5 Types of Massage Therapy and What They Can Do for Your Body

Massage therapy is one of the most popular forms of complementary and alternative treatments in Canada, with more than 40% of people using it. And demand for massage therapists surged during the pandemic, causing many to take on more patients than ever.

The increase in popularity during such a challenging period is no surprise. Massage therapy is a simple but effective way to help:

• Reduce stress
• Encourage relaxation
• Boost circulation and energy
• Decrease heart rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhance immune function

A skilled therapist makes each massage a luxurious experience that leaves patients significantly more relaxed and focused. But if you want to try a massage, you might wonder which type is right for you.

In this post, we’ll explore 5 popular forms of massage therapy and the positive effects they can have.

Swedish Massage

A traditional Swedish massage is one of the most common types available at clinics and spas across the globe. This form of massage therapy involves long, soft strokes in different areas to work the soft tissues and muscles. It also stimulates the circulatory system and nerve endings.

Swedish massage therapy can help you feel looser from head to toe. Therapists may use multiple techniques when performing Swedish massage:

• Vibration: Light tapping in specific spots to make the body vibrate or shake slightly, improving circulation

• Effleurage: Gentle strokes with the hands to create friction and apply gentle pressure, allowing the therapist to identify knots

• Hacking: Controlled chopping motions to help stimulate and rejuvenate tired or aching muscles

• Petrissage: Kneading the muscles to loosen muscles, work on connective tissues, and prepare the body for the hacking or vibration techniques

Swedish massage therapy is a fantastic option if you’ve never tried massage before. It can be a terrific way to pamper yourself, and find relief from muscular aches and pains.

Treatments are available for couples if you want to experience Swedish massage with a partner or friend.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage focuses on musculoskeletal problems that may contribute to discomfort or flexibility limitations, such as sports injuries. This technique is similar to Swedish massage but your therapist will apply deeper pressure to muscle tissues. 

Deep tissue massage concentrates on connective tissues and muscles’ inner layers. This can help you recover from chronic muscular pain and tension, increasing your range of motion.

Applying firm pressure through slow, steady strokes enables the therapist to break up scar tissue and unfold knots. Deep tissue massage can also encourage faster healing due to improved circulation and reduced inflammation.

Deep tissue massage therapy is recommended for patients who have been injured in an accident or while playing sports. It may help if you perform high-intensity exercise frequently and experience consistent discomfort in your muscles.

Your therapist will discuss your current condition and work on key areas to help you find relief, though deep tissue massage can involve the whole body too. They’ll begin by warming your body up with a gentle touch before they work on the deeper layers.

Reflexology (Foot and Leg)

Reflexology massage focuses on the feet and legs but triggers effects throughout the body. Your therapist will apply pressure to reflex areas connected to specific organs and areas.

For example, the tips of the toes correspond to the head, while the ball of the feet relates to the chest and heart. Therapists apply pressure to each region with the thumbs and fingers, using firm but gentle motions.

This form of therapy is designed to reduce stress, enhance blood and lymph circulation, improve your mental and emotional state, and stimulate activity inside targeted organs. It can also help pregnant women find relief from pressure and feel more comfortable.

Prenatal Massage

Moms-to-be will confirm how exhausting and challenging pregnancy is — but a prenatal massage offers some relief.

If you’re expecting, you may notice a real difference throughout your body after a prenatal massage. This is a gentle, safe treatment that can help sore muscles, fatigue, and swelling. It’s also an irresistible chance to get off your feet and be pampered!

Your therapist will help you lie on your side before they begin the massage. They will also use special positioning and cushioning to keep you comfortable and safe throughout the treatment.

Feel free to ask your therapist any questions you may have before your prenatal massage. It’s vital that you can enjoy complete peace of mind and relax from start to finish.

Lymphatic Massage

A lymphatic massage is a form of treatment for lymphedema.

What’s that? This condition occurs when lymph fluid (extra fluid drained from tissues and cells) builds up in one or more areas of the body, such as the legs or arms. It can create swelling and general discomfort.

Lymphatic massage is an extremely gentle form of therapy to ensure you stay comfortable throughout.

Your massage therapist will start the treatment with a gentle massage on the upper body, near your neck. They will apply pressure to the skin in different ways, using strokes, taps, and rubs.

Their movements will all follow the lymphatic system’s structure and encourage lymph fluid that has collected over time to drain through the right pathways. You should notice a reduction in your swelling following treatment.

You may also be advised to drink more water, exercise, and eat healthy foods to stimulate proper function of the lymphatic system.

How to Try Massage Therapy Near You

Massage therapy can help you unwind, find relief from aches and pains, and eliminate musculoskeletal tension. Each of these 5 types involves specific techniques and areas — so at least one should work for you.

Want to try any of these forms of massage therapy? Astra Medicare’s team of experienced specialists offers these and other types of massage, including:

• Hot stone massage

• Indian head massage

• Cupping massage

We’ll provide you with a free consultation to discuss your needs and expectations. This helps us recommend the most effective treatment for you.

Book your free consultation now!

Amazing benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

As any mother will agree, pregnancy can be a beautiful but uncomfortable journey. Aches and pains throughout the body are common, along with enlarged breasts, hormone fluctuations, morning sickness, difficulty sleeping — the list goes on.

Pregnant women can try various options to ease their discomfort and tend to their wellbeing, including prenatal massage therapy.

This is a fantastic way to treat aches, pains, and more during pregnancy. Research shows regular massage sessions can help pregnant women in a number of ways, physically and mentally.

Let’s take a close look at the most important benefits.

Reduce back pain and sciatica

Back pain, particularly in the lower region, is common among pregnant women. That’s understandable when you consider the major change the body undergoes when carrying a baby.

The body posture changes as the fetus grows, affecting the mother’s center of gravity and the musculoskeletal system over time.

This can lead to sciatica: the muscles compress the sciatic nerve while they adjust to the mother’s new posture. Pain may start to travel from the lower back down through the leg, making movement more difficult.

But massage helps to loosen the muscles contributing to sciatica and eases the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

A qualified, experienced therapist will know exactly how to apply pressure to the body to ease back pain safely, and cultivate a more comfortable pregnancy.

Ease leg cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy have the power to disrupt mobility significantly. Pregnant women may find their legs becoming uncomfortable whether sitting, lying down, or walking.

This is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including:

• lack of blood flow to muscles when sitting or lying down for long periods of time, due to the pressure placed on blood vessels by the baby

• extra load on the leg muscles and bones

• low intake of calcium, magnesium, and other key minerals may contribute

Massage therapy is ideal for helping to reduce leg cramps during pregnancy. Concentrated pressure and manipulation on the leg muscles stimulates circulation. It also stretches muscles, relieving discomfort in affected areas.

Regular leg massages performed by an expert therapist can help pregnant women feel more comfortable, both when active and still.

Decrease depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy can make this journey even more of a challenge. Whether this is a pre-existing condition or one that develops during pregnancy, women experiencing depression or anxiety should speak to their doctor immediately.

Medical professionals may recommend a number of treatments for combating mental health issues affecting pregnant women. And massage therapy has been shown to help ease symptoms.

Studies have found that pregnant women receiving regular massages experienced lower depression and anxiety: cortisol levels decreased and serotonin levels increased. 

Another study found that women undergoing massage therapy twice per week across a three-month period experienced reduced depression and cortisol levels after giving birth too. Women in this study were also less likely to give birth prematurely.

Making time for regular massages during pregnancy is a terrific way to relax, focus on feeling good, and enjoy being pampered.

Increase immunity for you and your baby

Massage therapy increases circulation. This helps oxygen and essential nutrients to move throughout the body. Toxins are also flushed out more effectively.

Active blood flow ensures the mother and baby receive the nutrients they both need to stay in good health during pregnancy. The immune system will be strengthened, too, as certain blood cells transmitted through the bloodstream can help to combat infection. 

Encourage better sleep

Pregnancy can leave women exhausted but unable to sleep, due to fluctuating hormones, unbalanced energy levels, and physical discomfort. Finding the right position may be particularly tough, especially as the bump gets bigger and bigger.

Lack of sleep can contribute to emotional and mental difficulties. Fortunately, a pregnancy massage stimulates production of serotonin (a “happy hormone”) melatonin (the “sleep hormone”).

With higher melatonin levels, you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to sleep. Hopefully, this will contribute to a more restful night’s sleep, and prepare your body and mind for the next day.

It’s important to speak with your doctor or midwife if you’re experiencing significant sleep difficulties. They’ll be happy to offer additional solutions. 

How is a prenatal massage performed?

Astra Medi Spa’s experienced therapists will help you to lie on your side before they perform your prenatal massage. Special cushioning is used to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your massage.

Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your massage.

All treatments are performed in a relaxed, soothing atmosphere, with the latest facilities to maximize your comfort.

What other massages are available for after your pregnancy?

Prenatal massage is just one of the treatments available at Astra Medi Spa. Whether you want to book yourself in for a massage after you’ve given birth and you’re adapting to life as a new mom, or you’d like to schedule a pamper session for a friend or loved one who helped you reach this point, our extensive selection of massage options includes something for everyone.

A Swedish massage is just the thing to chase stress away, stimulate your circulatory system, and relax. You can even book this as a couple for a precious thank-you treat.

And our Hot Stone Massage uses volcanic rocks to encourage healthy circulation and help you unwind. It’s a luxury treatment for when you deserve to feel better than ever.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa

A prenatal massage is a wonderful way to relax, reduce the physical discomfort of pregnancy, and enjoy some time to yourself in our luxurious spa.

Whether as a one-off or a regular treatment, our prenatal massage has helped many moms-to-be relieve the aches, pains, and stresses that come with this exciting journey.

We’ll provide you with a free consultation to talk you through your pregnancy massage and make sure you know exactly what to expect.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa today!

What Is a Reflexology Massage and What Can It Do for You?

Looking for a new way to relax, pamper yourself and do your body some good?

Try a reflexology massage.

This is a popular choice for our patients here in Brampton, and it’s easy to see why. Reflexology massages offer a number of tempting benefits, including:

• stress relief

• increased blood circulation

• pressure relief (ideal for pregnant women)

• reduced bodily tension

A reflexology massage is a fantastic treatment to try when you visit our spa, whether on its own or alongside other treatments.

But how does it actually work?

How a Reflexology Massage Works

Reflexology is intended to help stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities and achieve a harmonious balance, encouraging a positive, relaxed state of mind and being.

This form of massage has a long and fascinating history. The practice of manipulating pressure points on the feet, hands and legs dates back hundreds of years, even as far back as Ancient Egypt.

Various ages-old paintings contain illuminating references to massage and reflexology, revealing that the rejuvenating power of bodily touch has held immense appeal to people regardless of their culture, beliefs and environment.

However, what we know as the modern form of reflexology was popularized in the early 20th century. Since then, it has helped countless people enjoy relief from stress and tension-related headaches — and it could do the same for you.

The process of reflexology massages

Reflexology massages are different to more traditional options (Swedish massage, hot stone massage etc.), but still help you unwind and feel better. 

The basics remain the same: it’s just you, your massage therapist, and their skilled hands. You’re invited to lie down, get comfortable and relax. The room is prepared to be a calming, soothing environment in which you can tune into your body’s sensations, rather than the stresses, strains and distractions of daily life.

Yet there’s a little more to reflexology than just working knots and tension out. It has a wide-ranging effect throughout other parts of your physique, which may come as a surprise if you’ve never experienced this type of massage before.

The main points of a reflexology massage

A reflexology massage involves applying pressure to specific parts of the body, usually on the feet, legs and hands. While the therapist uses their fingers only, their touch is firm, strong and measured to achieve a specific response.

A massage therapist can manipulate many areas of the feet, legs and hands during reflexology. It’s a complex system that demands extensive training and practice to master.

Focusing on key reflex points affects corresponding areas and organs, creating a pleasant sensation where you may not necessarily expect to feel one. Careful, precise placement and movement of the fingers sends signals through the nervous system: not only do you get to enjoy the sensual satisfaction of the initial touch, but the resulting reaction sent through your body too.

Which parts of your legs and feet will be touched during your reflexology massage? Here are a few examples of reflex areas and their corresponding body parts:

• Toe tips connect to the head

• Balls of the feet link to the heart and chest

• Heels relate to the lower back and intestines

• Arches connect to the liver, kidneys and pancreas

The importance of communication

If you’ve never had a reflexology massage before, it’s a different experience to a traditional foot massage. It’s still relaxing and designed to leave you refreshed, but obviously more pressure must be applied to the target spots to trigger the desired reaction.

But don’t worry: your therapist will make sure you feel comfortable and aware of what they’re doing throughout the treatment.

After all, communication is vital to maximize the physical, emotional and mental pleasure of any massage — and reflexology is no different. Our therapists have the skills, training and dedication to outstanding service to listen to your personal needs and create a revitalizing massage in return.

Perhaps you’re feeling stressed about a difficult situation at work or are struggling to handle a new type of responsibility imposed on you. Maybe you suffer from tension headaches and find them disrupting your sleep or enjoyment of downtime. Or you could even just feel the need for a little reinvigoration now and then.

Whatever your individual issues, expectations and requests, Astra Medi Spa’s team is committed to making your reflexology massage everything it can be. Just be honest, tell us exactly what you’re hoping for and let us handle the rest.

Relieving Stress and Tension through Reflexology

Stress, frustration, anxiety and physical discomfort can all make life harder than it has to be, especially if they get in the way of your ability to concentrate on work, family and other commitments properly.

That’s why we should all take time out of our schedule to indulge in activities we enjoy and take care of ourselves. Research shows dedicating a day to your own rest and wellbeingcan:

• help restore your mental energy

• encourage more creative thinking

• boost productivity

• tighten your focus

And this is especially relevant when you consider that one in four Canadians blame stressfor their deciding to quit their job and 30 percent of people (aged from 35 to 54) describe most days as ‘stressful’.

Speak to your therapist about any physical or emotional difficulties you may be having before your reflexology massage. This equips them with the details they need to make your experience as beneficial as they can.

Astra Medi Spa’s team offers reflexology massages for the feet and legs, priced between $70 - $115. These are performed to the same high standard of professionalism and safety as all of our treatments, ideal to help you unwind. Sessions tend to last no longer than 60 minutes.

You can book your reflexology massage as a standalone treatment or to complement another (such as a facial or a manicure). Want to know more about our reflexology massages in Brampton or any of our other treatments? Want to discuss our current special offers?

Just reach out and get in touchnow. We look forward to seeing you!

Why Should You Try a Deep Tissue Massage?

During a deep tissue massage, therapists don’t just use their fingers to apply firm pressure to the body — they rely on their elbows, knuckles and forearms too.

Sounds daunting? While it might sound intense, such a rigorous technique targets deeper muscle tissue (as the name suggests) than those used in other treatments, making a deep tissue massage a fantastic way to treat a range of skeletal or muscular problems.

What are the Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

Our expert therapists offer deep tissue massages that can:

Relieve Stress

More than 70 percent of working Canadian adultsclaim to suffer with stress at times. Prolonged stress poses a real risk to your health, with links to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression and other problems.

We all need to find ways to relieve stress for the good of our physical and mental health. A deep tissue massage can reduce levels of stress hormones in the body and encourage relaxation, leaving you in a better, more positive mood.

Treating yourself to a massage gives you a reason to take much-needed ‘me time’: just clear your mind of those stressful thoughts and focus on how good the therapist’s touch feels.

Increase Flexibility and Mobility

Deep tissue massage targets connective tissues, muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons using firm but precise movements. As a result, you should notice an improvement in your flexibility and mobility — ideal if you lead an active lifestyle but feel stiff after strenuous exercise.

A deep tissue massage may help if you want to practise yoga, improve your posture or achieve more fluid movement when dancing too.

Break Scar Tissue Down

After an injury or surgery, scar tissue forms in the affected area during the healing process. This may limit your flexibility and cause some discomfort over time.

A deep tissue massage causes scar tissue to break down, reducing the amount of tightness or restriction you may feel in specific parts of your body.

Combat Chronic Pain and Aches

Deep tissue massages can help relieve chronic pain and aches, particularly in the lower or upper back, neck and shoulders.

You should speak with your massage therapist in an honest, open way during the treatment: let them know which areas are most uncomfortable, whether they’re applying too much pressure and if their touch is too firm. The more you interact and inform, the more effective your deep tissue massage will be.

Help Overcome Injuries

An injury related to sports or accidents (such as whiplash) can be painful, debilitating and disruptive to your lifestyle. You may be unable to work or perform everyday tasks — and that’s a big problem.

A deep tissue massage can ease the lingering effects of an injury, reducing inflammation and encouraging knots to unfold. Any tightness or discomfort may become less noticeable and inhibiting after your treatment.

As you can see, there are multiple reasons why a deep tissue massage can help you feel better, more agile, more flexible and less stressed. Astra Medi Spa’s therapists have years of combined experience and training, empowering them with the skills to perform the right deep tissue massage for your body.

Want to book yours? Get in touchwith our team now!

What are the Benefits of a Prenatal Massage?

Pregnancy takes a physical and mental toll on women at any age, especially first-timers. Aches and pains, weight gain, anxiety, sickness and swollen feet may all leave you feeling far from your best.

You have to take care of yourself. You have to relax and do whatever you can to make the pregnancy easier. And a prenatal massage is a fantastic way to do just that.

Why should you schedule a prenatal massage for yourself or a friend? Let’s take a look at the main benefits …

Alleviate Physical Discomfort

One of the major benefits of a prenatal massage is relief from common aches and pains.

An experienced therapist will know how to ease the following:

• lower- and upper-back pain

• leg cramping

• headaches

• varicose veins

• heartburn

• stiffness

• tension / knots

• constipation

• hip-joint pain

Backaches are especially hard to cope with and can be extremely disruptive. You might struggle to get comfortable or even enjoy the build-up to the birth as much as you want to if you’re constantly in pain.

A prenatal massage could make a big difference.

Relieve Anxiety or Depression

Sadly, it’s very common to experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy. Research shows a staggering 52 percent of women have noticed an increase in their anxietyor depression during pregnancy.

Even if you’ve never been affected by either, you may still feel anxious or depressed due to the extreme hormonal changes taking place in your body. Prenatal massages can help to relieve stress and soothe anxiety or depression, easing you into a calmer state of mind.

Boost Blood Circulation

Your blood circulation will improve during a prenatal massage — benefitting yourself and your baby.

How? You’ll both receive more oxygen and nutrients, while your swelling may reduce too. Stimulation of the lymph system boosts your immunity levels and flushes toxins out as well.

Care for your Posture

Pregnancy affects your posture and alignment, especially as your baby grows. This can lead to more discomfort and make standing up straight much, even for brief periods, far harder.

A prenatal massage increases your flexibility and muscle tone, helping you carry the baby’s weight a little easier. Combined with relief of those tiresome aches and pains, better posture makes pregnancy less trying on the body.

A Safe, Comfortable Treatment

Prenatal massages are safe in the majority of cases, though it might not be the best choice if you have diabetes, diarrhoea, extreme nausea, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.

But if you are able to have a prenatal massage, your therapist will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire treatment. We always use special cushioning and positioning for the safest, most relaxing experience for moms-to-be.

A prenatal massage is a terrific way to pamper yourself and socialize with a friend or loved one in a tranquil environment. Astra Medi Spa offers a diverse range of massage treatments using classic and the latest techniques: hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, Indian head massage and cupping massage all offer their own benefits for people of all ages.

Want to treat yourself? Schedule your prenatal massageat Astra Medi Spa now.

Should I Have a Massage Before or After I Visit a Chiropractor?

A massage from a qualified professional is one of the most luxurious experiences available at a spa.

Not only is this a wonderful way to relax, a massage has the power to ease aches, relieve pains and boost circulation too. Your muscles will feel better after overuse or strains typically caused by over-exertion.

But what if your discomfort runs deeper?

Combining Massage and Chiropractic Treatments

Combining a massage with chiropractic care can help you address problems in the musculoskeletal system with lasting results.

A chiropractor works to alleviate joint issues causing problems with the nerves, affecting your entire quality of life. In extreme cases, the smallest movements may trigger severe pains and leave you unable to function as you need to.

The chiropractor can make adjustments within the body that alleviate discomfort and help patients start to recover. They will conduct a thorough examination of the treatment area first and discuss any therapies you may have undergone previously.

Combining a massage and chiropractic care has the power to achieve transformative results — but which should you try first?

When Should I Have a Massage Before My Chiropractic Care?

During your chiropractic adjustment, tight muscles surrounding the target joints may interfere with your chiropractor’s ability to fix the issue.

This could lead to only a mild reduction in your discomfort and prompt repeat adjustments in the near future, incurring additional expense.

A massage before your chiropractic care will relieve the tension in your muscles and prepare your body for the adjustments to come. Furthermore, lying back and letting a qualified therapist massage you is an ideal way to relax ahead of your adjustment.

If you’re nervous about it, a good chiropractor will help set your mind at ease in their own way too.

When Should I Have a Massage After My Chiropractic Care?

If you have visited a chiropractor for adjustments before and experienced dysfunctional joints on multiple occasions, you might find undertaking a massage after your chiropractic care helpful.

Why? Because too much muscle tension could pull the joints out of position once more, leading to further misalignments. This would cause further pain and impaired function — making a repeat visit to your chiropractor necessary.

In this case, consider waiting until after your adjustment to book yourself in for a sumptuous massage. This encourages your muscles to stay relaxed and in their proper place, preventing disruption to your problematic joint(s).

Chiropractic care can be quite a shock to the system to begin with, and a massage is a simple way to soothe your body and mind after such a daunting process.

Please bear in mind: these are recommendations only. If you’re prone to musculoskeletal problems, consider experimenting with the order in which you receive both treatments over time. You may find your body responds better to one order than another.

Finding the Right Massage Treatment for Your Body

Astra Medi Spa is committed to performing massage treatments suited to every body and need.

Our team specializes in a fantastic selection of options, including:

• pre-natal massage

• hot stone massage

• deep tissue massage

• lymphatic massage

• Indian head massage

• reflexology (foot and leg)

• cupping massage

Each massage offers its own benefits, though all are designed to leave you feeling better than ever!

Have any questions about our massage treatments? Please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team or drop in and see us!

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.

Why is an Indian head massage right for you?

Have you ever considered an Indian head massage?

This treatment is a fantastic alternative or addition to full-body massages. It was introduced to Western countries in the 1970s and has remained popular since. 

Why should you try one?

Join us as we explore just some of the benefits:

Promotes healthy hair growth

Indian head massages can stimulate hair growth by bringing more oxygen to the follicles. While this is not a guarantee, it may help if you’re concerned about hair loss and want to bring more nourishment to your scalp.

This can be more effective if you believe your hair growth issues are related to stress, as Indian head massages are a great aid to relaxation. Undergoing one on a regular basis makes a terrific addition to a less stressful lifestyle.

Reduce migraines and aches

In an Indian head massage, your therapist will work on the neck, upper back and shoulders too. They will focus on releasing knots and easing tension, reducing aches and pains.

As this tension contributes to headaches and discomfort in the neck / back, a thorough massage may reduce ongoing migraines. Indian head massages are particularly effective for treating stiffness and aches caused by sitting hunched over a desk all day.

Flush out toxins

An Indian head massage will stimulate and enhance the body’s lymphatic drainage, creating easier blood flow to the neck.

As a result, waste is removed from the body more effectively.

Lymphatic drainage can help the following problems:

• Acne

• Eczema

• Fatigue

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Sleep disorders

These benefits are not guaranteed, but Indian head massage does encourage proper lymphatic drainage.

Enhance energy levels

Indian head massages create an immense feeling of well-being that leaves you rejuvenated, taking your energy levels higher.

This can give you a boost in all areas of life, from your performance at work to your mood at home. Making Indian head massages part of your weekly or monthly routine may help you to feel more energized and motivated.

Combat anxiety and depression symptoms

Anxiety and depression are common problems today. Research shows that five percent of Canada’s household population are affected by anxiety, and around eight percent of adults are known to experience major depression at one time or another in life.

We all have to reduce stress and do more to feel good. Indian head massages are just one way you can do both, as it encourages a greater oxygen supply to the brain. This helps you combat anxious feelings and elevate your mood.

With more oxygen reaching the brain, you can think more clearly and develop a tighter focus on tasks. This result is similar to exercising.

Astra Medi Spa’sIndian head massage is performed by experienced, qualified therapists committed to helping you relax. This makes a terrific addition to other treatments, such as deep tissue massage, cupping massage and reflexology.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to learn more about our Indian head massage.

How to Prepare for your First Massage

You may feel daunted by the prospect of your first massage. The idea of having to take your clothes off and let a stranger touch your bare skin is difficult if you’re shy or unhappy with your body.

Perhaps you’re worried about being a little bigger than you’d like, or afraid your masseuse will never have seen so many spots or blemishes on a client’s back before.

Don’t panic: these are all perfectly normal, common concerns.

However, let us set your mind at ease anyway: your masseuse or masseur has seen bodies of all shapes, sizes, and complexions before. They’re unlikely to even notice any of the little things you’re nervous about, and certainly won’t focus on them.

Their chief concern is helping you relax, making you feel better, and performing the full treatment to the very highest standard.

Still, if you’re uncertain what to expect with your first massage, the below tips will help you prepare and get the most out of it.

Relax, relax, relax

We can’t stress this enough: try your best to relax before your massage. Within moments of your treatment starting, you’ll start to wonder why you were so anxious and feel your stresses drift away.

Letting body-confidence issues get to you in the run up to your massage can impact your enjoyment of it. You may feel so tense and self-conscious that you take longer to sink into the sheer pleasure of the experience.

In the hours before your massage, take time to do things you enjoy and consider getting another treatment first. This will help you relax more and put you in the right frame of mind for luxurious pampering.

Avoid eating just before the massage

Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid eating within two or three hours of your massage. If you must eat, keep it light.

You may feel uncomfortable if you get a massage on a full stomach. Allow your breakfast or lunch the time it needs to digest well before you lie on the table.

Speak to your therapist

Your masseuse or masseur is there to make you feel good. If you’re still nervous or don’t want them to touch certain parts of your face, back etc., tell them.

Let them know if you’re allergic to certain lotions or don’t want much oil on your skin. Highlight any areas of physical discomfort you would like them to focus on. The more you can tell them, the more satisfying and rejuvenating your massage will be.

Astra Medi Spa’s massage therapists are committed to providing the very best treatments, targeting different areas for varied results. They’re happy to discuss concerns or requests you may have. Don’t be afraid to offer feedback during the massage, either.

Enjoy your post-massage glow

Once your first massage is over, try to bask in the state of blissful relaxation as much as possible. Avoid anything that may cause you stress or frustration.

For example, if you tend to get angered by traffic, consider taking a cab or Uber to the spa instead. If you’re taking the massage on a weekday lunch break, perhaps book the afternoon off for more me-time.

Astra Medi Spa offers an outstanding portfolio of massages, including pre-natal, hot stone, and deep tissue treatments. Contact usnow to book yours!

Why you should get a massage

People view getting a massage as a luxury. What most people don’t know is that massagehas numerous health benefits and it is medically recommended that you should get a massage once in a while.

How often should you get a massage? People have massages for various reasons. There are those who get a massagefor medical reasons whereas there are those who get it for relaxation and general wellness.

If it is for chronic reasons it is recommended that you should get a massage once every two weeks. For relaxation and general wellness,you should get massaged at least once or twice every month. However, every daywould be nice but in realsense,this is not practical.

Benefits of getting a body massage

Reduces stress and anxiety

In the current generation,it is impossible not to get stressed out. There are over a dozen reasons that make people get stressed out. Some reasons can be managed whereas others are simply beyond our reach. But, did you know that getting a massage reduces anxiety and stress? Body massage stimulates the secretion of serotonin, a hormone that secreted when we are happy. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety levels.

Reduces lower back pain

Lower back pain is a major concern to most people. If you are tired of taking painkillers to reduce back pain then it is high time you try out something else. A deep tissue massage will help relieve the pain. Research has it that over 78% of people who get a massage at least once every two weeks rarely experience lower back pain.

Helps athletes recover fast

After strenuous exercise, lactic acid builds up in the muscles causing disturbing pain. The easiest and fastest way to recover from this would be getting a massage. Basically, a massage improves the blood circulation in the muscles, making you feel relaxed and fresh.

Fends off a headache

Getting a massage fends off a headache. The kind of massage that will fend off a headacheis neck massage but this has to be done by professionals. And, at Astra MediSpa our staffs are professionals who have over 20 years of experience.

Pregnancy

It is so unfair that pregnant women have to go through a lot of discomfort in the course of the nine months of pregnancy. This makes getting a massage when pregnant crucial since massage helps regulate and balance the hormone levels, as a result, reducing discomfort. Well, that’s not all. Getting a massage also reduces the chances of developing stretch marks after giving birth.

Improves sleep

Massage improves blood circulation in the body. With efficient blood circulation,this means that you will have some good night sleep one that is nightmare free.

Get a massage at Astra MediSpa

For the best massage services visit Astra MediSpa. We offer the following types of massages:

• Indian Head Massage
• Cupping Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Reflexology
• Lymphatic Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Pre-natal Massage