Inspired by Japanese Onsens, known for their calm & relaxing environments, as well as the benefits of massage therapy. Anjera Onsen Spa provides therapeutic services, with the care of a small business. Angela is Owner & Licensed Massage Therapist. With years of experience and specialties in Man…
FAQs:
What is a Home Massage Service?
The home massage service is a professional massage service at home that has become popular in recent years due to its comfort and benefits. Saving time in travel, total privacy, perfect for people with reduced mobility, enjoy a massage anywhere (office, home, rural stay …) are some of the benefits of it.
What is a Massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is generally for the treatment of body stress or pain. In European countries, a person professionally trained to give massages is traditionally known as a masseur (male) or a masseuse (female). In the United States, these individuals are often referred to as massage therapists, because they must be certified and licensed as "licensed massage therapists". In some provinces of Canada, they are called “Registered massage therapists”, as they are regulated health professionals.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
Massage Therapists are generally employed at massage clinics, spas, and salons to provide rejuvenating and relaxing massages to clients. Massage Therapists maintain knowledge of human anatomy and the musculoskeletal system so they can effectively target points of tension in a client’s body and ease the symptoms of physical stress. They use varying amounts of pressure to improve circulation and target tense or knotted muscles. Massage Therapists communicate with clients about their comfort level and what areas they would like to focus on, setting clear expectations for what areas of muscle and tissue they plan to address.
What is Massage Therapy Used For?
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.
How Do Massages Make You Feel Better?
This is because your brain releases feel-good chemicals and pain diminishes. The therapist’s touch causes an immediate reaction in your brain. As soon as your skin’s nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss.
If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins will help diminish them by blocking pain signals from the brain. And if your muscles are sore after a rigorous workout, a good rubdown will help them heal faster. Researchers found that massage decreases the inflammation caused by exercise and increases the occurrence of cell repair.
How Effective is Massage?
One Australian study found that a 10-minute muscle massage after a workout could reduce soreness by 30%. A separate review study on massage found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped 31% following a rubdown, while levels of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin increased roughly 30%.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
A massage is a great tool for relieving stress, improving mood, and increasing the overall quality of life and productivity. You’ll often feel better for a full week before you’ll start to notice the need for a return visit unless you are dealing with pain or injury. Your tension headaches will disappear, your energy will increase, and your mental health will improve. Is there such a thing as too many massages when you have benefits like this?
You can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you’ll be able to determine the best frequency because your body’s response is a large part of this determination.
You should go at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. The longer you wait though, the more often you’ll start the process of loosening up your muscles because they tense up if you don’t go often enough. Try different techniques, such as deep tissue massage and stress massage depending on your needs.
When your body starts to feel stiff and sore, it’s telling you that it’s time for a massage again, but the type of massage you may need could vary depending on your body’s needs.
How Long Do The Benefits of Massage Last?
Everyone has a different body type making it difficult to predict how long the benefits of massage will last. However, some external factors could help us determine how long the benefits will last. The benefits last differently for different people depending on the life they live and the type of massage they get.
For example, if you live a stressful and hectic life, then the benefits won’t last long as compared to someone who lives a relatively stress-free life.
On average, the benefits of massage can last up to a month or as little as 1 day. On average, most people notice the benefits for about a week. This is one of the reasons it’s recommended that you get a massage regularly.
If you are trying to treat a medical condition through massage, then regular massage can go a long way. A study revealed that for patients with osteoarthritis, regular massages can not only reduce pain but also aid in its treatment.
Is Massage Therapy for Everyone?
Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who have various conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, and fibromyalgia. You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues before your first session.
Massage for Treatment of Some Disorders
Research indicates that massage and myotherapy are effective in managing:
- subacute/chronic low back pain
- delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- anxiety
- stress
- soft tissue injuries
- high blood pressure
- insomnia.
They can also be effectively used to support people with:
- a chronic disease
- a life-threatening illness such as cancer
Reasons to Seek Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is generally thought of as a way to pamper yourself and relax after a busy week. However, the scope of treatment that massage offers is much greater than just a luxury pampering session! There are numerous other benefits to massage therapy – here are a few of the top reasons people seek massage.
1. Relaxation
One of the most common reasons for massage is to relax; for most people who have a jam-packed, busy schedule, massage is a great way to take some time for themselves to de-stress and take a break. Not only is it the perfect way to unwind, but incorporating massage into your busy lifestyle is incredibly important for your overall mental and physical health.
2. Health and Structure
Many people book a massage appointment to treat injuries or aches and pains. Whether you are an athlete, a person who suffers from arthritis, or someone who has a stiff neck from working at a computer, massage is commonly sought after as treatment. There are specific massage techniques that can help a multitude of injuries and medical conditions.
Some clients stick to a strictly healthy lifestyle and need a way to detox and energize their bodies. The massage will allow blocked energy to flow freely through the body and stimulate the body into detoxifying toxins and wastes.
3. Recharge, Rejuvenate, and Re-energize
Another typical reason a person seeks massage is that they are just exhausted. Mentally, physically, due to illness, stress, or just daily life, it doesn’t matter – they are completely drained of energy and are searching for a way to renew themselves. Massage allows the client to rebuild their natural energy and boost them back up to normal.
4. Connection and Reconnection
Massage offers a very personal and close experience with another human, which is what many people crave. In today’s world of technology, human connection is seriously lacking. Massage is all about touch, and touch is the fastest way to connect with others.
5. A New You
It is no secret that after a massage, you leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle anything. Many clients are seeking this sort of mental and physical change from treatment. Massage transforms the person’s physical being and mental state, which will spill over into a transformation for the rest of their life.
Benefits Of In-Home Massage
You may not know whether to opt for an in-home massage or a-center massage. You may have questions like ‘Is in-home massage worth my money?’ Will I get the quality services that I am paying for? You can benefit more from an in-home massage than from a massage at-center. Here are the top 10 benefits of in-home massage to support the claims:
1. No Hassle And Added Stress Of The Traffic
Going to the massage center can be a stressful activity. Driving on a busy road full of traffic can increase stress levels, which is not a good activity for people who are already stressed. Driving back after a soothing massage is an even worse activity. So, receiving a massage at your home keeps you away from commuting tensions.
2. Saved Fuel Costs
Not having to travel also saves on fuel costs. This is noticeable, especially for those who require frequently a massage and have to travel long distances for the purpose.
3. Time-Saving
We all are aware of the fact that “time is money”. One of the greatest advantages of calling a massage therapist to your home is that it can save a bunch of hours for your busy schedule. The time taken for you to drive to the nearest massage center and then drive back home is saved. Thanks to this facility, you do not have to change your schedule and you can get a massage even on a workday.
4. Better Prolonged Relaxation
An in-home massage enables you to enjoy prolonged relaxation. You can schedule an appointment just before you get to bed, i.e. in the evening. You can opt to get a warm bath immediately after the session or fall asleep on the bed, which is not possible within an at-center massage.
5. Addresses Special Needs
An in-home massage is an ideal way for people with special needs who can not step foot in the luxurious spa. Different groups of people can take benefit from the in-home session despite their limitations:
- People who are too old to travel
- Pregnant ladies or lactating mothers (feeding mothers)
- People with disabilities (arthritis, or chronic pain patients)
6. Your Room Gets Better
The massage therapists come with all their equipment which comprises essential oils, linens, a massage table, and music. A professional massage therapist shall transform your room into a place of tranquility and peace. Your massage therapist can set up different scents to give you aromatherapy. You can use these in your room even after the session so that your room environment remains calm and peaceful. Aromatherapy is a therapy that provides you relief with the use of different scents to soothe you. The therapy is effective in alleviating depression.
7. Deeper Relaxation
We are all used to our homes. When you are at your home, you can relax your senses and can relax better. This puts you into a deeper state of relaxation during the session. Therefore, in-home massage can deliver more relief from stress.
8. Massage Can Last For A Longer Time
In most of the spas, the massage session is time-limited, and you receive a massage for 50 minutes maximum. With a home massage, you can get the freedom to have extended sessions.
9. Insured In-Home Massages
Many people get insurance for in-home massages. You can benefit from insurance that covers up to 80% of in-home massage costs.
10. Greater Privacy
Another fantastic advantage of in-home massage is the greater privacy it provides. You benefit from greater personalized attention from massage therapists while remaining in the comfort of your home. As massage usually requires you to put off your clothes, women can feel more confident and secure in an in-home massage. You can talk about your stress in a peaceful environment leading to a higher quality massage.
Different Types of Massage
Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a trained massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension. Read on to learn about the different types of massage and which type might be right for you.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s great for people who are new to massage, want to release tension, and desire gentle touch. It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.
Hot Stone Massage
The hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones instead of or in addition to their hands.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who enjoy the scent and want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle tension, and relieve pain.
Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, imbalance, tightness, and chronic muscle pain. The massage will last 60 to 90 minutes. While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent them. A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or on specific parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes, depending on your needs.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point massage is best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes, areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain. This type of massage will usually last 60 to 90 minutes.
Reflexology
Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who aren’t comfortable being touched on the entire body.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation, helps relieve pain, may relieve headaches, reduces muscle tension, improves sleep and fatigue, and may improve mood. Shiatsu massages typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress. It can also help improve flexibility, circulation, and energy levels. A Thai massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. The massage will usually last 45 to 60 minutes.
Couples Massage
A couples massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend, or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage plus the chance to enjoy a relaxing experience with a partner.
Chair Massage
A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on the neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can be a comfortable introduction to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a type of gentle massage that encourages the lymph fluids to circulate through the body. The lymphatic system helps remove toxins, and improved circulation can help with several conditions, including lymphedema, fibromyalgia, edema, skin disorders, fatigue, insomnia, stress, digestive problems, arthritis, and migraine.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial sacral therapy or craniosacral massage is a type of bodywork that helps release compression in the bones of the head, lower back, and spine. The idea behind cranial sacral therapy is that gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, can help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. It can also produce deeply relaxing results.
Abhyanga Oil Massage
Abhyanga is a type of oil massage from the system of Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is warmed and gently massaged all over the body. This type of massage focuses on nourishing the skin rather than deeply massaging the muscles.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy is another type of bodywork that involves releasing stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue system that contains each muscle in the body. Your therapist will massage and stretch any areas that feel tense with light pressure. Specific conditions that may benefit from myofascial therapy include myofascial pain syndrome, headaches, and venous insufficiency. These massages usually last 60 minutes or longer.
How to Prepare for Massage Services at Home
Getting a spa service at home can be an interesting experience for someone who has never done it before. Prepping for the massage can start before the appointment even begins. Here are some important things to know before you book a massage at home services for the first time.
1: Consider Self Hygiene
Showering before your massage is the first and most basic thing that you need to do to prepare. It can make things more comfortable for both you and the massage therapist. You can be more laid back and enjoy the experience to the fullest. If you prefer, you can also shave your arms and legs before the massage but that isn’t mandatory.
2: Be Punctual
Massage therapists usually have tight schedules. So, make sure you are on time and prepared for the massage before they arrive. As most of these services are charged by the duration of the session, you may not get your money’s worth if you delay things.
3: Dress Comfortably
Dressing appropriately for a massage can be tricky. The best way to get rid of any confusion is to get in touch with the spa and ask them. However, the most important thing is that whatever you wear, you feel comfortable in it.
It is appropriate to tell the therapist if you aren’t comfortable wearing a spa gown. You can wear your own clothes and keep your undergarments on as well. Most at-home spa services will ask the client to wear loose clothes, though. You can expect to have your privacy and keep your body draped with sheets throughout.
4: Prep the Room
One of the perks of enjoying a spa service at home is that you can prep the room however you like. You can choose the lighting, and the thermostat of the area, play your favorite music and light the scented candles that you love. Moreover, you can also choose whether you want to get the massage in the bedroom, lounge, or anywhere else in the house. The freedom to set up the environment yourself helps to have an ideal experience.
What Happens During a Massage
The therapist will leave the room and allow you to undress to your level of comfort and get snug underneath the cover, face down on the massage table. The therapist will always knock before they enter, and leave plenty of time for you to get comfortable and prepare for the massage, so try not to rush. Rushing will increase stress levels and your muscles will tense, so it is important to try to relax as much as possible before your massage.
The therapist will uncover the sections of your body they are massaging, leaving the rest covered, so you are warm and comfortable. A good massage therapist will never leave you feeling exposed. The therapist may ask you if the pressure of your massage is right. Do not feel worried about telling the therapist that it is too much or too little pressure, as every person is different and a good massage therapist will not take offense and will try to get the massage perfect for you.
Most people like to close their eyes and relax, but if you prefer to chat or have any questions to ask then feel free to ask them. It’s all about your relaxation and you should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
What Happens After a Massage
Your massage therapist will let you know the massage is complete (or gently wake you if you were lucky enough to nod off!) and then leave the room to allow you to redress. Try not to sit or stand up too quickly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage, especially if the room is dark and warm. Sit up slowly, and take your time when you stand up and dress.
Make sure to drink lots of water after your massage as this should help with the dizziness if you have any, and flush out any toxins released during the massage.
Most people feel extremely relaxed. You may feel the freedom from long-term aches and pains and increased energy which may last for days afterward. If you have gone for a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly tender to start with, but after your muscles get used to the relaxed state, you should feel much better.
Contraindication for Massage
In an absolute massage contraindication or total massage contraindication, Massage Therapy treatment is not suitable and is not recommended at all in any part of the body. This is to protect the patient from aggravated symptoms and to prevent exacerbation of their injury or disease. This may also be for the protection of the massage therapist from legal liability. In some cases, such as infections or contagious diseases, absolute contraindication to massage is for the safety of the massage practitioner and succeeding massage patients.
Massage is contraindicated for the following conditions:
- When a patient is in shock, is having or just had a stroke, or a heart attack (acute stage)
- Intoxication (drugs and alcohol)
- High Fever
- Right After a Major Surgery.
- Meningitis
- Patients who are experiencing severe unexplained internal pain
- Hemorrhage (the escape of blood from vessels).
- Severe Atherosclerosis
- Acute Pneumonia
- Pregnant women who are suffering from Eclampsia
- Severe Hemophilia
- Advanced Kidney Failure
- Respiratory Failure.
- Liver Failure
- Appendicitis
- Highly Metastatic Cancers eg. lymphoma, malignant melanoma
- Diabetes Mellitus 1 or 2 with advanced heart or kidney disease or advanced vascular complications
- Sudden onset of severe undiagnosed headache
- Organ Failure.
- Pitting Edema
- Chronic active hepatitis
- (Infective and non-infective) endocarditis/pericarditis.
- Lung abscess or lung tumor
- Sepsis (blood infection) or Bacteremia (bloodstream infections)
- If a patient has a contagious, airborne, infectious disease such as flu, colds, sore throat due to strep throat, shingles, etc.
- Patients with Infectious Skin Conditions
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy
Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrate your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.
2. Take A Shower Immediately
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorb your skin cells within an hour.
3. Taking a Hot Shower
After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.
4. Eating A Large Meal
After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body system function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.
5. Drinking Coffee
After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to have a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.
6. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.
7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities
After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. Your body and mind should relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.
8. Stressing Yourself Out
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!
9. Forget to Stretch
You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.
10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist
If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
1. Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
2. What are your training and experience?
3. How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
4. What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback.
Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
Apple
Google (online)
Office 365 (online)
Outlook
Outlook.com (online)
Yahoo! (online)