The Many Massage Moods of Spring

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Nicholas

Spring has been underway for about a month and we’re just getting accustomed to the heat that heralds the scorching summer months.  Though we live in a warm climate, we can all suffer from the doldrums that usually befall those in wintry weather.  Our muscles have been getting tighter, perhaps from increased stress this past season.  It is time to leave all that stress and body pain behind and bounce the spring renewed.

With spring comes the desire to switch it up a bit.  Starting or changing your massage routine will benefit both your body and your spirit.  Read more about these rejuvenating modalities perfect for spring.

Recommended Spring Massage Modalities

Relaxation Massage
Sometimes all we need to refresh ourselves for spring is a relaxation massage. Relaxation massage is similar to Swedish massage in that it focuses on relaxing the central nervous system as well as using long gliding strokes to reduce muscular tension. When pains need to be alleviated, more targeted strokes can accompany the smooth strokes, aiding in the body in settling into a non-aggravated state.  A relaxation massage may be exactly the thing for you if you felt good last season and just want to refresh yourself for Spring.

Deep Tissue Massage
Those of us who deal with more stress and muscular tension would benefit from Deep Tissue Massage. This type of massage helps us release a season of stress and chronic body pains (keep in mind several sessions may be necessary for the overworked and over stressed). Deep Tissue Massage utilizes the massage therapist’s fists, knuckles, fingers, forearms, and even sometimes feet to apply strong pressure to work the kinks out of the muscles. We have found that a significant number of people working in Miami offices need regular deep tissue massage to combat the repetitive stress placed on the body by working 40+ hours a week at a desk and on the computer.  High powered positions come with high stress as well.  The most common areas in need of deep tissue massage are the upper back, neck and shoulders, key areas for holding onto stress and thereby creating painful body positions.  The lower back often pains from sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Couples Massage
Spring’s breath is perfect for fostering Love.  Healthy bodies bonded together with healthy minds devoid of stress make the tightest connections. Stress is the enemy of a happy relationship. A couples massage that relaxes both people creates a tranquil space that you can enjoy together.  You will enjoy individually customized mutual massage with all of the romantic treats both of you desire: flowers, champagne, chocolate, aromatic baths, and even ice cream.  We deal with so much in the outside world that it feels extra special being pampered in one’s own at-home spa oasis.

Hot Stone Massage
You’d think that with Miami’s ever-present heat, additional heat would be the last thing you’d want.  However, for bodies needing the most completely thorough excavation of hurts, aches, and stresses, the best treatment is a 2 hour Hot Stone Massage.  Heat retaining stones relax the muscles to the point of slackness, creating a reduction in tension, allowing the therapist to investigate, address, and repair the body intimately. Heat has been used throughout history to melt tight muscles, ease the pains of the daily struggle and relax the overstressed. Treat yourself to the massage of Kings and Queens and it will be amazing.

There are many Massage companies in Miami whose therapists can help you feel your best for Spring. Only Love Life Massage provides a completely customized at-home massage experience (or series of treatments),  guaranteed to ease your body back into balance and relieve your pain and stress which inhibit your day to day happiness.  In Miami, FL and neighboring cities, visit http://www.LoveLifeMassage.com to learn more about our unique approach to wellness, massage, and taking care of You.

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Techie Timeout: Massage for the Gadget-Obsessed

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Nicholas

With the unveiling of the iPad 2 today, we will like to acknowledge the stress that comes from being a techie. We have smartphones, laptops, mp3 players, tablets, flat screen tvs, cable on demand, bluetooth in our cars, and a million more gadgets that make a techie’s life beautiful and miserable at the same time. Beautiful because we have information and the world at our fingertips. Miserable because we are tied to these gadgets we love and are sometimes dissapointed they don’t do even more. I don’t know about you but I am ready for the iPad 9 already. If you are like me and your head runs wild with the thoughts of discovery and personal categorization of new information and media then you could probably use a bit of chill out time.

Our uber-connected technology runs 24/7 and often we find ourselves running 24/7 right beside it. While our connectedness can be exciting, like any good computer our brain needs to be powered down occasionally so that it can reset itself and work better/function optimally again. While it can be hard for us to turn off our own brain, it become so much easier when we lay down for a massage and someone else does all the work. Many people tell me the only time they are able to shut off their thoughts is during a massage. Massage naturally calms the body and mind with gentle touch and rhythmic relaxation. Sometimes my wife gets me a massage just because it is the easiest way to drag me away from the computer/tablet/smartphone/digital connection and reset my brain. You probably know the type: your partner jumps up anytime he/she hears a ping from the smartphone, seems distant while frantically pushing buttons and has a slightly wild and intense look in his/her eye like a bird of prey constantly scanning the digital landscape for their next conquest. It can be frustrating to be the partner of a techie as you have probably tried a million things to promote relaxation with no success. Massage on the other hand will do all the work for you and naturally replace wired energy with calm and centered energy. So when you or your loved one finds him/herself fighting that technology itch and overwhelmed with the constant stream of information think about using massage as an oasis of calm and healing in the desert of over-connectivity. You can plan a vacation retreat far from all of the digital gadgets of the modern world or enjoy a few beautiful hours of relaxation with out leaving your home.

Vacation Massage
At times in our busy life we may need the forced relaxation that comes from leaving everything behind and traveling to a tropical spa paradise. Elite Island Resorts has a variety of lovely island resorts for your complete escape and relaxation. Turn away from the world wide web for a few days and let your mind relax as the tropical rhythms and daily massage rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

Massage that comes to you
When you don’t have time to breakaway for a week but still need an oasis of leisure and refreshment,  take advantage of Miami’s most loved mobile massage. Love Life Massage has a plethora of customized massage from which to choose. Simply make one phone call and Love Life Massage will bring the spa experience to you. Once your mobile massage therapist has arrived you can tell them where you need extra attention, lay down on the table and let them do the rest. Love Life Massage therapists will work out the stress of being hyper connected as well as the kinks of constant working to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, revitalized and ready to face the world again.

Trying to keep up with the speed of technology can be exciting, but there is a good possibility that our brains and bodies are overwhelmed and exhausted by the effort. So remember have fun, stay personally connected and let your mind be still every once in a while.

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Find the Best Licensed Massage Therapists in Miami

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Nicholas

Massage is one of the most transformative experiences we experience. In few other activities are we so transformed mentally and physically as before and after a massage. Massage relaxes us, stimulates mental calmness, removes muscle pain, promotes our bodies’ natural healing processes and generally makes us feel great. As massage is such a powerful experience for our wellbeing, let us resolve to only allow the most talented massage therapists to touch and transform us.

First off, let us weed out all of the unlicensed massage therapists. Miami is filled with people of every kind practicing disciplines for which they have no licensure. Some feel they are “too talented to need a license” and some were “licensed in their country of origin.” While their talents may be all they imagine, it is obvious that we should not entrust our bodies to “massage therapists” who do not even meet the basic requirements of the state of Florida. You can use this tool provided by the Florida Department of Health to check the license status of any massage therapist in Miami, Florida: http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/IRM00PRAES/PRASLIST.ASP

Seeking out the right massage therapist for you

Basic online search
Start your online search in www.google.com with something basic like “Massage Miami.”  This query will provide you with a wide variety of massage providers. For some therapists or companies, you may find helpful online reviews.  Sometimes the impartial opinion of other massage customers can be of great assistance in making the important decision of finding a great massage therapist.

A Massage Therapist’s website says a lot
The next step is to take a quick look at a couple of Massage therapists’ websites and see how they make you feel. A website says a lot about the therapist or the company: what they think about their customers, the lengths they will go to insure you an amazing massage, and they quality of both the customer service and the actual massage.

What Type of Massage do you want?
There are a variety of massage treatments offered by therapists, so you’ll have a better massage if you hone in on the exact experience you are seeking.  If you have found a massage therapist or two who piques your interest, read their ffered services carefully.  A person suffering from chronic lower back pain will not be satisfied with a therapist who specializes in relaxation massage and stress relief; no matter how much the client ‘vibes’ with the therapist. If you cannot find your desired massage listed as a specialty of your proposed therapist, you may do better searching for the modality and location; eg. ‘Deep Tissue Sunny Isles’

Perhaps you want to speak directly with the therapist.  Have no qualms about calling the therapist and asking whatever questions in order to feel most comfortable about your experience.  Miami can be so rush rush and hustle and bustle, but the hour plus spent on your massage is YOUR time, so you should get exactly what you want.

Call the Massage Therapist
When you call a massage therapist or massage company how do they treat you on the phone? Are they excited to help you and eager to offer more helpful information about massage in general and the massage that is right for you? Or are they dull, dreary, uninformed, and not too interested in helping you? Even worse does every call go unanswered?

By now you should have a pretty good idea of what type of massage you are looking for, which massage therapists appeal to you, and who seemed helpful and excited to work with you.

Book an appointment with the Massage Therapist at the right time
Miami is a hectic city and it is important to have your massage fit into your busy schedule. Book an appointment with that massage therapist at a time that works well for you. Massage is all about you and your relaxation. Avoid massage appointments that have to be squeezed into your tight schedule. A massage is an oasis of relaxation in a crazy city like Miami. Make sure you have plenty of time before and after your massage to relax and enjoy the serenity created by your massage.

Refine your Massage Therapist Search for next time
Now you have had your massage and hopefully it was as relaxing and healing as you wanted it to be and even more. Massage is wonderful to receive but the true transformations come through integrating massage into your life on a regular basis. After your massage you will likely know if you liked and want to continue working with that massage therapist or if you would like to continue your search for another massage provider in Miami.

Stay with a company or therapist you like
Once you have found a massage therapist or massage provider you like stick with him/her. Your relationship with your massage therapist is like any other relationship in that it gets better with time. You will get to know and trust your massage therapist’s touch and your massage therapist will get to know your body and how to effectively deal with your issues. Each massage session should become better and better over time as you build a healing relationship with your massage therapist.

More info on finding the best Massage Therapist for you
We hope this guide has helped you. For more information about finding the best massage therapists in Miami feel free to download this E-book “Connoiseur’s Guide to Receiving the Best Massage Ever.” This free guide is full of helpful insider’s information that will help you find the right Miami massage therapist for you.

Stay beautiful, Miami.

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Couple’s Massage is Perfect for Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Nicholas
Massage for Couples

Massage for Couples

Miami is a passionate city and as a culture we are enthusiastic about love. It may be the Latin influence. It may be the beautiful place we live in that stirs the romantic in our soul. Whatever the reason, Miami is a city where the fire of love burns bright and hot. Go through
any neighborhood in Miami and you will see beautiful people walking hand in hand.

Love drives us to move mountains, and those for whom we would do such things deserve more than just dinner.  Your Valentine’s Day gift should involve a greater sharing between partners. A
memorable Valentine’s gift creates the opportunity to continue your journey with one another while rejuvenating your intimacy and giving you time and space to fall in love all over again.

There are few Valentine’s Day gift ideas that allow for the expression of intimacy as lovingly as a massage. The gift of time, effort, and sharing is one that is rarely forgotten, universally appreciated, and deliciously enjoyed.

Do it yourself Valentine’s Massage

Massage is a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift to share with your loved one. You can take turns massaging each other and massage is a great way to start a day in bed. Start with a relaxing environment. Turn the lights low, light some candles, add flowers or scented
oils for an aromatherapy effect. Quality massage products can be found at Whole Foods
(http:///www.wholefoodsmarket.com).

Take your time massaging your partner. The beauty of massage is not so much in the “finished product” as it is in the experience of giving and receiving a massage with your loved one. By slowly moving through the massage you can be sure to get to all the tight points of your partners body. (Common massage areas that often get tight include: head, neck, shoulders, back, hands and feet.) Be gentle but firm in your massage touch. Make sure to check in with your partner from time to time during the massage to make sure the pressure is just right. Enjoy your time together. Massage should bea combination of pleasure and play and you will know if you are performing the massage correctly if you are both feeling pleasant and happy.

Another option is to have professional massage come to you.

Valentine’s Day Couples Massage At Home

Why travel to the Spa when the Spa can come to you. We all want an intimate setting to enjoy our Valentine’s Day with our loved one. It hardly seems seinsible to get in your car and go to a public spa when you can be in the most intimate and comfortable of settings, your own home. With Love Life Massage your mobile massage therapists can transform your space into a complete spa at home experience (http://www.lovelifemassage.com/valentines-day-2011.html).

Your Valentine’s Day Couple’s Massage starts with beautiful floral arrangement, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Next your two personal massage therapists will customize the massage plan for your particular needs and body state. Personalized massage is the most effective way to relax your body and relieve muscle pain, leaving you and your loved one feeling relaxed and happy before your massage therapists quietly leave you two to enjoy a pleasant aromatherapy bath together. Your at-home Valentines Day Couple’s Massage is luxury
and pleasure at its finest. You and your loved one will enjoy the rest of the Valentine’s Day together in mutual bliss and contentment.

Wishing you all a Happy Valentines Day.

Stay pretty, Miami!

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Preparing and Recovering from the ING Miami Marathon with Marathon Massage

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Nicholas
Marathon stretching

Loose muscles are important before and after your marathon.

On January 30th, 2011, Miami will once again host the ING Marathon and Half Marathon. Both running events can be quite taxing on your body and integrating massage into your training schedule will make it easier for your body.

There are two aspects of Marathon Massage: the Pre-Marathon Massage, and the Post-Marathon Massage. Both have their different benefits and when combined help you compete better during your marathon and recover faster after your marathon. Our certified massage therapists are familiar with working on runners and know the difference between a pre-race massage, which is done lightly to get your blood flowing, and a post-race massage, which is much deeper.

Pre-Marathon Massage: Massage is an important part of serious training and can do wonders for overly active muscles a week before a big race such as a marathon. A pre-race massage should be done five to six days before the race.

Intense training builds your endurance and muscle tissue. At the same time, this dedication, if not balanced, is counterproductive to great performance.

If you really want to get the absolute most out of your marathon, then here is an excellent tip from an expert runner:

In the last days before your marathon you should aim to relax your muscles as much as possible. Tension and activity causes toxins and acids to store in your muscle fibers and it is these toxins and acids that can cause you to tense up during your marathon and therefore not perform to your potential.

A Swedish massage coupled with stretching is ideal for this. The massage actively helps to release the toxins from your body. Stay fully hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water spread throughout the day to continue to remove the toxins from your body and you will leave yourself in top physical condition for race day.

Post-Marathon Massage: The day after a marathon experts recommend that you walk for a few minutes, then jog very easily for one or two miles. Gently stretch after your jog and try to have your post-race massage right after your run when muscles are warm and blood is flowing. Our talented massage therapists will help you jump start your Marathon recovery with our post marathon massage.

If you’ve expended the energy to complete a marathon, your body definitely deserves a massage! Not only will you feel better afterward, it will help those overworked muscles relax & recover that faster. Generally, it takes a minimum of two to three weeks for the body to recover from the strain of running a Marathon. If you return to running too quickly you may increase your likelihood of injury. Integrating a massage routine into your marathon training schedule will help you recover faster and run farther. While getting a quick rubdown at the finish-line massage tent may have felt good, a full massage 24 to 48 hours after the marathon works much more effectively in speeding your healing process.

Since you have likely just pushed your body to its limits, it’s very important that you receive the correct kind of massage, tailored just for you and the particular state of your muscles. Running long distances causes small strains &/or tears in the muscle tissue, and the goal of post-race massage is to speed recovery, not break it down further.

You will likely want a medium pressure massage that incorporates a lot of Swedish-type strokes and stretching to boost your circulation, bring fresh oxygen and nutrient rich blood to your muscle fibers. A massage will also help push out painful lactic acid. A warm bath, plenty of water, good massage, vitamin-rich foods including protein, and sleep will all help you recover faster and feel better sooner.

Love Life Massage has been proud to work with many of the Miami Marathon’s best runners for the last 5 years. We have designed customized pre and post marathon massages to help you heal faster and feel better sooner. Please visit our website for more information www.lovelifemassage.com or call (305) 975-2213.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Preparing and Recovering from the ING Miami Marathon with Massage – Miami massage therapy | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/massage-therapy-in-miami/preparing-and-recovering-from-the-ing-miami-marathon-with-massage#ixzz1Bi7l7Xbr

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Beat Back Holiday Stress with the Serenity of Massage

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Nicholas

Holidays, always cause for great joy, can also become dreaded times of overwhelming stress. Traffic in Miami, usually terrible, becomes even more snarled and frustrating as roads become filled with shoppers and partygoers vying for the perfect gift or anxious to get to the next cannot-be-missed party. It is no wonder many sigh with relief once January 2nd rolls around.

It is unnecessary to suffer through the holidays. With a few tips, you can sail through the end of the year and begin the year anew, refreshed, rejuvenated, and delighted by the memories of fun times with loved ones.

Often breathing is the first step to releasing stress. Deep, even breaths will begin to calm the body, allowing you to address with better control the situation at hand. Five minutes of steady and balanced breathing will bring you closer to your center and realize that whatever obstacles you have encountered are probably not the calamities that initially seemed.

The next step for full body stress reduction combined with the pleasure of touch is massage. Massage can be your best friend during these high-strung times. Not only can massage help you, it can be the most sorely needed gift anyone can receive.

Give yourself the gift of Massage
Massage is a gift that is best given to oneself first. When you are stressed or in pain, those around you also suffer to a degree. Start by making your self feel good so you can radiate happiness to those around you. Getting a massage helps improve your mood, revitalizes your blood flow, increases muscle elasticity and gives you more energy to celebrate with your friends and family. Thus a relaxing massage makes the holidays better for you and everyone around you.

Everyone Loves Massage
After you have attended to your own wellbeing, massage makes a great holiday gift for everyone else. Everyone can use relaxation and pleasure and few presents are as relaxing and pleasurable as a wonderful massage, especially if the massage is delivered to them. Many companies sell gift certificates and a few will help you set up a customized massage surprise for your loved one.

New Year’s Day
Take about pressure! New Year’s Eve is the world’s biggest party, and here in Miami we really know how to have a good time! Don’t be surprised if the Miami spirit encourages you to celebrate a little harder than you expected to. The smart holiday reveler will plan ahead (or at least call first thing in the morning) with an afternoon appointment for a relaxing and detoxifying massage which will help their body recover quickly from the previous nights excesses.

Hangover Specialties
Massage helps your body recover from excess partying by relaxing your mind-body and
increasing the speed your body can process toxins while refreshing and revitalizing itself.
Hangover Massages usually involve a lot of gentle strokes to ease your muscle tension
and increase circulation. Let your massage therapist know you had a great time the night before and avoid deep tissue and trigger point massage as these will work too deeply and be counterproductive and so should be saved for your next massage.

Where to get Holiday Massages

Nirvana Spa – http://www.nirvanaspamiamibeach.com/
Nirvana is Miami’s only Bathhouse and Spa. Once inside you can enjoy an entire day in
their public sauna, steam room, hot and cold pools, hot tub, or relaxing with your own massage in one of Nirvana’s many themed massage rooms.

Doral Resort & Spa – http://www.doralresort.com
The Doral Resort and Spa is not only a relaxing place to get a massage. It is also is home
to world class golf course. This makes the Doral Resort a perfect place for “His and Hers Gifts.” A full 18 holes for him, and a Spa Day for her; after which both happy guests can meet up to enjoy a delicious meal together.

Love Life Massage – http://www.lovelifemassage.com
If you would rather skip traveling and relax while the massage comes to you then Love
Life Massage is perfect. Your massage will be delivered to any location you specify
(home, hotel, office, yacht, etc.) The massage will be customized by your massage
therapist who will completely focus on you and what you need to feel better. Your
appointment and massage will be handled with skill and care by dedicated professionals with utmost care towards your wellbeing. Additionally your satisfaction is ensured by a one-of-a-kind money back guarantee.

Avoid sullying your holiday experience in Miami with blinding headaches, irritability, and fatigue. Massage will help you look and feel better; giving you more energy and vitality to cope with all the holiday celebrations.

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