Massages are a luxury some of us do not have the ability to partake in (Unfortunately.) But the pain/aches don't go away simply because we don't have the time. So, what do you do in the meanwhile? Two great tips that my massage therapist Haylee shared with me were...

1.)Placing your hand on your shoulder and roll your neck side to side, while applying pressure. As well as..

2.) Taking your pointer finger and thumb and squeezing the fleshy area between the thumb and pointer finger of the other hand.

And for an extra bonus there is a great product called Theracream that has an icy/hot feeling and relaxing peppermint scent! Great for stress relief!

Welcome to 2012! Have you started your resolutions yet? Well, here at Cottonwood we have! And we would like to help you as well. Now, we all know the number one resolution of all time is to "lose weight." But, lets put a new spin on things. Instead of focusing on losing weight; focus on treating your body right. And what's more luxurious for your body than a massage? "But that won't help with my weight loss" you say? Well we've done some research and we've found that a massage not only relieves stress but, 1) Improves circulation in your muscles, 2) Improves your muscles' range of motion, 3) Shortens recovery time, 4) AND research has also shown that a massage can burst the fat capsules in the body; making them easier to break down. So what are you waiting for?! Give us a call and book yourself some luxurious fitness time!

Reflexology massage focuses on pointed, specific areas in the hands and feet, which control various parts of the body. Pressure techniques are applied to the feet or hands which interact as a part of the body's nervous system.

It's said that recipients benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension and the body's ability to heal itself. Other benefits of reflexology include:

• Creates relaxation
• Reduces pain
• Ameliorates health concerns
• Improves blood flow, especially to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines
• Aids post-operative recovery by reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics
• Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many. Such as phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients.
• Benefits mental health and reduces depression and anxiety
• Complements cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients)
• Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects

Cottonwood's Reflexology Massages last 30 minutes and all of our Massage Therapists are experienced and fully trained in Reflexology massage.

Thai massage is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches.

Wearing loose-fitting clothing, the massage therapist moves the client's body into many different positions. The massage therapist manipulates a handful of major "sen" lines by pressing certain points along those lines.

It's a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

• Releases tight joints
• Stretches muscles
• Increased range of motion
• Reduces stress

Thai massage is both deeply relaxing and energizing. Stress around the holidays leads to health concerns. Massage is a great way to reduce stress and ensure you stay healthy and alert through the holidays.

Call today to schedule your Thai massage.

Fight cold and flu infections, decrease pain and fatigue, enhance your skin's quality, and increase energy... all while getting an amazing massage?

Recently, Lymphatic Massage has become a very popular massage procedure. It's a light massage that helps clean out the lymphs and increase lymph flow by using pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes.

Aches, pains, soreness, and flu-like symptoms could all be caused by congested lymph pathways. Stimulating the lymph nodes through massage helps to clear any blockages and keeps it running healthy and strong.

Immune system function can be significantly increased, improving metabolism and helping the body to eliminate waste and toxins.

With cold and flu season upon us and holiday stress quickly approaching, take time to relax, renew, and enjoy the many benefits of a Lymphatic massage.

If you've been feeling under the weather lately, results from a new study may provide a delightful solution for how to increase your immune system.

Researchers have reported that people who undergo a Swedish massage experience measurable changes in their body's immune and endocrine response.

Participants of the study who underwent a Swedish massage experienced:

•Significant changes in a type of white blood cell that plays a large role in defending the body from disease.

•Large decrease in a hormone linked to helping aggressive behavior.

• Decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

•A notable decrease in most cytokines, produced by stimulated white blood cells.

"This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," said Rapaport, the principal investigator of the study and the Polier Family Chair in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders. "More research is ahead of us but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit."

If your body needs an immune boost, book a massage with one of Cottonwood's amazing massage therapists to cure what ails you. Doctor's orders.

Find your ideal massage therapist at: http://cottonwoodsalonspa.com/staff

Source: Cedars-Sinai's Department of Psychiatry.

The complete study is published online at http://www.liebertonline.com/loi/acm.