Did you wake up this morning with pain, stiffness, aching joints? Are you stressed or have anxiety? Well the good news is that massage therapy can eleviate all of those health issues. In this country between 80% and 90% of all illness can be directly linked to stress. One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is the reduction of stress. So the next time you are feeling pain or stress, don't pick up a pill. Pick up your phone and call me! Melanie M. Neumann, LMT 727-215-3862

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Exercise and stretching today. It goes hand and hand with massage therapy and good health.

Prenatal Massage

This past Saturday I had the wonderful experience of providing prenatal massage. Everyone can benefit from all the positive effects of massage therapy, but one group in particular is expectant mothers. It is such an honor to work with these women. Having had four children myself I know first hand how wonderful massage can be. I use body cushions that have the mother lying on her side. So comfortable most just want to fall asleep. This position allows me to use fairly deep pressure on their back which can be so achy with all that extra weight they are carrying around. It also allows me to do some range of motion with their legs that really feels good and work on their hips and glutes which are often strained and causing some sciatic pain. Really good hand and foot massage with some reflexology makes for a very relaxing and rejuvenating massage.

Prenatal massage does more than relieve aches and pains and stresses on the pregnant body. An expectant mom's blood volume can double during her pregnancy. Massage helps with her circulation; helps move lymph and interstial fluid. This helps improve the immune system and helps distribute hormones. Massage also helps the body release the brains feel good chemicals, dopamine and serotonin as well as endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. These help mom feel good about herself, her body image, and feel closer to her baby. It also helps her have a better body awareness that can help with her labor. And massage provided to a woman during labor is proven to shorten labor, reduce the need for pain meds and fewer medical interventions.

So if you are expecting or you know anyone who is expecting, have them get a prenatal massage. They will thank you!

Blessing~

Melanie M. Neumann, LMT &

Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist

Emotional Benefits of Massage

I have a tag line, "Healing Mind, Body & Spirit." As a massage therapist most people understand the healing body part but often don't fully understand the mind and spirit aspect. Massage therapy is so beneficial for us all on all three levels. Regular massage therapy relaxes aching muscles, relieves pain and stress but it also affects our brain, our emotions. When you receive a massage, your brain not only releases endorphins, your body's natural pain killers, it releases serotonin and dopamine, your "feel good" chemicals. These help alleviate anxiety and depression. When receiving a massage by a caring practitioner the client will feel the positive energy and unconditional support and caring that is put into it, improving their self image and mental state. Imagine all the pills you have to take each day to accomplish all the things massage therapy can do and without any side effects!

Every time I give a massage, before I place my hands on you, I will connect with the positive energy and spirit within me. And when I place my hands on you it will be with intention. Intention to give you the best massage possible, to heal your mind, your body and your spirit. So the next time your are feeling depressed, anxious, in pain or your aching, don’t pick up a pill. Pick up the phone and call me. Your body will thank you!

Blessing to you...

Melanie

http://www.tampabaymassagetherapy.com/