Cupping Massage is a modality that finds its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to improve the energy flow throughout the body. It is found to relieve chronic pain and help improve range of motion to injured areas as it loosens the muscles and brings an influx of blood to the area by softening the underlying muscle tissue, leading to increased flexibility and a better sense of mobility. Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org reports that cupping is an effective way to reduce the muscle stiffness associated with the disorder.

During a cupping “massage”, suction creates a negative pressure on the skin's surface. Cups are then moved using various techniques while gently pulling up reaching deep into soft tissue. Massage Cupping Therapy softens tight muscles, tones attachments, loosens adhesions and lifts connective tissue by creating suction and negative pressure, allowing the therapist to work deeper while toxins, inflammation, blood and lymph are pulled to the skins surface, releasing stagnation and detoxifying. 

Try this detox massage at the discounted rate shown below for a limited time.

Post Holiday Detox

As we begin 2017, many of us step into the new year with a new eating plan or exercise regime, as we have spent the several weeks prior, (from Thanksgiving through New Years Eve) with the over indulgences of the holiday food fares that were offered at every turn.

Being Back on the east coast for the last 2 weeks of the year, I ate more than my fare share of home baked holiday cookies, not to mention the pumpkin, blueberry and chocolate cream, (all baked from scratch by my gifted sister in law), pies that I had several servings of, (yes, I actually ate a small slice of each, every time I indulged).

After my excessive eating and lack of exercise, (it was too cold to go walking...), I returned to Arizona resolving to detox, from all of the processed, fatty and sugar containing foods that I had consumed while back home by eating a Paleo diet and combine my efforts with a Detox Massage to accelerate the process.

If you are interested or want more information about our Detox Massage offerings, Click Here and look under "Special Services"

As of this posting, I am well on my way to a healthier me for 2017. Won't you let us know what you're doing to create a healthier you this year?

Wishing you Peace, Happiness, Prosperity and Excellent Health
Angela

RE: Gratitude

As the Thanksgiving holiday season approaches, there are many things I am grateful for. First and foremost to those I love, my family & friends, (some newly found and great many, on the other side of the US), whose love and support keep my spirits lifted and keep me moving forward.

As a Massage Therapist and a fairly new business owner I am grateful:
To my clients who give me the opportunity to help with their discomfort, pain, and/or stresses.
For my natural intuitiveness that guides me during each session.
My inner detective that motivates me to get to the core issue of a muscle in spasm.
For the knowledge of many therapeutic techniques with which to work out these kinks.
For the many years of yoga training that allows me to give my clients tips on how minimize their discomfort.
For the opportunity to be self employed.

What are you grateful for this holiday season?

Angela Powers, CLMT

BOGO Gift Certificates

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with each Massage Gift Certificate ($59. or more) purchased

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Diffusing Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Season - October Complimentary Add On

As cold and flu season approaches, diffusing essential oils can be helpful when symptoms are getting the better of you.

Here are a few facts about essential oils:

• For centuries, essential oils have been used for medicinal purposes because of their powerful healing properties.
• Within 21 minutes of being placed on skin, the essential oils penetrate every cell within the body allowing them to be used medicinally to detoxify the body.
• Just breathing in the fragrance of essential oils can be powerfully healing.
• When diffusing, specific essential oils can kill air-born microorganisms.

Though there are many more, here are some essential oils that are helpful with congestion and cold and flu symptoms:**

Tea Tree – Peppermint – Eucalyptus – Rosemary – Clove - Bergamot

**Consult a Professional Aromatherapist or Holistic Healthcare Professional prior to diffusing essential oils around babies and small children.

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or call: (612) 888-4590

After, someone posted an image of an Olympic athlete with cup marks on his back on my facebook page, I thought I’d write a blurb on cupping therapy and how I use it in my practice.

Cupping was developed thousands of years ago with variations used by Asians, Egyptians, American Indians, Greeks, as well as other European countries. This treatment was used to relieve pain, pull toxins out of the body, stimulate blood flow, enhance circulation, and more.

 Cups may be parked on the skin (usually to remove toxins) or moved. When parked, the cups can cause the skin to temporarily look bruised. The skin discoloration will usually last a few days.

I refer to cupping as a “reverse massage”. Instead of applying pressure to the muscles, the cup’s suction pulls the muscle upward. Cupping many times is preferred and found extremely relaxing by clients who have sensitivity to pressure.

On clients who are experiencing pain or spasm I will many times use cupping therapy by moving the cups across overly tight areas to help soften the muscle tissue enough so that the knots can be worked out. I also use cupping for lymphatic detox massages.

Ask to experience “cupping therapy” during your next massage! 

Click here to book your session today!

Angela J. Powers, CLMT
Owner, Inner Light Wellness Massage
Mesa, AZ

I have recently had several active clients complain of fatigue and muscle spasms either during or after exercise. 

Living in AZ, (the valley of the sun), with this time of year reaching temperatures of 110+ most days, and yes, it's a "dry" heat for the most part, the first question I ask is: "Are you hydrating enough?" 

In every case the answer is "Probably not." I then suggest that they try to drink electrolyte water or use the flavored tablets available at most markets here. 

In each case the client has returned after hydrating more, and report that the muscle spasms after exercise have ceased.

Do you know that if we only drink water when we are thirsty that we are always a bit dehydrated?

With the summer heat, drinking adequate fluid is essential when exercising. 

Depending on the intensity and duration of your form of exercise, you may want to supplement your fluid intake with electrolytes. (Gatorade, electrolyte tablets, etc.)

Here are a few signs of dehydration to watch for:

Dry mouth

Muscle cramps

Fatigue

Headache

Decreased urine output

More info from the Mayo Clinic website

Until next time, Be Well and stay hydrated!

Angela J Powers, CLMT
Owner, Inner Light Wellness Massage
Mesa, AZ