Blog Post

How Massage Heals @ Luxe

September 11, 2023
Scrunching our shoulders, craning our necks, sitting for hours, driving in rush-hour traffic — such mundane activities can create patterns of muscle tension (referred to as “holding”) in the body. And when muscles are chronically tense or tweaked, it can have a nasty effect on both our bodies and our minds.

Persistent musculoskeletal tension can restrict blood circulation and nutrient supplies to the body’s organs and tissues. As the weblike connective tissue (fascia) that envelops the muscles gets increasingly dense and less mobile, it can negatively affect posture and breathing. The experience of low-grade, habitual tension can contribute to chronic hormonal, biochemical and neurological problems of all kinds.

Massage interrupts such stress-inducing patterns, and helps nudge the body back into a natural state of balance.

So what is massage, exactly? Scientists who study its health benefits often use the therapy’s broadest definition: “The manipulation of soft tissue for the purpose of producing physiological effects.”

That clinical definition hardly does massage justice, though. So read on to find out more about the subtleties of various types of massage, and the powerful healing potential they might hold for you.

Alleviate Anxiety
In conventional medicine, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are the gold standard. But massage and most other forms of bodywork don’t lend themselves well to such studies. Therefore, scientific “proof,” both for massage’s efficacy and its means of function, runs a little thin. But convincing clinical evidence is accumulating.

For example, in 2004, Christopher Moyer, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, published a meta-analysis on massage therapy research and found that, on average, research subjects who received massage had a lower level of anxiety than those who did not.

“My research consistently finds that massage does have an impact on anxiety,” says Moyer. “We don’t know exactly why, but people who get massage have less anxiety afterward.”

One popular explanation is that massage lowers the body’s levels of cortisol, the hormone notorious for triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. “No matter how we measure cortisol — in saliva or urine — or how often, we always find that massage has a beneficial effect,” says Tiffany Field, PhD, a researcher at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

Although Moyer is yet to be convinced of the cortisol connection, both he and Field agree that massage is potentially very therapeutic for what’s known as “state” anxiety. Unlike generalized anxiety disorders, state anxiety is a reaction to something you can pinpoint, such as a troubling or traumatic event, circumstance, or setting.

Although more research is needed, says Moyer, “some experts posit that the reported alleviation of state anxiety could be a result of something as simple as the social and psychological environment where massage takes place.”

Relieve Lower-Back Pain
Aside from stress, if there’s one thing that drives people to the massage table in droves, it’s pain. Especially lower-back pain, which up to 85 percent of Americans experience at some point during their lives.

In 2008, the Cochrane Collaboration (a global, independent, nonprofit organization that reviews the usefulness of healthcare interventions) published an examination of the evidence linking massage to relieving lower-back pain. Reviewing 13 clinical trials, they found massage to be a promising treatment.

“Physical pain is like the alarm system of a house,” says Andrea Furlan, PhD, a clinical epidemiologist who specializes in massage at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto. “With acute pain, like a burn or a broken bone, the pain signal indicates something is wrong. But, if you have pain every day, like chronic back pain, the alarm is malfunctioning. Massage may not be able to turn off the alarm, but it can lower the volume.”

Theories abound on how massage interrupts the body’s pain loop. One of the oldest and most well-regarded explanations is called the gate-control theory. Proponents surmise that pain signals to the brain are muffled by competing stimuli. More specifically, pain travels on small-diameter nerve fibers, while massage stimulates large-diameter ones. Larger nerve fibers relay messages to the brain faster than smaller ones. In essence, says Furlan, the sensation of the massage “wins” over the sensation of pain.

One word of advice from fitness experts, though: You’ll get more lasting, long-term relief of lower-back pain by supplementing massage with isometric core exercises, such as planks, that focus on strengthening the muscles that support and guide the spine’s movements.

Soothe Tension Headaches
Tension leads to headaches, so it follows that massage would help ease them. And for many, trigger-point therapy can prove particularly effective.

“A trigger point is an area of tightly contracted muscle tissue,” says Albert Moraska, PhD, a researcher focused on complementary medicine at the University of Colorado in Denver. “Trigger points in the shoulder and neck refer [relay] pain to the head. By reducing the activity of trigger points, we can reduce headaches.”

“Trigger points in the shoulder and neck refer [relay] pain to the head. By reducing the activity of trigger points, we can reduce headaches.”

Moraska’s work, funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, explores how massaging the neck and shoulders can ease tension-type headaches. “We think massage can disrupt trigger points by forcing apart the tightly contracted sarcomeres (proteins responsible for contraction) within the muscle cells; as a result, the cells relax and subsequently muscle tension dissipates.”

Restore Deep Sleep
Roughly one in five Americans suffers from sleep deprivation, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. That’s a problem, because lack of sleep alters the body’s biochemistry, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and lowered immunity, and more sensitive to pain.

“The relationship between pain and sleep deprivation is a vicious cycle,” says Tiffany Field. “Your body doesn’t get the rest it needs to heal.”

Because massage therapy stimulates the body’s parasympathetic “rest-and-relax” nervous system, it counters both physical and mental stresses — giving you a better shot at enjoying the sleep you need.

Although studies of massage therapy and sleep quality are few, the findings suggest that massage can promote deeper, less disturbed sleep, especially in people with painful chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia. Massage therapy indirectly promotes good sleep by relieving pain and encouraging relaxation.

Because massage therapy stimulates the body’s parasympathetic “rest-and-relax” nervous system (the opposite of its sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response), it counters both physical and mental stresses — giving you a better shot at enjoying the sleep you need to repair tissue during the night and to cope better during the day.

Reduce Symptoms of Depression
It may seem surprising that physically manipulating the body can help counter a malady we associate with the brain. But, in his oft-cited 2004 review, Christopher Moyer found that depression is particularly responsive to massage.

The average research subject who received massage had a level of depression that was lower than 73 percent of those who did not. These findings are on par with more conventional approaches to treating depression, including psychotherapy.

Massage boosts the body’s natural levels of serotonin, a substance that works “much like Prozac” in the brain.

Field’s research on depression shows that massage boosts the body’s natural levels of serotonin, a substance that works “much like Prozac” in the brain. Her studies show that massage also encourages the brain to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, a mood enhancer, as well as oxytocin, a hormone that generates feelings of contentment.

While the exact mechanisms are unclear, it seems evident that a good massage has a variety of positive psychological implications as well, from receiving nurturing touch from another person, anticipating that the experience will be beneficial, or feeling empathy from the therapist.

Lower Blood Pressure
Given how positively it affects the rest of the body and mind, and how well it moderates stress, it probably comes as no surprise that massage therapy can also benefit the heart — in part by reducing blood pressure. In his meta-analysis, Moyer found that massage significantly lowers blood pressure, at least temporarily.

He notes that the findings are consistent with the theory that massage can trigger the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps prompt the body to return to biochemical balance and emotional ease after enduring a stressful event.

“Well before drugs or surgical procedures were developed, people used massage to treat almost everything.” Still, today, Furlan notes “when we get hurt, our first instinct is to rub.”

But perhaps the bigger takeaway here is that massage can help unlock the body’s healing potential not by any one means, but rather by many. As epidemiologist Andrea Furlan points out, “Well before drugs or surgical procedures were developed, people used massage to treat almost everything.” Still, today, she notes, “when we get hurt, our first instinct is to rub.”

Amy Buttell, for one, doesn’t need any more evidence than her own transformation. “I don’t know if it’s the touch, the warm table, or the fact that I get to turn my phone off for an hour, but I do know that massage is worth every penny.”

What Kind of Massage Is Right for You?
Not so long ago, available massage styles in most U.S. cities were fairly limited. Today, bodywork modalities abound, from familiar basics like Swedish to more exotic options like Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and Chinese Tui Na. Wondering which style of massage is right for you? Read on for a rundown of some of the most popular options. Some massage styles are more physically intense than others, but keep in mind, you always have a role in guiding your therapist about how much pressure feels good to you and where it’s applied.

Acupressure: Working with the same theory of acupuncture (but without the needles), acupressure stimulates points on the body to release energetic congestion and open the body’s energy pathways.
Deep tissue: Targeting chronic patterns of holding, deep-tissue relies on slow strokes and targeted pressure, often with a finger, thumb or elbow.
Hot stone: Smooth, warm stones are placed on the body and become focal points of relaxation as the heat penetrates and soothes tense muscles.
Myofascial release: A light, sustained pressure is applied to constrictions in the body’s fascia, or connective tissue, to elicit elongation and release.
Reflexology: Stimulates pressure points on the hands, feet and ears. Each point is believed to correspond to other, less-accessible parts of the body, such as the organs.
Sports: Often used before and after athletic activity, the focus is on reducing inflammation, keeping joints flexible and enhancing performance.
Swedish: A combination of long, gliding strokes, as well as kneading, stretching and tapping. Swedish massage is thought to enhance health by increasing blood flow to the muscles.
Trigger-point therapy: Trigger points often show up as “knots” in the muscles, most often in the shoulders, upper back and neck. Trigger points are different from acupressure points because they actually feel like lumps. Trigger-point therapy (also known as neuromuscular therapy) uses pressure to dissolve the knots.

Book a MASSAGE at Luxe HERE
or by calling 916-443-1400

Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa
2015 J St SAC 95811
www.luxe-midtown.com

Stylist Bri is Back Full Time!

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March 4, 2025
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Sactown Weddings Vendor Directory

February 25, 2025
Luxe offers a variety of services for your special day! Whether it is just the bride or a group of bridesmaids, we are here to help make your day special. We have multiple stylists available for in-salon appointments, or at the location of your wedding. We also provide complimentary snacks and refreshments in the salon on the day of your special occasion. Bridal up-do....100 + Bridal up-do trial....85 + Bridal makeup....100 + Bridal makeup trial....75 + Bridesmaids booked with bride....75 + for up-do, 85 + for makeup Formal style....55 - 65 + (no shampoo) More amazing and affordable local wedding vendors below! Bachelorette Parties: Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa Revival Nightclub - www.revivalsacramento.com Wedding Dresses: Miosa Bride - www.miosabride.com Ellis Blake Bridal - www.graceandwhite.com Old Country Tailor - www.oldcountrytailor.com Bride To Be Couture - www.bridetobecouture.com Sparkle Bridal Couture - www.sparklebridalcouture.com Bella Bridesmaids - www.bellabridesmaids.com Men's Formal: Tuxedo Den - www.tuxedoden.com Men's Wearhouse - www.menswearhouse.com Photographers: Zoart Photography - www.zoartphoto.com The Freckled Photographer - www.thefreckledphotographer.com Ann Keen Photography - www.annkeenphotography.com I Just Love My Photos - www.ijustlovemyphotos.com Rita Temple Photography - www.ritatemplephotography.com Amore Fine Art Photography - www.amorefineartphotography.com Jeff Hall Photography - www.jeffhallphotos.com Darling Photography - www.darlingphotosbyvicki.com Venues: Vizcaya - www.vizcayasacramento.com Sterling Hotel - www.sterlinghotelsacramento.com Arcade Underground - www.oldsacvenue.com Masonic Temple - www.sacramentomasonictemple.org Capitol Plaza Ballrooms - www.capitolplazaballrooms.com Flamingo Palace - www.flamingobanquets.com Croation-American Cultural Center - www.croatiancenter.org The Firehouse - www.firehouseoldsac.com Uptown Ballroom - www.uptownballroom.com Catta Verdera Country Club - www.cattaverdera.com Newcastle Wedding Gardens - www.newcastlebnb.com Grand Island Mansion - www.grandislandmansion.com Cakes & Sweets: Cake Castle Bakery - www.cakecastlebakery.com Capital Confections - www.capitalconfections.com Freeport Bakery - www.freeportbakery.com Floral: Glam Petal Floral Design - www.glampetalfloraldesign.com Inspirations by Gina - www.inspirationsbygina.com Relles Florist - www.weddingsbyrelles.com Planners: Jenn Robirds Events - www.jennrobirdsevents.com Stella Rental & Design - www.stellarental.com Joyeux Events - www.joyeuxevents.com Events by Kristina Elyse - www.eventsbykristinaelyse.com Risa James Events - www.risajamesevents.com Music & Deejays: Mike Regan DJ Services - www.mrdjservice.com Sounds 2 Go - www.sounds2go.com A Big Ticket Sound Experience - www.sacramentodj.com Hotels: The Sawyer - www.sawyerhotel.com Citizen Hotel - www.thecitizenhotel.com Limos: Baja Limo - www.bajalimo.net Neumann Limousines - www.neumannlimo.com Mix Master Pro Limousines - www.igotadjlimo.com Sentimental Journey - www.sentimentaljourneyvintage.com

The Perfect Valentine's Gift Does Exist...the gift of Luxe!

February 2, 2025
Valentine's Day is almost here! Are you ready? Give yourself or your special someone the gift of wellness and beauty with one of our signature treatments! Instant Online Gift Certificates are available here by service or denomination! You can also b ook an appointment here or by calling 916-443-1400 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com

Valentines Hair & Skin Specials @ Luxe

February 2, 2025
VALENTINES SPECIALS @ LUXE Mini Root Touch Up $65 (1 in outgrowth between reg visits) Accent or Face Framing Highlights $125 (20 foils) Gloss & Glam (haircut & clear gloss or toner) $100 (reg 135) Keratin Express Smoothing Treatment $125+ incl trim Full Brazilian Blowout or Keratin $250 incl trim Blowout Style w/ Deep Conditioning $45 Skin Services Glow Getter Facial incl Nano-Infusion & Dermaplane $99 Custom Peel Series of 4 $280 (or $75 single service) Micro Express Glow Facial $55 (30 mins) (reg 65) Dermaplaning $85 (60 mins) (or add to any facial $20) Back Treatment Facial $85 (50 mins) Head Spa Express Head Spa Scalp Treatment incl Blow Dry style $99 (60 mins) Essential Express Head Spa Scalp Treatment $125 (75 min) incl rough dry Essential Detox/Anti-Dandruff Head Spa Scalp Treatment $150 (75 min) incl rough dry Signature Relaxation Head Spa Treatment $200 (90 mins) incl rough dry Massage Services DeLuxe Duo Facial & Massage Combo $150 (120 mins) Hot Stone Massage $90 (75 min) CBD Massage $120 (90 mins) Spa Packages Express Custom Facial & Deep Conditioning Blow Out $99 DeLuxe Facial & Massage for $150 (w/ Dermaplane $170) Express DeLuxe Facial & Massage $100 Queen for a Day $200 (2.5 hours) facial, massage & blowout style w/ deep conditioning or scalp treatment Galentine's Special! Express Facial & Express Facial $100 includes mimosas or wine (2 or more people) *We can customize and add on upgrades to any hair or spa packages. *Specials pricing cannot be combined with Spafinder and Spaweek payments. Current specials expire March 1, 2025 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

Japanese Head / Scalp Spa Treatments @ Luxe

December 9, 2024
Discover the Magic of Japanese Head / Scalp Spa NOW OFFERED AT LUXE! A Japanese head spa is more than just a beauty treatment—it's an immersive experience that harmonizes relaxation, scalp health, and hair care. Combining ancient techniques with modern wellness practices, a Japanese head spa offers a holistic approach to rejuvenation. The service begins with a detailed consultation to understand your specific scalp and hair needs. From there, the treatment involves a series of steps: Deep Cleansing: A thorough cleansing process using high-quality shampoos and exfoliants helps remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells from the scalp. This step prepares the scalp for maximum absorption of nutrients. Scalp Massage: The signature element of a Japanese head spa, the scalp massage, uses precise techniques to stimulate blood circulation, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. The massage not only feels incredibly soothing but also supports hair growth and overall scalp health. Hair and Scalp Treatment: Custom-blended treatments are applied to address specific issues such as dryness, dandruff, or hair thinning. These treatments often include natural ingredients like essential oils, seaweed extracts, and herbal essences. Steam Therapy: The application of steam opens up the pores on the scalp, allowing the treatment products to penetrate deeply and work more effectively. This step also adds a layer of relaxation, as the warmth soothes both scalp and senses. Rinse and Condition: The process concludes with a gentle rinse and conditioning, leaving your hair feeling soft, revitalized, and incredibly clean. Benefits Beyond Beauty The benefits of a Japanese head spa extend beyond just beautiful hair. Regular treatments can help alleviate stress, reduce headaches, and improve overall scalp health. By promoting better blood circulation and relaxation, it also encourages a sense of well-being and mental clarity. If you'd like to schedule a treatment at Luxe, we have 4 options with the Head/Scalp Spa Book online here or call 916-443-1400 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com

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December 6, 2024
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December 6, 2024
Book ONLINE Here or Call 916-443-1400 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com

Winter Hair & Skin Specials!

November 25, 2024
Hair Specials Mini Root Touch Up $65 (1 in outgrowth between reg visits) Accent or Face Framing Highlights $125 (20 foils) Gloss & Glam (haircut & clear gloss or toner) $100 (reg 135) Keratin Express Smoothing Treatment $125+ incl trim Full Brazilian Blowout or Keratin $250 incl trim Blowout Style w/ Deep Conditioning $45 Skin Services Glow Getter Facial incl Nano-Infusion & Dermaplane $99 Custom Peel Series of 4 $280 (or $75 single service) Micro Express Glow Facial $55 (30 mins) (reg 65) Dermaplaning $85 (60 mins) (or add to any facial $20) Back Treatment Facial $85 (50 mins) You Better Not Pout, You Better Not Dry Facial Special! $90 (60 mins) incl lip treatment & hydrojelly mask Head Spa Express Head Spa Scalp Treatment incl Blow Dry style $99 (60 mins) Essential Express Head Spa Scalp Treatment $125 (75 min) incl rough dry Essential Detox/Anti-Dandruff Head Spa Scalp Treatment $150 (75 min) incl rough dry Signature Relaxation Head Spa Treatment $200 (90 mins) incl rough dry Massage Services DeLuxe Duo Facial & Massage Combo $150 (120 mins) Hot Stone Massage $90 (75 min) CBD Massage $120 (90 mins) Spa Packages Express Custom Facial & Deep Conditioning Blow Out $99 DeLuxe Facial & Massage for $150 (w/ Dermaplane $170) Express DeLuxe Facial & Massage $100 Queen for a Day $200 (2.5 hours) facial, massage & blowout style w/ deep conditioning or scalp treatment BLACK FRIDAY/SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Looking for the perfect gift? For every $100 gift card you purchase, receive a free $20 gift card! For every $50, receive free $10! 20% off of all retail lines, and free gift when purchasing 3 or more products! Blowout 50% off of all styling tools & blow dryers! *We can customize and add on upgrades to any hair or spa packages. *Specials pricing cannot be combined with Spafinder and Spaweek payments. Current specials expire January 1, 2025 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

Head Spa Scalp Treatment Service NOW @ Luxe!

November 6, 2024
Head Spa Treatment at LUXE A thorough analysis of your scalp and hair is conducted to identify any problems such as dryness, dandruff, oiliness, or hair thinning. The first step in the actual treatment is a deep cleansing of the scalp. This involves using specialized scalp shampoos and exfoliants to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. One of the most relaxing parts of a head spa treatment is the scalp massage. Using various techniques such as kneading, tapping, and circular motions, the therapist stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which promotes hair growth and relieves tension. After the scalp massage, a nourishing hair mask or treatment is applied to the hair and Scalp. These treatments are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients that strengthen the hair and improve its overall health. Once the hair mask or treatment has worked its magic, the hair is thoroughly rinsed and conditioned. This step ensures that all product residues are removed and leaves the hair soft, smooth, and manageable. The final step in the head spa treatment is blow-drying and styling the hair. The stylist will dry your hair using a blow dryer and then style it according to your preference. A head spa treatment involves a combination of various techniques, each designed to address different aspects of scalp and hair health. Here are some of the critical methods used during a head spa treatment: Oils are used in head spa treatments for their therapeutic properties. Oils such as lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are commonly used to promote relaxation, stimulate the scalp, and treat scalp conditions. Exfoliating the scalp helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup. This is usually done using a gentle scrub or exfoliating shampoo. Massages are a crucial part of head spa treatments. They help stimulate blood flow, relieve tension, and promote the absorption of hair treatments. Techniques such as kneading, tapping, and circular motions are used. Nourishing hair masks and treatments are applied to hydrate, strengthen, and repair the hair. These treatments are tailored to your specific hair needs and are left on for a specified period to allow the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft. We include a steam treatment to open up the pores on the scalp, allowing for better absorption of the hair mask or treatment. The steam also helps to relax the muscles and increase circulation. After the treatments have been absorbed, the hair is thoroughly rinsed and conditioned to remove any residue and leave the hair soft and manageable. Book online here or call 916-443-1400 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com
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