The Benefits of Massage

Urban Sanctuary has over a dozen massage therapists on staff who specialize in pain relief and deep tissue massage.

     The health benefits of massage are too many to name all in one place. Massage therapy is greatly underestimated in its capacity to reduce pain and enhance well being. When used in conjunction with other good practices, massage therapy acts as very effective preventative medicine for both women and men... Here's a list of the benefits that our clients mention most often.

Massage Therapy 

• quiets and clears the mind 
• decreases frequency of headaches
• improves circulation
• increases flexibility
• eases joint pain
• eases muscle pain 
• relieves cramps
• releases overall tension
• improves confidence and esteem
• increases range of motion
• decreases recovery time
• helps to heal injuries and scar tissue
• decreases chronic pain
• enhances overall energy levels
• improves physical performance
• improves quality of sleep
• soothes frayed nerves
• strengthens the immune system
• improves ability to breathe deeply
• detoxifies the body
• improves body awareness
• helps people through times of grief and loss
• improves one's ability to cope with the everyday stresses of life
• enhances overall sense of well-being

 
     The healing properties of touch are immeasurable. They can be felt by both the giver and the receiver. Specific techniques can be employed by our massage therapists to achieve very specific results. General relaxation techniques can be employed to help your body let go of stress and tension. Both specific and non-specific massage techniques work to recharge all of the body's systems... This has a great impact on a person's overall energy level and sense of well-being.

     Massages scheduled at regular intervals tend to yield more noticeable long-term results. Putting an hour aside every 2-4 weeks to provide something nourishing for your body is one of the best gifts you could give yourself.

    Urban Sanctuary has very attractive massage series rates available to make having massage at regular intervals much more affordable. With a spa series you'll save $45-$145 for every 6 services you purchase. Inquire by calling us at 706-613-3947.
     

Gift certificates for massage, facials, waxing and all Urban Sanctuary services can be purchased online.

Aromatherapy: How To Use Essential Oils

 There are many ways to use aromatherapy to enhance overall health, beauty and well-being... Here is a list some of the quickest and easiest uses. Following the list are a few specific examples and details outlining each method.

1. Inhalation
2. Direct Application to the Skin (at safe dilutions)
3. Baths and Foot Baths
4. Aromatherapy Diffusers and Candles
5. Aromatherapy Massage
6. In Cleaning Products
7. In Body Products, Skin Care Products and Mists
8. Hot and Cold Towel Compresses

inhalation

  Inhalation is the quickest way to affect mood using aromatherapy... Hormone receptor sites in the brain interact with essential oils upon the moment of inhalation! This rapidly alters your brain chemistry, creating a notable difference in the body, mind and heart. It takes just a fraction of a second (a nanosecond) to work. Try inhaling Rosemary essential oil and notice the quickening of your pulse. Rosemary interacts with the adrenal glands, providing a second wind or burst of adrenaline when needed.

direct application to the skin

Direct application to the skin, by dotting or rubbing, in key places is also quick and effective. What you put on your skin soon makes its way into your blood stream. The ears are loaded with nerve endings and are very thin skinned. Massage Lavender into your ears and temples to stop a headache in its tracks! Rub your wrists and scalp with blended Sandalwood or Sweet Basil to ease anxiety. The scalp, ears, hands and feet are great places for aromatherapy spot rubs, because the extra nerve endings in those places rocket essential oil medicine throughout the body. As a safety precaution, never apply essential oils "neat", or undiluted, directly to your skin. Burning, discoloration and discomfort could occur.

baths and foot baths

Baths and foot baths are age-old healing remedies. Depending on the desired results, a wide variety of salts, herbs and essential oils can be employed to heal ailments of the body and mind. A cool Rose and Chamomile milk bath will ease hives and heat rashes.

Rosemary and Lavender (8 drops apiece) in a hot salt bath will draw the pain out of achy, cramped muscles. Tea tree or Peppermint in a foot bath (4 drops or so) will boost circulation and clear the head.

diffusers and candles

Aromatherapy diffusers and candles, made with quality essential oils, slowly emit essential oil vapors into the air, altering your mood and the atmosphere. The scent and medicinal effects linger. Watch out for cheaply made perfumed imposters!

Most aromatherapy diffusers come with instructions for use. A Lavender candle is a good choice for the bedroom. Peppermint aromatherapy drops on a car mirror diffuser can keep you from falling asleep at the wheel.

aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage works essential oils into your lymphatic system. Lemon and Geranium essential oils are great tension and PMS reducers. Try Chamomile for overall revitalization. Peppermint massage will boost energy and circulation beautifully. Peppermint is not subtle.

in cleaning products

Aromatherapy cleaning products are a great answer to the harsh chemical cleansers that tend to burn out your eyes, skin and nose. Tea Tree, Thyme, Lemon and Lavender are all great cleaning agents. I love Seventh Generation detergent, dish soap and cleaning sprays. They smell divine and actually do get the house clean! Try making your own aromatherapy cleaning products.

in body products, skin care products and mists

Look for bath, body and skin products made with pure essential oils. Add a few drops of Rosemary to your shampoo to relieve dry, itchy scalp. Mix a few drops of geranium into your body cream to ease PMS. There are too many high quality aromatherapy beauty products on the market to name! Naturopathica skin care is second to none, as are EO bubble baths, Zum soaps, Bindi body oils and Suki mists.

hot  and cold towel compresses

Lastly, hot and cold compresses are on my short list. Eucalyptus drops (4 or so) on a hot towel are just what the doctor ordered for a stuffy head. Press onto the head and chest until cooled, then refresh. A cold compress with Lemon and Cypress will stimulate and renew a tired mind.

Request a blending class or personal consultation at Urban Sanctuary by emailing candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com or by calling 706-613-3947.