Light Pressure Massage is most beneficial for overall well-being.

Exciting news for the entire spa industry! When the New York Times runs an article about a new study showing that “a single session of massage caused biological changes,” it is time for our industry to celebrate!

Here is the scoop. Researchers, from a division of the National Institute of Health, conducted a study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in which one group of adults was given a deep-tissue massage and another group was given a light massage. Blood samples were taken before and after these 45-minute massage. The participants who received the deep-tissue massage displayed (among other favorable results) decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in white blood cells, an essential part of the immune system. Those who received the lighter massage had an even greater decrease in cortisol and increase in white blood cells, as well as an increase in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment. The study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

I found it amusing that the article mentioned the researchers’ reactions to the results as “a surprise.” Well…it’s certainly not a surprise to any of us in the industry, nor to most people who have had a massage and felt the physiological effects.

Kudos to the National Institute of Health for conducting this study. Now, if they could just relate this to the fact that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress helps account for two-thirds of family doctor visits (other studies show the percentage even higher), we would no doubt have people lining up outside of our doors to receive massages!

We found this facinating article through Spafinder.

"Greet the Day" Fundraiser

Do you know someone that's undergoing chemo therapy?
Sunday, June 6, from 2p-4p, Yoga Shakti in Irvine will be holding a restorative yoga fundraiser for a nominal donation of $25. All proceeds will directly support "Greet the Day" oncology massage programs.

This class will allow you to nurture yourself and find balance between body and breath. A great stress reliever!

Yoga Shakti
4249 Campus Dr
Irvine, Ca 92612

Our own employee, Denise Bell is both a cancer survivor and a certified oncology massage therapist at Elements. She is familiar with the various side effects from chemo therapy and radiation and is ready to safely meet your needs. She is also a volunteer with "Greet the Day."

If you have any questions about how massage therapy can help before, during or after chemo therapy, call our studio and ask for Denise!

Click here to visit GreetTheDay.com

Feel The Heat! -Hot Stone Massage

Feel the heat! It puts your body-mind-soul into a place of relaxation, healing and bliss.

Hot Stone Massage involves the application of heated basalt stones of various sizes to key points of the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth.
Heated stone massage is said to be “five times more relaxing than an ordinary massage.” Heat causes vasodilatation, which is the dilation of blood vessels to increase circulation. The heat increases metabolic action to help flush waste products from the body. Heat also increases white blood cell count, helping to stimulate the immune system.

Benefits of Hot Stone:

• Relieves muscle aches and pains
• Improves circulation
• Helps with rheumatic and arthritic conditions
• Relives back pain
• Releases stress, anxiety and tension
• Helps people with insomnia
• Great for those with fibromyalgia