Massage Archives - Foot Palace

Massage for Anxiety and Depression Relief

September 18, 2019 By Heather

Is constant fear, anxiety, or depression robbing you of your happiness and joy. There are several ways to minimize the effects, recover from, and prevent an anxious or depressed state.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about anxiety, depression, how to recognize their presence, and how to effectively treat them.

What are Anxiety and Depression?

Both anxiety and depression are common afflictions that, if not treated, can lead to severe health problems, including high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and suicidal tendencies.

Anxiety is an intense, excessive, overwhelming, and persistent worry, accompanied by fear, over common everyday situations. Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Exhaustion or feeling tired

Anxiety is a normal reaction in stressful situations such as before making a presentation, taking a test, public speaking, or asking someone on a date. It is when this feeling becomes excessive, persistent, consuming, and interferes with your daily life that it is an indicator of an underlying problem or disease.

Depression is a mental health disorder accompanied by a general loss of interest in any or all activities or a persistent depressed mood. A prolonged state of depression can cause significant interruptions and impairments in daily life. Symptoms of depression may include:

• Persistent sadness
• General loss of interest
• Changes in sleep routines
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in daily behaviors or habits
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy levels
• Thoughts of suicide

With millions of diagnosed cases per year, depressive disorder, generally referred to as depression, is more than feeling sad or going through difficult times. Depression is a mental health condition requiring understanding and medical care.

If left untreated, depression can devastate the lives of the victim and their families. Through early detection, diagnosis, and a structured treatment plan consisting of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices, people can and do get better.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Treatment for anxiety and depression have many similarities. The following are ways to minimize the effects of anxiety and depression and indicators of when you should seek medical care:

• Slow or cease the use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Include physical activities in your daily or weekly plans (consult your primary care physician to determine any limitations)
• Establish a well-balanced diet (consult a nutritionist or your primary care physician)
• Include nightly exercises and stretching that promote relaxation (consult a personal trainer for proper techniques and intervals)
• Join a support group (the Anxiety And Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides an online support group found at adaa.org/adaa-online-support-group)
• Massage can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. Massage therapy can work to manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically associated with anxiety disorders. Visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/ to learn more.

You should seek medical care if you:

• Have trouble maintaining relationships
• Can no longer function efficiently at work
• Feel perpetually sad, troubled, or slowed down
• Abuse alcohol or other substances

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Are consumed by thoughts of self-worthlessness
• Believe your life doesn’t matter
• Are considering inflicting harm on others
• Are considering or contemplating suicide
• Can no longer complete daily activities or work

What differs in the treatment of anxiety and depression is that depression treatments will frequently include both prescription medication and therapy.

When you feel that there is no-one to speak to or help, you can reach out to:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This call is free and confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year for treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders (in English and Spanish).

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Eastern time) or Text “NAMI” to 741741 24/7.

NOTE: Before initiating any treatment, medication, exercise routine, dietary alteration, physical or psychological therapy should be communicated to your primary care physician to ensure its safety in your circumstances.

How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

When anxiety or depression are interfering with your relationships, job, or outside activities, there are actions you can take to avoid spiraling into a potentially harmful state of mind.

In this article, you discovered essential information about anxiety and depression, what signs are present, how to treat the condition, and contact information for organizations that can help.

If anxiety or depression is allowed to persist, it can prevent your happiness, result in a deepening feeling of worthlessness, inadequacy, and even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Sources:
nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/depression
samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
mayoclinic.org

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

How to Make Good Posture a Habit

January 18, 2019 By Heather

That pain in your back and neck could be from bad posture. Millions of people suffer from this, and many rely on pain medication to get through the day. What if you didn’t need any drugs to fix it?

Good posture, like poor posture, is habitual. By making good posture a habit, you can avoid eventual debilitating pain, medication, and chronic symptoms like headaches and heartburn.

yourfootpalace.com discusses the differences between good and poor posture, ways to correct and improve your posture, and how to make it a lasting habit.

What is Good Posture

Awareness of what good posture is will help you make it routine. Posture is the manner in which you hold your body while sitting, standing, or sleeping, known as static posture and walking, running, or lifting, known as dynamic posture.

Good posture refers to the three natural curves present in a healthy spine, one at the neck, one at the mid-back, and one at the lower back. Correct posture maintains these curves without increasing them.

Likewise, if you were to look directly at the front or back of the body, the 33 vertebrae that form the spinal column should appear completely vertical.

Furthermore, having good posture depends on the constant awareness of holding your body in a way that results in the least amount of strain on your back.

What is Bad Posture

Bad or poor posture results from certain muscle groups tightening or strengthening, while others lengthen or weaken. This causes a muscular imbalance which results from daily repetitive activities.

While you may not notice it in its beginning stages, poor posture may result in the following:

• Back Pain
• Headache
• Poor Balance
• Muscle Fatigue
• Difficulty Breathing
• Incontinence
• Acid Reflux
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Slouching
• Body Aches and Pains

If you suspect that poor posture is a contributing factor to any adverse condition you are experiencing, make an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out other potentially more serious causes.

How to Improve Your Posture

To change your posture habits, you need to identify the static and dynamic positions that created the problem.

The following will help you make good posture a habit, taking stress off of your back and reducing the ill effects of poor posture:

Neutral Spine Position – The neutral spine position relieves pressure from the spine, promotes better breathing, and even reduces abdominal pressure. To achieve this position while sitting:

Bring your shoulders down and back
Pull your head to an upright (slightly back) position
Tighten your core muscles
Pull in your stomach as if you were tying the drawstring on a pair of sweats

When standing, shift your weight to the balls of your feet, keep your feet about shoulder width apart, and slightly bend your knees while repeating the 4 steps above.

At first, this may be slightly uncomfortable. Keep in mind that you are engaging specific muscles in a way that they are not accustomed to and telling others to relax. This slight discomfort will quickly fade away as you regain a balance between them.

Use this position as your example when adjusting your chair, standing, or walking posture. The more you practice, the more easily it will become habitual.

Core Exercises – Core muscles in the abdomen, back and pelvic floor all work to support the spine. The following easy exercises will help you strengthen your core muscles and further improve your posture:

• Seated Leg Lifts (Can be done practically anywhere)
• Sit-Ups (Crunches are very effective as well)
• Push-Ups (On the floor or inclined)
• Practice Yoga (Nearly everything in yoga engages the core muscles)
• Walk with Proper Posture (20 minutes to 1 hour per day)

Note: If you have lower back pain, consult your primary care physician, or a physical therapist before beginning any exercise routine.

Reminders – Old habits are hard to break, and when you are dealing with posture, your own muscles are working against you in the beginning. Until you have made good posture a habit, use the following to remind you to “straighten up:”

• Leave sticky notes in plain sight on your desk and in areas where you spend a lot of time.
• Get lumbar support pillows for the chairs at work and at home (these can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but are terrific reminders to straighten up).
• Enlist your coworkers, friends, and family to help you avoid poor posture.
• Adjust the seat and mirrors in your vehicle so that you are compelled to sit in a neutral spine position.

Over time, good posture will become habitual, just as poor posture did. Fortunately, this is one habit that serves a healthy purpose and costs nothing to feed.

Good Posture is a Habit Worth Keeping

Don’t let poor posture rob you of your quality of life. By making simple adjustments throughout your daily activities, you can improve your health and avoid developing some chronic conditions.

In this article, you discovered the differences between good and poor posture, what you can do to eliminate bad posture, and how you can make it a healthy habit.

While the effects of habitual bad posture are gradual, they can cause serious health problems as you mature and get older. Just by making a few simple changes, you can make good posture a permanent habit and help your body perform at its peak.

Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/3-surprising-risks-of-poor-posture
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4485-back-health–posture
https://acatoday.org/content/posture-power-how-to-correct-your-body-alignment
https://medlineplus.gov/guidetogoodposture.html

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

 1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
 (706) 521-5290

Wellness Spa Retreat Benefits and Blissful Destination Locations

April 25, 2018 By Heather

Your health and wellness depend on your ability to balance the bills, family matters, kids, relationships, deadlines, business trips, and other people’s problems on top of your daily routine. And not to forget, you need to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep to do it all again tomorrow.

With so much going on in your daily, weekly, and monthly routine, stress and anxiety can quickly begin to compromise your health, mood, and overall wellness.

Just as life can get chaotic and busy, it can (and does) get calm and slow down. It is in these slower moments that there’s an opportunity to regain your balance. Sometimes it’s yoga, reading a book on the beach, getting a spa massage, or better, heading to a wellness retreat.

Below, the Foot Palace team discusses the benefits and types of retreats designed to help you relax, recover, and reset so you can get back to peak performance.

Top Benefits of a Health and Wellness Retreat

Refuge, seclusion, and privacy are all words attributed to “retreat”. Wellness retreats offer a safe place for slowing down and rejuvenating mind and body.

Stress Relief – The most important benefit that any retreat can offer is the reduction of stress. Stress affects us adversely in a number of ways which in turn can lead to your health being negatively impacted and compromised.

“Everyone feels stress in different ways and reacts to it in different ways. How much stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems — and that’s why it’s critical to know what you can do about it.

“When stress is excessive, it can contribute to everything from high blood pressure, also called hypertension, to asthma to ulcers to irritable bowel syndrome ,” said Ernesto L. Schiffrin, M.D., Ph.D., physician-in-chief at Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, and professor and vice chair of research for the Department of Medicine at McGill University in Montreal.”
– Excerpt from ‘Stress and Heart Health’ – American Heart Association

Focus and Balance – Before you can effectively cope with everything on a daily basis, you must first prioritize and create harmony in your personal, professional, and romantic life.

A retreat can help you regain focus and balance by allowing you to step away from routines and responsibilities; thus allowing you to reconnect with your inner silence and peace.

Me Time Without the Guilt – The time spent at a retreat is scheduled “me” time. You do as you choose without feeling guilty about it. Paint, sleep, write, exercise, this is your opportunity to reconnect with yourself and make sense of where you are on your life journey.

The Retreat for Your Health and Wellness

The retreat experience has evolved over time, and offerings now include specialized services and unique settings that cater to the diverse preferences of the market. Each flaunts a unique setting or service, and here are a few of the countless retreat experiences available:

Wellness Spa Retreat
Yoga Retreat
Marriage Retreat
Couples Retreat
Beach Retreat
Mountain Retreat
Meditation Retreat
Rainforest Retreat
Massage Retreat
Spiritual Retreat
Detox Retreat
Holistic Retreat
Village Retreat

Wellness Retreats Customized – In the majority of cases, the retreat you choose will offer a selection of package deals, allowing you to indulge and experience as much or little as you desire. These facilities aim to please and often welcome requests or accommodations (within their ability) to ensure your happiness, wellness, eventual return, and good review.

4 Blissful Wellness Retreat Destinations

As the wellness industry has grown in the Western world, so to have retreat options. Outlined below are a few varied suggestions that offer an expansive and diverse retreat experience.

Mountain Trek in Tecate, Mexico – Situated on the Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, Mountain Trek is a prime location to de-stress and detoxify. Whether you need time to reflect or take a scenic nature hike, you will be far removed from the daily stressors encountered at home.

Chakra Retreat in Ocotal, Costa Rica – Located upon a two acre hilltop above the beaches of Ocotal and with incredible scenery including volcanic mountains and the Gulf of Papagayo, this Villa is home to a luxurious women’s retreat. If it’s a pampering getaway with healing and restorative workshops you seek, this is your destination.

Blue Heaven Resort and Spa in Boone, NC – Nestled in the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Heaven offers affordable packages for the adventurous and those seeking to simply relax. Spa treatments, meditation, yoga sessions, and much more await in the mountains of North Carolina.

Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, CA – Among the oldest of California’s hot springs, Harbin Hot Springs is situated North of Napa Valley and offers the ultimate “digital detox escape”. You’ll find that their no phone and internet policy will greatly contribute to your ability to de-stress and rejuvenate. With daily yoga and meditation, you’ll find that shedding your troubles in this setting will be easier than you think.

Your Health and Wellness Depend on Balance

Your ability to be productive and make an impact demands that your health and mental wellness be in top form. Your health and State of well-being depend on your ability to effectively balance you are a professional, personal, and emotional stressors.

At times, a retreat is the answer to maintaining that balance and restoring your harmonious state. It is the opportunity to separate yourself, reclaim your inner peace, shed any stress, and regain your balance.

Because your mental and emotional well-being dictate your quality-of-life, they cannot be overlooked or ignored. Set aside some time and plan a retreat – you and your loved ones will thank you.

Source:
www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Stress-and-Heart-Health_UCM_437370_Article.jsp

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

 1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
 (706) 521-5290

Pregnancy and Reflexology

March 27, 2018 By Heather

At the Foot Palace we are often asked about the relationship between reflexology treatments and how they can be beneficial to expecting mothers. The short answer is that they can help induce late pregnancies, help to improve circulation throughout the body and can generally help to reduce stress. With that being said, we always want to ensure the safety of our clients and prevent any complications that might occur during this strenuous time.

Earliest Recommended Pregnancy Massage Treatments

Most reflexologists advise against working with women that are not yet at least thirteen weeks pregnant. During this period there is a higher risk for miscarriage, and although reflexology generally isn’t known for causing complications such as these most therapists agree that it’s safer not to do it.

Often times women that are late in their pregnancy will try reflexology to help induce labor and as an alternative to pain relief medications. While this can be beneficial, it is often recommended that treatments begin four to five months prior to the due date. This allows the therapist ample time to minimize the amount of stress the client is feeling and help prepare the mother for delivery. While it is rare, reflexology can be performed during labor to help ease the pain of childbirth.

Get Some Relief at the Foot Palace

We know that carrying a pregnancy can be incredibly stressful and demanding, that’s why we recommend coming in to let us help ease the aches and pains of child expectancy. With Mother’s Day coming up, a Foot Palace gift certificate would make a wonderful gift to any expecting mother!

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

 1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
 (706) 521-5290

10 Wellness Tips to a Healthier You

January 30, 2017 By Heather

Much like babies, New Year’s resolutions are fun to make but hard to maintain. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on track.

1. Try wearing a pedometer. They say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” New research suggests that wearing a pedometer encourages people to walk about an extra mile each day, and in effect lose weight, and lower their blood pressure. Having a constant reminder helps, and you can get a decent one for about $20. Make your goal 30 minutes of walking a day or 10,000 steps per day.

2. Lift weights! Too many people neglect resistance exercise, especially women. Strength training is crucial for preventing muscle and bone loss with age. Lift weights for at least 20 minutes, two- to three-times per week. Don’t forget strength training, involving both the upper and lower body.

3. Eat more fish. Try eating least two fish meals per week. The evidence is strong that the oils in darker types of fish, such as tuna, salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, are very beneficial for the brain and hart, and may even lower risk of cancer.

4. Drink water. You’ve heard it a hundred times before, because its true- drink more water! Water truly is essential and should always be the first thing you reach for when you’re thirsty.

5. Sleep 8 hours a night. Studies have confirmed that you really do need at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Some of the many benefits: You feel better, decreases risk for cardiovascular disease, and boosts memory.

6. Consider reflexology, acupressure and massage as valid therapies for chronic problems. Seeing a good massage therapist for neck strain may work better than taking extra strength Tylenol and/or Advil regularly. At the very least, these holistic options will help decrease stress and maintain overall wellness.

7. Keep sugar and caffeine to a minimum. Decreasing sugar actually increases your energy, by minimizing the highs and lows and preventing a sugar crash. People react differently to caffeine, but most of us are already overstimulated and could do without the additional boost. Drink green instead of coffee, the added bonus is weight loss.

8. Don’t pop too many vitamins, evidence for their benefits are low. Try getting your daily vitamins from foods and consider taking a multivitamin right before bed.

9. Don’t focus on dieting. Focus on eating, and WHAT you’re eating. If you’re hungry, just eat something- otherwise you’re more likely to overeat, especially in the evening. Instead, of sacrificing all day and gorging later, it’s better to eat enough during the day to avoid hunger pangs and uncontrolled eating at night. Eat every four hours or so, to keep your energy up and make you less hungry in the evening. And mix it up by eating different foods at every meal.

10. Don’t drink all your calories. It’s easy to drink calories without noticing: that eggnog latte at Starbucks has nearly as many calories as a Big Mac. It’s okay to have one as an occasional treat, but consider it a meal, not a drink.

Whether you need a spa treatment or relaxing massage therapy, Foot Palace invites you to melt away your pain and stress!

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa/about

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

 1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens,GA 30606
 (706) 521-5290

How Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Can Improve One’s Health

December 27, 2016 By Heather

Our nose plays a huge role in our day-to-day emotional lives whether we realize it or not all through the smell of scents. The nose is a direct path to our limbic system which is our system that creates feeling and emotions. Our sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses and very powerful. We can detect at least one trillion distinct scents. The nose connects to the deepest part of the brain which triggers basic instincts, our emotions and memories. Offering your nose aromatherapy is a simple way to improve your overall health and quality of life.

What is Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy also known as essential oil therapy, is the use of naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to help promote the health of body. Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that offers many benefits and has been around for thousands of years. Essential oils can either be inhaled through the nose, applied directly to the skin or added to a bath to work emotionally or physically to improve one’s general state of health. This alternative medicine can help boost energy levels, reduce stress, ease depression, eliminate headaches, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, improve digestion, and increase circulation just to name a few.

Types of Essential Oils

The most popular aromatherapy essential oil in the word is lavender. Lavender has a long list of uses and ranges from cosmetics to well-being remedies. Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant that is fragrant in nature. Having a light fresh floral-herbaceous aroma. Lavender when inhaled is used to reduce anxiety and emotional stress, improve sleep and alleviate headaches. The essential oil applied to the skin can heal burns and wounds, restore complexion and reduce acne and improves psoriasis.

Jasmine oil nicknamed “queen of the night” is derived from the jasmine flower that has a strong smell at night. Known to be the most popular oil for improving mood, balancing hormones and low libido. It’s “seductive” strong scent is a natural aphrodisiac that can increase sensuality and has libido-boosting qualities.

Clementine oil made from the peel of the succulent fruit with a smooth and shiny appearance is used in aromatherapy owing to its rejuvenating nature. With an amazingly sweet and crisp aroma. It offers purifying properties and uplifts the mood and enhances mental clarity.

Rosemary is one of the most powerful essential oils on the planet and is considered sacred by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. This essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant and is part of the mint family. With a woodsy evergreen like scent this essential oil is used to improve memory, relieve muscle aches and pains as well as soothe digestion. Rosemary has become increasingly popular over the last few years for its ability to stimulate hair growth as well.

One of the most studied essential oils with numerous health benefits is peppermint. Peppermint is a cross between the watermint and spearmint plant and the oil derives from the leaves. This essential oil aids in indigestion, respiratory issues, nausea, fever, pain relief, blood circulation and has antifungal properties. Due to the extensive research on peppermint oil, you can purchase it in capsules and it is prescribed by alternative medicine doctors.

Benefits of Various Aromatherapy Scents

Expect a heightened experience when combining aromatherapy, acupressure (http://spainathens.blogspot.com/2016/09/acupressure-therapy-basics-benefits-techniques.html) or other massage services. Lavender, Jasmine, Clementine, Rosemary and Peppermint are only a few of many beneficial aromatherapy scents offered in the markets today. Each of these 5 aroma scents offer a different aid in promoting the health of body. As part of the Foot Palace Aromatherapy package you can chose one of these essential oils to be applied directly to your skin carried in our oil and lotions, all of which are from Pure Plant-Based Ingredients. This allows your skin to feel nourished, supple, healthy and youthful while rejuvenating your senses and physical well-being. Let your nose choose the scent to improve your senses.

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa/about

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

 1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens,GA 30606
 (706) 521-5290