 Sometimes we view massage therapy as a luxury - something to only get at a spa or on vacation. However, massage is a legitimate form of healthcare (did you know you can use your HSA account for massage??!).
Here are our top 5 reasons to get a massage! 1.) You Need a Break (Maintenance for Your Body and Mind) - You wouldn't let your phone battery go dead, would you? Would you not change the oil in your car? Our bodies need maintenance too, and you need a break! A massage is a perfect reset for the mind and body. 2.) You Sit All Day at Work and/or Have a Long Commute - Sitting is hard on the body. Chronic pain patterns can start to develop after sitting for long periods, contributing to back pain, neck pain, arm and hand pain (if working at a computer). Massage therapy is excellent for unwinding these patterns and for releasing tight muscles associated with sitting. 3.) You are Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Depressed - Unfortunately, these symptoms are all too common in today's society. Massage therapy can help release happy brain chemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. These neurochemicals help to make us feel happy, calm and have pain-killing properties. If you're going through a tough time, show yourself some extra love with massage. 4.) You Want to be a More Effective Parent, Spouse and/or Employee - Reducing stress and boosting your happy brain chemicals actually can make up show up as a better parent, partner and help us perform better at our job. Massage therapy helps to shift us out of the fight-or flight stress mode. When we're in fight-or-flight, it's much harder to make good life decisions and show up as a calm presence for the people around us. 5.) Massage Can Boost the Immune System - Massage therapy helps us to produce more immune-enhancing chemicals in our blood, which can help us defend from viruses that we may be exposed to. If you're looking to keep your immune system healthy, regular massage therapy is a great tool to add to your arsenal. Schedule your massage today in Jacksonville, Florida and let us help you feel at your best!
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The Wellness Hub Staff's 2023 Guide to Jacksonville, Florida (and surrounding areas) Part 14/10/2023  The Wellness Hub Guide to Jacksonville, Florida Part 1 Jacksonville, Florida is a city with lots of natural beauty and a great diversity of local businesses and cultural institutions. Here we are sharing with you our staff's favorite places in the city (and nearby) where we love to spend our time when we aren't helping to heal the residents of our city with acupuncture, massage and more!
------ Ronnie- Ronnie, co-owner of The Wellness Hub and owner of The Bow Acupuncture, enjoys watching movies at Sun-Ray Cinema in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood. He says it's the best place to catch an indie film or a blockbuster with some beer and popcorn or pizza. Wildcrafters, just down the street from Sun-Ray, is a non-alcoholic bar serving Kava, non-alcoholic beer, virgin cocktails and more. It's a nice place to visit when needing a mellow night or afternoon. The music playlist is always spectacular, Ronnie says! Ronnie is also an avid hiker and likes to trek the trails at The Jacksonville Arboretum. While the trails aren't quite the mountains he is used to in his home state of California, they are some of the nicest hiking trails Jacksonville has to offer, with beautiful natural scenery. Elizabeth - Elizabeth, The Wellness Hub Lead Massage Therapist and Fertility Massage Expert, loves the local Jacksonville store Earth Gifts. Earth Gifts is a metaphysical paradise with a wide array of crystals and gemstones, jewelry, books, tarot cards, candles and more. She loves to look at all of the shiny crystals and often picks some up to decorate her massage room with. Kendra - Kendra, co-owner of The Wellness Hub and licensed Acupuncture Physician is with Be Well Healing Arts, is a fan of the beaches in St. Augustine. Vilano Beach is especially nice, with clear water on a lot of days, which reminds her of her childhood going to the Gulf of Mexico beaches of the panhandle. St Augustine Beach's main pavilion is also nice, watching kids play at the splash pad and the Bocce Ball courts are some highlights. Going on a day trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville is definitely a favorite activity of Kendra's, any day of the week! For healthy food and snacks, including gluten-free fare, Grassroots Market in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville is one of Kendra's picks. It features an impressive array of natural products in a small space, including supplements and natural body care items For a fun-filled Saturday, Kendra enjoys going to The Cummer Museum and the Riverside Arts Market - right next to each other on the banks of the St. Johns River. From local crafts and local produce to world-class artwork - you are sure to find something to interest you at these two Jacksonville institutions. Kimberly - Kim, Clinical and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapist at The Wellness Hub is a longtime Jacksonville native. However, unlike many locals, she is the first to admit she doesn't like the beach too much. Instead, she loves exploring Florida's outdoors through hiking, biking and kayaking. Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka (a short drive from Jacksonville) is one of her favorite hiking spots. For Kayaking, she likes many of the springs in the Ocala National Forest, especially Silver Springs. Seeing manatees, alligators and Florida's many birds is a highlight for her. Kim is also an Indian food lover and recommends Masala Indian Cuisine for delicious curries and vindaloos. Hannia - Hannia is a newer addition to Jacksonville from central Florida and has been attending the University of North Florida and working at The Wellness Hub for just over a year. You will see her smiling face at the front desk ready to book your massage! South Beach Park in Jacksonville Beach is a favorite of Hannia's for the diversity of offerings including a playground and tennis courts. pickleball courts, picnic areas and even a skate park! For a special culinary treat, she also loves Le Petite Paris, featuring delicacies from croissants and baguette sandwiches to quiches and French pastries. Colleen - Colleen is a Massage Therapist, Reiki Healer and Craniosacral Therapist at The Wellness Hub. She is a recent transplant to Jacksonville and is greatly enjoying the warmer weather here compared to the frigid winters in her home state of New York. She is a big fan of Black Cat Yoga Studio and had this to say: I've only been to Black Cat Yoga studio a handful of times, for a couple classes and various events they have had. But it is by far one of my favorite places in Jacksonville. Kevin and Lisa truly embody their message of love and community, and you can feel it the second you walk through the door. A wonderful place to nurture the heart and soul. Bri - Bri, Massage Therapist at The Wellness Hub, recommends checking out DJ's Record Shop - a black-owned record shop that has been open in Jacksonville since the late 1960s! She says the number of records there will astound you. Bri is also a huge fan of sitting by the river and reading a book at the beautiful Memorial Park, sometimes described as Jacksonville's Crown Jewel. Being the book lover that she is, Bri also greatly enjoys perusing the aisles at Barnes & Noble at the Town Center while sipping a coffee. -------- Look out for part 2 of our staff guide to Jacksonville, coming soon!  We want you to have the most enjoyable and therapeutic massage at our clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. While getting a massage isn't rocket science, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most benefit out of your massage.
Massage Aftercare Instructions for The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida: 1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate - Massage helps to activate your body's detoxification pathways including the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system needs enough pure water to work properly and remove waste. Before and after a massage, emphasize drinking pure water or herbal teas, and avoid caffeine or alcohol - which are dehydrating. A good rule of thumb for proper hydration is to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces per day (so if you weigh 150 pounds, you drink 75 ounces per day). Obviously, certain medical conditions require different hydration needs, so you should always check with your doctor or medical professional about your unique water intake needs. 2. Make Epsom Salt Your Friend - A nice warm bath is very soothing after a massage, particularly with Epsom Salts. Epsom Salts are Magnesium Sulfate, which is a natural muscle relaxer. They are also wonderful at drawing out toxins in the body, as is massage, so it will enhance this effect. You can get Epsom Salts at most grocery stores or pharmacies. Epsom Salt Soak Recipe After Massage 2 Cups Epsom Salt Hot Water 15-20 Minute Soak, Before Bed 3. Mind Your Posture and Your Activities - After your massage, you’re likely feeling great! Notice if any common activities or ways you hold or move your body seem to aggravate your muscles after a massage. Perhaps it’s time for a new chair or computer desk? This would be a good time to start a new stretching routine or pick-up an abandoned one in order to make the results of your massage last! Side Effects of Massage - You may feel a little sore after a massage. Getting a massage is kind of like working out your muscles, but passively. So it’s normal to feel a little soreness, which should dissipate after a day or so. It is similar to getting back into the gym after not working out for a while - you'll feel a little sore! Epsom salt baths are helpful for this and you can also use a natural topical pain reliever and/or a warm heating pad until it feels better. We recommend and carry Evil Bone Water, a Chinese Medicine topical liniment for increasing circulation and relieving inflammation. This is a great complementary product to use after your massage to relieve any residual soreness and help to relieve muscle tension and pain in general. If you're in the Jacksonville, Florida area and are looking for a great therapeutic massage experience, we look forward to seeing you soon. You can book online now or call us at 904-512-7551.  Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida for Stress Management April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month in the United States. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness about the causes and deleterious effects of stress.
Stress has become so ever-present in our lives, especially in the past few years since 2020 and the global pandemic. It's important to understand that living in a constant state of stress is unhealthful in many ways and it's not really normal, though in our culture it's become usual. We are here for you in Jacksonville, Florida with therapeutic massage to help you reduce your stress load. What are the Physical Mental and Emotional "Symptoms" of Stress? Stress can have a significant impact on both physical, emotional and mental health. Below are just a few of the ways that stress can negatively impact our health:
How Can Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida Benefit Your Stress Management Efforts? 1. Reduced muscle tension: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and reduce muscle tension, which is a common physical symptom of stress. By releasing tension in the muscles, massage can promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety. 2. Lowered cortisol levels: Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress, and high levels of cortisol in the body can contribute to feelings of anxiety and tension. Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can help to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. 3. Improved mood: Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help to reduce pain and produce feelings of well-being. By increasing the levels of these chemicals in the body, massage can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. 4. Increased relaxation: Massage can help to promote relaxation by slowing down the heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and promoting deeper breathing. These physical changes can help to induce a state of relaxation, which can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. 4. Better sleep: Stress and tension can interfere with sleep, and lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Massage can help to promote better sleep by inducing a state of relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting deeper breathing. Improved sleep can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. As you can see, receiving regular massage therapy to reduce stress has a plethora of benefits. Massage isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for your whole-body wellness and overall health. Additional Life Benefits of Stress Relief Massage in Jacksonville, Florida The stress-relieving benefits of massage go beyond just physical and mental health improvements. When you feel better and manage stress, everything in your life is better. You are more effective and efficient at your job, allowing you to make better decisions and communicate better. Over time, better performance at your job could eventually lead to advancements and raises. Additionally, when you are less stressed you are more patient and loving with your spouse and can be present for your children more, being a better parent. You are also modeling good self-care to your children when you regularly take part in stress-relieving lifestyle activities such as massage. We're not saying that massage is the key to improving your entire life, we're just saying that the stress-relieving benefits of massage are a vital part of your wellness self-care plan! -------------- Give us a call today at 904-512-7551 to get started with massage therapy in Jacksonville, Florida for stress relief. Ask about our introductory rates for first-time clients.  Holistic care and surgery seem like oxymorons. Isn't surgery the antithesis of natural wellness options?
Perhaps it seems like that, but in our modern world, if we do find ourselves needing to have surgery, the great thing is there are options to help us recover faster through holistic medicine. There is no need to feel that if a person avails themselves of Western medicine that they can't use natural medicine modalities as well to complement their treatment. At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida we offer several different services that can help your recovery from surgical procedures, whether it is a planned procedure or one that occurs unexpectedly. Our acupuncture, red light therapy and manual lymphatic drainage services can greatly assist you on your post-surgical recovery journey. Natural and Holistic Modalities for Integrative Surgical Recovery How Acupuncture Can Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery
How Red Light Therapy Can Help Surgical Recovery Red light therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses specific wavelengths and frequencies of red light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation therapy. Red light therapy has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including wound healing, muscle pain, joint problems, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been used in cosmetic treatments for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Here are some ways that red light therapy works for surgical recovery:
How Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Aka Lymphatic Massage Help) Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of massage therapy that is perfectly positioned to help with surgical preparation and recovery. Here are some ways that MLD can be helpful:
Bonus - Nutrition for Surgical Recovery While not a specific service we offer at The Wellness Hub, having proper nutrition and employing a couple of specific nutritional strategies can aid your body in healing fully and completely.
Having surgery can be quite a disruptive time in a person's life. Everyone wants to have the best plan and treatment strategy to decrease downtime, reduce pain and promote proper and speedy healing. If you are having surgery in Jacksonville, Florida or you've recently undergone a procedure, we are here to help you recover with our natural and holistic modalities! Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment.  A picture of our beautiful couples massage room at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida This Valentine's Day Weekend we are offering a special couples massage experience. 😍
(Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday and this takes place the weekend before) Dates: Saturday, February 11th, 9:30 am - 7:30 pm Sunday, February 12th, 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday, February 14th, 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm Your Valentine's Day couples massage experienced will include sparking wine (or sparkling apple cider, if you prefer), chocolates and special locally made V-Day cookies from Breanne's Kitchen. These spots will go quickly, so call us now to book your appointment! Pre-payment is required to book the appointment. If you need to cancel you will receive a full refund as long as your cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment. To book, give us a call at 904-512-7551 (this cannot be booked online). Valentine's Weekend Couples Massage Pricing 60-Minute Couples Massage Package - $175 Regular Price/$165 Member Price 90-Minute Couples Massage Package - $260 Regular Price/$245 Member Price 120-Minute Couples Massage Package - $350 Regular Price/$330 Member Price Pricing is for 2 People Does this weekend not work for you? No worries, we offer couples massage year-round, so give us a call to book your special date.  Prenatal Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage, is a type of therapeutic massage that is specifically designed for pregnant women. It involves the use of gentle and safe massage techniques to alleviate physical discomfort and emotional stress during pregnancy. While some people may view prenatal massage as a luxury or indulgence, it offers many important benefits for the mama and her unborn baby. At The Wellness Hub here in Jacksonville, Florida, we believe that every mother-to-be deserves prenatal massage during all stages of her pregnancy! Below we will explore some of the benefits of prenatal massage: Relief from Physical Discomfort Pregnancy can be a physically challenging time for women. As the baby grows, the mother's body undergoes significant changes that can lead to physical discomforts such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps, and swollen feet. Prenatal massage can be very effective in relieving these discomforts by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and releasing endorphins (the body's natural painkillers). This can help pregnant women feel more resourceful during pregnancy and provide relief from aches and pains. Improved Sleep and Relief from Discomfort During Sleep Many pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping due to physical discomfort, anxiety, or hormonal changes. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and other negative consequences. Prenatal massage has been shown to improve sleep quality in pregnant women by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation. This can help pregnant women get the rest they need to feel their best during pregnancy. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Pregnancy can be a stressful time for women, as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby and navigate the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. Prenatal massage can be a valuable tool for reducing stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin. This can help pregnant women feel more relaxed and calm, and may even lead to better outcomes for the baby. Improved Immune System Function Pregnancy, by design, suppresses a woman's immune system, so colds, flu and allergies can be a common occurrence. Prenatal massage may also have benefits for the mother's immune system. Research has shown that massage therapy can increase the activity of white blood cells, which play a key role in the body's immune response. This can help pregnant women stay healthy and reduce the risk of bothersome colds during pregnancy. Reduced Swelling and Edema Swelling and edema (excess fluid retention) are common during pregnancy, especially in the feet, ankles, and legs. Prenatal massage can be very effective in reducing swelling and edema by improving circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage. This can help pregnant women feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of complications such as varicose veins and blood clots. We have several lymphatic massage specialists at The Wellness Hub, and many of them also offer prenatal massage! How Often Should a Pregnant Woman Receive Prenatal Massage? The frequency of prenatal massage will vary depending on the individual needs and preferences of the pregnant woman. However, there are some general guidelines that can help determine how often to get prenatal massage. In the first trimester, prenatal massage is generally safe, according to The American Pregnancy Association. However, during this time, many women are not yet experiencing significant physical discomfort and may prefer to wait until later in the pregnancy to begin massage therapy. If a woman does choose to receive massage in the first trimester, once a month is generally sufficient. At The Wellness Hub, we just ask that you receive verbal clearance from your ob-gyn doctor to proceed with massage in the first trimester. In the second trimester, as the baby grows and the mother's body undergoes significant changes, prenatal massage can be very beneficial. During this time, women may experience increased muscle tension, back pain, and other discomforts. Many women choose to receive massage once every two to three weeks during the second trimester to help manage these symptoms. In the third trimester, prenatal massage can be especially helpful for preparing the body for labor and delivery. During this time, women may experience increased fatigue, swelling, sciatica and back pain. Many women choose to receive prenatal massage once a week during the third trimester to help manage these symptoms. It's always a good idea to consult with your obstetrician and your massage therapist to help determine what is appropriate for your specific condition and evaluate any individual risk factors.  We offer a comfortable side-lying position for prenatal massage in Jacksonville, FL, and can also provide a special pregnancy bolster that can safely allow you to lay face down! Is Massage Therapy During Pregnancy Safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced licensed massage therapist, prenatal massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. However, as with any type of medical treatment or intervention, there are some risks and precautions to keep in mind. It is important to note that there are some circumstances in which prenatal massage may not be recommended. For example, women with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or placenta previa may need to avoid massage therapy or obtain clearance from their healthcare provider before receiving massage. It is also important to communicate openly with the massage therapist about any health concerns or discomforts during the massage. If at any point during the massage a woman feels uncomfortable or experiences pain, she should let the therapist know immediately. A prenatal massage therapist is an important part of the healthcare team during pregnancy, so any medical changes should be reported directly to the therapist. A Happy, Healthy Pregnancy with Prenatal Massage A healthy pregnancy helps with the outcome of a healthy delivery and a healthy baby. Adding a prenatal massage plan to your pregnancy wellness toolkit is a great way to be at your healthiest during this special time.  At our holistic health center in Jacksonville, Florida, we are concerned about your health and wellbeing as well as giving you the most beautiful skin. Our owners and licensed holistic estheticians have carefully selected the best natural skincare products to make sure they are non-toxic.
Did you know that beauty and skincare products are largely unregulated in the United States? Research has shown that many personal care items and cosmetics contain carcinogenic ingredients, can cause allergies and immune system toxicity, and disrupt hormones. We like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database for researching products, including ingredients and brands. However, when receiving a facial at a spa, how can you know you get clean and non-toxic products? At The Wellness Hub, you can rest assured any products and ingredients we use during your facial or any products we recommend for you to take home are healthy, safe and effective. Our philosophy is that you should never sacrifice your health for beauty! What are the Top 5 Benefits of an Organic Facial?
If you are someone who is concerned with using the most natural products on your precious skin, we invite you to come to The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida for one of our skincare services. You can always make a day of it and book a massage session too for the ultimate in health and relaxation!  Summer Skincare Tips Summer is a time for beach days, pool parties, and vacations. It’s also a great time to take a little extra care of your skin. Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause a host of issues from skin cancer to premature aging. Taking the time to educate yourself and take proper precautions will help you in years to come. The sun plays an important role in our health. While it’s true that sunburns and skin cancer are very real threats and that SPF is essential, there are also positive effects of sun exposure. The sun can also do plenty of good things for your body. By soaking up some sunlight you can do wonders for your mind, bones, mood, and more. When you give your skin access to a healthy dose of the sun’s rays, you are likely to experience some amazing benefits. 1. Increased Vitamin D Vitamin D has some important functions in the body. It promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth. It’s also very hard to get enough from food sources alone. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D, and it only takes 5-15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to notice a difference. Get outside and expose yourself to direct sun on your arms and face to soak up this necessary vitamin. Just remember to use sunscreen if you’ll be outside for more than 15 minutes. 2. Improved Mood It turns out “sunny disposition” is more than just an expression: Researchers at BYU found more mental health distress in people during seasons with little sun exposure. On the contrary, days with plenty of sunshine were associated with better mental health while increasing your serotonin— in fact, the availability of sunshine has more impact on mood than rainfall, temperature, or any other environmental factor. 3. Higher Quality Sleep That serotonin you soak up from the sun’s rays does more than boost your mood – it might also help you get more restful sleep at night. Working in tandem with serotonin is melatonin, a chemical in your brain that lulls you into slumber and one that sun also helps your body produce. 4. Stronger Bones Low Vitamin D has been linked to diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, and one of the most specific benefits of Vitamin D is earning stronger bones and teeth. How much Vitamin D do you need? For adults, a daily intake of 4,000 international units (or IUs) is recommended. While calcium intake is also crucial for bone health, getting enough sun helps your body absorb the calcium. 5. Lower Blood Pressure When sunlight hits your skin, your body releases something called nitric oxide into your blood. This compound brings down blood pressure and improves heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can reduce your risks of cardiac disease and stroke. Feelings of relaxation may also naturally bring down blood pressure, so boosting your happiness by soaking up rays also aids in keeping your pressure down. The recommended amount of sun exposure is fifteen minutes two to three times per week. Because most people spend considerably more time outdoors, this is where sunscreen comes in handy. SPF is your best line of defense! Here is a breakdown of what your need to know about sunscreen. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it indicates the percentage of sun rays that get blocked by your product.  Dermatologists correlate the following numeric SPFs with the total percentage of sun protection. The numbers may surprise you: · SPF 15 filters out about 93% of sun rays · SPF 30 filters out about 97% of sun rays · SPF 50 filters out about 99% of sun rays There’s a common misconception that really high SPFs, like an SPF 75 or 100 will offer far greater protection, especially if you have fair skin. In reality, the protection of these SPFs is not significantly greater, so no need to use an SPF over 50. Higher SPFs actually tend to be less balanced in the protection they offer against UVA vs. UVB rays. Often, they will offer far greater UVB protection than UVA protection. Sunburns are a result of exposure to UVB rays, the rays responsible for causing skin cancer.UVA rays are the ones that cause wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging like age spots. These rays are a little sneakier and affect your skin even when you are out of direct sunlight by shining through clouds and windows. The difference between chemical and mineral SPF is in the way they work to protect your skin. Mineral SPFs use active ingredients like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide to create a physical barrier on top of your skin that works by reflecting the sun’s rays. Because of this, mineral SPFs do not penetrate the skin, which tends to make them less irritating. Zinc Oxide is the Environmental Working Group’s first choice for sun protection because it is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than Titanium Dioxide or any other sunscreen approved in the U.S.* Chemical SPFs work by filtering UV rays. Ultraviolet light penetrates the skin and then chemicals like Oxybenzone, Avobenzone and Octisalate absorb the sun’s rays, transforming them into heat and then dispersing them from the body. Unlike mineral SPFs, chemical SPFs allow UV rays to penetrate the skin and the heat from the rays can break down the chemical filters, causing allergic reactions and irritation. And what’s worse, this heat can cause damage to your skin cells which has been linked to skin cancer. Mineral SPFs offer amazing sun protection, plus they are safe for the environment. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in chemical SPF, and a 2016 study* reported that when Oxybenzone washes off in water, it can contaminate coral reefs, thus harming the aquatic ecosystem. Unlike chemical SPFs that take about 15 minutes to work after applying, micronized Zinc Oxide begins working immediately so you can spend more time outside enjoying the sun. If by chance you do get burned, here are a few tips on how to begin to heal the skin. 1. Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then, apply a moisturizer to help trap the water in your skin. This can help ease the dryness. 2. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, you may want to apply a hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription. Do not treat sunburn with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine), as these may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. 3. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort. 4. Drink extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration. 5. If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection. 6. Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals. Wear clothing that covers your skin when outdoors. Tightly-woven fabrics work best. When you hold the fabric up to a bright light, you shouldn’t see any light coming through.  A few basic tips to keep your summer skin at its best:
Skincare Services for Summer Some of our favorite skincare services here at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida are our back facials to reveal clear and glowing skin on your back - in a time when sundresses, low-cut shirts and bathing suits are our mainstays! We also love our deluxe customizable facial any time of the year because it can be customized to your needs. In the summertime, we always focus on hydration and gentle exfoliation as well as whatever else you need for your specific needs. The deluxe facial allows you to pick any three modalities to customize your experience. You can choose from a peel, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, cupping and gua sha, facial reflexology and more! We wish you a healthy, happy, and safe summer!  We are massage pain-relief specialists in Jacksonville, FloridaWhat is Neuromuscular Massage?
Neuromuscular massages consist of applying different levels of pressure on the soft tissues of the body. In addition to this changing pressure, specific movements are also made with the massage therapist's hands to promote the following benefits: Pain Reduction Pain relief is the key symptom that makes people go for this type of massage therapy. Although there may be some lingering discomfort at the end of the session, relief will be noticeable after a few hours. It is very effective for chronic pain, especially that pain that does not respond well to anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants, or analgesics. That which takes several days or even weeks or months and does not disappear. Any type of fasciitis, tendonitis, joint pain, repetitive muscle spasms, sports injuries, different locations of spinal pain and lumbar, rib, dorsal cervical muscle pain can be addressed with neuromuscular massage Relief from Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms A muscle cramp is a sudden involuntary tightening of one or more muscles or tendons, this is temporary but if it lasts longer it can become a muscle contracture and cause deformity, loss of movement, and a lot of pain. The purpose of massage is to relax the muscles, so one of its main benefits is to recover muscle tissue in a pathological state. In the case of contractures, the fibers causing it will be specifically treated, returning them to their usual state. This effect is also known as normalizing muscle tone. Increased Mobility So, massage helps to keep a healthy muscle tone, but there's more. An additional benefit of having toned muscles is that we will have greater mobility. That is, it will "let itself be stretched" instead of being stiff, and you will notice it in each movement. Having naturally relaxed muscles improves the quality of your sleep and quickens fatigue recovery after long hours of work. Improved Circulation The goal of removing pathogenic substances is to restore normal circulatory levels. This not only helps to keep the musculoskeletal system in good working order, but it also helps to eliminate harmful substances. How Does it Work? Neuromuscular massages base their effectiveness on specific types of muscle stimulation. The main purpose of this method is to stimulate muscle fibers to work and recover faster than the normal cycle of contraction and relaxation. This also applies to the tendons, and even the nerves can be stimulated so that they remember how to perform their function correctly. To understand how all this works, let's talk about the specific functions that neuromuscular massage performs: Trigger Points One of the symptoms that neuromuscular massage therapists treat with great attention is trigger points. It is about the exact point where fibers are dysfunctional and causing muscular pains. The massage therapy technique in this case is based on keeping these pathological fibers pressed for about 30 seconds. During this time, the pressure is modulated so the patient feels a certain degree of discomfort (called taking you to the edge), don't panic it will disappear later. The pressure is then suddenly released, causing a large amount of blood to flow to the area, flushing out harmful substances. By suddenly increasing circulation, the fibers return to their normal healthy state. Postural Problems Secondly, when we get a muscle or group of muscles to relax, we will also achieve an improvement in posture. In other words, we work on individual elements so that the whole work correctly. This is why a contracture in the neck can give us lumbar problems. Although it seems that there is no connection, when a muscle is dysfunctional, the rest of the body tries to protect it. This leads us to adopt unnatural postures that can end up deteriorating other muscle groups. Muscle Fatigue Along with rest, neuromuscular massages come in handy to re-nourish the muscles. Again, we are talking about increasing circulation favored by the pressures and relaxations in the ill fibers. This increase in blood —noticed when heat appears— also helps the muscles to hydrate and nourish themselves. In this way, they help us recover before intense sports sessions. What Specific Ailments Can Neuromuscular Massage Treat? Neuromuscular massage is beneficial for the following orthopedic and chronic pain conditions: Sciatica Plantar Fasciitis Tendonitis Rotator Cuff Pathologies TMJ pain and dysfunction Hip Pain/SI Joint Dysfunction Knee Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Low Back Pain Upper Back Pain Headaches and Migraines and more... A benefit for athletes and desk-workers alike Treating these ailments helps the patient have greater mobility and quality of life. Neuromuscular massage improves athletes' performance and desk-working sedentary persons who suffer from stiffness, cramps, or contractures due to poor or sustained posture and repetitive motions. For good reason, neuromuscular massage therapy has been one of the most used techniques in the healing arts and medical settings for decades. Our experienced licensed massage therapists in Jacksonville, Florida at The Wellness Hub are trained in neuromuscular massage therapy as well as other techniques to help get you out of pain. Our massage sessions are customized to your unique needs to help you feel better, increase mobility and get you back to the life you love! You can learn more about our massage services and our massage therapists here. |
AuthorThe Wellness Hub Center for Chronic Pain Relief and Holistic Healing in Jacksonville, Florida. A place for wellness, healing and renewal. Archives
April 2023
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