5 Reasons to Try a Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is one the finest spa treatments to help you relax and unwind. The little stresses of everyday life can all build up, leaving you tenser and more strained than you might realize. Booking yourself in for a professional hot stone massage may be just what you need to feel rejuvenated.

During this treatment, smooth heated stones are placed on various areas of the body, usually the spine, stomach, chest, feet and even the palms. Long strokes, tapping and kneading may all be used during the treatment.

A hot stone massage feels absolutely incredible when performed by an experienced therapist, but what benefits does it offer?

Ease tension and pain in your muscles

The heat emanating from the stones helps to boost blood flow into treated areas, easing muscular tension and pain. This can be a significant relief if you have strains related to vigorous exercise or sports.

Hot stone massages may improve your range of motion and flexibility too.

Reduce feelings of anxiety and stress

The heated stones and therapeutic touch of your therapist’s expert hands are ideal for reducing anxious and stressful feelings.

You will be able to simply lie still, allow the heat to warm key parts of your body and focus on the positive sensations flowing through you. After an effective hot stone massage, you should feel totally revitalized and relaxed.

Promote better sleep

Hot stone massage can encourage better sleep, whether you have a sleep disorder or just want to feel more rested in the morning. The treatment may help you fall into a deeper sleep more quickly than you’re used to.

As a result, you should feel more energized and refreshed. This can set you up in a better mood for the day ahead.

Help to relieve autoimmune symptoms

If you suffer from fibromyalgia or other autoimmune-related difficulties, a hot stone massage offers natural relief.

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition causing pain and stiffness in the muscles and skeleton. Certain areas of the body will feel tender, and the ongoing discomfort can have a major negative impact on everyday life.

After a hot stone massage, you should feel more relaxed and enjoy a reduction in pain, particularly if you have a long treatment session. Inform your therapist of your condition so they can make the massage as effective for you as possible.

Strengthen the immune system

A hot stone massage may help to boost your immune system, by improving your blood circulation and taking your stress levels down.

The stronger your immune system, the better you should be able to fight off potential viruses like the common cold and flu.

Astra Medi Spa’s massage therapists are highly-trained and experienced in performing luxurious hot stone massages. This treatment features kneading, threading and other movements with heated volcanic rocks. It’s similar to a Swedish massage yet the rocks add a wonderful touch you’ll fall in love with.

Want to book your hot stone treatment? Please don’t hesitate to get in touchwith our friendly team.

What Foods Should I Eat to Keep My Skin Healthy?

Do you have a daily skincare routine?

Perhaps you use the latest creams and moisturizers to help give your skin a glamorous glow. Maybe you wear sun lotion every day, even in winter, to minimize damage from UV rays. You might wear face masks or take any number of other steps to care for your skin.

However, what you put into your body is just as important as what you put onto it. An unhealthy diet can leave your skin in bad condition, starving it of the nutrients it so badly needs and causing it to look older than it should.

With that in mind, what foods should you actually eat to keep your skin healthy?

The power of vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports your immune system, enables blemishes to heal well and promotes overall beautiful skin.

You can find vitamin C in broccoli, blackcurrants, oranges, sweet potatoes, kiwi fruits and blueberries. Fortunately, all of these foods are delicious and easy to get your hands on, whether from a health food store or your local supermarket. Eat plenty of these on a regular basis to give your skin a healthier glow.

Nuts, spinach and seeds

Brazil nuts are definitely one of the tastiest nuts (though they’re actually seeds!), but they’re not just an irresistible snack: they’re rich in selenium too.

What’s selenium, you ask? This is a strong antioxidant that can help to keep your immune system in great condition (alongside vitamins C and E) while combatting sun damage and age / liver spots.

You can find selenium in broccoli, spinach and soybeans. Speaking of seeds, add sunflower seeds to your diet too: these are a great source of vitamin E, and can be sprinkled onto salads or cereal easily.

Eat some healthy fats

Essential fatty acids — monounsaturated and polyunsaturated — work as a natural moisturizer in your skin.

As a result, your skin will be more elastic and supple if you consume more healthy fats on a regular basis. These can be found in nuts, seeds and avocados.

Try more zinc-rich foods

Zinc plays a key role in helping to keep your skin soft and repairing skin damage, as it aids proper function in the oil-producing sebaceous glands.

You can find zinc in foods like seeds, nuts, wholegrains and lean meat.

The joy of dark chocolate

Dark chocolate tends to be high in antioxidants and can help to protect your skin against the damage of UV rays and encourage better blood flow.

However, while dark chocolate is a healthier option than milk or white alternatives, it’s still chocolate. Don’t devour multiple bars each day in a quest for healthier skin: a little sample on a daily basis can do your skin good, but take care not to overeat. One or two ounces a day is best.

Taking care of your skin is vital to keep it healthy and minimize the signs of ageing. Astra Medi Spa’s portfolio of cutting-edge treatments includes multiple effective ways to rejuvenate your skin, using the safest techniques for lasting results.

Looking for the right treatment for your skin? Please don’t hesitate to contact our expert team.