The spa experience can give you a life of greater health, energy, happiness, and well-being. You are able to pause and let all the chatter we are inundated with stop, and you will find your balance. Stress management and living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important, yet managing stress can feel like two full time jobs. In our fast paced lives it can be very difficult to nurture ourselves when taking care of family, and work. Our lives have become so busy we have resorted to twitter and face book to keep up with friends.

The ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study states that stress is the number one reason for spa visits worldwide.  ISPA President Lynne McNees said  “Stress affects more than just our lives at work and at home, it affects our health. So take time to de-stress, by getting a massage; it could end up saving your health down the road.”  While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found it helpful for: Anxiety, Pain, Labor pain, Infant growth, Children with diabetes, Sports-related soreness, Alcohol withdrawal, Immune system, Cancer treatment, and Self-esteem. Most people use it for relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, or to reduce muscle soreness.

Some primary benefits are:

• Helps you unwind by releasing natural painkillers
• Reduce stress, pain and promote healing in people with certain health conditions
• Relieve tension in your muscles and boost your immune system

If you’re like me and very ticklish, getting a massage might be something you need to work up to.  A great alternative is the use of Aromatic Oils, which are easily available. In a recent study researchers assessed the effect of acupressure (not acupuncture).
They used lavender oil in treatment for pain relief in patients with low back pain. After one week of treatment (8 sessions), the treated group, with aromatic oils applied, showed a 39 percent improvement in pain reduction in comparison to the control group. The same researchers in a related study evaluated the use of ginger and citrus essential oils in massage therapy for patients suffering with knee pain. They found after 4 weeks the treated groups improvement (i.e. physical function and pain reduction) was far greater when compared to that of the control group who had no aromatic oils administered.

10 ways to live healthier

• Get 8 hours of sleep
• Eat and drink healthy – organic fruits, veggies and water
• Exercise – Yoga, Tai-Chi and walking
• Meditate/Breathe
• Enjoy nature and beautiful things
• Nuture your body with a spa visit – massage, facial, body wrap, pedicure
• Learn or teach someone else
• Volunteer – give back to your community and your Earth
• Avoid negativity – from yourself and others
• Love – yourself and others around you

A simple investment of regular massage treatments is proven to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, enhance sleep quality and improve concentration, as well as aiding in injury prevention and recovery. Spa treatments may relieve existing symptoms but they also provide the tools for long term prevention of the elements that create stress in your life.

References:

Suite101.com

Experienceispa.com