Benefits of Prenatal Massage!

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage.

Swedish Massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts.

Hormone regulation

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.

In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).

These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Reduction of swelling

Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints. This also improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.

Improvement of nerve pain

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves.

Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage.

Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:

 

Source: "americanpregnancy.org"

Kicking the Flu Without the Shot

Flu season is coming around and if you are anything like us, you are scared of all the weird things that could be in a Flu shot. When we become ill with a cold or the flu, our lymphatic system works overtime to increase the delivery of infection-fighting cells, and to clear away waste and toxins. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to increase the circulation of lymphatic fluid, increase immune cell production, and enhance the removal of toxins.

There are plenty of other home remedies that you could practice before getting a Flu shot. One of the most obvious ones is staying hydrated. We know for most people, remembering to stay hydrated is like remembering that you need to floss. Put up a sticky note on the fridge that simply reads "Chug a glass of water!!!"

One thing that we swear by here at Shine On are diffuser's. Doterra Essential Oils actually makes an amazing oil called "On Guard" and it contains Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower essential oils. These are all known to be helpful with keeping the common cold and the Flu at bay. A basic diffuser does not cost more than $20 and you can get these essential oils all over the internet for very reasonable prices. Why not naturally medicate the air you breathe!?

Last but not least, take your vitamins! Echinacea root is one of the herbs we swear by. Echinacea encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, flu and some other illnesses, infections, and conditions. Echinacea is a perennial plant, meaning it lasts for many years. And of course, you have your vitamin C that you should always remember to be taking plenty of during Flu season. Elderberry is another incredible Flu fighter. 10mg of Elderberry combined with 1,000mg of Echinacea a day is a great way to kick start keeping the Flu away.

We hope that this has been helpful for everyone and we also hope that everyone stays Flu free this winter and continues to Shine On!

Benefits of Heated Stones!

Combining hot stone protocols with a full body massage provides a very healing and effective experience. The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.

25 Reasons to get a Massage!

Book Us for Your Bridal Party!

Did you know that on top of all of the great things that Shine On already has to offer, we also do bridal parties!? What better way is there(besides whiskey and tequila) to loosen up before you tie the big knot than to have a massage? Let your wedding night be extra stress free by booking Shine On! We are just a call away!

(910) 833-1044

Team Work Makes the Dream Work!

We are happy to announce that Shine On is now partnered up with Pinnacle Family Chiropractic for a new referral program! Show us a referral from Pinnacle Family Chiropractic and your initial visit will only be $50 for any hour long appointment! And in kind, the same deal goes for your first visit at Pinnacle Family Chiropractic! Get on the fast track to a healthier and happier YOU!

http://pfchealth.com/

(910) 408-2204

 

5900 Oleander Dr Suite B, Wilmington, NC 28403

Benefits of Reflexology

The benefits of reflexology include its ability to stimulate nerve function, increase energy, boost circulation, induce a deep state of relaxation, eliminate toxins, stimulate the central nervous system, prevent migraines, clean up urinary tract conditions, speed-up recovery after injury or surgery, help relieve sleep disorders, reduce depression, and relieve pain. Furthermore, it can help ease the treatment of various types of cancer and even helps to soothe the pains of pregnancy, even those occurring after the delivery.

Many of us find ourselves on our feet all day at work. Whether you work in an office, a factory, a field, a hospital, or anything in between, there is a good chance that you put a lot of weight and stress on your feet every day. It is not always the back, stress can manifest itself in the other parts of our body too. People often opt for massages, so it makes sense that there should be foot massages too, right? Reflexology is much more than a foot massage, but at its foundation, that’s the easiest way to describe the process. This specific area of massage therapy also includes the hands and ears, making it more of an extremity massage than a foot massage.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an alternative treatment for a wide variety of conditions, as mentioned above, and has been in use for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese and Egyptians have documented practices similar to reflexology as a treatment for certain afflictions. It involves the reflexologist applying pressure to specific areas in the hands, feet, and ears that affect certain reflex areas of the body. Imagine that there is a connection between zones of your feet and hands that represent certain areas of your body that can be adjusted or managed through these zones. A lot of the theory behind reflexology has to do with aligning your qi, but even for those who normally don’t invest much in this discipline of health, there are plenty of scientific studies that have supported the claims of reflexologists.

It is not widely accepted in the medical world, but thousands of alternative physicians across the globe have been using reflexology for generations, with surprisingly positive results. If there are alternative treatments to treating more than a dozen health conditions affecting various parts of the body, isn’t it worth giving reflexology a try? After that, you can decide for yourself!

(Information brought to you by "Organic Facts"  at Organicfacts.net)

 

 

Benefits of Cupping for Cellulite

Cupping therapy is increasingly being used in weight reduction and the removal of cellulite. Many celebrities are now talking about the fascinating effects of the treatment that is a form of deep-tissue, non-invasive healing therapy.

Cellulite is mainly caused because of a genetic condition which causes fluid retention, an inefficient lymphatic drainage system and weak veins that result in ineffective blood circulation. Hormonal imbalances can also cause the development of more fat cells. These factors result in the fat cells lying under the skin converting into cellulite.

This cellulite pushes up the cords connecting the skin to the underlying muscle and creates the ungainly appearance of the dimpled, orange peel look on the skin that is a sign of cellulite.

When suction is applied on the skin, the reverse pressure causes the cellulite to break up. Blood circulation is stimulated, and the fat and toxins that are released are moved to the lymph drainage network.

Since cupping therapy also promotes a more efficient drainage of the lymph nodes, these toxins are quickly eliminated from the body. Cupping is also known to ease the cords connecting the skin and muscle. In this way, fluid build-up is reduced and the skin develops a more cellulite-free healthy appearance.

(Information brought to you by "Cupping Resource")

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy (also known as craniosacral therapy) is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain.

Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore the natural position of the bones and can decrease  stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.

According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn't. Effects even lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended.

Wonderful Perks! Another way we would love to thank you!

How cool would it be if you went to get a #massage and the therapist included heated towels, heated stones, Aromatherapy, and Cupping for no extra charge? Oh wait!! That's Shine On! One of the most incredible things for someone in our field is for our clients to continue coming back to see us. We offer all of these perks complementary as another way to say THANK YOU! Shine On!