If you are a runner, either just
starting out or with miles under your feet, you probably know the importance of
wearing the proper shoes, the perfect socks, a favorite pair of compression pants
(or running skirt!). You know what you need to feel good when you run. You have
a style, a play-list, a routine & a pace that is all your own. You know
what to do to prepare for your run, but what do you do after that run to care
for your body? How do you alleviate muscle pain, increase circulation, heal
after those long runs? There are lots of alternative medicines and therapies
available to promote optimal health in a natural way. Massage therapy has been used for hundreds of
years as a form of alternative medicine to increase health and wellbeing. When many people think about massage they
picture a relaxing experience (which it is!) but massage can be so much more. Athletes utilize the benefits of massage for
a variety of reasons including faster healing and a reduced risk of injury. Getting
massages during training or after an event can help make you a better athlete! Massage therapy; icreases flexibility,
increases circulation, alleviates muscle pain, promotes better sleep, increases
relaxation levels
In fact, regular massages
while training can help improve your performance!
Massage
aids recovery, growth and the repair of soft tissue by accelerating circulation.
Additionally, regular massages enhance metabolism, increase blood oxygen
capacity by 10 to 15 percent, loosen contracted or shortened muscles, and
stimulates weak muscles. It may also reduce and eliminate pain associated
with exercise, increase endurance, and control fatigue. Massages will enable more productive training
with longer, more effective workouts. Is
a marathon on your schedule or are you hoping it will be someday? Regular
massages could help you reach that goal.
It is more than just a luxury it is a beneficial alternative medicine
therapy that can offer deep relief! It’s important to know that you may leave a
massage feeling as sore as you would after a tough workout, you’ll want to
schedule pre-event (like a hard workout or a long run) or pre-race massages
about three to five days before the actual event. In fact if you can
schedule it on a rest day, do so. Post-event or post-race massages follow
the same rule of thumb: wait three to five days afterwards in order for any lingering
soreness to dissipate.
Massage
alone is a great therapy to keep your body in top form. When combined with therapeutic
grade essential oils the benefits are truly astounding. Essential oils can be
used not just for massage but in everyday life as well. Lavender offers overall relaxation, Lemon
stimulates muscle relaxation & boosts the immune system (mixed with honey
it soothes a sore throat after a long run on a cold day!), Peppermint improves
focus, soothes soreness in muscles & can even relieve pain better than some
over the counter medications! Eucalyptus can open airways and make regulating
breathing easier. There are thousands of
ways to use hundreds of available essential oils. When first entering the world of essential
oils it’s imperative you speak with someone with first hand experience or
attend a class that offers an intro in essential oil use. Therapeutic grade
essential oils ar
e strong and need to be used appropriately. Less is always more! A good massage therapist can help you find the best oils for your needs and body. Urban Rituals Spa in
Running isn’t just a
sport or a form of exercise, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a part of who
you are. It improves your health, happiness and focus. It’s a natural way to do something good for
you body, mind and spirit. Massage therapy is a natural way to keep your body
healthy and keep you moving forward one foot, one minute, one mile at a time.
If you are attending the Womens Running Retreat on November 1 in Madison, you will have the opportunity to connect with Tegan of Urban Ritual Spa during the mini expo portion of the program. Ask her how YOU can benefit from massage and essential oils.
Call to schedule an
appointment at Urban Rituals Spa and mention this article for $10 off your
first visit. Like us on Facebook for
updated class information and specials.
Article contributed by:
Tegan Peterson Urban Rituals Spa - Monona, Wisconsin
608.886.8337 www.urbanritualsspa.com
Tegan Peterson Urban Rituals Spa - Monona, Wisconsin
608.886.8337 www.urbanritualsspa.com
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