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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

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

Clients Love LUXE on Yelp!

December 6, 2024
Much love for Luxe on Yelp! 15 years in business 4.4 stars on 449 reviews 2,900 + photos Visit our listing HERE Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

Book Your Holiday Hair or Skin Appt Now!

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

Fall Hair & Skin Specials @ Luxe!

November 3, 2024
Current Hair Specials Accent or Face Framing Highlights $125 (20 foils) Gloss & Glam (haircut & clear gloss or toner) $100 (reg 130) Keratin Express Smoothing Treatment $120+ Full Brazilian Blowout or Keratin $250 w/ free cut Blowout Style $35, w/ Deep Conditioning $45 Skin Services Receive LED Light Therapy w/ any full facial ($40 value) Glow Getter Facial incl Nano-Infusion & Dermaplane $99 Custom Peel Series of 4 $280 (or $75 single service) Micro Express Glow Facial $55 (reg 65) Dermaplaning $85 (or add to any facial $20) Back Treatment Facial $85 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 Express Head Spa Scalp Treatment incl Blow Dry style $99 *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 December 15, 2024 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

Skin Services to Ease into Fall!

September 27, 2024
As the seasons change, it is the perfect time to renew your self-care routine. Come in for one of our signature skin treatments and let us help you transition into the new season refreshed and revitalized. Book an appointment today ONLINE or buy an online GIFT CARD for a special someone! Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

Chemical Peels-What to Know!

September 11, 2024
What Are Chemical Peels? A chemical peel is a skincare treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove the top layers. As the skin heals, the new skin that emerges is smoother and more radiant. Chemical peels can address a variety of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles, to acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture. Myth 1: Chemical Peels Are Only For Severe Skin Issues Fact: Chemical peels come in different strengths, ranging from superficial peels that target the outermost layer of the skin to deeper peels that penetrate more layers. Whether you're looking to address minor skin imperfections or more significant concerns, there's likely a chemical peel that suits your needs. Even if your skin is relatively healthy, a light chemical peel can help maintain it's youthful glow and smoothness. Myth 2: Chemical Peels Are Painful And Require Extensive Downtime Fact: The level of discomfort and downtime associated with a chemical peel depends on the type of peel you choose. Superficial peels typically cause minimal discomfort, often described as a tingling sensation, and require little to no downtime. Medium and deep peels may involve more significant peeling and a longer recovery period, but the results can be more dramatic. Your skincare professional will help you choose the right peel based on your skin type and goals. Myth 3: Chemical Peels Are Unsafe For Sensitive Skin Fact: While some chemical peels might be too harsh for sensitive skin, many formulations are designed specifically for those with delicate skin. Ingredients like lactic acid, for example, are gentler and can be a good option for sensitive skin types. It's crucial to have a consultation with a licensed skincare professional who can assess your skin's needs and recommend the best type of peel for you. Myth 4: Chemical Peels Are Only For The Face Fact: Chemical peels can be applied to various parts of the body, not just the face. If you have concerns about areas like your neck, chest, hands, or even your back, chemical peels can be tailored to address those specific regions. This makes them a versatile option for anyone looking to rejuvenate their skin beyond just the facial area. Though we don't offer this at The Spa quite yet, we do hope to in the future! Why Consider a Chemical Peel? Chemical peels can offer a range of benefits, including: Smoother Skin Texture: By removing the top layer of dead skin cells, peels reveal the smoother, healthier skin underneath. Brighter Complexion: Peels can help reduce dullness and promote a more even skin tone. Improved Skin Elasticity: Regular peels can stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity. Acne and Blemish Reduction: Chemical peels can help clear up acne and prevent future breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing oil production. Diminished Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Over time, peels can help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful look. Book ONLINE or by calling 916-443-1400 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com

Back to School Hair & Skin Specials @ Luxe!

September 5, 2024
Luxe Back to School Hair & Skin Specials! Hair Specials Accent or Face Framing Highlights $125 (20 foils) Gloss & Glam (haircut & clear gloss or toner) $100 (reg 130) Keratin Express Smoothing Treatment $120+ Full Brazilian Blowout or Keratin $250 w/ free cut Blowout Style $35, w/ Deep Conditioning $45 Skin Services Receive LED Light Therapy w/ any full facial ($40 value) Glow Getter Facial incl Nano-Infusion & Dermaplane $99 Microderm or Custom Peels $75 (series of 4, $280) Micro Express Glow Facial $55 Dermaplaning $85 (or add to any facial $20) Back Treatment Facial $85 Teen Acne Facial Special $65 (45 mins) Incl LED or High Frequency Massage Services DeLuxe Duo Facial & Massage Combo $150 (120 mins) Hot Stone Massage $90 (75 min) CBD Massage $120 (90 mins) Lash/Brows Eyebrow Wax/Tint Duo $40 Brow Lamination or Lash Lift $49 (69 incl tinting) Lash Extensions: Classic 100/Fill 60 Hybrid-Full Set 120/Fill 70 Volume Full Set 140/Fill 80 Textured Set Add On 20/Removal 30 Spa Packages Express Custom Facial & Deep Conditioning Blow Out $99 Aromatherapy Massage & Express Custom Glow Facial $125 DeLuxe Facial & Massage for $150 (w/ Dermaplane $170) Express DeLuxe Facial & Massage $100 *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 October 15, 2024 Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 916-443-1400 www.luxe-midtown.com

End of Summer Pampering at Luxe!

August 19, 2024
Choose one of our spa packages or a single spa service and get yourself looking and feeling your best for the rest of the summer. Purchase an Instant Gift Certificate for someone in need. Book an appointment today . Check out our current specials online! Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa 2015 J St SAC 95811 www.luxe-midtown.com 916-443-1400
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