Elements Therapeutic Massage - Casa Paloma

Stress - you can't live without it!

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:40:00 -0500

Stress is the effect your body experiences as it adjusts to ever-changing circumstances. As a positive influence, it can fill you with excitement and propel you into action or provide you with a feeling of happiness. Stress can be a very motivating factor. It allows you to accomplish tasks and set goals and see them through to completion.

Good stress, also called eustress, is caused by the release of chemicals such as adrenalin, endorphin, serotonin and dopamine which are produced in your body and act as natural anti-depressants and pain-relievers.

However, if you don't use up the adrenalin that gets pumped through your system in response to stress, sooner or later it will physically manifest itself in such negative conditions as muscle tension, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is estimated that 75% to 85% of all medical problems are related to stress.

How can you get rid of the adrenaline build-up?

Stretch and exercise -When you are feeling frustrated or anxious, engage in some form of physical activity -this uses up the adrenaline that's going through your bloodstream before it negatively affects your health.

Laugh - Laughing reduces the level of stress hormones. It also triggers the release of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

Get a massage- the clinically-proven benefits of massage include muscle tension relief, stress relief, increased circulation, better sleep, and decreased anxiety and depression.

Watch out for Information Overload -"In your thirst for knowledge, be sure not to drown in all the information."- Anthony J. D'Angelo - Give your brain a rest.

Prioritize! Not everything needs to be taken care of right now. Recognize the difference between what is urgent and what is important.

Simplify your life and learn to say "no" and accept help when it's offered or ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.

Just some simple, easy techniques can lead to a better and healthier you!

Elements Therpauetic Massage in the Chandler/ Ahwatukee area can help!

May is High Bood Pressure Education Month

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

About 75.5 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular therapeutic masage is proven to lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system

In the study of “The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate” 263 participants volunteered to receive deep-tissue massage to examine its effect on systolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. This study demonstrated a high correlation between deep-tissue massage and reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, the study’s authors said. “This data is encouraging and positive, representing optimism and a hopeful outlook for research in this area.”

In another study, massage was found to reduce blood pressure and stress levels in African-American women. Massage Magazine May 2011

Put you on the To Do list and make an appointment today. Our therapists can provide the stress- reduction and pain relief to promote your health and well-being.

Meditation

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:29:00 -0500

Why Meditate?

Why create a small daily meditation practice? There are countless reasons, but here are some of my favorites:

It relieves stress and helps you to relax.
When you practice mindfulness, you can carry it out to everyday life.
Mindfulness helps you to savor life, change habits, live simply and slowly, be present in everything you do.
Meditation has been shown to have mental benefits, such as improved focus, happiness, memory, self-control, academic performance and more.
Some research on meditation has indicated that it may have other health benefits, including improved metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and more.

Actually, some of the best benefits of meditation are hard to define — you begin to understand yourself better, for example, and form a self-awareness level you’ve never had before.

Most simply, sitting for just a few minutes of meditation is an oasis of calm and relaxation that we rarely find in our lives these days. And that, in itself, is enough.

How to Do It Daily

There are lots and lots of ways to meditate. But our concern is not to find a perfect form of meditation — it’s to form the daily habit of meditation. And so our method will be as simple as possible.

1. Commit to just 2 minutes a day. Start simply if you want the habit to stick. You can do it for 5 minutes if you feel good about it, but all you’re committing to is 2 minutes each day.

2. Pick a time and trigger. Not an exact time of day, but a general time, like morning when you wake up, or during your lunch hour. The trigger should be something you already do regularly, like drink your first cup of coffee, brush your teeth, have lunch, or arrive home from work.

3. Find a quiet spot. Sometimes early morning is best, before others in your house might be awake and making lots of noise. Others might find a spot in a park or on the beach or some other soothing setting. It really doesn’t matter where — as long as you can sit without being bothered for a few minutes. A few people walking by your park bench is fine.

4. Sit comfortably. Don’t fuss too much about how you sit, what you wear, what you sit on, etc. I personally like to sit on a pillow on the floor, with my back leaning against a wall, because I’m very inflexible. Others who can sit cross-legged comfortably might do that instead. Still others can sit on a chair or couch if sitting on the floor is uncomfortable. Zen practitioners often use a zafu, a round cushion filled with kapok or buckwheat. Don’t go out and buy one if you don’t already have one. Any cushion or pillow will do, and some people can sit on a bare floor comfortably.

5. Start with just 2 minutes. This is really important. Most people will think they can meditate for 15-30 minutes, and they can. But this is not a test of how strong you are at staying in meditation — we are trying to form a longer-lasting habit. And to do that, we want to start with just a two minutes. You’ll find it much easier to start this way, and forming a habit with a small start like this is a method much more likely to succeed. You can expand to 5-7 minutes if you can do it for 7 straight days, then 10 minutes if you can do it for 14 straight days, then 15 minutes if you can stick to it for 21 straight days, and 20 if you can do a full month.

6. Focus on your breath. As you breathe in, follow your breath in through your nostrils, then into your throat, then into your lungs and belly. Sit straight, keep your eyes open but looking at the ground and with a soft focus. If you want to close your eyes, that’s fine. As you breathe out, follow your breath out back into the world. If it helps, count … one breath in, two breath out, three breath in, four breath out … when you get to 10, start over. If you lose track, start over. If you find your mind wandering (and you will), just pay attention to your mind wandering, then bring it gently back to your breath. Repeat this process for the few minutes you meditate. You won’t be very good at it at first, most likely, but you’ll get better with practice.

And that’s it. It’s a very simple practice, but you want to do it for 2 minutes, every day, after the same trigger each day. Do this for a month and you’ll have a daily meditation habit.

Expanding Your Practice

Sitting and paying attention to your breath is really mindfulness practice. It’s a way to train yourself to focus your attention. Once you’ve practiced a bit while sitting in a quiet space, you can expand your mindfulness practice:

When you feel stress, take a minute to pay attention to your breath, and return your mind to the present moment.
Try taking a walk, and instead of thinking about things you need to do later, pay attention to your breath, your body’s sensations, the things around you.
When you eat, just eat, and focus your attention on the food, on your feelings as you eat, on the sensations.
Try a mindful tea ritual, where you focus your attention on your movements as you prepare the tea, on the tea as you smell and taste it, on your breath as you go through the ritual.
Wash your dishes and sweep your floor mindfully.

This, of course, is just a start. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including with other people, while you work, and so on.

Five surprising ways that therapeutic massage can benefit one’s health

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:29:00 -0600

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 2011, roughly 48 million adult Americans (18 percent) had a massage at least once between July 2009 and July 2010, and the lion’s share of Americans are getting massages for medical or health reasons and pain relief, versus a massage just to relax.

Elements Therapeutic Massage at Casa Paloma in the Chandler/Ahwatukee area has a mission is to help consumers develop a massage regimen to treat their unique health issues and ailments.

Five surprising ways that therapeutic massage can benefit one’s health:

Aid in weight-loss - Massage improves circulation and the supply of nutrients to the muscles. After muscles are exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied to them so that they can recover and rebuild themselves. Massage maximizes the supply of these nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the muscles grow and burn more calories.
Prevent and treat injury and enhancing athletic performance - Sports massage is designed mostly for pre- or post-sports event work; the techniques the therapist uses to apply pressure to the body move at a faster pace when compared to Swedish massage. 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.
Improve quality of life for seniors - 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.
Decrease swelling and ease physical and emotional stresses associated with pregnancy - Prenatal massage included specific modifications used to help protect the baby, relieve symptoms like edema (swelling) and low back pain that are common during pregnancy.
Boost immunity - Massage helps with the flow of the lymphatic system which helps to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase lymphocytes which play a large role in defending the body from disease.

Four Tips to Rejuvenate the Mind, Body and Spirit this Spring

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:38:00 -0600

Spring is often an exciting time of year, but changes and new projects can also bring on stress. Taking a few minutes for mental health and relaxation each day can go a long way towards uplifting your spirits and motivating you to tackle new challenges.

Here are Four Tips for rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit:

Wake Up with a Dose of Mental Health and Physical Relaxation

Clear the Mind and Relax: Before rolling out of bed, take a few long, deep breathes to clear out thoughts from the night before and prepare your mind for a productive, stress-free day. Focus on the positive aspects of what you plan on accomplishing during your day.
Balance Your Body, Balance Your Life: To get your day started off on the right foot, begin your morning routine with some quiet meditative and muscle relaxation time. In as little as five minutes, you can loosen your back, neck and leg muscles with common yoga moves such as child’s pose, downward dog and standing tree.

Power Down at Night: 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. Also ensure that you receive between seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Refuel with Friends and Fitness:

Find time for a weekly escape: 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 enjoying a walk outdoors.
Add fitness 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 mental stress.

4. Restore and Revitalize with Massage Therapy: 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. 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, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, and trigger point work.

Elements Therapeutic Massage in Chandler, is located at 7131 W. Ray Road and is on a mission to help area consumers experience the healing benefits of massage therapy services tailored to meet their unique needs. Elements has created a niche in the massage industry by focusing on providing quality, customized, therapeutic massage services.

About Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc.
Elements Therapeutic Massage, with more than 80 studios across the country. For more information about massage franchise opportunities visit http://elementsfranchise.com.

Valentine's Day on a Dime: 10 Simple Gift Ideas to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:14:00 -0600

Whether it’s the relaxing touch of massage or preparing a special home-made meal surrounded by love and candlelight, there are many inexpensive ways to revitalize your connection and reinvigorate your relationship. A variety of massage treatments, including couple’s massage sessions, are popular this time of year among those who want to restore the spark in their relationships while relaxing with your valentine.”

Here are some inexpensive yet romantic and simple Valentine’s Day gift ideas for couples:

1. Kick Your Feet Up: Treat your valentine to a relaxing evening by propping up his/her knees and feet on a comfortable pillow and rolling a tennis ball or golf 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. Make sure to remind your valentine to relax, enjoy and breathe.

2. Chocolate and Bubbly: Dip some strawberries in chocolate (or purchase them pre-dipped) and pair with your significant other’s favorite bubbly beverage. Enjoy this sweet dessert during a quiet evening without distractions.

3. Extra Z’s: With daily commitments piled high, sleep can sometimes seem like a long lost friend. Give your valentine the gift of snooze with a sleep in late love note. You wake up with the kids, feed them breakfast, keep them entertained and fulfill family obligations until your valentine is ready to get up.

4. Quality Snuggle Time: Enjoy an uninterrupted evening of quality time with your valentine by turning off all electronics and locking them out of reach. Rather than checking in with your social media friends or texting your pals, check in with you valentine with some one-on-one conversation, snuggling and relaxation time.

5. Light a Candle: Spice up your evening at home with a candlelit home-made dinner set for two. Make your valentine’s favorite meal. Better yet, purchase it and bring it home so you both can enjoy without preparing or cleaning up after!

6. Sit Back and Enjoy a Hand Massage: Have your valentine pick a favorite chair and begin massaging at the base of the thumb by applying circular pressure using the eraser end of a pencil. Hit all the pressure points near the thumb, and then gently move to the web area between the thumb and first finger. Repeat the circular movements, moving to the padding between each finger at the palm. Massage both the palm and side of each hand, reminding your valentine to relax and breathe.

7. Sunset Picnic Time: Pack your favorite picnic foods, grab your bikes on a weekend evening and pedal off into the sunset. Stop halfway to enjoy your picnic goodies, the sun slipping below the horizon and the company of your valentine before heading home.

8. Breakfast in Bed: Who doesn’t enjoy their morning coffee and eggs in the comfort of their bedroom? Surprise your valentine with all of his/her favorite breakfast treats served in bed.

9. Sports Mania: Put on your valentine’s favorite sports team attire and set up a reservation at your local sports bar for the two of you to sit at the best seat in the house during the big game – the table with all TVs visible from every angle.

10. Knock out the Knots: Most couples have achy necks, shoulders and bodies resulting from too many hours leaning over computer desks, doing household chores and horsing around with the kids. Reduce you and your valentine’s stress and muscle tension by scheduling a couple’s massage therapy session.

Elements Therapeutic Massage in the Ahwatukee/Chandler area -located at 7131 W. Ray Road is on a mission to help area consumers experience the healing benefits of massage therapy services tailored to meet their unique needs. Unlike most massage retailers, Elements has created a niche in the by focusing on providing therapeutic massage services, include deep tissue massages, trigger point work, prenatal massages, hot stone massage, and sports massage.

Want a pleasurable way to boost your body’s immunity this winter?

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:21:00 -0600

A new study from the National Institutes of Health found that massage can boost immunity in a few ways.

Knead Your Sniffles Away

In the study, people who received 45 minutes of deep-tissue massage showed significant increases in a type of small white blood cell called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are master strategists in your immune system -- they assess any infectious organisms or foreign invaders and decide exactly how your body should attack them. Some turn into memory cells that can then recognize that specific antigen and immediately trigger an aggressive response to fight it for years, even decades, to come. (You can thank these cells for protecting you from enduring multiple bouts of the same virus, whether it is chicken pox or a common cold strain.) Deep tissue massage also simultaneously reduced levels of cytokines, a type of protein that triggers inflammation.

Relieve Stress to Strengthen Immunity

The typical reason people turn to massage -- stress relief -- has immune system benefits in itself. Stress hormones destroy the immune system’s “natural killer” cells that target cancer and viruses. In the NIH study, cortisol levels were reduced by more than a third.

Make Massage a Part Of Your Life

You don’t have to be a lifelong massage enthusiast to reap the benefits. “Biological changes occur as a result of even a single session of massage,” says Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, professor and chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and lead researcher of the NIH study.

Check your health insurance coverage

Some forward-thinking companies reimburse massage as a medical treatment. Or if you have a flexible spending account—a pre-tax savings account for health costs—you may be eligible to submit massage costs for reimbursement. Your health benefits coordinator can help you navigate these options.

Elements Therapeutic Massage in Chandler/ Ahwatukee - We promote your health and well-being through quality, customized therapeutic massage – Open 7 days a week – Walk ins Welcome!

Remedy Your Winter Aches and Pains with Regular Massage Body Work

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:14:00 -0600

Lower back pain, in particular, is a common injury culprit in the winter as you can overdo it. In fact, research indicates that 70-85% of the population will experience low back pain at some point and lower back pain is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problem in modern society. Luckily, research supports that massage therapy can minimize pain and disability, while increasing the speed of return to normal function. Massage specifically is beneficial for patients with subacute (lasting four to 12 weeks) and chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks) non-specific low-back pain, especially when combined with exercises and education. Furlan AD, Imamura M, Dryden T, Irvin E. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001929. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub2

Additional research from Group Health Research Institute, the University of Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, and the University of Vermont in Burlington revealed that massage therapy has helped reduce pain and improve function more rapidly than usual medical care in people with chronic low-back pain. Back pain is a health problem that affects millions of Americans and is the most common medical condition for which people use complementary and alternative medicine practices, such as massage therapy. Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2011;155(1):1–9

Whether you are preparing yourself for family fun winter activities or recovering from a wintertime sports injury or accident, therapeutic massage sessions combined with a consistent stretching regimen should be your go-to strategy for minimizing aches and pains this winter season. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage in Chandler/Ahwatukee 480-219-9931 today to schedule your winter pre-season massage therapy sessions.

Hot Stone Massage Promotes Healthy Body, Warm Heart during the Cold Winter Months

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:03:00 -0600

Warm Muscles Make Way for a Healthy Body

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 18 million U.S. adults and 700,000 children had received massage therapy in the previous year. People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including relief from pain, rehabilitation from sports injuries, reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as to increase relaxation and your body’s general wellness.

Hot stone massage in particular is best for easing muscle tension without deep pressure, thereby being an excellent treatment for deep muscle strains and tight muscle knots associated with stress and/or injury. This massage therapy technique has been around for hundreds of years and is routinely used for increasing your body’s circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. All of these traits can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from arthritic conditions or stiff muscles and joints, which typically is more bothersome as the weather temperatures become bitter and cold in the winter months.

Warm Attitudes Make Way for Happy Times

Hot stone massage also can help combat the mental doldrums that old man winter can blow your way by creating a deep sense of calmness and relaxation. By putting your mind at ease, hot stone massage can leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle any challenges you may face during the hustle and bustle of the winter months.

As the holiday season rolls in and hectic schedules become the norm, hot stone massage can help create a meditative relaxing effect that balances the health and well-being of your mind and body. This popular massage technique enhances a regular deep tissue or Swedish massage session by incorporating hot, smooth stones on specific trigger points throughout your body. The leading purpose of using these stones in your massage therapy session is to open up your body’s energy channels, thereby significantly reducing muscle tension and improving relaxation throughout your mind and body.

Revive and rejuvenate your mental and physical well-being during the cold winter months by trying a hot stone massage therapy session. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage - Casa Paloma in the Chandler/ Ahwatukee area today 480-219-9931 to take the chill out of the air and your body this winter season.

Kick Stress to the Curb with Therapeutic Massage

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:42:00 -0600

If you think about it, massage is an excellent value. The price of massage has remained stable in recent years, as the cost of movies, meals out, and sports events has risen. Which of these has the power to improve your health and your outlook on life?

Following are health reasons all American adults should be including massage in their family budgets and schedules.

Massage:

* Reduces anxiety
* Reduces the flow of stress hormones
* Improves sleep
* Boosts the immune system
* Improves energy levels and reduces fatigue
* Improves concentration
* Increases circulation
* Improves self-esteem
* Reduces frequency of headaches
* Releases endorphins

The positive effects of regular massage can have benefits in many areas of your life.

Home. Massage therapy will also help families under stress create healthier households with clear-thinking and more relaxed moms and dads. Children are very sensitive and often pick up on tension in a household, parents who are taking care of themselves are more likely to be better caregivers and provide a sense of security to their kids. This goes for caregivers of aging parents and other family members.

Work. The health benefits of massage can help forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially when you may be asked to produce more with fewer resources. Decision-making skills will be better and your performance is likely to be improved with a clear focus and more energy. A hint for the boss: Research shows employees exhibit less stress and improved performance when given twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office!

Health Conditions. Those with already existing health conditions can continue to reap benefits in the following ways. And proactively caring for health through massage may help reduce costly doctor visits and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Enjoiy the benefits of health and well-being. At Elements at Casa Paloma in Chandler, the focus is YOU!

Baby Boomer Men Contribute to Spa Growth

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:54:00 -0600

“In the United States, men wanting to look younger to compete in a tougher job market are heading to spas,” the article titled “Men, boomers fuel growth in spa industry, ”noted. “ Baby boomers are shifting away from the pampering treatments to pain relief and physical therapy, while their children , who grew up along modern spa industry in the 1980s, make up the new wave of clients, along with men.”

We, at Elements Therapeutic Massage at Casa Paloma in Chandler invite you to experience the rejuvenating benefits of therapeutic massage today and discover the positive effect it can have on your body and your well-being.

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. You’ll enjoy benefits of relief from back and neck pain, reduced stress, increased circulation and improved range of motion. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions as well, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Massage has proven to be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.

Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Move Over Tacky Holiday Gifts: Massage Therapy Tops the Charts this Holiday Season

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:34:00 -0500

Holiday Gifts for Her

Before committing a fashion felony this holiday season and sending in your two easy payments for As Seen on TV gems like PajamaJeans® or Snuggie® blankets, give the females in your life real style and comfort by giving the gift of therapeutic massage. With massage you don’t have to worry about picking out the perfect size, length or color. Instead, you can easily purchase a year’s worth of massage therapy sessions and let skilled therapists customize the style and comfort level needed to ease away muscle tension and soreness, help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Some styles and techniques that might be good for her to try this year include:

Swedish Massage: This type of massage is best for relaxation and stress relief, but also is a great choice for those on your list who will be experiencing their first therapeutic massage session.
Hot Stone Massage: This unique technique has been around for hundreds of years and is best for easing muscle tension without deep pressure, thereby maximizing massage time and overall wellness.
Prenatal Massage: For the women who are expecting to add a bundle of joy to their family, this massage style specifically aims to decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and ease the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy.

We all know it’s important to keep the ladies in your life happy and relaxed. Give her the gift of therapeutic massage this season for rejuvenated health and wellness all year long. It’s a win-win for the entire family.

Holiday Gifts for Him

What do you get when you mix two popular gifts on the men’s holiday list this year – the beer holster and Bacon of the Month Club? High cholesterol, the constant aroma of fried bacon wafting through the house, and a man walking around the house all weekend wearing his beer holster and quoting lines from John Wayne movies. Before the man in your life turns into a Wild West cowboy right before your eyes, try stuffing his stocking this year with a gift that is geared more toward a healthy and active lifestyle.

Athletes from around the world use massage therapy as part of their overall training regimen, so it is a perfect gift for the men in your life who are weekend sports warriors or competitors in their local sports leagues. Whether men play hockey, baseball, basketball or compete in events like marathons, triathlons and golf tournaments, the last thing they need is more sports equipment, memorabilia or manly accessories. Plus, do you really want to add more clutter to the garage or the basement with more golf clubs, hockey sticks, baseball gloves or basketball hoops?

By giving the gift of massage therapy, you are not only promoting health and well-being for your family, but you are supporting the men in your life’s interests by helping him stay active and injury-free with massage. And, even if he prefers to be a desk or computer jockey instead of an athlete, therapeutic massage therapy sessions are key to releasing shoulder and neck knots, reducing lower back pain and minimizing carpal tunnel symptoms associated with sitting for long periods of time.

Some massage techniques that can be geared toward men include:

Sports Massage: This popular massage style is good for preventing and treating injuries, while enhancing athletic performance.
Deep Tissue Massage: This technique is best for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.
Trigger Point Massage: This specialized technique is best for localized knots where the body holds tension.

It’s easy to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for the men in your life by scheduling monthly therapeutic massage sessions for them. You can schedule three to six months worth of massages at a time and then set them up as appointments in their work or personal online calendars. This way they will receive automated reminders about the appointments and have no excuses for maintaining their health and well-being throughout the year.

Holiday Gifts for Kids

The twinkle in your children’s eyes as they write their yearly letters to good ol’ St. Nick and the excitement in their step as they barrel down the stairs on Christmas morning is priceless. But, let’s be honest. The top holiday gifts for children tend to be loud (drum sets), can cause major distractions from finishing homework and chores (video games, televisions and latest tech toys) and can leave parents exhausted after having to care for new pets or constantly cleaning up large messes that stem from gifts (moon sand, paint sets). That’s why the perfect gift for children this year is one that includes the gift of massage for the parents as well.

If you are giving gifts to someone else’s child, make sure to include a gift of relaxation and restoration for the parents as well by including a massage gift certificate, or two! If you are a parent who has generous relatives and friends who love to spoil your kids with the latest gifts and gadgets, make sure to sign yourself up for monthly massages for three to six months following the holiday season to give yourself relief from holiday gift headaches and stress, while rejuvenating the health and well-being of your mind and body.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage in Chandler today to schedule massage therapy sessions for everyone in your family this holiday season.

Therapeutic Massage - The Natural Method To Relieve Stress And Tension

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:50:00 -0500

The art of the therapeutic massage is an age-previous tradition practiced by several masters in the So much East to alleviate stress and alternative medical problems through the manipulation of the muscles and joints of the body to produce a detoxifying and relaxing effect. The method involves totally different techniques that are practiced and passed down from generation to generation and notably involves a lot of light stroking, and precise application of pressure points in areas that require to be relieved of stress. Some techniques apply a mixture of kneading and stretching to induce a chilled effect on the patient.

The art of the therapeutic massage induces an increase in blood flow and oxygenation in areas of the body that must be addressed thanks to muscle tightness and joint soreness. This produces a terribly relaxing and soothing feeling in the process. Some of the massage techniques additionally helps in improving liver and kidney operate furthermore improve heart conditions and relieve migraines through the manipulation of specific pressure points.

Improve blood circulation: Massages stimulate the flow of blood in the body and muscles increasing their health.

For overall health and well being the advantages brought by therapeutic massage therapy will be terribly enormous. It is a natural manner of addressing a number of the a lot of common medical problems we have a tendency to expertise without having the requirement or at the smallest amount take some minimal amount of medicine to urge satisfactory relief. Not solely does it improves your overall blood circulation it also has beneficial effects on your metabolism and excretory functions. You may lead a much more relaxed and tense free life with massage therapy.

Do you feel the season-changing blues?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:54:00 -0500

Click to listen to Seritonin Boosting Music.

We thrive in the sunlight and wither in the darkness. Season Affective Disorder - SAD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance is triggered by the shortening of the days in autumn and a lack of sunlight in winter. Massage is one of the best alternate therapies and the massage therapists at Elements Therapuetic Massage Casa Paloma in Chandler are ready to help.

Our body’s biology urges us to curl up in a ball and sleep away the darker months. Unfortunately, most of us lead a hectic lifestyle that doesn’t include time for hibernation.

Massage may be the best choice of alternate therapies for SAD sufferers. Why? Because massage doesn’t require much effort on the part of the recipient. Once the appointment is made, the recipient just needs to show up and climb onto a table. From that point on, he or she can relax and let the therapist do all the work.

But how does massage help SAD sufferers? Massage alleviates the symptoms of SAD in a variety of ways. First of all, massage releases endorphins, which creates a euphoric feeling and fights depression. Massage also lowers the recipient’s blood pressure, improves circulation, positively stimulates the nerve endings, removes toxins and improves energy and concentration. By receiving regular massages, at least two a month, the SAD sufferer will experience less intense symptoms and will regain a more positive and healthy perspective on life.

Massage Promotes Wellness

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:59:00 -0500

Knead Your Sniffles Away
In the study, people who received 45 minutes of deep-tissue massage showed significant increases in a type of small white blood cell called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are master strategists in your immune system -- they assess any infectious organisms or foreign invaders and decide exactly how your body should attack them. Some turn into memory cells that can then recognize that specific antigen and immediately trigger an aggressive response to fight it for years, even decades, to come. (You can thank these cells for protecting you from enduring multiple bouts of the same virus, whether it is chicken pox or a common cold strain.) Deep tissue massage also simultaneously reduced levels of cytokines, a type of protein that triggers inflammation.

Relieve Stress to Strengthen Immunity

Make Massage a Part Of Your Life

Massage and Lower Back Pain

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:15:00 -0500

Low-back pain is one of the most common complaints of consumers, and now there’s research that suggests massage therapy may just be more effective in dealing with low-back pain than other more traditional medical interventions. “This is important because chronic back pain is among

the most common reasons people see doctors and alternative practitioners, including massage therapists,” explains Dr. Daniel Cherkin, Director of Group Health Research Institute and lead author of the study. “It’s also a common cause of disability, absenteeism and ‘presenteeism,’ when
people are at work but can’t perform well.”
The study comprised 401 patients aged 20 to 65 years old with nonspeciﬁc chronic low-back pain and compared the effectiveness of either relaxation or structural massage versus usual care, including medication and physical therapy. Participants were asked about their abilities to perform daily activities and then randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments.

One group received full-body relaxation massage, often called Swedish massage, and another received focused deep tissue massage, where speciﬁc pain-related tissues, ligaments and joints are targeted. The third group received therapies including painkillers, anti-inﬂ ammatory drugs,
muscle relaxants or physical therapy. Those receiving massage were given a one-hour massage once a week for 10 weeks. The results speak for themselves. After 10 weeks, the researchers again surveyed the participants about their symptoms and mobility, and again at six months and one year. The two groups of patients receiving massage therapy reported their back pain was signii cantly improved or gone altogether.
“We found that patients receiving massage were twice as likely as those receiving usual care to report signiﬁ cant improvements in both their pain and function,” explains Cherkin. “After 10 weeks, about two-thirds of those receiving massage improved substantially, versus only about one third in the usual care group.

Massage After Care

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:17:00 -0500

Having a massage, especially a deep tissue massage, is a form of passive exercise, as hard as that may be to believe, and you need to take care of yourself as if you have just exercised. You don't want to ruin that relaxed high you're on right now, do you? Since you were too relaxed to hear or listen, let me give you some information and rules to follow.

Drink Lots Of Water, Especially For The Next 24 Hours - this is perhaps the most important rule of all. Rehydration is key to a healthy body, especially after a massage. Since massage promotes lymphatic movement, drinking water and hydrating yourself is key to moving toxins through the kidneys and out of the body. Drinking water is the best way to do this - and no, water in tea, coffee and soft drinks doesn't count! Don't be surprised if you seem to have an increased urine output, i.e. you are peeing much more. This is also normal.
Take A Bath - A nice warm bath is very soothing after a massage, particularly with Epsom Salts. Epsom Salts are just Magnesium Sulfate, which is a natural muscle relaxer. They are also wonderful at drawing out toxins in the body, as is massage, so you may get a sort of detoxifying effect which is very beneficial to the body. You can get Epsom Salts at most grocery stores or pharmacies. If you don't have Epsom Salts, don't worry - a nice warm bath will do just fine. Please note that I said warm and not scalding hot! This is important because if you have any inflammation in the muscles the excessive heat can serve to exacerbate the injury. If you have a very sore muscle or injury, try icing the area.
Pay Attention To Your Body's Reaction To The Massage - You may be sore after the massage. This is normal with Deep Tissue massage, but it can happen with the more gentle Swedish Massage as well. Sometimes you may not feel the soreness until the next day. Why? Well, as mentioned before, massage is a sort of passive exercise. If you are not one to get massages often, or do not exercise and are not used to using the muscles, then they may respond with soreness. This should only last for a day or perhaps two; anything more indicates that perhaps your therapist worked on you a little too hard. This should be adjusted in the next segment. You can help your therapist by stretching before you arrive for your segment. Remember anything that was particularly painful and report this to your therapist at your next visit. The therapist should be open to what you are saying and should tailor your visit from the information they receive from you.
Rest - You may feel tired, as if you want to lie down and take a nap. This is completely normal, and you should listen to your body. If you can, make sure you have nowhere to go and nothing to do after your massage. Massage is not just work on the body; it is work on the mind too. It helps to destress and relax you; this in turn may make you feel tired. This is your time to recover your mind and body and it is your body's time to rebalance itself and retune. Don't feel like you SHOULD be doing something. There is nothing worse than hearing a client say, "Oh, that felt great. Too bad I have to go back to work." or "I think I'll go work out now". Make time for yourself and your body will thank you.
Welcome Different Emotions - Sometimes, if you have been experiencing lots of stress, you may feel the need to cry after the massage. Alternatively, you may feel elated, on cloud nine, full of energy. Either response is normal. The key is not to try to keep these emotions out. The massage may channel these feelings and multiply them; whichever way, this is what the body needs. I have had people break down on the table before; this is all perfectly natural. Let it come and you will feel that much better afterwards.

As you can see, there aren't that many rules to follow, but it's important that you do! Following the above rules will help you to get so much more benefits out of your massage and your presence of mind will be that much more peaceful and invigorated. Always remember, if you have any questions whatsoever, be sure to call your therapist. We are here for you to help you to heal and to get the most out of your session that you can get. They don't call us therapists for nothing!

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:15:00 -0500

While many massages are designed to provide pleasure and relaxation to the client, there are some massages that focus on providing superior health benefits. The deep tissue massage is one of these, and its benefits are known to greatly improve the condition of many different body parts.

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage – Increased Blood Flow

One of the best benefits of a deep tissue massage is the increased blood flow it causes. Because massage therapists are applying so much direct pressure on the muscles, this increases the blood circulation throughout your body. As a result, increased blood flow boosts the oxygen supply to all of the tissues in your body. With more oxygen circulating in the blood, toxins such as lactic acid are removed from your muscles at a higher rate.

A professional athlete can especially benefit from a deep tissue massage since the speedy removal of toxins can help speed up the healing process for distressed muscles. In addition, a deep tissue massage can increase the mobility of certain muscles and loosen up tight muscles.

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage – Stress Relief

Another positive benefit of deep tissue massages is stress relief. The forceful and firm pressure forces the body to relax and ultimately relieve tension. Not only do deep tissue massages help rid the muscles of toxins thanks to the increased blood flow, but flushing out toxins also helps to put the body and the mind in a more relaxed state. This can more easily lead to physical relaxation of stiff muscles.

An experienced massage therapist will concentrate on massaging various trigger points on the body that are known to hold the most stress. By working out the muscles in these areas, your body can relax much more easily and much more simply. If you are someone who has a busy work life, who travels a lot, or who just has a lot of stress in your life, a monthly or even bi-monthly deep tissue massage can do wonders for your long-term relaxation and mood.

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage – Reduced Chronic Pain

If you are someone who suffers from chronic discomfort such as arthritis, muscle inflammation, or even a bad back, a deep tissue massage can help alleviate some of the pain. For some people, deep tissue massages have proven to be more effective and useful than daily prescriptions or other medications.

Once again, because the deep tissue massage is increasing your blood flow, it is also reducing inflammation in the affected area. The firm pressure eases the pain and alleviates tension, loosening tightness and buildups of painful lactic acid that accumulates with repeated stress of muscles. When done regularly, a deep tissue massage is similar to physical therapy and can be a great alternative for someone who is not interested in prescription drug use.

The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage – Lowered Blood Pressure

A side effect of relieving stress and tension involves a reduction in your blood pressure. As the deep tissue massage reduces muscle tightness, it can have a positive effect on blood pressure, especially if you are prone to high blood pressure or if high amounts of stress in your life are known to negatively trigger your high blood pressure.

Because stress relief has been proven to promote more serotonin in your body—a hormone that is responsible for making you feel happy and content—a deep tissue massage can be an ideal and relaxing way to lower your blood pressure.

Back to School -Back to Routine

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:29:00 -0500

As the busy days of back to school season push full speed ahead, your routine can quickly switch from lazy summer afternoons to carpools, after school activities and homework assignments. Before your family calendar fills itself to the brim with school functions this fall, and then holiday parties, make sure to pencil in some restoration and relaxation time for yourself by scheduling monthly massage appointments.

Back to School = Back to Routine

Routine is essential when you’re focusing on maintaining your health and wellness. As you plan out the remainder of 2011 and look forward to the new year, now is a great time to get into the habit of reducing stress and enhancing your lifestyle with massage.

Industry research suggests that many diseases are stress related and high stress can be a leading contributor to accelerating the aging process of our bodies, both internally and externally. Regularly scheduled massage sessions make it easy for you to dedicate yourself to a healthy and happy lifestyle by allowing you to take time out for yourself on a monthly basis to maintain reduced stress and increased energy levels. A consistent massage routine will leave you feeling restored, invigorated and vibrant.

Back to School = Back to Health

According to a September 2010 study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Swedish massage produces measurable biological effects and may have a positive effect on the immune system. Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(10):1–10.

Increasing your immune system is important during the fall season, especially for teachers and families returning back to school as germs can run wild along school hallways and inside classrooms. Incorporating massage into your back to school routine can help you maintain a stronger immune system during cold and flu season, thereby reducing missed days at work and school.

Back to School = Back to Massage

It never hurts to be reminded of all the wonderful benefits of receiving massage and body work treatments on a consistent and regular basis. According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals (www.abmp.com), massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Massage has many benefits, such as:

Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.
Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
Increases joint flexibility.
Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.
Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.
Contributes to shorter labor, reduces the need for medications and supports a quicker recovery.

As you get back into the swing of things this fall, remember to get back into massage. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to schedule your monthly massage therapy sessions and start getting back into the groove of a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Massage Multiplied- Benefits of Massage Improve with Frequency

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:04:00 -0500

While getting a massage--regardless of how often--is incredibly beneficial to your mind and body, getting frequent massage treatments is even more powerful as a healthcare ally.

"Practicing massage therapists know that people who get massage regularly demonstrate greater improvement and notice a reduction in pain and muscular tension, as well as an improvement in posture," says Anne Williams, author of Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006) and education program director at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

"People regularly make a commitment to fitness. People regularly make a commitment to changing their diet. The difference they'd experience if they regularly made a commitment to massage is mind-blowing," Williams says.

Stress Killer
One way in which frequent massage can improve our quality of life is by alleviating stress. Experts say more than 90 percent of disease is stress- related, and nothing ages us faster--inside or out--than the effects of stress. As stress-related diseases continue to claim more lives every year, the increasingly deadly role stress plays in modern-day life is painfully clear.

Massage is a great way to take charge and reverse the situation. Mary Beth Braun and Stephanie Simonson, authors of Introduction to Massage Therapy(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007), explain the benefits of massage therapy in the simplest of terms: "Healing input influences healing output." They note that frequent massage can reduce the accumulation of stress and improve overall health. "The benefits of massage are cumulative," they write.

This being the case, it only makes sense that those aches and pains you see your massage therapist for might disappear faster, stay away longer, or even go away altogether with more frequent visits. Stress might never reach those physiologically detrimental levels where the immune system is suppressed or the nervous system is sent into an alarm state if you are able to receive stress-relieving bodywork with some consistency. Not only would your body benefit by regularly unleashing its aches and pains instead of adapting to them, but your mind would have time to wash away the stresses of a life lived in overdrive. Both are critical pieces for living well.

Experts say the body and mind can learn to live more calmly, more efficiently, and more healthfully, when frequent massage shows the way. That makes for a healthier whole, allowing us to continue to live life at its fullest, even as we deal with each new stress or challenge.

Preventive Measures
In so many ways, massage is preventive healthcare. Yes, it can address injuries, scar tissue, and chronic pain, as well as provide relief for cancer patients and reduce hospitalization time for babies born prematurely, among so many other valuable benefits (go to MassageTherapy.com for more information on the myriad benefits of massage). But when the healthy, and trying-to-be-healthy, among us seek out massage on a regular basis, it helps us live a proactively healthier life.

Since bodywork influences every system in the body, there are enormous possibilities created by increasing the frequency in which you address those systems. It's best to discuss your session goals with your massage therapist and together devise a plan of frequency that meets your needs, while taking into account your therapist's best advice.

Body Awareness
According to Benny Vaughn, sports massage expert and owner of Athletic Therapy Center in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the benefits of consistent and regular massage therapy is better flexibility. "This happens because regular and structured touch stimulus enhances the nervous system's sensory and spatial processing capacity," he says. "That is, the person becomes more aware of their body's movement in space and becomes more aware of tightness or pain long before it reaches a critical point of mechanical dysfunction."

Quite simply, frequent massage puts you more in tune with your body. "The consistency of massage therapy over time creates a cumulative stress reduction effect," Vaughn says. "The person becomes acutely aware of stress within their body long before it can create stress-driven damage."

He says the consistency of receiving regular massage therapy has the potential to create the cumulative effect of feeling well and feeling better. "Ultimately when one feels good, our whole being follows suit on all other levels--i.e., decision-making is better, processing life events is better, and being happy is easier when you are not in pain or feeling 'heavy' or 'tight.'"

Williams says she's certain people's lives would be changed if they could schedule massage and bodywork more frequently. "I encourage clients to commit to getting massage once a week for a month and then evaluate the results they get," she says. "I guarantee they will become massage enthusiasts for life."

Staying Hydrated through the Summer

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:58:00 -0500

Everything your body does, it does better with a healthy supply of water. Yet, 99% of the people don’t heed this advice. Your body depends on water! Here are some of the top reasons to drink more water.

--It flushes toxins

--Regulates your body temperature

-- Burns fat and builds muscle

--Decreases Fatigue

--Healthy Supple skin

Drink Up!

Benefits of Massage Therapy For Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:26:00 -0500

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. Unlike a disease, which is a medical condition with a specific cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms, a syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but are not related to a specific, identifiable cause.

Fibromyalgia, which has also been referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis and fibrositis, is characterized by:

chronic widespread pain
multiple tender points
abnormal pain processing
sleep disturbances
fatigue
psychological distress

Massage therapy is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. In fact, in a survey completed by fibromyalgia sufferers, massage therapy was rated the best fibromyalgia treatment option by an overwhelming margin. Massage therapy benefits include:

increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair
increased flexibility
increased range of motion
decreased stress and depression
reduced pain
reduced stiffness
improved sleep patterns

Mothers Deserves More Than One Special Day!

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:46:00 -0500

Moms deserve more than one special day! For Mother's Day - May 8th - Give her a membership to our Wellness Program! Special pricing on multiple massage packages! Call for details - Call today!

HIPAA Compliance Complete

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:19:00 -0500

Elements Therapeutic Massage Casa Paloma - Now HIPPA Certified

Elements at Casa Paloma is proud to annouce our staff has completed HIPAA training.

What does this mean: We take the privacy of your health information very seriously

What is HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is a Federal Privacy Law which ensures confidentiality of health care information.

At Elements we follow these regulations to secure your private information. If you'd like to read more about it, you may download the two page document listed under Featured Downloads in the left column on our website.

We would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to acknowledge this very important information.

Regards,

The Elements at Casa Paloma Staff

5 Ways a Prenatal Massage Should Be Different

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:39:00 -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.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, we’ll work with you and your practitioner to create a plan for regular, ongoing massage therapy sessions that can keep you healthy while working with your schedule and lifestyle, your health concerns and your priorities. Call or come in today and let’s talk about how you can get more massage and well-being in your life.

Client Reviews

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:10:00 -0500

You can now see what our clients are saying! To read the reviews from real Elements at Casa Paloma clients, please click on the Customer reviews by Systino button below:

The reviews are updated every day so feel free to visit often!

Massage & Weight Loss

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:44:00 -0500

The warm weather is here. Stores are stocking summer clothes and thoughts of vacations and poolside time are on our minds. Then of course, the next thing on your mind is to start dieting and to get into a regular exercise schedule. You know eating right and exercise are two sure-fired ways to recover from the winter and gear up for the summer. Now, there’s a new addition to your annual “get back in shape” plan – this year add therapeutic massage to your summer prep plans.

Scientists now confirm what massage therapists have always known: massage can be a powerful and effective weight-loss tool. Massage is known to lower stress, improve circulation, increase mobility and speed recovery from overdoing it at the gym. Here’s how massage therapy specifically applies to your weight loss plan.

Massage improves circulation and the supply of nutrients to the muscles. After muscles are exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied to them so that they can recover and rebuild themselves. Massage maximizes the supply of these nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the muscles grow and burn more calories.

Massage also helps break down scar tissue built up from damage to the muscles, which further helps circulation as well as mobility. Also, massage helps flush toxins from the body, meaning your body can focus on the healthy foods you are eating and not the environmental toxins that build up over time, and especially during the holidays.

For those on an aggressive workout schedule, massage can greatly improve your flexibility and range of motion. This will make you less likely to hurt yourself, meaning more productive and pain-free hours in the gym which will result in greater calorie burn. Massage also helps reduce soreness by stretching, kneading and rubbing the muscles to keep them loose. With all this, there’s no taking off days from the gym, rather it’s easy to stay on a normal workout schedule.

If you’re new to massage or one who’s gained more than a few pounds during the holiday festivities, it’s understandable if you feel a little self-conscious about disrobing for a massage. But don’t worry, massage therapists are sensitive to your feelings and realize that nudity is the number one concern for many people experiencing a massage. Massage therapists are used to seeing all shapes, sizes and conditions of the body and they have an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care giver. Additionally, all clients are discretely draped under a sheet with only one body part being uncovered at a time. Of course, you can always undress to your level of comfort, leaving on portions of your clothing or undergarments.

Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or a diet of any sort, always consider incorporating massage into your weight-loss routine with a bi-weekly or weekly treatment.

Losing weight is never easy. But thankfully it’s simple to incorporate massage in the healthy lifestyle that you’re building and to make it a regular on-going part of your life. It’s also a good idea to talk to your massage therapist or a doctor up front to let them know your weight loss goals, fitness routine and to determine how often you are getting massage. Don’t be surprised if there are more massages recommended at the beginning of your plan – this is normal and helps your massage therapist know your body’s way of handling stress and exertion.

Regular massage is just as important a component as a regular workouts and correct nutrition in any fitness and weight loss program. Elements Therapeutic Massage will work with you to create a plan for regular, ongoing massage therapy sessions that will fit with your budget and your schedule.

Elements hopes to show clients a different side of massage

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:05:00 -0500

Posted: Sunday, March 20, 2011 6:00 pm

Ahwatukee Foothills News

Elements hopes to show clients a different side of massage

A new therapeutic massage studio just of Interstate 10 and Ray Road in Casa Paloma hopes to show area residents what therapeutic massage is all about.

"This is home for both of us," said Cami Crouch, co-owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage. "Janet (Schwab, co-owner) was born and bred here for the most part. I've worked right down the street for so many years that this is literally my backyard. It's a place we were both very comfortable with. We felt like we were part of the community and wanted to get even more involved with that."

The two women opened their doors for business on Feb. 1, and celebrated with a ribbon cutting by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce a month later on March 4.

"It was wonderful," Schwab said. "Probably about 30 to 35 chamber members came for the ribbon cutting and gave us our business buck for luck. I'm hoping to get more involved with the chamber. I've been to a lot of mixers with them and feel like I've developed a lot of friendships already. It's a wonderful community."

Schwab is a retired teacher from Chandler and Crouch worked for ADP for 16 years in the Valley. The two have been friends for a long time.

"Janet and I always talked about doing something," Crouch said. "It was one of those ‘some day we want to try something on our own.' Probably a year ago we decided ‘you know what, let's stop talking let's just do it.' So I retired, too."

The women watched trends in the market and found something they were really interested in that was still growing.

"We fell in love with the people that run Elements because it is a different mind set," Schwab said. "It's about therapists and matching them the best we can with clients. We really think about and focus on that particular one."

Therapists at Elements are highly appreciated. Each one was carefully chosen so that clients can get the best massage for them.

"Through the interview process I had a massage from every single one," Schwab said. "Everyone thinks that'd be so easy but you have to concentrate while they're doing it. We were looking for people who had a passion and people who wanted to be with people. We were looking at their skills."

The studio has nine therapists and because Schwab has received a massage from each one she believes she can match anyone to just what they need.

Now, the women are just happy to be in business. They're offering a special through March of $59 for a 55-minute massage or two gift cards for a 55-minute massage for $99. They also offer memberships without a contract and with no money down to start.

"We're only as good as our last service," Crouch said. "We don't ask anyone to sign a contract. We have to provide that exemplary service in order to keep a client with us so that's our main focus: Providing a great environment and a great experience and our clients continue to stay with us."

Elements Therapeutic Massage, 7131 W. Ray Road, Suite 4, accepts walk-ins and same-day appointments and is open every day of the week.

Not feeling your best and not sure why? Might be time to detox.

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:25:00 -0500

You don’t have to go on a detox diet or drink special smoothies to detox. Start with a massage to kick-start your body’s own natural cleansing processes, which can slow down for a variety of reasons — lack of regular exercise, too little fluids or fiber in the diet … If you haven’t been taking the best care of yourself, a detoxifying massage can help set things right again.

How does massage help the body detox, exactly?

The rhythmic strokes and pressure applied to muscles, tissues and organs during massage therapy help stimulate the circulatory system. It works sort of like a sponge: When pressure is applied to the tissue and fat, toxins are literally “squeezed” out from in between the muscle fibers and cells. They’re released into the circulatory system for easier elimination.

The lymph system is key

Your lymphatic fluid system works with your cardiovascular circulatory system to flush out toxins and carry immune cells throughout the body to help defend against infections. If your lymph fluid circulation gets sluggish, toxins can accumulate and immune cells may not get carried to the areas of the body where they’re needed.

Since the lymph system doesn’t have a big central pump like the heart to keep things moving, it has to rely on gravity, exercise, breathing … and massage. So if you haven’t been as good as you should about your exercise, diet and “me time” routine (it happens to the best of us!), that can affect how you feel, causing aches, pains and swelling (lymph edema). It can also cause deterioration in organs and glands like the thymus that are vital players in your immune system.

It’s easy to see why detoxification is important to avoiding illness and chronic health conditions. So if you’re not feeling your best or haven’t been as good about your diet and exercise routine lately, try a massage to get back on track. Remember to drink a glass or two of pure water after massage to help the body flush out toxins more rapidly.