The Touch of Wellness Digest is a compendium of articles that will give you some quick news you can use when it comes to health and wellness. It’s information that’s fresh and insightful with an eye towards helping you live better and staying positive.

• James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers spends HOW MUCH on massages a year? 

• Who knew that your smartphone could be so, well, smart when it comes to heart attacks? 

• Look, are we FOR salt or are we AGAINST salt? The results are in and they’re, well, mixed. 

• One thing is for certain: if you want to decrease your risk of a kidney stone, stick to coffee, beer, wine, tea, but avoid this one beverage in particular. 

• Are you trying to get more positive? Try mixing in an upbeat symphony to your listening diet.

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post Touch of Wellness Digest – Friday 5/17/2013 appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

Controlling your stress levels is possible. In fact, some recent studies have shown positive benefits to both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mindfulness techniques when it comes to handling life’s tensions.

The idea behind CBT is that we can free ourselves from stress when we become more aware of how we distort stressful situations. The next step is to change how we respond. You can find CBT exercises to do on your own, or you can seek out a therapist who specializes in CBT.

Mindfulness is another way to combat stress. This ancient technique focuses on the present, rather than worrying about things in the past or future. The process trains your mind to be more stress-resistant by focusing on the sensory things around you at a particular moment. A 2012 study of mindfulness showed a large decrease in participants’ cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone) and an increase in activity in the part of the brain that controls emotions. Try it for yourself:

1. Close your eyes and imagine seeing yourself and the area around you from above.
2. Think about how it feels in the room you are in. Is it warm, are you sitting on something hard?
3. Identify the sounds you hear around you.
4. Now focus on all three things at the same time.

By focusing on the physical things happening around you in the present, you can refocus your brain away from whatever stressful event has gotten you off track. Ahh … stress? What’s that?

The post Say Sayonara to Stress appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

The Touch of Wellness Digest is a compendium of articles that will give you some quick news you can use when it comes to health and wellness. It’s information that’s fresh and insightful with an eye towards helping you live better and staying positive.

• Who really reaps the benefits of fish oil supplements?

• Want to shake off loneliness? Try being a little more social

• Remember when water used to only come in one flavor?

• Get more protein in your diet with…pancakes?

• Breathe new life into leftovers with some simple and quick tips

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post Touch of Wellness Digest – Wednesday 5/15/2013 appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

While no definitive benefits for prenatal massage have been established through research, there have been a small number of studies conducted on massage during pregnancy. One study done at the University of Miami School of Medicine found several positive effects for participants, such as:
• Lowered anxiety
• Decreased back and leg pain
• Improved sleep
• Decreased levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine

Our Massage Envy therapists want to ensure that all our prenatal clients are comfortable. That is why we take extra special care of them, offering sideline positioning with supportive, soft cushions to alleviate any extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas. Pregnant clients in their second trimester may also lay on their backs with a small cushioned wedge placed under one hip for a slight elevation if they choose.

The type of prenatal massage you select will depend on where you are in your pregnancy and your specific needs. Your Massage Envy therapist may use techniques such as reflexology or Swedish massage, among others, to address your specific requests and concerns. Visit Massage Envy’s Prenatal Massage page for more information.

Happy Mother’s Day from Massage Envy!

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

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Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, in conjunction with the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, announced today the results of a new study that concludes moderate pressure massage therapy can decrease pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Additionally, the study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients experienced perceived greater grip strength and greater range of motion in their wrists and large upper joints, including elbows and shoulders, after receiving moderate pressure massage therapy for one month. The study’s overview and results were published in the 2013 19 edition of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Journal.

“Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes joints to become swollen, tender and stiff. While there is no cure to date, we do know now that moderate pressure massage therapy can help relieve pain and improve the quality of life for patients,” said C.G. Funk, vice president of industry relations and product development for Massage Envy. “The findings will be utilized to better educate our therapists, members, guests and the public on how to best incorporate massage into an overall wellness plan.”

Led by Tiffany Field, Ph.D., of the Touch Research Institute, the study examined the effects of moderate pressure versus light pressure massage therapy on 42 adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs. The adults were randomly assigned to a moderate pressure or a light pressure massage therapy group. A therapist massaged the affected arm and shoulder once a week for a four-week period and also taught the participant self-massage to be done once daily. By the end of the one-month period, results of the study demonstrated the moderate pressure massage group had less pain, increased grip strength, increased wrist flexion, increased elbow flexion and increased shoulder abduction. The study also found that participants in both groups experienced a reduction in depressed mood and anxiety.

“As patients with rheumatoid arthritis work with their doctors to determine the best treatment option, we recommend discussing routine massage therapy given the positive effects found in our study,” said Field. “In addition to physical activity, such as yoga, moderate pressure massage therapy along with self-massage techniques can help manage the pain and stress that occurs from various forms of arthritis.”

Over the last eight years, Massage Envy has donated more than $150,000 to support research related to the benefits of massage therapy. Today, there are more than 870 Massage Envy locations, making it the largest system of franchised massage and spa clinics in the industry. The company has created 21,000 new massage therapists positions since 2002 and plans to add 1,500 new positions annually through 2018.

In 2011, Massage Envy formed a partnership with the Arthritis Foundation to raise awareness and funds to support the organization’s mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis. In total, Massage Envy has raised more than $1 million in two, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The brand is also as a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation’s 250 Arthritis Walk® events around the country, where local Massage Envy owners share information about the benefits of massage therapy, provide chair massages and support the Arthritis Foundation at their respective local walks. Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation share a common understanding about the devastating effects of the disease on the body and the potential for massage therapy to relieve and control certain symptoms.

Open seven days a week, each Massage Envy offers convenient times and locations to fit any guest’s needs. Visit Massage Envy on Facebook at Facebook.com/MassageEnvy or on Twitter at Twitter.com/MassageEnvy. For healthy living and wellness tips, visit Massage Envy’s blog at TouchofWellnessblog.com. Additional information, including a list of all clinics, can be found at MassageEnvy.com.

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post New Research Finds Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Benefit From Massage Therapy appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

1. Trigger Point Therapy—A customizable massage session that uses cycles of isolated pressure and release to heal aching joints and offers mom relief from specific tight muscles that cause chronic pain.
2. Sugar Foot Scrub Therapy—Pamper her toes with this foot scrub that cleans and exfoliates, removes dead skin cells and soothes the surface of the skin. Make mom’s massage session extra special by adding this upgrade.
3. Murad® Healthy Skin Facial—Designed by Dr. Murad, a global leader in skincare science, Massage Envy’s facials will rejuvenate mom’s skin. She can choose from our Environmental Shield® Vitamin C, Clarifying Enzyme Acne, Anti-Aging and Sensitive Skin.
4. AromaTherapy—Natural fragrant oils extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits will enhance mom’s massage session and help relieve stress. Choose from one of Massage Envy’s four AromaTherapy blends.
5. Mother’s Day Gift Card & Membership—Can’t decide what mom would like best? You can’t go wrong with a gift card or gift membership.

To continue our Mother’s Day celebration, we are thrilled to announce the Win a ME Day for Mom contest. Massage Envy is awarding five lucky Facebook users with a free introductory massage to help their mom’s relieve stress! To enter our sweepstakes, all you have to do is visit our Facebook page, then click on the WildFire contest app and fill out the short form. The contest ends Friday, May 10th at noon EST and winners will be announced shortly after on our Facebook Timeline!

Visit our Win a ME Day for Mom contest page at https://www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy/app_28134323652 and if you have any questions, feel free to email us at MassageEnvyContests@gmail.com.
Good luck!

The post Celebrate Mom! appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

1. Blackberries—These little berries can help you learn new information because they contain polyphenols that encourage your brain’s neurons to communicate with one another.

2. Coffee—Believe it or not, your cups of joe may be warding off Alzheimer’s! A Finnish study found recently that people who drank four to five cups in their 40s and 50s had a 65% lower chance of developing the disease.

3. Chocolate—Good news! Chocolate contains polyphenols, too, and a 2009 study found that eating one-third an ounce of the sweet stuff could ward off age-related memory loss.

4. Salmon—There are two reasons to enjoy this fish. First, they are the top source of DHA, the predominant omega-3 fat in your brain, and second, salmon are nature’s best source of vitamin D. Both DHA and vitamin D protect against Alzheimer’s and age-related memory loss.

5. Apples—Quercetin is an antioxidant plant chemical found in apples, particularly the skins. Quercetin protects your brain cells from attacking free radicals that can damage the outer lining of neurons and lead to loss of brain function.

Other foods to consider that can boost your brainpower, now and in the long run, include cinnamon, spinach, extra virgin olive oil, curry and Concord grape juice. Happy eating!

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post Feed Your Brain appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

In the past decade, doctors have even begun prescribing meditation to their patients. Have you ever wonder what meditation can do for you?

People use meditation for a variety of reasons, including:
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Depression
• Stress
• Insomnia

If you are interested in starting your own meditation practice, no matter which type you choose, the majority share four basic elements:

Quiet. Find a spot with as few distractions as possible for your meditation practice.
Posture. Different types of meditation may ask for different postures, from sitting, or lying down to standing or walking, but a specific, comfortable posture plays a role in all forms.
Attention. Centering your attention, whether it is on a mantra, a specific object or the sound and feel of your breathing, is another component of a meditation practice.
Openness. An integral part of a meditation practice is being open and not judging yourself for distractions. When your thoughts wander, you simply should bring your attention back gently to your focus.

Of course, meditation should not take the place of any conventional care your health care provider suggests, but as a supplemental practice it may well offer improved overall wellness. Omm indeed!

If you are looking to improve your wellness routine in other ways visit our website to learn how incorporating weekly massage can help reduce stress!

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post Relax Through Meditation appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

So what are some things you can do to create a great staycation? First treat it like a real vacation—walk away from the email and smartphone, do minimal chores around the house and focus on leisure activities.

If you have kids, you might consider seeing if some of these activities are available near you:
• Museums, observatories or planetariums
• Zoos or aquariums
• Sporting events or city festivals
• Camping
• Regional amusement parks or family fun centers (with bowling, laser tag, etc.)

If you are planning an adults-only staycation, look for:
• Winery tours
• Concerts
• Historic home tours
• Community theater productions
• Sunset cruises

Even if you do nothing more than hang out, watch movies, read a few romantic novels and order takeout, taking a break from your regular routine can be a great refresher, leaving you more energized and focused when you to return to work.

Planning a quick day off? Make your ME time count by spending the day at one of our Massage Envy clinics. Schedule an appointment for a Swedish massage or one of our exclusive Dr. Murad Healthy Skin facials to re-energize yourself after a long week.

Comment below telling us your favorite staycation destination!

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post Getaway … without leaving home! appeared first on Touch of Wellness.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Join Massage Envy as we talk about the benefits of taking care of your skin with a monthly facial. Get tips on what to expect from a facial, how incorporating Murad products can compliment a good skin routine, and much more.

For more information on Massage Envy Spa or to find your nearest location please visit our website.

Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.

The post 60 Healthy Seconds with Massage Envy: Healthy Skin Tips appeared first on Touch of Wellness.