ME Magazine Fall 2009

Q & Ahhh

Massage Envy experts answer your questions

Q: What benefits does massage offer women during pregnancy?

A: Massage therapy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, increases blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension, which aids in better sleep, and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.

At Massage Envy, our therapists will place all prenatal clients in side-lying positioning. This positioning alleviates the extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra strain in these areas can cause unnecessary back pain and discomfort. During the first trimester, it is also acceptable for clients to lie on their backs with a slight elevation under one hip

—C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy

Do you have a question for our experts about massage therapy? Contact info@MassageEnvy.com. Type "Ask CG" in the subject line.

Put Your Best Face Forward

Looking to achieve a healthy glow? A well-rounded skin regimen is the answer. Howard Murad, M.D., associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad Inc., who has been a leader in skin care for the past two decades, says you can have a healthy complexion in four easy steps:

Cleanse and tone. "Focus on cleaning skin in the evening to remove dirt that has accumulated throughout the day," Dr. Murad says. A toner completes the cleansing process and prepares the skin for moisturizing.

Treat and repair. Address your personal needs during this step. If you have acne, use a treatment with retinol. To fight wrinkles, pick an anti-aging serum that is right for you.

Moisturize and protect. Replenish your skin with a moisturizer and don't forget a sunscreen. Dr. Murad recommends one with SPF 15 or higher.

Treating the whole body. Dr. Murad says that nothing complements a skin care routine better than a healthy diet and lifestyle: "What is healthy for your body is also healthy for your skin. I encourage people to apply the Science of Cellular Water™ as the basis for building better health from the cellular level up. Take an inclusive approach to health that addresses your needs topically through skin care, internally through diet and supplements, and emotionally through self-care in the form of massage, facials, meditation and interpersonal connection."

Massage Envy has partnered with Murad Inc. to bring signature facial treatments to some locations.

Thank you