April 3rd, 2014 • Posted by Main Street Massage Therapy, LLC • Permalink
A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that plants have the ability to boost your mood, lower stress and reduce fatigue. Adding a potted plant to your home or office is an uplifting decoration change. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries. We've got a list of easy-to-care-for plants that even you couldn't kill.
African Violet
These fuzzy plants love humidity, so put them in your bathroom or kitchen. Their cute purple flowers are bright and cheery. If the blooms stop coming, add a drop of fertilizer and they'll come back with little effort.
Ferns
These plants are easy to care for. They're happy just about anywhere, including your office, but they need medium light. The Boston fern is a good variety that's great for those with a brown thumb.
Ivy plants
If you're looking for a plant that can sprawl across your windowsill or shelf, an ivy plant will do the trick. They don't flower, but they have shiny green leaves that are pleasing to look at.
Palms
This is probably the most popular houseplant. They'll get pretty tall; so make sure you have some room in a well-lit room. Just water weekly and the palm will stick around for years.
While plants can help prevent long-term stress, if you're in need of immediate relief, stop by our office for a massage. An hour long massage will reset your stress level in no time.
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March 18th, 2014 • Posted by Main Street Massage Therapy, LLC • Permalink
When spring hits, people get the urge to do a bit of deep cleaning and decluttering in their homes. The same should be true for your body. Receiving a massage is the perfect way to slough off old winter skin and reset your body for a new, warmer season. If you haven't had a massage in a while, taking the time to pamper yourself can prepare you for this season of renewal.
Get Rid of Dry Skin
As the temperatures rise above freezing, you'll put away the long-sleeved sweaters and pants and begin to show more skin. Indoor heat, low humidity and cold winter air has likely left your skin dry in spots and, perhaps, a bit lifeless. Start with a full body exfoliation and follow up with a massage with essential oils. The combination of exfoliating dry, dull skin and adding moisture with nourishing oils will leave your skin glowing and ready to show off.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
One of the best traditions of spring is showing off a new pair of strappy sandals, but no one wants to get caught with cracked heels or callouses. Start with a salt foot scrub to smooth skin. Then, invest in a foot massage to make sure your feet are warm weather ready. Follow up with regular deep exfoliation and moisturizing massages to keep feet sandal-ready all spring and summer long.
New Beginnings
Spring is a time of everything beginning again, fresh and new. It is also a good time to try a new type of massage you've never had before. According to WebMD, there are more than 80 different styles of massage therapy. Feel free to ask about what would be best for your body and your needs.
In addition to reviving tired winter skin and preparing yourself for spring clothing, the warmer weather allows you to take advantage of massage services without feeling the chill of winter. Why is spring a good time for a massage? Because massage is beneficial throughout every season and spring is no exception.
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March 2nd, 2014 • Posted by Main Street Massage Therapy, LLC • Permalink
Some experts believe that a change in diet can help those suffering from chronic pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of Americans deal with some kind of persistent pain. From arthritis to fibromyalgia, the number of pain-inducing conditions seems never ending.
Doctors often prescribe medications to help with pain management and encourage regular massage appointments to aid in relief and improve range of motion. While these treatments do quiet the pain, most people struggle to find 100 percent relief. Along with medication and massage, a balanced diet may offer relief as well. Take a look at some foods that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties:
Ginger
This natural root has a long history of treating ailments. Consider using it while cooking. It will give your dinner a little kick while acting much like a mild pain reliever.
Sage
This herb can help with memory loss and swelling. There are plenty of dishes that use this herb. To get the most benefit, always use fresh herbs.
Salad
Eat some leafy greens to keep those tingling sensations at bay. Lettuce and spinach, for example, have vitamin k, which tends to ease pain.
Hot peppers
If you like spicy food, go all out. Hot peppers absorb a chemical in your body that tells your brain that you’re in pain.
Onions
Believe it or not, these smelly little beauties can repair damaged tissue. The sulfur, one of the many ingredients that make onions so potent, serves as a healing agent when absorbed by the body.
Feel free to contact us with any comments or questions you may have on how massage and diet can help with your pain.
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