What are the Benefits of a Prenatal Massage?

Pregnancy takes a physical and mental toll on women at any age, especially first-timers. Aches and pains, weight gain, anxiety, sickness and swollen feet may all leave you feeling far from your best.

You have to take care of yourself. You have to relax and do whatever you can to make the pregnancy easier. And a prenatal massage is a fantastic way to do just that.

Why should you schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or a friend? Let’s take a look at the main benefits …

Alleviate Physical Discomfort

One of the major benefits of a prenatal massage is relief from common aches and pains.

An experienced therapist will know how to ease the following:

• lower- and upper-back pain

• leg cramping

• headaches

• varicose veins

• heartburn

• stiffness

• tension / knots

• constipation

• hip-joint pain

Backaches are especially hard to cope with and can be extremely disruptive. You might struggle to get comfortable or even enjoy the build-up to the birth as much as you want to if you’re constantly in pain.

A prenatal massage could make a big difference.

Relieve Anxiety or Depression

Sadly, it’s very common to experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy. Research shows a staggering 52 percent of women have noticed an increase in their anxietyor depression during pregnancy.

Even if you’ve never been affected by either, you may still feel anxious or depressed due to the extreme hormonal changes taking place in your body. Prenatal massages can help to relieve stress and soothe anxiety or depression, easing you into a calmer state of mind.

Boost Blood Circulation

Your blood circulation will improve during a prenatal massage — benefitting yourself and your baby.

How? You’ll both receive more oxygen and nutrients, while your swelling may reduce too. Stimulation of the lymph system boosts your immunity levels and flushes toxins out as well.

Care for your Posture

Pregnancy affects your posture and alignment, especially as your baby grows. This can lead to more discomfort and make standing up straight much, even for brief periods, far harder.

A prenatal massage increases your flexibility and muscle tone, helping you carry the baby’s weight a little easier. Combined with relief of those tiresome aches and pains, better posture makes pregnancy less trying on the body.

A Safe, Comfortable Treatment

Prenatal massages are safe in the majority of cases, though it might not be the best choice if you have diabetes, diarrhoea, extreme nausea, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.

But if you are able to have a prenatal massage, your therapist will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire treatment. We always use special cushioning and positioning for the safest, most relaxing experience for moms-to-be.

A prenatal massage is a terrific way to pamper yourself and socialize with a friend or loved one in a tranquil environment. Astra Medi Spa offers a diverse range of massage treatments using classic and the latest techniques: hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, Indian head massage and cupping massage all offer their own benefits for people of all ages.

Want to treat yourself? Schedule your prenatal massageat Astra Medi Spa now.

Should I Have a Massage Before or After I Visit a Chiropractor?

A massage from a qualified professional is one of the most luxurious experiences available at a spa.

Not only is this a wonderful way to relax, a massage has the power to ease aches, relieve pains and boost circulation too. Your muscles will feel better after overuse or strains typically caused by over-exertion.

But what if your discomfort runs deeper?

Combining Massage and Chiropractic Treatments

Combining a massage with chiropractic care can help you address problems in the musculoskeletal system with lasting results.

A chiropractor works to alleviate joint issues causing problems with the nerves, affecting your entire quality of life. In extreme cases, the smallest movements may trigger severe pains and leave you unable to function as you need to.

The chiropractor can make adjustments within the body that alleviate discomfort and help patients start to recover. They will conduct a thorough examination of the treatment area first and discuss any therapies you may have undergone previously.

Combining a massage and chiropractic care has the power to achieve transformative results — but which should you try first?

When Should I Have a Massage Before My Chiropractic Care?

During your chiropractic adjustment, tight muscles surrounding the target joints may interfere with your chiropractor’s ability to fix the issue.

This could lead to only a mild reduction in your discomfort and prompt repeat adjustments in the near future, incurring additional expense.

A massage before your chiropractic care will relieve the tension in your muscles and prepare your body for the adjustments to come. Furthermore, lying back and letting a qualified therapist massage you is an ideal way to relax ahead of your adjustment.

If you’re nervous about it, a good chiropractor will help set your mind at ease in their own way too.

When Should I Have a Massage After My Chiropractic Care?

If you have visited a chiropractor for adjustments before and experienced dysfunctional joints on multiple occasions, you might find undertaking a massage after your chiropractic care helpful.

Why? Because too much muscle tension could pull the joints out of position once more, leading to further misalignments. This would cause further pain and impaired function — making a repeat visit to your chiropractor necessary.

In this case, consider waiting until after your adjustment to book yourself in for a sumptuous massage. This encourages your muscles to stay relaxed and in their proper place, preventing disruption to your problematic joint(s).

Chiropractic care can be quite a shock to the system to begin with, and a massage is a simple way to soothe your body and mind after such a daunting process.

Please bear in mind: these are recommendations only. If you’re prone to musculoskeletal problems, consider experimenting with the order in which you receive both treatments over time. You may find your body responds better to one order than another.

Finding the Right Massage Treatment for Your Body

Astra Medi Spa is committed to performing massage treatments suited to every body and need.

Our team specializes in a fantastic selection of options, including:

• pre-natal massage

• hot stone massage

• deep tissue massage

• lymphatic massage

• Indian head massage

• reflexology (foot and leg)

• cupping massage

Each massage offers its own benefits, though all are designed to leave you feeling better than ever!

Have any questions about our massage treatments? Please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team or drop in and see us!

5 Reasons to Try a Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is one the finest spa treatments to help you relax and unwind. The little stresses of everyday life can all build up, leaving you tenser and more strained than you might realize. Booking yourself in for a professional hot stone massage may be just what you need to feel rejuvenated.

During this treatment, smooth heated stones are placed on various areas of the body, usually the spine, stomach, chest, feet and even the palms. Long strokes, tapping and kneading may all be used during the treatment.

A hot stone massage feels absolutely incredible when performed by an experienced therapist, but what benefits does it offer?

Ease tension and pain in your muscles

The heat emanating from the stones helps to boost blood flow into treated areas, easing muscular tension and pain. This can be a significant relief if you have strains related to vigorous exercise or sports.

Hot stone massages may improve your range of motion and flexibility too.

Reduce feelings of anxiety and stress

The heated stones and therapeutic touch of your therapist’s expert hands are ideal for reducing anxious and stressful feelings.

You will be able to simply lie still, allow the heat to warm key parts of your body and focus on the positive sensations flowing through you. After an effective hot stone massage, you should feel totally revitalized and relaxed.

Promote better sleep

Hot stone massage can encourage better sleep, whether you have a sleep disorder or just want to feel more rested in the morning. The treatment may help you fall into a deeper sleep more quickly than you’re used to.

As a result, you should feel more energized and refreshed. This can set you up in a better mood for the day ahead.

Help to relieve autoimmune symptoms

If you suffer from fibromyalgia or other autoimmune-related difficulties, a hot stone massage offers natural relief.

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition causing pain and stiffness in the muscles and skeleton. Certain areas of the body will feel tender, and the ongoing discomfort can have a major negative impact on everyday life.

After a hot stone massage, you should feel more relaxed and enjoy a reduction in pain, particularly if you have a long treatment session. Inform your therapist of your condition so they can make the massage as effective for you as possible.

Strengthen the immune system

A hot stone massage may help to boost your immune system, by improving your blood circulation and taking your stress levels down.

The stronger your immune system, the better you should be able to fight off potential viruses like the common cold and flu.

Astra Medi Spa’s massage therapists are highly-trained and experienced in performing luxurious hot stone massages. This treatment features kneading, threading and other movements with heated volcanic rocks. It’s similar to a Swedish massage yet the rocks add a wonderful touch you’ll fall in love with.

Want to book your hot stone treatment? Please don’t hesitate to get in touchwith our friendly team.

Why is an Indian head massage right for you?

Have you ever considered an Indian head massage?

This treatment is a fantastic alternative or addition to full-body massages. It was introduced to Western countries in the 1970s and has remained popular since. 

Why should you try one?

Join us as we explore just some of the benefits:

Promotes healthy hair growth

Indian head massages can stimulate hair growth by bringing more oxygen to the follicles. While this is not a guarantee, it may help if you’re concerned about hair loss and want to bring more nourishment to your scalp.

This can be more effective if you believe your hair growth issues are related to stress, as Indian head massages are a great aid to relaxation. Undergoing one on a regular basis makes a terrific addition to a less stressful lifestyle.

Reduce migraines and aches

In an Indian head massage, your therapist will work on the neck, upper back and shoulders too. They will focus on releasing knots and easing tension, reducing aches and pains.

As this tension contributes to headaches and discomfort in the neck / back, a thorough massage may reduce ongoing migraines. Indian head massages are particularly effective for treating stiffness and aches caused by sitting hunched over a desk all day.

Flush out toxins

An Indian head massage will stimulate and enhance the body’s lymphatic drainage, creating easier blood flow to the neck.

As a result, waste is removed from the body more effectively.

Lymphatic drainage can help the following problems:

• Acne

• Eczema

• Fatigue

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Sleep disorders

These benefits are not guaranteed, but Indian head massage does encourage proper lymphatic drainage.

Enhance energy levels

Indian head massages create an immense feeling of well-being that leaves you rejuvenated, taking your energy levels higher.

This can give you a boost in all areas of life, from your performance at work to your mood at home. Making Indian head massages part of your weekly or monthly routine may help you to feel more energized and motivated.

Combat anxiety and depression symptoms

Anxiety and depression are common problems today. Research shows that five percent of Canada’s household population are affected by anxiety, and around eight percent of adults are known to experience major depression at one time or another in life.

We all have to reduce stress and do more to feel good. Indian head massages are just one way you can do both, as it encourages a greater oxygen supply to the brain. This helps you combat anxious feelings and elevate your mood.

With more oxygen reaching the brain, you can think more clearly and develop a tighter focus on tasks. This result is similar to exercising.

Astra Medi Spa’sIndian head massage is performed by experienced, qualified therapists committed to helping you relax. This makes a terrific addition to other treatments, such as deep tissue massage, cupping massage and reflexology.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to learn more about our Indian head massage.

How to Prepare for your First Massage

You may feel daunted by the prospect of your first massage. The idea of having to take your clothes off and let a stranger touch your bare skin is difficult if you’re shy or unhappy with your body.

Perhaps you’re worried about being a little bigger than you’d like, or afraid your masseuse will never have seen so many spots or blemishes on a client’s back before.

Don’t panic: these are all perfectly normal, common concerns.

However, let us set your mind at ease anyway: your masseuse or masseur has seen bodies of all shapes, sizes, and complexions before. They’re unlikely to even notice any of the little things you’re nervous about, and certainly won’t focus on them.

Their chief concern is helping you relax, making you feel better, and performing the full treatment to the very highest standard.

Still, if you’re uncertain what to expect with your first massage, the below tips will help you prepare and get the most out of it.

Relax, relax, relax

We can’t stress this enough: try your best to relax before your massage. Within moments of your treatment starting, you’ll start to wonder why you were so anxious and feel your stresses drift away.

Letting body-confidence issues get to you in the run up to your massage can impact your enjoyment of it. You may feel so tense and self-conscious that you take longer to sink into the sheer pleasure of the experience.

In the hours before your massage, take time to do things you enjoy and consider getting another treatment first. This will help you relax more and put you in the right frame of mind for luxurious pampering.

Avoid eating just before the massage

Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid eating within two or three hours of your massage. If you must eat, keep it light.

You may feel uncomfortable if you get a massage on a full stomach. Allow your breakfast or lunch the time it needs to digest well before you lie on the table.

Speak to your therapist

Your masseuse or masseur is there to make you feel good. If you’re still nervous or don’t want them to touch certain parts of your face, back etc., tell them.

Let them know if you’re allergic to certain lotions or don’t want much oil on your skin. Highlight any areas of physical discomfort you would like them to focus on. The more you can tell them, the more satisfying and rejuvenating your massage will be.

Astra Medi Spa’s massage therapists are committed to providing the very best treatments, targeting different areas for varied results. They’re happy to discuss concerns or requests you may have. Don’t be afraid to offer feedback during the massage, either.

Enjoy your post-massage glow

Once your first massage is over, try to bask in the state of blissful relaxation as much as possible. Avoid anything that may cause you stress or frustration.

For example, if you tend to get angered by traffic, consider taking a cab or Uber to the spa instead. If you’re taking the massage on a weekday lunch break, perhaps book the afternoon off for more me-time.

Astra Medi Spa offers an outstanding portfolio of massages, including pre-natal, hot stone, and deep tissue treatments. Contact usnow to book yours!

Why you should get a massage

People view getting a massage as a luxury. What most people don’t know is that massagehas numerous health benefits and it is medically recommended that you should get a massage once in a while.

How often should you get a massage? People have massages for various reasons. There are those who get a massagefor medical reasons whereas there are those who get it for relaxation and general wellness.

If it is for chronic reasons it is recommended that you should get a massage once every two weeks. For relaxation and general wellness,you should get massaged at least once or twice every month. However, every daywould be nice but in realsense,this is not practical.

Benefits of getting a body massage

Reduces stress and anxiety

In the current generation,it is impossible not to get stressed out. There are over a dozen reasons that make people get stressed out. Some reasons can be managed whereas others are simply beyond our reach. But, did you know that getting a massage reduces anxiety and stress? Body massage stimulates the secretion of serotonin, a hormone that secreted when we are happy. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety levels.

Reduces lower back pain

Lower back pain is a major concern to most people. If you are tired of taking painkillers to reduce back pain then it is high time you try out something else. A deep tissue massage will help relieve the pain. Research has it that over 78% of people who get a massage at least once every two weeks rarely experience lower back pain.

Helps athletes recover fast

After strenuous exercise, lactic acid builds up in the muscles causing disturbing pain. The easiest and fastest way to recover from this would be getting a massage. Basically, a massage improves the blood circulation in the muscles, making you feel relaxed and fresh.

Fends off a headache

Getting a massage fends off a headache. The kind of massage that will fend off a headacheis neck massage but this has to be done by professionals. And, at Astra MediSpa our staffs are professionals who have over 20 years of experience.

Pregnancy

It is so unfair that pregnant women have to go through a lot of discomfort in the course of the nine months of pregnancy. This makes getting a massage when pregnant crucial since massage helps regulate and balance the hormone levels, as a result, reducing discomfort. Well, that’s not all. Getting a massage also reduces the chances of developing stretch marks after giving birth.

Improves sleep

Massage improves blood circulation in the body. With efficient blood circulation,this means that you will have some good night sleep one that is nightmare free.

Get a massage at Astra MediSpa

For the best massage services visit Astra MediSpa. We offer the following types of massages:

• Indian Head Massage
• Cupping Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Reflexology
• Lymphatic Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Pre-natal Massage

5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Foot Massages

Many people neglect the health of their feet. These often neglected workhorses seem like one more part of the structure.

Yet medicine and surgery have entire career fields to deal with feet. Podiatrists spend their entire career working with this one small area.

Like any other body part, routine maintenance and preventive care show results.

In that mindset, let's look at the benefits of a foot massage. Maybe some of these will shock you, and maybe you will be lucky enough to already know about these exciting benefits.

Benefits of a Foot Massage

Even without going into the benefits of reflexology or energy flow dynamics, the feet hold a lot of potential for overall health. These 5 benefits reflect direct effects you can see with as little as one session of massage.

1. Prevents Nerve Swelling

Several serious medical conditions can be linked to pain in the feet. Because of the way that nerves run through the bones of the toes, prolonged inflammation may lead to continual damage. When nerve tissue goes untreated the swelling can lead to abnormal growth.

Nerve tissue relaxation is definitely one of the benefits of a foot massage.

2. Prevents Injury

Ever noticed how athletes rarely fall down under normal circumstances? Or how even an athlete that takes a colossal fall from a hit or a dive is able to walk it off? These abilities don't come by miracle.

Another of the benefits of a foot massage create give in the muscles of the foot and ankle. This give keeps the tissue from getting damaged when suffering a fall that would otherwise create an injury.

3. Headaches and Migraine Relief

Frequent and deep tissue foot massages have been linked with relief for headaches and migraines. Much like the ears, the feet help with controlling of temperature by circulating blood.

When increased diastolic pressure would create a headache, a foot massage can relieve that pressure and limit the headache pain and duration.

4. Back Pain Relief

When our feet hurt we tend to walk a little funny. Walking a little funny for more than a few days can cause issues with the alignment of the spine and hips. This will create inflammation of the lower back muscles and pain.

Don't treat foot pain as a mild annoyance. Get it dealt with to prevent that pain from spreading.

5. Sensual Benefits

You might not think of the feet as a particularly erogenous zone, but they are.

One of the most intimate benefits of a foot massage comes from the combination of relaxation and increased circulation. The next time you are looking to have a quiet evening at home, consider a foot massage before to unlock the hidden potential.

Stay Healthy!

We care about your health. We have been working to increase care and advocate for healthy living for years. Whether you are looking for some general work or some deep care, we have plans available.

There's no health like today's health. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

6 Impressive Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage

Did you know that hot stone massage has been around for more than 2,000 years?

The tradition started in China but quickly spread to all parts of the world, and this ancient healing method is still very much in use today.

Stone massage is more than just a luxurious accompaniment to a spa experience. There are actually some major benefits to this massage technique.

Find out what makes hot stone massage so amazing, and get ready to book an appointment today.

1. Relieves Pain

One of the reasons people may book a massage is to get pain relief. The use of hot stones amplifies the pain relieving properties of massage.

Heat helps the massage benefits go deeper into your muscle tissue, which makes this a more effective pain relief technique than traditional massage. Heat can also help numb the nerves that are transmitting pain while relaxing the tension that caused the pain in the first place.

2. Improves Circulation

Your body needs to be able to circulate blood and other things, such as lymphatic fluids, in order to function properly.

Exercise can help with this, but you can't exercise all day, every day. When you need to boost circulation without tiring out your muscles, a massage that uses hot stones is the perfect solution.

Heat helps your blood vessels open up, while the pressure of massage helps get things moving. Circulation is important as it will help prevent disease and keep your body healthy.

3. Relaxes Your Body

Massage helps your body heal and recover, but it also helps you relax tense, tired muscles.

The tension in the body can have all kinds of negative effects, and it also feels uncomfortable to have tightness or stiffness in the muscles. Whether it's from the gym or just a long day at work, find the relaxation you need with a stone massage.

4. Relaxes Your Mind

Massage has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

We spend our days connected to work, family, and friends through our smartphones and other devices. Massage gives you a chance to put down your daily concerns and just be in the moment. Both your mind and your body benefit from this high level of relaxation.

5. Aids Your Movement

When your muscles are tight and tense, your natural movement becomes hindered.

Get your full range of motion back with a stone massage. The hot stones help your muscles warm up and stretch out, much like a pre-workout warmup does. This is a great way to recover from intense physical activity or even strain from your job.

6. Provides Necessary Human Touch

We all need contact with other people in order to stay mentally healthy and feel good.

However, human contact isn't always a big part of our day-to-day lives. Stone massage is a healthy, professional way to get in contact with another person in a safe, relaxed environment.

Book a Hot Stone Massage Now

All of the benefits of traditional massage are also there in hot stone massage -- plus some amazing extras.

The addition of heat boosts many of the normal massage benefits. From helping tight muscles relax more effectively to opening up the flow of circulation, adding hot stones to your massages makes a huge difference.

Ready to book an appointment? Contact us today to experience the benefits for yourself.