Alexandria Chambers, LMT

For many, getting a professional massage means having the opportunity to completely relax in a soothing and meditative environment; but beyond relaxing there are several other benefits of massage that can help contribute to your overall health and wellness - both mentally and physically.

Helps Relieve Anxiety and Depression

• Massage leads to a decrease in the levels of stress hormones
• Increases neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which help reduce depression
• Can help relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well

Promotes Healthy Sleep

• Increase of endorphins and serotonin that are produced after massage  help produce calm and serene feelings, which naturally aid in a restful and peaceful sleep
• An increase of serotonin increases melatonin, which is the hormone that helps regulate sleep

Curbs Headaches

• The space on your neck under the back of the skull contains many pressure points, muscle pain in this area are likely triggers for migraines and headaches
• When these pressure points are kneaded, tension will be reduced and you should be left with a clear head
• We must remember to hydrate after your massage so as not to bring on another headache from altered blood flow, blood sugar levels, or dehydration

Controls Blood Pressure

• Massage can also help improve blood circulation, which may reduce causes of high blood pressure like swelling or edema
• Patients with high blood pressure should always speak with their doctor before getting a massage, and therapy should be avoided altogether if blood clots are present or internal bleeding is a risk

Boosts Immunity

• Regular massage can naturally increase your immune system's white blood cells (the body's natural killer cells), which make you better able to fight off bacteria and infection
• Massage helps stimulate the lymphatic and digestive systems, which also helps with an overall felling of well-being

Achieve Fitness Goals

• By getting regular massage work, we can work on aligning the muscular skeletal system to respond to our movements
• Massage combined with personal training, designed to recognize imbalances, can be addressed and improved with a consistent program designed to address each person's lifestyle, medical history, and occupation to help achieve each person's fitness goals

I. What is energy healing and how do you incorporate it into your massages?

Energy healing gently clears energetic blockages to help release emotional and physical pain. Energy work involves moving above and beyond the physical to understand the aspects of the human energy field, helping to create and bring holistic balance. I incorporate energy healing into every massage by listening to the body and by listening to the energy flow, in which we all carry. Every BODY is different and every path that we cross carries a different energy flow. We as humans have the tendency to pickup and carry on energy that does not belong. I find that incorporating energy work throughout my massage, helps to allow every client that I work with to leave my massage table and my massage chair feeling as though a shift has been made, releasing all that is negative and allowing positive energy to take place, allowing the client to leave open and grounded. As quoted from Aristotle - A change in the shape of the body creates a change in the state of the soul.

II. Is energy healing safe?

Energy healing is a natural and safe method of spiritual healing.

III. Are there any benefits to regular massage?

Studies on the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension.

IV. Is massage supposed to be painful?

Actually, the idea of “no pain, no gain” does not really apply to massage. Deep tissue massage can hurt, but a well-trained therapist will always work within the comfort lines of their client.

V. Can I still receive a massage if I am pregnant?

When pregnant and receiving a massage it is best that the client be at least 12 weeks (just out of the first trimester).  Massage is okay, as well as beneficial during pregnancy.  It can help to increase circulation and it can help to improve digestion.  It promotes relaxation, it helps reduce swelling, and it can alleviate the stress of weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby.

VI.  What do I do to prepare for a massage? What do I do after?

To ensure your massage is as soothing as possible, get yourself into a relaxed state before you arrive. Make sure you drink some water, before and after.  Play calming music or if time allows, go for a walk. Also, know what needs work. Based on your job, you're more likely to have knots in certain places. Don't be afraid to let your therapist know that you do something that often causes your knots. You'll want to relax after your massage, so if at all possible, try to book it at a time when you know you'll have a period afterwards to relax. Drinking a bottle of water after your massage will very much help to prevent you from getting dehydrated and make sure you have a snack. Even though you were just lying on a table doing nothing, your digestive system was still at work during your massage, chances are that you'll be hungry, and you'll want to keep your blood sugar even. So again, make sure you give yourself time to relax after the massage. If you don't have anything to do for a while afterwards, simply leave on the Body Butter, drink lots of water, and relax. However, if you need to do something, if possible, please wait at least 30 minutes before showering or bathing. This will allow your mind, body, spirit, and soul to soak up all of the benefits of each and every ingredient in this Body Butter of love, that I have created. Following the massage just keep in mind and be prepared for some soreness, especially if this is your first time receiving a massage or if it has been a while since your last massage. Whether it's directly after your massage, a few hours later, or the next day, there is a possibility that you'll be feeling sore soon, especially if you had a deep tissue massage. This is perfectly normal, and it's caused by lactic acid flooding your system during the massage, which is why I strongly encourage you to drink a lot of water to flush it out of your body and take a moment for yourself to collect your thoughts, by taking a few deep breaths, before stepping back into reality. 

VII. How does massage benefit my overall health and wellness?

Regular massage helps with pain management. Many studies have shown regular massages support immune system function and decreased stress-related hormones that can lower immunity. Regular massages are an effective stress-management technique. A weekly or bi-weekly massage forces you to take time out for yourself for a pleasurable, relaxing activity.  Massage is soothing, nurturing, relaxing, and it can improve your state of mind.

VIII. What ingredients do you use in your body butter?

Organic lavender oil, organic eucalyptus oil, organic peppermint oil, organic arnica oil, organic menthol crystals, organic calendula oil, organic coconut oil, organic camphor oil, organic olive oil, organic and unrefined shea butter, and a beautiful blend of organic essential oils and vitamins, all blended together with love and many blessings. Use as a massage oil or enjoy for head-to-toe relaxation, it can also be used to relieve muscular aches, muscle spasms, eczema, headaches, and more.