What Happens to Your Body When you Get a Massage?

They're about as relaxing as they get, and in general, most can't wait until their next massage appointment. They're that good. The room is quiet and warm, you get to lay on a padded surface, and a trained professional will rub out your kinks from head to toe – even asking how well you like the pressure throughout. Really, there's no argument that massages are pretty amazing.

But what exactly do they do to make you so sore the next day? And are there any times you shouldn't get a massage? 

In general, you should only book a massage if you're healthy. No colds and no hangovers. Women who are pregnant should wait until their second trimester before going in for a prenatal session. This is due to the amount of toxins that will be pushed throughout your body. During a massage, the muscles are soothed and eased, but that also causes toxins to be pressed out of muscles and released back into the bloodstream. It's what can make you so sore the day after a massage. (When sick or hungover, re-releasing those chemicals can make you feel far worse, or sick all over again.) 

It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water so your body can naturally flush out those same substances. The more water you're able to drink, and the better you can keep the body fluid, the less sore you will be. Best of all: you should feel extra good in a few days, once your muscles have recovered and you can take advantage of your new knot-free state. 

You might find yourself especially tired. Not just because of the relaxing session you just had, but because your body is working overtime at repairing, flushing, and getting itself back to normal. 

There are plenty of healthy benefits to booking a massage, consider signing up today for a relaxing way to remove bodily toxins. 

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5 Things you Didn’t Know About Stretching

Stretching is often seen as a basic human need. Before exercise it helps loosen up the body, while after allows muscles to tighten and ease back into a resting state. But did you know there’s more too it than just prep and cool down work? Stretching can actually create better muscle health. And when done correctly, and on a regular basis, it’s a routine that can create flexibility and comfort, even after a serious workout. 

5. “Static” Stretching Helps Make You Flexible

However, it should be done after a workout, not before. Static stretching means poses that you hold vs. easing or moving back and forth. It’s also a great way to ensure muscles won’t be sore the next day. Remember to use this method at the end of your workout to obtain the best results.

4. Traction Decreases Joint Pressure

Rather than stretching with your own body parts (limbs or range of motion), using a prop will get you a deeper reaction. It’ll also reduce pressure on the joints. This can be done with a stretching band, leaning up against a machine or even a wall. It’s a simple way to create a more thorough stretch with equipment that’s already in your vicinity. 

3. Stretching Will Improve Posture

Do you generally slouch and slump? Whether sitting or standing, stretching helps strengthen your core. Which will then allow you to have better posture without even thinking about it. Abdominal workouts can also create killer abs that will sit upright on their own accord.

2. You Can Control What Part of the Muscle You Stretch

Seriously. Like, to a minuscule degree. This is a great way to further your exercise routine … without actually working out harder. Talk to a trainer or muscle pro about areas you should be targeting in order to get the best results. 

1. You Should Stretch Sore Muscles … And the Ones Surrounding Them

We’ve been stretching where it hurts for years, but have you been stretching where it almost hurts? It’s a simple fix to help heal faster, and strengthen for each of your next workouts. 

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The 10-Minute Sore Muscle Cure

Muscles sore? Do they strain with movement and make it almost cringe-worthy to perform certain movements? You’re in luck. New research shows there’s an easy and fast cure: a 10-minute massage. Rather than looking to painkillers, diet change, an increase in liquid intake, or any other method, a good old-fashioned massage may just provide the best results. 

However, to obtain the highest levels of success, it should be a short one. Too long and you can actually increase the levels of pain, while a session that’s less than 10 minutes can mean that not enough blood has been stimulated. 

Because of the way muscles work and settle after an injury or exercise, this short stimulation has shown to provide the most efficient levels of relief. A medium level of blood flow and oxygenation. Without the need for chemicals or any other substance and its side effects. 

Additionally, research shows that, with this length of time, the body activates and awakens genes that actually increase healing levels. Meaning you can not only gain immediate relief, but actually speed up the health of your muscles in the process. A natural and effective way to increase the healing process once and for all. And because it only lasts for 10 minutes, your massage will be on the cheap side of salon services. Or, ask your significant other to help in the healing sector (be sure and offer to reciprocate the next time they’re sore). 

While there are all types of treatments and available offers, it turns out one of the most effective is a natural, substance-free one. An act that can be performed in the comfort in your own home, and in 10 minutes or less. Look to this proven treatment method the next time you’re sore or stiff for an easy and budget-friendly way to speed along your muscles’ healing efforts. 

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What Causes Muscle Spasms?

The sudden onset of a sore muscle is no welcome event. It almost always comes as a surprise (those who have dealt with a recurring injury or regularly have spasms are more likely to recognize the initial symptoms), and comes with pain and reduced amount of functions. Especially when performing a necessary task, or the aches last a significant amount of time. 

But what causes these issues? By better understanding what steps cause these muscle spasms, we can work to completely avoid them in the first place.

Muscle spasms can be triggered by a number of different factors. Not drinking enough water or eating enough protein (or another type of substance) might be to blame – forcing the body to warn you of its increasing needs. Other causes might be lifting too much weight or overworking a certain part of the body. Injuries might flare up with minimal events; moving just slightly “wrong” might evoke pains with only the tiniest adjustment. Other triggers still include calcium deficiencies, poor circulation, working out in the heat (and then not allotting enough time to cool down or rest), or failing to properly stretch before or after a workout. 

Any one or more of these might be to blame for your muscle spasms – whether they take place few and far between, or act as an almost weekly occurrence. In order to avoid these painful surprise altogether, look to simple at-home cures, such as stretching or drinking more water. Each offers an effective, cost-friendly cure. You can also talk to your doctor to find a specific cause to your spasms, as well as what methods (even natural ones) will best help you nix them once and for all. 

With only a little research and at-home remedies, you can be on your way to a successful, pain-free spasm treatment. 

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Even More Scents that Will Help Reduce Stress

Earlier this week, we discussed ways to reduce stress (and subsequent muscle pains) through the help of scent. Just by sniffing different natural substances, the body can easily and effectively relax. Without the need for medicine or even mental cooperation. In fact, keeping one of these items on hand is likely the most effective way to stay calm, no matter what may come your way.

Today we explore part two of these natural calming agents. While apples, lavender, and more have proven themselves effective, there are even more ways to smell your way to a calmer state of mind. 

Plants and Fruits That Can Promote Mental Healing

• Peppermint plants – A crowd favorite, peppermint is a pleasant way to smell your cares away. Keep a plant at home, at the office, or both. Springs can even be dried and stored away in a small container for a more mobile way to transport peppermint aromas. 

• Chocolate – It’s no surprise that chocolate brings on some serious comfort. But it may not just be about the taste. Darker blends are also proven to offer their magical powers of feeling good through the scent of cocoa. Though be careful not to “smell” too much chocolate as extra pounds are sure to cause anyone stress. 

• Carbs – Our bodies crave carbs – it’s just a fact. But it might not just be for the taste; studies show that consuming carbs promotes the production of serotonin, or the “feel good” chemical that’s released in the brain. Smelling breads and grains might do the body good, but in this case, it’s better to actually eat your natural cure.

No matter your personal preference, there are plenty of scents that offer body-healing powers. Rather than enduring ongoing stress, consider these nose-happy alternatives instead. Best of all, they’re proven to work!

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Calming Scents That Will Help you Relax

Are you a naturally stressed out person? Do you take everyday events personally, and then let them affect your day negatively? Do your shoulders and muscles tense up in the process? Unfortunately, this is a personality trait that many endure on a daily basis. Whether they’re high strung or are constantly looking for a way to fix everything, they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. A task that can become literally painful over time, even just from tensing the muscles too often. It’s a practice most don’t realize they’re doing when under stress.

However, by working toward relaxing practices – such as scents that naturally calm the body – you can easily release tension. Even subconsciously, which can work to eliminate the most amount of stress.

The next time you need to relax, look to these scents to help naturally boost the process. 

Scents that Can Reduce Stress

• Teas – Consuming tea has long been thought of as a way to relax the body, but have we ever stopped to wonder why? Flavors such as chamomile and mint have calming powers, though it’s also shown that mild doses of caffeine can jumpstart the brain into a more alert state. 

• Lavender – This herb (as well as some of its cousins) can trigger the body’s anxiety relief. Smell fresh sprigs to relax, or opt for scented candles or oils instead. Just be sure to avoid perfumes that are too sugary sweet. 

• Apples – Believe it or not, smelling a green apple has been shown to reduce the body’s stressors. It can also work to reduce headaches, just through its built-in scent. 

• Coconut – Fresh coconuts may be hard to come by (depending on your location), but hunting one down might be well worth the effort. Scientists say cutting into the fruit can lower blood pressure and reduce the body’s natural “fight or flight” instincts. 

Use these scents to naturally relax on a daily basis. And stay tuned for even more smells that will lower your body’s stress levels. 

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Briny Fluids Help Combat Muscle Pains

Bodies were meant for movement. They were meant to exercise, to bend, and to expel energy in healthy, yet enjoyable forms of mobility. But even though muscles were meant to move, doesn’t mean they don’t hurt or become sore after doing so. Especially after strenuous workouts, or for those who are more genetically inclined for spasms. But by taking precautions, such as drinking briny fluids, muscle cramps of all kinds can be combatted. 

Recent studies have shown pickle juice, which has been consumed for years to reduce pains, especially for athletes, is not the only vinegar-based cure. Scientists are now saying virtually any briny liquid can also do the trick, including flavored vinegars, salted substances, and more. Leaving you the choice to pick your favorite flavor while still receiving the same results. However, you should also talk with your doctor before choosing a long-term favorite, especially those that are mixed at home. 

The Study

After performing a college-based experiment at Brigham Young University, in which athletes worked out and were then given pickle juice, results showed that the liquid was salty enough to help replenish muscles. (While the initial cramping is caused by salt and hydration levels being secreted into sweat.) The brine “trick,” though, has been used by athletic trainers for decades. 

In the study, athletes were forced into cramping situations through computers and/or minor shocks, then fed the pickle juice to see if, and how quickly, the brine would reduce their symptoms. Athletes who drank pickle juice experienced timely relief, while those who stuck to water still complained of pains. 

With the results in tow, however, there is now actual scientific proof behind the long-running theory. Proving that athletes should ingest pickle juice – or other briny substances, including sports drinks (for those who dislike the taste of pickles) – in order to prevent or eliminate cramping. 

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