There are many massage variations and each one has its purpose. The effects of a Swedish massage are quite relaxing, while a deep tissue massage, though painful in the moment, helps get out stubborn knots. Rolfing may help to improve mobility and Thai massage incorporates stretching to loosen up the joints. There is another type of massage that you should know about if you want to help promote detoxification: lymphatic drainage massage. 

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Manual lymphatic drainage massage, or simply lymphatic massage therapy, is a light-pressure massage that uses circular and pumping movements to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. A trained lymphatic drainage massage therapist uses stretching, cupping, and gliding motions to stimulate lymphatic flow. It is a very gentle, rhythmic type of massage that does not require oil. Even though there are trained experts in this type of massage, you can easily do it yourself. 

Lymphatic drainage massage has been around for over 100 years, and it has recently grown in popularity. Nowadays, many spas offer this service, which has been widely used in European countries for quite some time. In fact, it is the most prescribed type of physical therapy in Germany! 

What Are The Benefits?

According to health experts, lymphatic drainage massage is a great treatment option for lymphedema. This condition is characterized by swollen lymph nodes caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, typically in the arms or legs, that results from the removal or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatments. Primarily, lymphatic drainage massage helps to detoxify the body, ridding it of harmful chemicals that are easily absorbed every day. From skin care products to environmental pollution, toxins bombard the body and affect you, whether you know it or not. 

The body’s primary detoxification channels are the colon, lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. When you support these pathways, you support overall bodily health. Increasing the flow and removal of toxins via lymphatic massage, then, is a great addition to your cleansing routine.

Besides aiding the elimination of toxins, lymphatic drainage massage may help those who suffer from fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis looked at the effectiveness of massage therapy for fibromyalgia and found lymphatic drainage massage to be the most beneficial. Not only was it better than connective tissues massage in regards to stiffness, but it also improved quality of life and reduced depression. Lastly, lymphatic drainage massage helps to reduce tension and the appearance of cellulite. Most toxins are held in fat cells, so stimulating lymphatic flow can reduce that build-up. 

How To Do A DIY Lymphatic Drainage Massage

There are several techniques that help promote lymphatic drainage. Doing this therapy on yourself is a great way to assist with the body’s natural detoxification processes. You can easily fit this therapy into your day because it only demands a few minutes of your time. The best part about this DIY lymphatic drainage massage is that you can lie on your back while doing all of the the steps, which are detailed below:

• Step 1: Lie on your back in a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths. Feel the rise and fall of your abdomen and continue this type of breathing throughout the massage. 
• Step 2: Cross your arms across your chest and, with your fingers touching the tops of your shoulders, lift your elbows up toward the ceiling a few times. This movement aims to flush the lymphatic areas beneath your collarbones. 
• Step 3: Return your arms down, but keep them crossed. Start massaging the outside of your neck just above your collarbones. Work your way toward the center of the neck in a fluid motion. Repeat this flow of massage strokes a total of 10 times. 
• Step 4: Uncross your arms and extend them to the sides to form a T with your body. Bend your arms and interlock your fingers behind your head. Lean your head forward and to the sides to stretch your neck, while simultaneously applying gentle pressure at the base of your neck. 
• Step 5: Place your left hand behind your head and cup your right palm under your armpit. Gently pull the skin down and in toward your body for a total of 10 times before repeating on the other side. 
• Step 6: Relax your arms by your sides. Cross your right arm over the body and gently pull the skin on the inside of your left elbow towards your shoulder. Complete 10 pulls and then switch sides. 
• Step 7: Lymph can easily build up in your lower extremities, so this step aims to release fluid in the legs. Place both hands behind your right knee, interlace your fingers, and gently stretch the skin towards your glutes. Complete 10 pulls and then repeat on the left leg. 
• Step 8: Place your right hand behind your head and your left hand on your right hip. Gently stretch the skin upwards toward the armpit. Repeat this several times before switching sides. 
• Step 9: For the last step, you want to move lymphatic fluid away from your fingers and toes. To do this, simply start at your fingertips or toes and gently slide your hand(s) up towards your armpit or groin, respectively.

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According to historians, cultures around the world have used massage techniques to promote healing for thousands of years. Different massages have helped improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and encourage detoxification. When considering those benefits, it makes sense that these healing modalities have stood the test of time. Additionally, if full-body massage techniques benefit the body, facial massages also do wonders for your face, right? 

In each culture, the rules and tools vary between facial massages. In Ayurveda, for example, there is a specific facial massage, Abhyanga, that involves gentle scrapes along the jawline. Below, we will detail how to do this massage, which may help lift, de-puff, and detoxify your facial skin.

Get The Right Tools For The Job

You don’t have to go out and get a jade roller or anything like that, but a great carrier oil is necessary. Oil helps your fingers glide easily across your face without tugging or pulling on the skin. If you are too aggressive and use dry fingers on your face, you may either create or worsen wrinkles or fine lines. When you select a carrier oil, try to use a tri-doshic oil because that works for all skin types. Sesame oil tends to be a safe bet for all doshas, which are health types. Saffron oil is also great, especially because it exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

For the Abhyanga facial massage, you can use your own two hands or opt for a tool. If you decide to use a tool, make sure to use one with pure kansa, which helps detoxify the skin. In Ayurveda, the Kansa Wand is the most sacred facial tool, and it is a mixture of copper and tin, both of which have purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. 

How To Do The Abhyanga Massage

Once you have your carrier oil ready, please follow the instructions. Keep in mind that you do not have to apply firm pressure; rather, slight pressure will be effective and yield optimal results. 

• Apply several drops of the carrier oil to your facial skin. 
• Hold your fingers, or the Kansa Wand, at the center of your chin. Massage in circular motions to warm the oil and then follow one side of your jawline until you end at the bottom of your ear. Repeat this process four to five times and then switch sides. 
• Hold the wand or your fingertips at one corner of your mouth and massage in circular motions, moving outwards up your cheekbone. Stop once you reach the center of your ear, repeating four or five times before switching sides. 
• To end the massage, make gentle figure-eight motions around your temples, forehead, and just above the eyebrows.

Rinse The Residue

As you perform the massage, especially if you use the Kansa Wand, you may notice a gray residue appear on the skin. That’s a good thing, according to Ayurveda practitioners. The metals in the wand actually draw out inflammation and interact with the skin’s natural oils, resulting in that light gray residue. The Kansa Wand oxidizes the oils on the skin as it purifies it, but you do have to rinse that residue after the massage. It washes off easily with a gentle cleanser and cloth. As always, follow up your face wash with a nourishing face cream or moisturizer to lock in hydration. 

Regular facial massages can help promote tighter, firmer, and more lifted skin. If you follow this Ayurvedic facial massage technique, you’ll also promote facial skin detoxification, which promotes a brighter complexion. Even if you don’t have the Kansa wand, the massage is still effective if you only use your fingertips.

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Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain in one, or sometimes both feet. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), roughly two million people seek treatment for this condition every year. The primary complaint is painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot, typically in the heel. In fact, the pain can often be unbearable, making it difficult to walk. 

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing, severe pain in the heel of the foot, or feet. Typically, the pain presents itself in the first few steps of the day. More often than not, the pain lessens in intensity after the initial few steps, but it can return any time you get up from a seated position and start walking. Plantar fasciitis tends to only affect one foot, starting with mild pain in the heel. 

Do Natural Remedies Work? 

According to several studies, about 90% of plantar fasciitis cases can improve significantly within two months of treatment. Standard treatments include physical therapy and custom-fitted arch supports. When it comes to natural remedies, scientific studies are lacking, but there are many people that swear by them. In fact, natural remedies prove to be a great step (pun intended) in a less painful direction. Consider the following four natural remedies to see if you can avoid surgery and injections.

Wear A Night Splint

A night splint is a foot device that aims to naturally stretch the Achilles tendon while you sleep. These really work best for people who have dealt with the condition for at least six months. In addition to stretching the Achilles, night splints gently stretch arches and calves. You should only wear these splints at night while you sleep, though. One statement claimed that people who wore night splints had a 30-50% reduction in pain after 12 weeks. Some people even saw improvement after just four weeks of wearing night splints!

Apply A Cold Compress

It’s good to get cold feet…if you have plantar fasciitis! Ice works to reduce inflammation and helps to numb the pain. A study from 2013 found that applying a cold wrap to the feet for 20 minutes at bedtime helped reduce planter fascia thickness by 13%. Additionally, the cold wrap helped reduce pain by 44%, which in turn increased the amount of force that each person could apply to the affected foot without pain by 86%. 

Pick Up Marbles With Your Feet

This sounds strange, but you have to think about this remedy as a strengthening tip. When you are able to strengthen your feet, you may be able to prevent foot pain. Stretching is beneficial, but so is picking up marbles with your feet and placing them in a cup. This exercise aims to strengthen the muscles in your feet, which enhances stabilization of the plantar fascia ligament. Not only does this help reduce pain, but it may also improve your overall gait. To perform the exercise, sit in a chair with your feet out in front of you. Scatter some marbles on the ground near your feet and begin picking them up with your toes, one by one, and dropping them in a cup. 

Massage

Massage is always a useful tool to help reduce pain, especially if it involves fascia. Use your thumbs to massage your arches and heels. If you cannot use your hands, you can roll your foot in a very slow manner on a lacrosse ball or tennis ball. Put the ball of your foot on the ball and grab hold of a wall or something stable. Gently apply pressure on the ball of your foot and then slowly roll the arch. You can also use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENs) device to help relieve pain. Apply the patches to the affected foot and allow the low-voltage electric stimulation to do its job. 

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Jade face rollers have been in the beauty world for quite some time now. These rollers gently massage the skin and help stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness in the process. Facial massage with a jade roller also promotes healthier circulation, which contributes to brighter, more radiant skin. 

On the basis that jade rollers improve circulation, using jade combs is meant to enhance scalp circulation for optimal hair growth and relaxation. Unfortunately, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence. That said, there are some health experts that deliver information about why using jade combs may be beneficial for your hair and scalp. 

What Are Jade Combs?

These combs are made from jade or rose quartz, both of which are stones that benefit the hair and skin in numerous ways. Historically, these combs were used in the ancient Chinese tradition of combing therapy. The belief is that this therapy helped stimulate hair follicles and relax the scalp, a combination that encourages hair growth. Ancient Chinese tradition states that the scalp connects to the entire body. Getting a good scalp massage, then, has a positive effect on the hair and the rest of your body. It works in similar fashion to acupressure therapy. 

Jade is one of the most revered stones in Chinese and East Asian medicine. Healers believe that it promotes longevity, health, and beauty. These are just beliefs and even though anecdotal evidence may claim that jade exhibits these abilities, no scientific data supports them.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Jade Combs?

Everyone wants to know if they are legitimate or simply hype among beauty influencers. Some of them amount to $52, so it’s only natural to wonder about their legitimacy. The claim is that they enhance relaxation, reduce tension, and encourage healthier hair growth. Board-certified dermatologists agree that anecdotal evidence is the only thing to go off. There is, however, one tiny morsel of support. A small study in 2016 monitored nine Japanese men who performed four-minute scalp massages daily for 24 weeks. Their hair increased in thickness by the end of the study. This had nothing to do with jade combs; rather, it was a small study focused on scalp massage.

Are There Any Downsides To Jade Combs?

When performed safely and in moderation, jade combs are unlikely to hurt you in any way. The only potential downside is the cost of high-quality jade. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, some jade combs can cost $52, while others are under $10. If you are just trying it out for experimentation, there’s no need to drop all of your money on a comb. Additionally, manage your expectations when you purchase one of these combs. There’s no guarantee that you’ll experience dramatic changes in hair thickness. The comb, however, does feel nice and will last you a long time, as long as you don’t drop it. 

How To Use A Jade Comb

This is a DIY self-care treatment that does not require a specialist. In fact, the practice is rooted in folk medicine, so you can easily brush your hair and massage the scalp at home. Direct most of the pressure you apply to the scalp, and apply more than you would if you were simply brushing. There’s no wrong way to comb your hair, but you can improve your combing habits. Simply comb your hair in all directions for best results. Front to back, left to right, right to front, back to left, and upside down if necessary! It may take a while to experience results, but you may find that combing helps relax the scalp within the first couple uses. 

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Lack of sleep, stress, and looking at the computer screen for hours on end can create puffiness or dark circles around the eyes. Puffiness can also result from overeating, which is especially common during the holiday season. The overly-salted and sugary dishes can increase fluid build-up in the body. Additionally, holiday travel can also take a toll on your skin. Combine all of these things and the skin around your eyes may be puffier than ever. 

Jade face rollers, oils, moisturizers, and more may make the skin feel lovely, but are they more effective than a massage? Many people like to avoid touching their face, as the hands often carry bacteria that can harm facial skin. With very clean hands, however, it’s possible to gently massage the face to decrease puffiness and improve glow. A de-puffing massage can promote lymphatic drainage, which may reduce the frequency of breakouts, dark circles, and puffiness. Above all else, a facial massage feels incredible and it’s easy to incorporate the beauty products you use in your daily skin care regimen. 

Importance Of Lymphatic Drainage

According to experts, any facialist worth their salt incorporates lymphatic drainage into their services. It typically involves gentle tapping motions with your fingertips in a circular motion around the eyes. The tapping or gentle massage helps to increase blood flow to the area, which helps decrease swelling. To drain lymph properly, it’s best to massage in an outward motion, starting near the cheekbones and swooping out towards the temples. You can do this type of massage any time of day, as long as you have clean hands. Please continue reading to learn how to do the massage. 

Quick Facial Massage For Eye Area

The key to a great facial massage is light pressure with the fingertips. Pull them upward and outward to encourage more circulation in the tissues. Delivering more oxygen to skin cells can help improve complexion and reduce puffiness. It can be beneficial to massage with a skin-safe carrier oil or moisturizer for gentle glide. 

You can actually encourage the reduction of puffiness if you do the massage with a moisturizer that contains caffeine. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it compresses blood vessels in the skin. This can help support the resolution of inflammatory pathways and may reduce flushing, both of which contribute to puffy eyes. You can also massage with the inside of a banana peel, as the high potassium content helps to counteract fluid build-up. 

Step 1

After cleaning your hands thoroughly, gently dab your fingers in a moisturizer or oil. Starting from the corners of your mouth, sweep your fingertips around your cheekbones and up to your temples in a J-shaped motion.

Step 2

Do the same motion as in Step 1, but start from the corners of your nostrils instead. Sweep your fingertips upwards in a J-shaped motion toward your temples. Then you can repeat this motion, starting from the bridge of your nose. Because this is closer to the eyes, make sure to be extra gentle here. You can add more oil or moisturizer if you feel your fingertips tugging your skin.

Step 3

Now it’s time to trace the eye shape in an inverse motion. Start near the bridge of the nose and glide the fingertips just under the brow bone until you reach the temples. Repeat this cycle twice and be sure to be delicate on the skin. Avoid pulling and tugging because that will make things worse. 

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Massage guns have vibrated their way onto the fitness scene, and they’re more popular than ever. Celebrities, professional athletes, influencers, and people of all athletic levels praise these massage tools. Whether you lift heavy or go for long runs, massage guns aim to improve overall performance and reduce muscle soreness, which aids recovery. 

What Are Massage Guns? 

They are vibrating, handheld massage toys that can pulverize your muscles in the best way possible. Technically speaking, they use percussive massage therapy as opposed to vibration therapy. When you turn one on, it percusses at a high frequency and low amplitude of movement. These actions help to knead muscles and reduce overall tension, which can impact flexibility. Several studies found that by reducing muscle tension, people experienced better blood flow and a reduction in overall stiffness. 

Think of a massage gun as a mini jackhammer for your muscles. Percussive massage works to hammer out soft tissue to increase blood flow to the area of focus. Additionally, the gentle percussion can decrease the severity of adhesions (essentially scar-like tissue in the muscles) and help elongate muscle fibers. These massage guns are most effective in common areas where people experience regular pain, for example, the shoulders, neck, back, thighs, and glutes. 

How Do They Differ From Foam Rollers?

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofacial release, which helps to relieve soreness, tightness, and inflammation. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Facia become tight or inflamed and the ability to move easily becomes hindered as a result. By engaging in regular foam rolling, you can help increase overall joint range of motion. Just like massage guns, foam rolling exercises aid with cool-down and recovery, but they’re also an effective warm-up tactic. 

There is an advantage of massage guns when compared to foam rollers. A major advantage is that they are better at targeting specific areas of the body. It can be tricky to address certain body parts or muscles with a foam roller. Take the pectoral muscles or biceps, for instance. It’s much easier to target them with a massage gun, which can help promote relaxation in areas that commonly experience tightness. 

Using A Massage Gun As A Warm-Up Tool

Some people like to jump rope or do jumping jacks for whole body warm-up. Many physical trainers prefer to use massage guns as warm-up tools. Many people only exercise a specific group of muscles when they workout. If this is the case, you can use a massage gun to target those specific muscles for about six to 10 minutes. The percussive nature preps the tissues for exercises, making them less prone to injury and damage. 

Using A Massage Gun As A Cool-Down Tool

Exercising causes lactic acid to build-up in muscles, which is why you feel sore post-workout. Similar to foam rolling, using a handheld massage gun on sore muscles after exercising can accelerate recovery. Repeated percussive massage to the muscles helps to decrease the ability of muscle fibers to cling to lactic acid. 

What Should You Look For In A Massage Gun? 

There are so many reputable and affordable massage guns on the market nowadays. It used to be that the only ones you could get cost $500. Now, you can shop them on the Internet for $40 to $600. Ideally, purchase a massage gun that has multiple speeds and attachments. Different speeds can create a more diverse massage, while the various attachments can help you address specific areas of the body. 

It’s also wise to look for a massage gun that is on the lighter side, preferably within the two- to four-pound range. Since you’ll be holding it for nearly 10 minutes, you don’t want something that weighs 10 pounds. Additionally, choose a massager that is relatively quiet, as some models sound like jigsaws. Consider a massage gun that has a brushless motor. Lastly, battery life is another factor to consider. Some massagers run for three hours, while others die after 80 minutes of use. 

Massage guns are an excellent investment in your overall health, specifically when it comes to performance and recovery. You won’t regret buying one!

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Cellulite describes dimpled or lumpy skin that typically occurs on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. While it can occur in both men and women, women tend to experience it more than men. In fact, several reports found that around 85% of women over the age of 20 experience cellulite at some point during their lives. It’s embarrassing and can lower self-confidence and body satisfaction. 

Let it be known that cellulite is not a serious medical condition, and there are no serious medical repercussions. Mild cellulite may not even be noticeable! People who have cellulite tend to use laser treatments, cryolipolysis, or ultrasound technology to reduce cellulite appearance. These treatments can cost an arm and a leg! In actuality, some powerful essential oils can fight the look of cellulite. Combine the use of these oils with a healthy diet and regular exercise and you may decrease cellulite. 

Tips On How To Use Essential Oils For Cellulite

First of all, always dilute the essential oil(s) in a carrier oil so that it isn’t too intense for the skin. Regularly massage the affected area with this oil blend to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage helps to boost circulation and prevent fluid retention. It also stimulates the skin’s natural healing and regeneration processes. You can also use a dry brushing technique with essential oils to reduce cellulite. Dry brushing aids with deep exfoliation, which improves blood flow and helps the skin eliminate toxins. With that information in mind, continue reading to learn more about essential oils that reduce cellulite. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This refreshing essential oil is a common ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, and aromatherapy blends. After applying it to the skin, it gives the skin a healthy-looking glow. Regular use and continued application to cellulite can help reduce the appearance. Because grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic, it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Please avoid sunlight exposure for 24 hours after application. 

Geranium Essential Oil

When you massage geranium essential oil into the skin, it works to reduce puffiness and remove excess fluid. These two actions can fight back against cellulite, reducing the appearance. Geranium essential oil also contains geranyl formate, linalool, geraniol, and citronellol, all of which are active chemical compounds. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that encourage the regeneration of new skin cells. This helps to firm up the skin and make it less susceptible to the pressure from fat cells underneath.

Juniper Essential Oil

Juniper essential oil contains alpha-pinene, juniperene, and sabinene, which are active chemical compounds. They work to reduce the severity of cellulite after massaging the area on a regular basis. Additionally, juniper essential oil has diuretic properties that may flush fluid from the skin. 

Fennel Essential Oil

Often times, especially in women, a hormonal imbalance contributes to the development of cellulite. If this is the case, fennel essential oil may be able to aid with balancing hormones. According to several studies, fennel is a safe and effective ingredient for helping menopausal women balance hormones. Fennel has a spicy, licorice-like scent and the essential oil can easily absorb into the skin, targeting areas where cellulite exists. 

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper is a common spice used for cooking, but it has many uses in traditional herbal remedies, especially in eastern cultures. The essential oil has powerful detoxifying properties that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These are beneficial for myriad skin conditions, including wrinkles, cellulite, and fine lines. Beta-caryophyllene is a major component of black pepper essential oil, and it works to maintain healthy appearance of the skin. It may also reduce cellulite and scars!

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has an enchanting, powerful aroma. Because it is quite pungent, it’s often used as a natural bug repellent. It works to enhance circulation to the skin and helps to naturally relax muscles. The belief is that increasing circulation to the skin helps to get rid of cellulite, and you can enhance the benefits by regularly massaging the affected area. Lemongrass essential oil dilutes will in olive oil. 

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It’s hard to purchase a special gift for your mother on Mother’s Day. A bouquet of flowers and a personalized card is always a lovely gesture, but sometimes you need to change up your gift game. After all, you are giving a gift to the woman who brought you into this world. All mothers deserve the very best, but it’s still difficult to shop for them. 

One thing that we can all agree on is that all mothers deserve as much self care as possible. They don’t always go out of the way to pamper themselves, which means that you have to give them the time and gift for that to happen. Perhaps your mother is a yogi who loves a good sun salutation. An anti-slip, cushioned yoga mat may be the best gift to give her. Other moms may cry when they open an envelope with a massage gift certificate inside. 

No matter if your mom is into healthy cooking, aromatherapy, or other forms of health, this article has all the best Mother’s Day gift ideas. Moms may not go out of their way to buy these gifts on their own, leaving the door wide open for all of you, husbands, sons, and daughters.

Quality Tea

As a quick disclaimer: don’t go buy cheap boxes of tea bags at the grocery store and think that that is special. Consider an elegant, herbal tea variety pack that helps to lower stress levels. It’s no secret that all moms experience a lot of stress every day, so help her wind down to a calmer state. You can even turn the gift into a fun night of tea tasting. On a related note, consider purchasing a tea tasting outing if that is available in your city.

A New Fitness Tracker

Some moms can’t let a day go by without reaching the goal of 10,000 steps. Those neighborhood strolls or treadmill jogs keep moms motivated, fit, and healthy. In addition to monitoring steps, many new fitness trackers log sleep, activity, recovery, calories burned, and more. Some can even go 10 days without charging!

Cold & Hot Eye Mask

This may be one of the best self-care gifts that you can get a mother. The trials of motherhood can result in a lot of tired mornings with puffy eyes and dark circles. A hot and cold eye mask tends to have reusable ice gels that can help control puffiness, but it also works as a heat pad. The back and forth combo of hot and cold is the perfect remedy to restore a mother’s eyes to perfection. 

An At-Home Massage

Some mothers say that they are too busy to drive out of their way to a massage place. Bring the masseuse to your mother with an at-home massage. Let your mother experience true relaxation and give her a tranquil break. You can even accompany this gift with a soothing candle, body butter, or other skin care items like face masks and moisturizers. 

Bath Bombs

Is there a mom who doesn’t deserve a relaxing soak in the tub? While there are many stores that sell bath bombs nowadays, it’s very easy to make your own. In fact, we have a great bath bomb recipe (click here to learn how to make them) that can often mean more as gifts. We always say that nothing beats a homemade gift!

A Diffuser

Whether the goal is to relieve anxiety, promote sounder sleep, or invigorate the soul, a diffuser can help get the job done. It’s wise to accompany this gift with a set of essential oils, so consider making that duo a tag-team Mother’s Day gift. She can keep it by the bed, place it on the kitchen countertop, or have it in the living room. One thing is for certain: she’ll feel her best when the diffuser is emitting the scents of essential oils.

A Day At The Spa

Even though the country is not completely out of the woods in regards to COVID-19, many spas are currently open. There are stricter guidelines in place and many facilities have modified options with reduced capacity. Consider making this gift a surprise! Get in the car together, drop her off, and pick her up when she’s fully relaxed. 

The Gift Of Time

Moms can always use more of one thing and one thing only: time. They devote all of their time and energy to caring for everyone, but turn that around and spend Mother’s Day taking of them. Make a special meal and allow her to relax. Go grocery shopping or have groceries delivered to the house. Finally, prepare a fun activity that will keep the kids entertained so that mom can relax and not worry about anything.

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie went to Zen Wellness LA to receive chiropractic care and somatic trauma therapy. Owned and operated by women, Zen Wellness LA is located in the neighborhood of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA. The women at this facility offer a variety of services, including chiropractic care, somatic trauma therapy, prenatal massage, massage therapy, pediatric chiropractic, yoga, and pilates physical therapy. You can also experience infrared sauna, postpartum care, and purchase Usana supplements.

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The pandemic has understandably put undue stress on everyone. It may seem like those knots in your shoulders or lower back have established permanent residence, causing stiffness, tension, and reduced mobility. For muscle relaxation, we commonly encourage people to get massages from skilled massage therapists, but is this therapy safe during the era of COVID-19?

Massages are essential, but they are unfortunately not essential businesses. Depending on the state in which you live, massage places may or may not be open. Most states have given the “okay” for doors to reopen, so long as proper sanitary measures are in place. As per normal massage practices, the sheets must be changed after each patient. Depending on the business, massage tables will be sanitized between each use and massage therapists and patients must wear masks. Some massage therapists are even wearing gloves to avoid skin to skin contact. 

What Do The Experts Say?

The reopening of more and more businesses led to a rise in COVID-19 cases. This makes health experts wary about coming in close contact with people, for example, during a massage. Many health experts advise that you do not run out to get a massage, no matter how much you may need it. The biggest concern is that most massage rooms have limited ventilation. Additionally, massage places tend to be warm and involve close contact, making infectious disease specialists vote “no” on massage treatments at the moment.

The Risk Of Getting A Massage

The massage itself is generally safe, but the biggest risk is being in an enclosed, compact space with another individual. If massage therapists and their patients wear masks, however, it decreases the risk of transmission via respiratory droplets. As always, the risk of infection increases when you have close contact with a stranger. And your personal risk will depend on how high-risk you are. So long as you and the massage therapist practice proper mask wearing and sanitation measures, you should be safe. That doesn’t mean that massages are the safest things to do right now, though.

What Do Massage Companies Need To Do To Ensure Customer Safety?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) issued guidelines for masseurs to follow when their businesses were allowed to reopen. The biggest recommendation for all masseurs was to thoroughly clean and disinfect massage rooms and equipment between each patient. Additionally, disinfecting the common areas (like waiting rooms) is also recommended. Further recommendations indicate that all employees wear masks, take temperature checks for every incoming patient, and require all patients to wear masks before, during, and after the session. 

Proper hand hygiene and spacing out appointments are two other measures that the AMTA recommends. This allows time for proper deep cleaning and spacing out patients provides the ability to maintain physical distancing. The AMTA also encouraged masseurs to allow cancellation without charging the clients if they feel sick within 24 hours of the appointment time. Massage studios should also send out newsletters to inform customers of their safety protocols, sanitation methods, and information about booking appointments

Even with the necessary precautions in place, getting a massage during the pandemic can be risky. How willing are you to take risks and are you practicing safe, sanitary practices in other areas of your life? If you feel that getting a massage is too risky, you can relieve muscle tension and stress in other ways. Try foam rolling, stretching, or simply order an electric massager from an online retailer. There are so many affordable options for people to use. We know an electric massager is not the same as a skilled masseuse, but it does provide muscle relief. Just be careful not to overwork the same area with the massager because that can cause bruising or unnecessary pain. Lastly, alternate between ice and heat application. You can’t go wrong by using that tried and true combo for pain relief. 

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