot to detect when it’s loosening up and is trained to know what a muscle is supposed to feel like normally versus what it feels like when it’s “in knots.”

Common trigger points — like that nagging area between the shoulder blades — are associated with the fact that toxins commonly accumulate in certain places in the body. When the therapist locates a trigger point and applies pressure, that pain will often “refer” or travel to another part of the body. For example, if the therapist applies pressure to your hamstring or back of your leg, you might feel it in your lower back.

Trigger point work will help get an injured client’s muscle tissue back to a more normal state, but the initial massage may be about getting everything around that injured area more relaxed. Sometimes a client’s tissue can’t take the deeper pressure work, or the client doesn’t like the feeling of the deep tissue work – it may be uncomfortable for some clients.

Hot Stone Massage

Best for: easing muscle tension without deep pressure; maximizing massage time

A hot stone massage might look and feel too good to be therapeutic, but these stones do in fact serve a clinical purpose.

The shape of the stones themselves enable the therapist to use special techniques that can deliver more therapeutic benefit — benefits you’ll really feel.

A therapist might use the rounded edge of a stone around the shoulder blade or in the low back or neck area to really relax the tissue between the muscles and the bone.

Then there’s the heat, of course. Beyond the “ahhh” factor of feeling those hot stones go to work on your aching back or neck, the stones transfer heat into your body. Thus allowing the therapist to work more effectively.

Still, you want the longest session you can get with a hot stone massage. The stones are pre-heated to 125 degrees at the time your session begins. You want an 80- or 110-minute hot stone massage to get the greatest benefit.

Prenatal Massage

Best for: Decreasing swelling, relieving aches and pains, easing the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s very important to work with a therapist who’s trained in prenatal massage. Prenatal massage training includes instruction in specific modifications used to help protect the baby, relieve symptoms like edema (swelling) and low back pain that are common during pregnancy, and make Mom more comfortable both during and after the massage.

Prenatal massage is typically done with the client lying on her side, or on her back with a wedge to support the back and knees to take pressure of the baby off the mom’s internal organs.

The therapist also needs to be trained on certain aspects of prenatal massage such as pressure points that may have the possibility of triggering contractions. Research doesn’t necessarily prove that, but you want to make sure the therapist is knowledgeable in this area.

Sports massage

Best for: Preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

Sports massage is designed mostly for pre– or post–sports event work. For example, you might get a sports massage the day of or the day before an event such as a half-marathon to get the body really ready for the activity.

Sports massage is typically not as relaxing as other forms of massage — the generally more fast-action than Swedish massage; the techniques the therapist uses to apply pressure to the body move at a faster pace. Aided stretching is also a common sport massage technique; and it’s used to help get the lactic acid buildup in the muscles to dissipate.

But you don't have to be a professional athlete to get a sport massage. It's ideal for anyone who’s physically active — as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine. Especially if you’re more of a novice athlete, a pre-event sports massage can make that a better event for you. And for regular marathon runners, there are specific techniques used to help a body that’s been through that kind of intense event.

Right technique, right therapist

The majority of massage therapists are trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Some have had advanced training in other techniques, and everyone has techniques in which they’re especially skilled or experienced. So a high-quality therapeutic massage provider will look at your health history, goals, challenges and lifestyle to match you with the therapist who’s best for your situation. You don’t want to just get put in a time slot – you need to be matched to the right therapist for you.

Your preference for light or deep pressure is another reason you want to be matched to a therapist vs. just a time-slot technique. Massage therapists’ level of pressure is not determined by the therapist’s stature, size or strength, but by how they leverage their body weight to do the deep bodywork.

Many people believe a male therapist is stronger than a female therapist and assume they’ll get a deeper massage, but that’s really not true. There are a lot of petite female therapists who know how to leverage their body weight and provide a deep tissue massage experience. So remember, gender doesn’t determine the type and depth of massage you will get.

Can Massage Therapy Save You Money on Healthcare?

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 07:28:00 -0500

You might think of a massage as a luxury. But can massage therapy actually pay for itself by reducing your medical bills?

There’s growing evidence that massage is a beneficial complement to medical treatments for certain chronic health conditions. Significant research is ongoing in this area, notes the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). While experts emphasize that the medical benefits of massage need more study, some research has shown evidence that massage therapy is effective in treating chronic health conditions that lead to billions of dollars in healthcare costs a year in America.

Ranging from back pain, migraines and fibromyalgia to anxiety and depression, chronic health conditions are costing Americans dearly in out-of-pocket medical expenses to seek relief at doctor’s offices, pharmacies and operating rooms. These are the types of conditions that massage can help with the most.

According to NCCAM, a 2008 review of 13 clinical trials found evidence that massage may help relieve chronic low-back pain.
The Mayo Clinic notes that some studies have found evidence that massage therapy is beneficial for anxiety and noted that ongoing sessions of massage therapy can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness) — as well as improve symptoms of depression.
According to The Mayo Clinic, some research has shown that massage decreases chronic pain in people suffering with fibromyalgia or migraines.

Massage is even being used to help make cancer treatment less traumatic and debilitating. Massage therapy has been shown to bring a 50 percent improvement in symptoms including anxiety, pain and fatigue among patients being treated for cancer, according to the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. And a study of more than 300 advanced-stage cancer patients in multiple hospice facilities found that massage may help relieve pain and boost mood for cancer patients.

Increase the benefits with regular massage treatments

Regular ongoing massage treatments can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year, notes the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals group. Getting a massage at consistent intervals is an investment in your health, and just because massage feels like pampering doesn’t make it any less therapeutic.

Think of massage appointments as one of your ongoing health and wellness habits that you do to prevent the costs, stress, pain, discomfort and upheaval associated with illness and disease.

More massage = Better health!

Thai Yoga Massage: Is It Right For You?

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:02:00 -0500

Here is a great, informative article written by Clarissa Adkins about an ancient, interesting and very effective form of massage called Thai Yoga. We do offer this service at Elements Therapeutic Massage. Inquire today if you are curious or beleive this may be the right fit for your wellness plan.

Article:

Thai yoga massage, which is also called Thai massage, is a 2,500 year-old ayurvedic-based body science. According to the Lotus Palm School of Thai Yoga Massage, Buddha's doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, developed and popularized it. A trained Thai Yoga massage therapist stretches a person with specific, assisted yoga poses. The philosophy behind Thai yoga massage techniques focuses on energy points called "sen." As the Thai massage therapist stretches the participant, he or she also presses and massages along the sen lines or points.

Release of Muscular Tension

"Seattle Times" reporter Richard Seven highlights his own experience with Thai massage therapist Hiu-Hung "Grace" Phong. He reportshis muscles stay loose days after a session. To achieve this result, the therapist presses knuckles, feet, hands, thumbs and fingers into specific points while holding the participant in a stretch. This combined effort relieves areas of muscular stress and tension. Techniques involve stretching myofascial tissue; acupressure; compression of tissue; and manipulation of soft tissue.

Improved Circulation

Thai yoga massage works in a similar way to regular yoga poses. As participants hold a pose, blood slows to targeted areas. When the yogi releases the pose, fresh circulation rushes back into the area. Twisting and inverted Thai yoga massage positions, such as plough, shoulderstand and spinal twist, are particularly effective in refreshing circulation. According to "Yoga Journal," inverted poses can help with lymphatic drainage, the return of blood to the heart and digestion.

Release of Mental and Emotional Stress

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health, or SAMHSA, division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, lists both yoga and massage therapy as alternative approaches to mental health care. In Thai yoga massage, as well as other massage schools, the release of emotional or mental stress occurs through the manipulation of muscles. Thai yoga massage also incorporates meditation, which can help participants manage stress and let go of negative emotions. Richard Seven emphasizes that Thai massage is more than a physical science. The therapist works to carefully help the participant find the connection between exterior, or physical issues, and interior issues of the mind and heart.

Boosted Immune System

The Lotus Palm School of Thai Yoga Massage lists a boosted immune system as one of the benefits of Thai yoga massage. The American Massage Therapy Association lists several scientific studies which support the claim that participants can improve their immune systems through Thai massage. By invigorating the nervous system and releasing toxins through improved circulation, Thai yoga massage students increase their immunity to diseases. Many yoga students and yoga schools also believe that the practice of yoga poses can improve immunity and lead to longevity.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: May 31, 2010

My Team is All I Have

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 07:18:00 -0500

Anyone that has ever been in a leadership role of any kind knows that the team is the business. My team is all I have to offer here at Elements, especially since we only offer one service: massage therapy. I am 100% reliant on them to deliver a stellar experience to our clientele. I simply cannot do it alone, even moreso since I myself am not a licensed massage therapist.

We have recently made some drastic changes to our team at Elements, and we ask that you bare with us through this transition. I know that I have brought on the right people to lead as well as the right team members to help run this wonderful studio. I believe in my team and am very excited about the future with these amazing people.

We look forward to seeing you at Elements, and if you see some new faces be sure to introduce yourself. I know you will love them as I have come to love them. At Elements, we strive to offer the best in massage therapy and wellness services, and it all begins with the right people.

We now have them, let's get started...

Achieving a Great Work/Life Balance

Tue, 29 May 2012 06:53:00 -0500

Check out this great link from WebMD on the top 5 ways to achieve a proper work/life balance:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance

I especially like bullet point #5, which is to remember that a little relaxation goes a long way. How true in this fast past, on-demand society we live in. Slow it down, take some time to relax, breath and de-stress. It will work wonders!

Enjoy...

JLP

Can't Sleep? Serotonin & Massage Might Be the Answer

Tue, 22 May 2012 04:25:00 -0500

Do you struggle for hours to get to sleep, no matter how tired you are? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night and lay awake for hours, watching the clock and worrying about the next day? If so, you’re not alone. Insomnia is a very common sleep problem with more than 30% of the adults in the U.S. suffering from it; and 10% experiencing chronic insomnia (National Sleep Foundation).

Insomnia comes from the Latin words for "no sleep". It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficultly staying asleep, waking up too early and poor quality, "non-restorative" sleep. Chronic insomnia is poor sleep every night or most nights for more than 6 months.

Insomnia takes a huge toll on your energy, mood, and ability to function during the day. Chronic insomnia can even contribute to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

But you don’t have to put up with insomnia. There are a wide variety of methods recommended for treating insomnia. Many of them involve simple life-style and daily habit changes such as not watching TV in bed, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine in the evenings and developing a relaxing bedtime routine. Others involve a variety of medications – some over the counter; others prescriptive. But, now there are also complementary alternative medical (CAM) choices, one of which is therapeutic massage.

Serotonin plays a key role in mood, body temperature, physical coordination, appetite and sleep; and therapeutic massage can work to increase serotonin levels. A 2000 study on back pain and massage conducted by the Touch Research institute and the University Of Miami School Of Medicine demonstrated that in addition to a decrease in long-term pain, subjects receiving regular therapeutic massage also experienced an increase in serotonin levels and improved sleep*.

Therapeutic massage is a healthy and substance-free way to increase serotonin levels for the sleep deprived. Additionally, serotonin is a natural way to produce melatonin, which causes a drop in body temperature and positively influences sleepiness.

If you’re one of the 1,000’s of Americans suffering from lack of sleep, simple changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can always help. But you should also consider massage, as regular therapeutic massage sessions may prove to be the healthy, logical, safe and inexpensive way to put a stop to your sleepless nights.

* "Research: Massage Eases Lower Back Pain, Increases Range of Motion", Massage Magazine, Jan/Feb. 2002

Article: "Emails Really Stress Us Out" by Linda Wasmer Andrews

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:44:00 -0500

Check out this link to a great article by Linda Wasmer Andrews on the effets of constant emails and how stress levels are at an all time high because of our dependency on technology. This is very insightful, and scary! I know I am always connected, maybe it's time to take a step back from the inbox at scheduled times each day...

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/allinyourmind/emails-really-stress-us-out

Enjoy!

JLP

3 Reasons to Get a Massage More Often

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:22:00 -0500

Why a regular massage should be a fundamental component to your overall wellness program

We'd all love to get massage on a regular basis. If that sounds more like a luxury and not a necessity, check your facts. Health experts recommend regular massage therapy with good reason!

Consider these three excuses to get a massage as often as you like:

1. Your pain wasn’t built in a day.

You didn’t develop that ache or pain or health condition overnight. Pain comes from things you do over a period of months and years, like working at a desk or computer. And it’s likely to reoccur simply due to the routine of everyday life and the toll that it takes on your body.

A regularly scheduled massage helps you keep on top of your health rather than playing catch-up all the time. American comedian and actor, Bob Hope received a massage almost every day of his life and he lived to be almost 90.

Think about how much money you spend on healthcare to treat symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression — and to diagnose you when you’re sick — and consider then how much you could save by adding a preventive treatment like regular massage.

2. Stress happens — all the time.

Your stress triggers are always with you, not just on days when you decide to treat yourself to a massage. Sure, there are bigger, one-time events that are intensely stressful, like losing a job. But low- to moderate-level stress triggers — crazy traffic, difficult people, delayed flights — are an ongoing part of everyday life. And experts widely agree that this chronic, continual stress is the underlying cause of 80 to 90 percent of all health conditions.

Stress leads to all kinds of serious, chronic health conditions including high blood pressure, insomnia and obesity. And there’s more and more research showing that stress alone can lead to certain types of cancer.

You can’t stop stressful situations from happening. Even if you practice stress management techniques like meditation, it’s challenging to completely prevent the natural chemical reactions that stress triggers in your body. But you can manage its lasting effects on your health by “stress-detoxing” on an ongoing basis. Frequent and consistent massage helps your body sustain its stress resilience mechanisms and keeps stress hormones in balance, in turn reducing the risk of chronic health conditions and illnesses.

3. Quality of life isn’t just for special occasions.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage about half our clientele comes in for regularly scheduled massages. Some of the longtime clients become concerned if they can’t come in for their regular session — because it helps keep them healthy and enables them to lead an active lifestyle.

Even if you’re not experiencing pain or mobility challenges that keep you from hiking, biking, golfing or other physical activities you enjoy, massage can simply be the breather you need to keep your sanity and perspective in a hectic society. Think about how that can improve your outlook, attitude and relationships with your spouse, kids, family, friends, coworkers, boss....

Not sure how often you should have a massage? Almost everyone can benefit from a monthly massage. Depending on your health situation or concerns, a more frequent massage may be in order. A regularly scheduled massage regimen could help you save on healthcare costs like over-the-counter remedies for stress-related symptoms and illnesses.

Networking is the Golden Key to Growing a Business

Wed, 02 May 2012 03:13:00 -0500

As an Elements owner, I am part of a wonderful franchise that provides much support and many systems in regards to running a successful business. I could not be happier about my decision to join this franchise network and the people in our corporate office in Denver are amazing.

When I was starting this business almost 4 years ago, as well as other ventures in the past, I quickly realized that the most affordable and effective way to grow and nurture my business as a long-term asset was to get out of the 4 walls surrounding me and network in the community. This need has only increased as my business has grown.

I often coach other business owners to get involved with at least 2 structured organizations in their respective territory. The big names I often recommend are the local Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International (BNI), Young Professional Society, the Rotary Club and the Exchange Club to name a few. These organizations are generally in every major community, city or town.

And networking works 2 ways. First, you should be focused on what BNI calls the "givers-gain", which is the benefit of connecting and referring people to the right professionals that can help. Second, as a reciprocal perk, you begin to receive introductions and referrals back your way. It truly is a 2-way street of giving.

Start small, and work up the courage to attend some events, maybe 1 per week for the first 3 months in business. Before you know it, you will have developed and nurtured some great relationships and grown your business in leaps and bounds!

JLP

Shape Up Your Summer Body, While Rejuvenating Your Mommy Spirit

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 -0500

Moms spend most of their waking hours as caretakers – taking care of running a busy household, juggling work and family schedules, and caring about the health and happiness of friends, family members and even clients. Many times, though, caring for others is done at the expense of caring for themselves.

In celebration of Mother’s Day this month, it is time to start taking care of all the mothers out there who run their minds and bodies thin in an effort to care for everyone and everything that is important to them and their families. Caring for mothers starts with giving them the relaxation and rejuvenation they deserve with frequent massage therapy sessions tailored toward helping them reach their mind and body goals this summer.

To help moms get their bodies and minds ready for summertime activities, regular massage can be an excellent tool for repairing, reinvigorating and reshaping a women’s body. Whether you are striving to trim down winter’s last pounds or tone your body for fun summertime activities in the sun, massage can produce positive results for losing weight and firming up your body. It is time to bring in the massage troops to shape up your body and rejuvenate your mommy spirit.

Waist Reduction: Scientific studies have linked massage therapy with a reduction in cellulite, as the firm pressure of a typical massage may aide in breaking up fat capsules in the body’s tissues, enabling the body to absorb and shed cellulite. Massage also can have a positive effect on weight loss efforts by reducing the production of cortisol (high stress hormone) in your body. When you are stressed out, it can be difficult for your body to lose weight, even if you are eating healthy, as cortisol inhibits the body from releasing fat and toxins.
Positive Attitude: Incorporating massage into your health and wellness regimen can also transform a weight loss program from a dreaded experience to a more positive one. Instead of focusing on cutting out your favorite foods and depriving your body to meet your desired body shape, massage can turn the experience into a rewards-based environment that is focused on caring for your body and rebuilding the mental and physical pieces you may have lost over time.
Body Cleanse: Deep tissue massage techniques can help cleanse the body by helping eliminate toxins that can collect in your muscles after strenuous exercise. Massage also is an excellent agent for minimizing toxic attitudes that can weigh down your self consciousness and self esteem. The relaxing environment of a therapeutic massage not only motivates your mind and body to achieve wellness goals by energizing your attitude, but it also can establish a winning attitude that can set you up for accomplishing anything you focus your mind on.
Repair Muscles: Sports massage is a key element to soothing common muscle aches and pains caused from increased activity during the spring and summer months. As your activity levels increase, you may not always stretch, ice, heat or rest your tired muscles as often as you should. Regular monthly massages can provide the tune up that your body needs to stay up and running.

All mothers, and women in general, want to look good and feel good about their bodies. Massage is the solution the help you accomplish both – but the secret is receiving regular massage therapy sessions. Start taking care of your mom today by giving her the gift of massage this Mother’s Day. If you are a mother, you don’t have to wait until your kids or spouse are clued in on the benefits of massage. You can start adding yourself to the list of things and people you take care of by scheduling monthly therapeutic massages for yourself for the rest of the year.

Wishing you health & serenity,

JLP

Melt Away Tax Time Stress with Three Simple Relaxation Strategies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:13:00 -0500

April showers may bring May flowers, but "stress storms", common this time of year (April 17 tax deadlines, changes in seasons, failed New Year's resolution attempts), can leave you feeling wilted, run down and even depressed. Instead of getting caught in a storm of stress this spring, blow away the winter blues by melting tension and fatigue with regular therapeutic massage sessions that will not only nurture your mind and body, but support your overall well-being.

In today's plugged in, always on-the-go society, stress can be found in all aspects of your life. While some types of stress can be healthy for your mind and body, a January 2012 study from the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed deepening concerns about the connection between chronic disease and stress. Research continues to show that stress can negatively impact your health by:

Weakening your immune system, leading to common colds, sicknesses and even more critical medical problems.
Disrupting sleep problems, leading to fatigue and even insomnia.
Decreasing positive moods and feelings about yourself and others, leading to depression and an overall sense of unhappiness.
Causing headaches, upset stomach or digestion, and muscular tension.
Increasing irritability, anger, anxiety and nervousness.¹

Realistically, you may never be able to completely eliminate stress, anxiety and pressure from your life, but there are steps you can start taking today to stop the vicious cycle of being showered with stress. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month this April, you can start by incorporating the following three relaxation strategies into your daily life to promote a more stress-free lifestyle.

Release Mental and Physical Tension

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. Massage can help relieve physical tension such as back/neck pain, reduce stress, increase circulation, and improve your body's full range of motion. And, by making massage a regular occurrence on your calendar, you will give yourself a designated time each month to release mental and physical tension, lowering the risk of stress piling up to levels that can lead to negative results.

Revive and Reinvigorate Tired, Sore Muscles

Whether you are sitting in front of the computer all day, chasing a toddler around the house or training for a sporting event (or trying to be successful at all three at the same time!), it is more than likely that your hips, back and neck may feel sore and fatigued at the end of the day. By loosening these common stress carrying muscle groups on a regular basis, you can instantly de-stress your mind and body. Deep tissue massage specifically can break up scar tissue and help muscles recover more quickly so you can bounce back faster from a hard gym workout or working on a computer screen for 12 hours a day. Not only will your body feel more revived and stronger after a massage, but your mind also will be sharper, helping you maintain a more consistent focus on all of your day-to-day activities.

Take Time to Get in Touch with Yourself

Massage can help you establish a balance in your life that is not only good for your mental and muscle health, but also your body's internal system well-being. Studies show that leading factors of medical problems and common illnesses can occur from overworking yourself, carrying too much stress and not dedicating enough time to relaxing your mind and body on a regular basis. It's important to carve out 15 minutes a day (daily meditation), one day a week (designated "Me" time) and once a month (monthly therapeutic massage) to devote time and energy into establishing a positive mind/body connection.

By implementing these three stress reducing habits, you are well on your way to avoiding a stress storm this spring and giving yourself the opportunity to stop and take time to smell the flowers. The skilled massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage are available to listen to your individual needs and will use the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience. Call your local Elements studio today to begin experiencing all of the stress management benefits of massage therapy.

Wishing you health & serenity,

______________________________

¹Stress in America™, Our Health at Risk, American Psychological Association, January 2012.

Elements Welcomes Our New General Manager, Jill Bellospirito

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:40:00 -0500

Please join our staff in welcoming our new General Manager to Elements, Jill Bellospirito. Jill begins her new position this week and we are so excited to have her lead this studio and grow with us professionally.

Jill has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 5 years and has been living in CO until recently relocating back here to New England. She brings leadership and massage franchise experience to this role and her level of energy and professionalism is contagious.

Stop by and say hello to Jill and I am sure you will know immediately why we chose her for this great and ambitious position.

Welcome to you Jill!

Check Out the Rave Reviews From Our Clients

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:06:00 -0500

Hello and good morning. At Elements, we strive to give the absolute best massage in the world to our clients, and to truly customize each experience to their specific needs. Click on this link to view the amazing reviews we've received from our clients recently. Will you be the next success story at Elements? We hope so!

http://touchofelements.com/eastlongmeadow/page/testimonials

Wishing you health and serenity,

Welcome to the team: Elements adds new LMT's

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:11:00 -0500

We are excited here at Elements to welcome some new licensed massage therapists to our team. We are expanding our business and to meet the demands of our clients we have hired Rebecca and Sandra recently to help us better serve you. They are both ecstatic to be part of such a wonderful team and bring enhanced elite therapy to the studio. For bio's on all of our staff, see the "About Our Studio" tab on our website homepage and click on "Meet the Therapists".

Once again, welcome Rebecca and Sandra!

15 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You to Know

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:51:00 -0500

Check out this great article from Kelli Boylen on massage.com, it's all about the 15 things that our LMT's would love their clients to know about the great service and relationship we provide.

http://www.massage.com/15-things-your-massage-therapist-wants-you-to-know

Enjoy!

Red Meat Linked to Premature Death

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:48:00 -0500

Red meat linked to higher risk of premature death

Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY

Hamburgers and hot dogs are getting even more grilling.

A new study indicates that eating unprocessed red meat (hamburger, pork, roast beef, lamb) and processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, bologna, sausage) may increase a person's risk of premature death and raise their risk of death from heart disease and cancer.

Conversely, substituting other foods such as fish, poultry, nuts and beans for red meat may lower a person's risk of premature death, the analysis suggests.

Other studies have linked eating red meat and processed meat to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers (particularly colorectal cancer) and premature death.

"This new study provides further compelling evidence that high amounts of red meat may boost the risk of premature death," says the study's lead author, An Pan of the Harvard School of Public Health. But, he says, this type of study shows association, which doesn't necessarily mean a direct cause.

Pan and colleagues analyzed the diet, health and death data on 37,698 men and 83,644 women.

To determine the risk of eating unprocessed red meat or processed meat, the researchers factored out other qualities of life, including age, weight, physical activity and family history of heart disease, and dietary habits, such as intake of whole grains, fruit and vegetables, nuts, legumes, dairy products, fish and poultry.

The results

Among the findings published online Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine: Eating one serving a day of unprocessed red meat (about the size of a deck of cards) was associated with a 13% increased risk in premature death; one serving a day of processed red meat (one hot dog or two slices of bacon) was associated with a 20% increased risk of premature death.

Using a statistic model, the researchers estimated that replacing one serving a day of red meat with one serving of fish would decrease the chances of premature death by 7%; replacing it with poultry would decrease the risk by 14%; nuts, 19%; beans, 10%; low-fat dairy, 10%; and whole grains, 14%.

"The message we want to communicate is it would be great if you could reduce your red meat consumption to half a serving a day or two to three servings a week, and severely limit processed red meat intake," Pan says.

Beef industry objects

But the beef industry says the study doesn't prove red meat is the dietary villain.

"Once again, what we are seeing here is an observational study that's limited because it can't establish cause and effect," says registered dietitian Shalene McNeill, executive director of human nutrition research for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "The most striking thing about this study is those who were eating higher intakes of red meat also were eating more calories, were less physically active, were more likely to smoke and ate fewer fruits, vegetables and whole grains."

Pan says those factors were taken into consideration to try to eliminate their influence, "but certainly, it is possible that other unmeasured or residual confounding effects from lifestyle factors exist."

Robert Eckel, a former president of the American Heart Association, says the group does not set a limit on consumption of lean red meat but promotes an overall heart-healthy diet: "A small serving (about 3 ounces) of lean red meat several times a week can be added to an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern without concern."

Marji McCullough, a nutrition epidemiologist for the American Cancer Society, calls the study "important" because "it shows that consuming red meat and processed meat increases the risk of death from all causes," not just colorectal or other cancers.

To see more of USAToday.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.usatoday.com

Copyright 2012 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Disclaimer: References or links to other sites from Wellness.com does not constitute recommendation or endorsement by Wellness.com. We bear no responsibility for the content of websites other than Wellness.com.

Check Out the LMT Bio's and Pick Your Favorite

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:42:00 -0600

Click on "About Our Studio" in the left column and choose "Therapists" to read the bio's of all of our employees and licensed massage therapists. We have 15 LMT's that can help our clients with any and all of their wellness needs.

We are so proud of the excellent staff we have here at Elements.

Wellness Is a State of Mind

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:39:00 -0600

Dear wellness community:

Often times people will ask me to define “wellness”. I have heard many different ways of putting the idea of wellness into words, from the most basic, such as “the absence of disease” to more complex versions. To be well is completely subjective to the individual.

For some, wellness means feeling an overwhelming sense of limitless energy and vitality each day. For others, it’s having the strength and endurance to do the daily activities that one enjoys. And yet for some, it may simply be the ability to get out of bed in the morning without having the take pain relief pills.

Whatever your wellness goal is, you must take small steps toward achieving the day-to-day progress and overall accomplishment of that goal. Usually a client tells me that they are so far gone in their personal wellness that they can’t remember the last time they felt great. The major concern then becomes “I feel like I will never get to a point of wellness”. Small steps add up to big results. Normally when a new client begins to make small changes in their daily routine and is consciously working toward a better healthy life, they immediately feel the difference, however small it may be.

My challenge is this: pick a goal that is your ideal situation for your health. That goal may be to lose 50 pounds or to drop your blood pressure. Then, simply commit to small, daily changes toward that goal. You might start with an easy one, such as “I commit to taking a multi-vitamin each morning after my breakfast”. Enough of these small daily commitments add up to a tremendous result, yet each small goal doesn’t seem so insurmountable.

Whatever it may be that you are striving towards, you can do it if you break your goal down to small daily behavior changes that you can handle. Your idea of personal wellness only applies to you. Decide what is most important and go after it.

In health, always,

Spoil your Sweetheart!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:46:00 -0600

We have a few great gift ideas to spoil your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. You can book our couples massage room, grab a gift card or sign your sweety up for a monthly membership! Our Gift cards for Members are 2 55 min massages for $99! This is a tremendous savings on health and well-being for 2012! Our members enjoy their massages and their massage therapists so much that they return on a monthly basis to spoil themselves as they deserve to! We want to spoil our new members with 6 free upgrades for the year, or a free gift card! Please see our Sales Care Specialists for details or simply ask your massage therapist for a plan regarding what goals you would like to accomplish for this year for your health! Thank you to our are existing Members for your continued patronage! We look forward to 2012 with you!

Studio of the Month

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:46:00 -0600

We have been awarded franchise of the month for Novemeber 2011! This is a huge group effort! From our front desk staff to our amazing therapists we have strived with our customer service to make sure our consumers get the very best in massage therapy for their well-being and it showed. Thank you team for an outstanding effort! Being #1 out of 75 studios nationwide is quite an accomplishment especially with all the natural disasters we have had this past year, you all continue to please us! To a prosporus New Year of 2012, Cheers!

Holiday's are coming

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:04:00 -0500

Holiday's are just around the corner! We have some great promotions going on for our Members and Non-Members! Our client care specialists will take care of all of your appointments and general requests, and the LMT's will take care of all of your special massage needs. Our LMT's customize their massages to fit your specific needs. "TOO DEEP", "NOT DEEP ENOUGH" please feel free to speak up so the LMT can accommodate you to the best of their ablities. Be Well, Drink Water, and stay Stress Free!

Cranial Sacral

Wed, 04 May 2011 07:41:00 -0500

I recently took a class on Craniosacral Techniques. This modality works with the craniosacral rhythm by gently working the spine, skull, and facia. Its light work that is non invasive, and only uses 5 grams of pressure, with is the weight of a nickle. This work can treat, stress, migranes, TMJ pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety, tinnitus, along with other things. I personaly had an amazing experience feeling craniosacral work, to feel my bones try to fix themselves and go back to where they belong. I cannot wait to learn more.-Nikki

April Newsletter

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:25:00 -0500

Membership Program

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:29:00 -0600

We are now over 600 Members and we have only been open for two and a half years! Whooohooo! Our Wellness Membership Program is for anyone who wants to maintain their health and well being through massage! You can check out all the details under our Wellness Membership Page. Just a reminder that all studios do their membership a little different than us. We are open 7 days a week and have 17 therapists who specialize in therapeutic massage. We also take fsa/hsa accounts as well as give insurance discounts. This program really sets us aside from any other massage facility. We hope you come and enjoy yourself here at Elements Therapeutic Massage in East Longmeadow, MA.

Massage Therapists

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:08:00 -0600

We now have 19 Licensed Massage Therapists on Board! Check them all out on our "MEET THE THERAPISTS" page! We are very proud of our team and our growth! All our therapists are their own artists, you can give Picasso Monet's brush! We have a lot of members and non-members who like to jump around to see which therapist best fits their needs and that's what we encourage any client to do! Hope your experience with us is a fantastic one!

Elements Therapeutic Massage now accepts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to cover your massage!

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:08:00 -0500

Elements Therapeutic Massage now accepts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to cover your massage!

Check with your company to see if massage therapy services are included in your FSA/HSA account and mention that when booking your massage with us. Your hard earned pre-tax dollars can help to pay for a wonderfully relaxing and stress-reducing massage.

You can also use these accounts for our wellness program. Ask any of our Front Desk Staff for details.

In Good Health, The Elements Staff

Haiti Relief

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:35:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage presents:

The Healing Hands for Haiti

This week at Elements, purchase any massage gift card or book any massage appointment and 10% of the sale proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross Haiti relief fund.

It has been over a month since the devastating earthquakes that destroyed many sections of Haiti and took hundreds of thousands of lives. Much work has been done and many have donated but the need is still great.

Elements is proud to be involved in this cause and welcomes any donations.

Mention this at your next appointment until the end this week and receive an additional 10% of the walk-in rate for your massage or gift card this week.

The Holiday's are near!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:55:00 -0600

ETM East Longmeadow is doing a buy one get one half off for this Holiday Season! Walk-in rates apply. 55 min massage is $79 get the second one 1/2 off of that or two 55 minutes for $119. Our 80 min massage is 105 or 2 for 158.00, or if you want to warm up for winter try our Hot Stone Massage 55 min is $99.00 or 80 min for $120. You can also order gift cards online and we will be open Christmas Eve and New Years Eve until 5 pm. This promotion is only good until 12/31/09! Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! From our families to yours - The Elements Team.

Meet our Therapists

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:14:00 -0500

Hello Everyone and Welcome. We have added a few more therapists to the "meet our therapists" page. Please feel free to search through the therapists biographies to find out who may fit your needs more so that when you are booking an appointment you can request a therapist by name. We hope you enjoy this part of our website. Thanks for your interest in ETM East Longmeadow, MA 01028!

Hello and Welcome!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:29:00 -0500

This is our NEW website. Please enjoy. We are still building it so please bare with as we are under construction.

Elements Therapeutic Massage - East Longmeadow

Five Steps to Making a Difference in Your Community

Therapist Thursday: "What's the best piece of advice you ever got from your Mom?”

Therapist Thursday: "What’s the best thing I can do to get a good night’s sleep?”

Therapist Thursday: "How can I take better care of my hands?”

Therapist Thursday: "What are some ways to reduce stress while driving?”

Therapist Thursday: "What stresses you out most about tax season?”

Therapist Thursday: What are some of the not-so-common benefits of getting a regular massage?

Our First Therapist Thursday: Engage w/ the Team & Win Upgrades

Introducing...Therapist Thursdays: Starts Tomorrow!

Meditation: Worth 15 Minutes Every Day

1-10 Lifestyle Change Scale...Start Making Progress Today!

Go Green This St. Patrick's Day w/ Watercress Salad

A Bit of Inspiration...

Nip Your Spring Allergies in the Bud

Check out these great allergy relief tips from the Mayo Clinic

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

Take extra steps when pollen counts are high

Keep indoor air clean

Make Valentine's Day Special: Top 5 Romance Tips

True Romance: 5 Ways to Have a Healthy & Romantic Valentine's Dinner

Massage May Be All You Need

Spring Into a New You by Re-Enlisting Your New Year’s Resolutions

Put a Spring In Your Step By Relieving Lower Back Pain

Waiting On You Hand and Foot

5 Simple Commitments for an Amazingly Healthy Year

Tune Up Sore Muscles with Sports Massage Therapy

Massage Benefits Everyone

Top 5 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Holiday Shopping Night for the Open Pantry of Springfield

Good Night, Sleep Tight, It’s Time for Restful Sleep Tonight!

Elements to Donate 3% of Sales to Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund

Mama’s Secret Recipe to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Power Down Your Brain at Night to Reset and Revamp Your Mind

Don't Miss Our Biggest Sale of the Year 11/9 12PM-8PM

Improve Health and Well-Being by Beating Workplace Stress

Get Out, Get Active, Get Healthy

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Let Your Back Loose

Self Massage Techniques to Rejuvenate from Autumn Activities

4 Massage Techniques to Boost Your Golf Game

Massage + A Healthy Diet: The Perfect Combination to Balance Back-to-School Stress

Healthy Eating Habits:Prepare yourself and your meals – Ensure your schedule has time for good health by planning ahead. Plan out your meals and make the trip to the grocery store or local farmer’s market early to stock your kitchen with a nutritious array of foods and on-the-go-snacks.

Sleeping with the Enemy? (Hint: It's Stress)

5 Ways a Prenatal Massage Should Be Different

Therapeutic Massage Q & A

5 Superfoods That Cook Up Great on the Grill

Eat Like an Olympian: Go for the Nutritional Gold

Membership Definitely Has Its Perks

Elements Adds More LMT's to the Staff

How Massage Can Benefit Cancer Patients

Add Massage to Your Summer Training Regimen for Increased Health and Wellness

What Kind of Massage Do You Need Right Now?

Can Massage Therapy Save You Money on Healthcare?

Thai Yoga Massage: Is It Right For You?

Release of Muscular Tension

Improved Circulation

Release of Mental and Emotional Stress

Boosted Immune System

References

My Team is All I Have

Achieving a Great Work/Life Balance

Can't Sleep? Serotonin & Massage Might Be the Answer

Article: "Emails Really Stress Us Out" by Linda Wasmer Andrews

3 Reasons to Get a Massage More Often

Networking is the Golden Key to Growing a Business

Shape Up Your Summer Body, While Rejuvenating Your Mommy Spirit

Melt Away Tax Time Stress with Three Simple Relaxation Strategies

Elements Welcomes Our New General Manager, Jill Bellospirito

Check Out the Rave Reviews From Our Clients

Welcome to the team: Elements adds new LMT's

15 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You to Know

Red Meat Linked to Premature Death

Check Out the LMT Bio's and Pick Your Favorite

Wellness Is a State of Mind

Spoil your Sweetheart!

Studio of the Month

Holiday's are coming

Cranial Sacral

April Newsletter

Healthy Eating Habits:
Prepare yourself and your meals – Ensure your schedule has time for good health by planning ahead. Plan out your meals and make the trip to the grocery store or local farmer’s market early to stock your kitchen with a nutritious array of foods and on-the-go-snacks.