The Rise of In-Room Wellness

Hotels are recognizing the value of offering on-demand hotel spa services in guest rooms, aligning with the broader shift towards personalization in the hospitality sector, where 71% of travelers now expect customized experiences. By bringing spa and salon services to the privacy and comfort of guest rooms, hotels are not only meeting demand but also creating unique, memorable stays that foster guest loyalty.

Among the most sought-after in-room wellness offerings are:

• Massages
• Facials
• Haircuts and styling
• Manicures and pedicures
• Lash applications

These services cater to guests’ desires for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal grooming without the need to leave their guest rooms.

 Improving Guest Experience

Research indicates that properties offering wellness activities tend to leave guests more delighted with their overall experience, whether they avail themselves of wellness services or not. Wellness-oriented guests spend 56% more than leisure guests, highlighting the significant impact of these services on both guest satisfaction and hotel revenue. If guests receive the services they need in-house, they need not seek them out off-property.

Technology-Driven Convenience

Technology integration has made accessing these services easier than ever. Many hotels are now partnering with providers like Soothe, which offers a B2B partner platform designed for the hospitality industry. This allows hotels to provide high-quality, on-demand spa services integrated into their existing websites and operations.

Satisfying Growing Demand

Demand for wellness services is not a passing trend for hotels. A recent McKinsey study revealed that 50% of US consumers now report wellness as a top priority in their day-to-day lives, a significant rise from 42% in 2020. This growing focus on wellness presents a substantial opportunity for hotels to differentiate themselves and meet evolving guest expectations.

Several luxury hotel brands have implemented in-room wellness services, reporting positive outcomes:

• Mayfair House Hotel and Garden in Miami partnered with Soothe to offer bespoke in-room massage services, exceeding their expectations in guest satisfaction.
• The Fairmont Austin integrated on-demand wellness providers into their existing spa operations, enhancing their ability to meet guest demands during peak times.

Hospitality Wellness and the Future

As the lines between wellness, spa, and fitness services continue to blur, many hotels are expanding their offerings to include stress reduction, relaxation, and even spiritual activities as part of the travel experience. This holistic approach to guest wellness is setting new standards in the industry and redefining what it means to provide exceptional hospitality.

The integration of on-demand, in-room wellness services is transforming guest experiences in the hospitality industry. By offering personalized, convenient access to these services, hotels are not only meeting the growing demand for wellness-centric travel but also creating unique, memorable stays that drive guest satisfaction and loyalty. As the trend continues to evolve, we expect to see even more innovative wellness offerings becoming standard in hotels worldwide, further elevating the guest experience and hotel spa service setting new benchmarks for hospitality excellence.

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Let’s walk through the key differences between acupressure therapy and reflexology massage therapy so you can head into your next massage appointment with confidence.

What Is Acupressure Therapy?

Acupressure therapy is a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a focus on putting pressure on various parts of the body to balance the body’s energy, also referred to as Qi. These various parts are along energy pathways referred to as meridians.¹

The Origins of Acupressure

The origins of acupressure historically take us back from the modern day to the following countries and regions: Egypt, China, and Japan. Despite its ancient origins, there is a universal understanding across all three areas that the body’s energy and pressure points are essential to maintain one’s health and well-being.³

In China, this methodology was linked closely to acupuncture, but instead of needles being utilized, practitioners used manual pressure to stimulate specific points along a body’s meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) points to these meridians as pathways for energy, or Qi, to flow. When this energy is out of balance, it could lead to pain or illness. Acupressure is seen as a method to restore harmony to that flow of energy.¹

Shiatsu is a variant of acupressure coming from Japan that leverages the entire hand and other body parts to apply pressure to specific points on the body. This is typically done through clothing without oils on the body.²

There also is a theory that links the concept of stimulating specific points on the body back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians worked on zone therapy, believing that applying pressure to certain areas of the feet could affect the health of corresponding organs throughout the body.³

How Acupressure Therapy Works:

Following TCM, when the flow of the body’s energy is blocked, it is believed that this can lead to pain or other illnesses. The way that this energy is released is by applying targeted pressure to specific areas along the body such as meridians, using specialized tools, fingers, palms, or elbows.¹

Potential Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for several conditions. While more research is needed to back up these claims, the research is currently still in early development when it comes to acupressure points. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an acupressure appointment. Here is a short list of some potential benefits of acupressure:

• Postoperative relief¹
• Nausea and vomiting⁴
• Relief after chemotherapy¹
• Improve motion sickness symptoms¹
• Pain¹

What Happens During an Acupressure Session?

During an acupressure session, an acupressure practitioner will apply pressure to certain areas of the body with fingers, palms, elbows, or other tools.  Here is a general outline of what a session could look like for you:¹

At the beginning of your acupressure session, your practitioner will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on the correct areas of your body.

The environment will be relaxing, much like a spa. Picture dim lighting, calming music, and possibly aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere. You’ll remain fully clothed, seated or lying down, while the practitioner uses their fingers, palms, or elbows to apply pressure to specific acupoints. These points are chosen based on the body’s energy pathways to promote healing and balance.

The practitioner will use firm pressure, circular motions, and sometimes tapping to stimulate different acupoints. The session may involve various techniques such as holding or pressing acupoints for several seconds to release energy blockages and relieve pain or tension.

The sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, and many people leave feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. The recommended frequency of sessions depends on your health needs, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or occasionally for maintenance.

After your session, you might experience mild effects like temporary fatigue or emotional release, but these are normal and usually fade quickly as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Acupressure vs Reflexology: What’s the Difference?

The Basics of Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Unlike massage therapy, reflexology focuses on stimulating pressure points rather than manipulating muscles. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical treatments, but reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions directly.

Comparing Techniques: Acupressure vs. Reflexology

Acupressure and reflexology are not the same. Both are complementary therapies that use targeted pressure for relaxation, but they differ in focus. Acupressure focuses on balancing the body’s energy, like the back and the shoulders. Reflexology massage, on the other hand, focuses more on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that are believed to correspond to different organs and systems of the body.

Both acupressure and reflexology offer unique approaches to achieving relaxation and improving overall health, making them excellent options for those seeking alternative therapies. Whether you’re looking to balance your body’s energy through acupressure or target reflex points to reduce tension with reflexology, incorporating these therapies into your wellness routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. At Soothe, we bring the spa experience to you, offering professional and personalized massage services all targeted for your relaxation needs.

Bibliography

1.Stuart A. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment. WebMD. Published October 31, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

2.Boyle K, Tee-Melegrito RA. Shiatsu massage: Definition, benefits and techniques. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 10, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/shiatsu-massage

3.Sergeant R. A Journey through the History and Origins of Reflexology. The Good Zest Company. Published January 4, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.thegoodzestcompany.co.uk/blogs/zesty-news/a-journey-through-the-history-and-origins-of-reflexology

4.Lee A, Fan LT. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Lee A, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003281.pub3

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Small adjustments may help you feel balanced in this transitional season. Prioritizing your self-care should always matter, as it can impact your mindset and overall well-being. Here are four seasonal fall wellness tips for you to try.

Fall Wellness Tips to Try Out

Boost the Immune System

As fall sets in, it’s a good time to check in with your health. Use this time to get up to date on any yearly vaccinations for illnesses such as the flu, or visit your doctor for a check-up. It’s easy to let these priorities slip by the wayside if you were busy during the summer months. 

Consider as well any dietary adjustments that you want to make as the seasons change. While this can vary by region, look out for pumpkin, squash, kale, sweet potatoes, and apples on your next grocery shopping trip. Eating in season with local produce can be not only a creative way to cook, but something that helps your overall health.

Check-in With Your Mental Health

Fall can be a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing, and the temperature outside dropping. As this happens, however, the way that you are used to regulating your nervous system may need to change. With less time spent outdoors, what can bring you joy? Hone in on one activity that is just for you every day. This could be as simple as picking up a local art class indoors, or spending time reading in a favorite cozy chair with fairy lights providing ambient lighting.

What you may find is that others are feeling the same way too. Talking about your feelings openly with others is valuable relationship-building. Being an outlet of positivity when offering encouragement and support to others is another potential option for giving back the kindness and energy that you receive, creating a cycle of mutual support and empowerment.

Adapt Your Fitness Routine

As we move into fall, your movement plan may also need to acclimate. From cool weather to preparing for snowy weather, some activities may need to move indoors, or be done at different times of the day to ensure you have time to prioritize these activities. This could include checking the weather before partaking in outdoor activities so you can be prepared for what is to come. For some, this is simply layering up, but for others, this might mean taking the time to move the activity to a local gym or recreation center. 

Similarly, this may be a time to take stock of what you have been enjoying over the last year. Did you stick with a yoga class as a part of a new year’s resolution? How is that going? Do you look forward to each session, feeling more balanced and energized, or has it become more of a chore than a joy? Consider what you can replace that time with in your routine if needed, or stay the course if you are still finding joy in it.

Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to get swept up into the whirlwind of responsibilities with the upcoming holidays. Mindfulness helps ground you and keep stress at bay. Practicing mindfulness is something that can be done in small, bite sized pieces every day.

Additionally, use this transitional period to reassess personal goals and setting intentions for the rest of the year. Whether prioritizing self-care, deepening relationships, or focusing on your wellness routines, mindfulness can help you stay in tune with what truly matters. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in nature or just taking an extra moment to enjoy your morning coffee are all excellent ways to practice mindfulness in your daily routine this fall.

The Role of Massage in Self-Care in the Fall

As seasons shift, there’s no need to follow rigid guidelines to feel your best. These fall wellness tips are for you to integrate as they make sense in your life. Fall can bring on cooler temperatures, shorter days, and shifts in our energy levels, making it the optimal time to focus on yourself. A fall massage can help ease any physical tension that builds up from these changes in weather and lifestyle, and supports your mental wellness by reducing stress.

If you’re ready to take the first step of a self-care massage, Soothe is here to help you feel good, no matter what season. Whether you’re seeking relief from seasonal aches or simply want a moment of relaxation solely focused on you, Soothe offers personalized, on-demand massage services that come to you. Let this fall be the season where you prioritize yourself and recharge with the power of touch.

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One of the greatest benefits of in-home massage is that there’s no need to travel to receive a spa-quality massage. By ordering a massage to your home, you skip the inconvenience (and the frustration) of parking and driving immediately before or after a massage. Another benefit of enjoying a massage in the comfort of your home is that you can truly customize your experience. Whether you live in an expansive single-family home or a modest studio apartment, you can transform your home into a soothing oasis tailored perfectly to your taste.

Though a massage is sure to be a relaxing experience, there are several ways you can create a relaxing space by preparing for a massage in your home. We compiled our top seven tips to make your at-home massage prep easy

1. Set Aside Space

Clear six feet of space any place in your home that you feel comfortable. This can be in your living room, bedroom, or even backyard. Wherever you decide to set up, make sure that there will be sufficient space for the massage table and massage therapist to move around it. When preparing for massage, you’ll want to make sure your chosen spot is free from distractions like the TV, pets, and other family members so you can truly relax.

2. Give Yourself Privacy

Draw the curtains or blinds in the room you plan on getting your massage in so that you have complete privacy. If you have other family members at home with you, give them a heads up not to bother you until after your massage is complete. When your therapist is finished setting up, they will step into the restroom to wash their hands, giving you privacy to disrobe to your level of comfort and position yourself on the table. Please note, Soothe does not allow fully nude massages.

3. Take A Shower

As part of our Soothe Safe program, we ask that you please shower prior to your therapist’s arrival. Showering before your massage is an important part of upholding our community wellness standards. It also helps in preparing for massage, as the hot water will warm up your muscles and help you feel more refreshed and relaxed. Your therapist will appreciate your consideration, too!

4. Put On Comfortable Clothing

After you’ve showered, indulge in comfortable non-constricting clothing that you can remove easily when it’s time for your massage. Wearing a robe before and after your massage is always a treat. Our Soothe Swedish Robe is the perfect all-season option, with its textured, breathable fabric and comfortable kimono style. If you don’t have a robe, sweats are always a good option.

5. Check In With Your Body

When preparing for massage, take a moment before your session starts to scan your body, starting at the top of your head and extending to the tips of your toes. Do you feel any pain, tension, or stress in specific areas of your body? If so, be sure to tell your therapist so that they can focus on these problem areas.

Consider hydrating and eating a light meal before your massage. This can help you maximize your experience and relax your muscles during the massage. Avoid eating a heavy meal when preparing for a massage at home as it could be uncomfortable, but consider having a meal after the experience to unwind.

6. Silence Your Phone

Make sure to put your phone on silent or do-not-disturb once your therapist arrives. Hearing phone notifications or vibrations will distract your from truly relaxing during your massage.

7. Set the Mood

The final touch to creating a spa day at home is to emulate a spa experience. Our Soothe therapists come prepared with aromatherapy, oils, and music, but they are happy to use your products or music if you prefer. Lighting a candle can make your at-home massage experience a little more luxurious.

Now that you’ve transformed your home into a relaxation-ready oasis, get ready to unwind during your massage and learn how to stay relaxed long after your therapist says goodbye. Preparing for a massage in your home is simple and will make your massage that much more enjoyable.

Ready to book an at-home massage with Soothe? Our top-rated, independent professional massage therapists are available in your area. Book a massage appointment with Soothe today.

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Popular Massage Techniques

Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, many of you have likely heard some of these massage types at some point in your life. What you don’t hear about, it’s the individual massage techniques that are used in each massage type.

If you’re taking the time to do your homework and learn about each massage and the benefits they provide, it’s equally important to learn about the different techniques that are used in each individual massage. In this article, we’re doing just that – we’ll be discussing 5 of the most popular massage techniques and what makes each one unique.

These massage techniques are not in any particular order, let’s get started.

1. Effleurage

This hands-on technique is commonly used in massage spas, salons, parlors, and at masseuse stations. It focuses on applying small quantities of pressure to the skin using your hands. The palms are flat while they glide over the body in this method, oils or lotions can be used for additional comfort.

The most comfortable and peaceful feeling is achieved with effleurage at the start and finish of a massage. The objective here is to relax the muscles while also promoting blood circulation to various regions of the body.

If you want to learn how to use this approach into your massage, start by gently stroking the skin with light, relaxing strokes while keeping your palms flat open. You may use circular motions to softly massage the skin and, in some cases, increase pressure if asked.

The technique can be used to massage away muscular knots and tension from the body. In some cases, additional pressure may be needed to achieve the desired result. This method is commonly utilized in a variety of types of massages, such as Swedish massage.

Some people prefer to get a full body massage using the effleurage massage technique, which can result in a complete relaxation state, both mentally and physically. Some effleurage massage techniques can also be used in the gentle prenatal massage.

2. Kneading

Kneading is perhaps the most easily executed by amateur massage therapists, and it entails applying pressure with your thumbs or palms to various regions of the body. The goal here is to pull the muscle away from the bone, which aids in the treatment of muscular spasms. Petrisage is a technical term for kneading that is popular among many massage textbooks.

Kneading is one of the first massage techniques that students are taught, making it somewhat simpler to grasp than the others. The rate and strength of pressure applied to the skin and muscles, on the other hand, must be mastered.

If you’re giving someone a massage, it’s a good idea to ask them what they like. Otherwise, start by adjusting the pressure and speed according on how the client responds while massaging them.

Remember, as a massage therapist, you must continually ensure that the individual receiving the treatment is not in any pain or discomfort. Begin by using little pressure and slower speeds, then increase gradually based on what your client tells you.

There’s a few different massage types where kneading is used, such as the sports massage.

3. Tapping or Tapotement

Another massage technique used in sports massage therapy is the technique of frequently tapping utilized on the body to enhance blood circulation, this is often used in conjunction with other techniques. The massage therapist uses rapid strokes with their hands to tap various parts of the body, notably the back and thighs.

The hands may be cupped or tapped, usually one at a time, using the fingers and palm edges when performing a tapping massage. You can modify the technique to suit your client’s preferences. Depending on how your client feels, different manners of tapping can be used to achieve the desired results your client wants.

Another thing to keep in mind when using the tapping method is that you should tap rhythmically and swiftly. Depending on what your client likes and how hard you press, you may also curl or straighten your hand.

Sometimes you may concentrate on one region of the body that is particularly rigid and unpleasant for the patient. You might wish to incorporate a hacking motion, in which a substantial amount of force is applied to a smaller area of the body, with tapping.

4. Rubbing

The rubbing method, as the name implies, basically requires thumbs to be in circular motion with pressure applied as you go. This technique is used to improve blood flow throughout the body and ease muscular and joint aches. The deep tissue massage is one massage type where rubbing is used. Rubbing in deep tissue massage therapy can also relieve stiffness and/or discomfort in deeper muscle layers at a stronger pressure.

When you rub your thumbs on the skin, you’re specifically treating areas of the body that have tense muscles or painful joints. When enough pressure is applied, it can provide a lot of relief for the client.

Rubbing can refer to a wide range of movement patterns, as long as you are using two thumbs. These movements, while comparable in many ways, may be referred to as a distinct approach depending on how and when massage therapists use them all across the world.

5. Shaking or Vibration

Last but not least, this method is comparable to tapping in that it uses rhythm. To simulate a vibration moving through an area, lightly shake the muscles over a wide surface region (the back for example) or your fingertips (across the face).

This technique does not usually use a lot of force because the goal is to offer a soothing effect for the muscles and nerves throughout the body. Several therapists have also advised massaging around, and even over, scar tissue as part of this technique.

So, if you’re massaging someone who is sensitive to higher degrees of discomfort, the vibration technique is a good choice. Not only will it not be unpleasant for the client, but it will also give their nerves much-needed comfort. You’ll see this technique used in a few different massage therapies, such as the sports massage or deep tissue massage.

As with the other procedures described above, a massage therapist must ensure that their customer is not in discomfort while the treatment is being given. The easiest way to accomplish so is by speaking directly with the client.

Book your favorite massage technique with Soothe

Now that you know the individual massage techniques that are used in many of different massages we offer, we hope it gives you more confidence to book a massage. As always, if you have a question, be sure to visit our Help Center. If you need more personal support, you can reach us via our contact page.

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Although our bodies are really great at informing us when we’re dealing with periods of extreme stress, it can actually be incredibly easy to ignore day-to-day stress or even periods of moderately heightened stress. When we live busy or stressful lives, we can often find ourselves downplaying or ignoring the symptoms that pop up, because we think it isn’t that big of a deal.

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s automatic response to changes in a situation. When we find ourselves in a new place or facing new circumstances, our brain tells our autonomic nervous system how to regulate the body to keep us alert. Our heart rate speeds up, our vision becomes more aware, and our body enters fight or flight mode until we can become more comfortable and feel more secure in our environment.

Typically, this short-term response is great! It can help keep us safe when we find ourselves in tricky or dangerous situations. But when the short term becomes long term and temporary stress becomes chronic, we start to run into major problems.

Symptoms

During periods of extreme stress, it can be incredibly easy to identify what’s happening in our bodies because it feels so vastly different from how we normally feel. When we experience lower levels of stress over long periods of time, it can be much harder to identify physical and mental symptoms.

Physical symptoms of stress can include:

• Aches and pains like muscular tension, joint pains, inflammation
• Chest pains or feeling like your heart is racing
• Exhaustion and difficulty sleeping
• Clenching your jaw or neck
• Indigestion or other signs of an upset stomach
• Getting sick more frequently as a result of a weakened immune system

Mental and emotional symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Executive dysfunction

These less subtle symptoms can creep up on us over time if we’re not careful and can damage our long-term health goals. It can even result in attempting to manage it with unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol.

Diagnosis

There’s no singular diagnosis for stress. Only you can evaluate how you feel and decide when it’s time to get some help, which is often easier said than done. Chatting with your doctor or other healthcare providers can be a great first step toward healing and reducing stress.

How to Cope

Ready to make a change and live a healthier stress-free life? The good news is that it’s easier than you probably even realize and it doesn’t require too many difficult lifestyle changes!

Mindfulness

Learning how to stay present in the current moment is one of our biggest mental defenses against stress. This can seem like a tricky habit to develop, but practices for putting it into place are actually pretty small and simple. Writing down a few things that you feel grateful for, reflecting on the best parts of your day, or listing out the names of people who love you are just three small mindfulness practices that can have a huge impact in helping you refocus and destress.

Exercise

Moving our bodies is a wonderful way to reduce stress and recenter. You don’t need to be an Olympic track star to see results, either. A quick walk around the block or doing a few simple stretches at home can be a great way to get your blood moving and release your pent-up stress.

Set Attainable Goals

Visualizing exactly what you’ve got on your plate can be a wonderful tool for mitigating stress. When we see our goals broken down into realistic, bite-sized chunks, it becomes much easier to focus on managing one thing at a time, instead of becoming overwhelmed by the long list of to-dos.

Meditation

Quieting your mind for less than five minutes a day has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. If you’re interested in learning how to meditate, there are many phone apps, youtube videos, and even podcasts that can help you learn to re-center and breathe, for free!

Dedicated Self-Care Time

Self-care can take many forms. It’s an individualized habit that we learn to build over time by figuring out what feels good to us. Some people like to read a book or take a hot bath while others might go out to a coffee shop or take in a movie. But, if you’ve been living with stress for a while, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ve gathered up a few go-to suggestions to help get the ball rolling.

• Curate a quiet space: Dim the lights, turn on some soothing music, and light a scented candle.
• Make a healthy snack: Set aside time to sip a light, refreshing beverage while munching on your favorite sliced fruit or veggie
• Bring the spa to you: Getting a massage or scheduling salon services are perfect for reducing stress while caring for your body. With Soothe, we can bring those services right to your door with no extra stress.

Spa, at Home

If you’re interested in bringing a spa-quality massage or salon experience but unsure which service is right for you, we’ve put together a list of our favorite stress-busting options offered here at Soothe.

• Swedish massage: This massage technique combines soft, long, kneading strokes and shorter tapping strokes to help reduce muscle pressure and ease tension in the body. 60 minutes, once a week can have huge long-term benefits to your overall stress levels.
• Deep Tissue massage: Working the body at a slightly higher intensity, deep tissue massage pinpoints precise areas of muscle tension in order to relieve pain
• Anti-stress facial: Reduces inflammation and helps repair skin from the damage done by environmental stressors, all while helping you relax and rejuvenate
• Hydrating facial: Uncomfortable, dry skin can lead to breakouts or stiffness in the face, making it difficult to settle down and feel your best. A hydrating facial is perfect for replenishing your skin’s moisture and reducing discomfort
• Haircut at home: Instead of trying to cram a visit to the stylist into your busy schedule, bring the stylist to you! They’ll help keep you looking and feeling fresh without adding any new stress to your plate.
• CBD add-on: CBD works to penetrate the skin’s surface and naturally reduce muscular inflammation and tension, making it easier to get the most out of any massage service you book.

Download the Soothe app or check out the Soothe website for more booking options. Plus, when you book, your provider can meet you wherever is most convenient: home, work, or even a hotel if you’re a regular road warrior! They’ll bring everything they need to provide you with a spa-quality service, so you can relax and focus on feeling less stressed.

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Soothe is proud to have landed on the 2022 edition of The Marketplace 100 list published by Future from a16z.  The list ranks the largest consumer-facing marketplace startups, highlighting the next generation of marketplace giants.

Keep reading >>

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What Happens During a Massage? 

If you’ve never gotten a professional massage before, it can be intimidating. During a session, the massage therapist uses different techniques to apply pressure and manipulate the tissues around specific areas of the body. These techniques, usually circles, long strokes, and percussive movements can help relax the muscles and work out tension throughout the body. The pressure ranges from light to deep into muscles and tissues depending on the style of massage. 

Benefits of Regular Massage

Massage is more than just a way to feel good. In fact, massage therapy is a recognized form of integrative medicine, especially for treating chronic pain. Some of the most commonly experienced benefits of massage therapy include: 

• Reduced stress
• Reduced pain and chronic pain
• Relief from muscle soreness
• Relieved tension 
• Improved mood

Beyond relaxation, studies have shown that even just one massage session can improve circulation, boost energy and alertness, and help people sleep. Many of these common massage benefits result from lower heart rate and blood pressure during the treatment. It’s important to note that many people feel sore for a day or two following massage therapy. This is totally normal, and the benefits listed above can last up to a full week after each massage appointment. 

How Often Should You Get A Massage? 

One massage every year may feel good, but it’s likely not enough to produce lasting effects. Especially for those that suffer from chronic conditions, or physically active people, regular massage therapy treatment can be a great addition to wellness routines. According to recent research on the effectiveness of massage therapy, regular massage has proven effective for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, skin conditions, prenatal depression, osteoporosis, and chronic pain conditions. People new to massage therapy should start slow, and work their way up to more frequent appointments. 

Getting massages weekly or twice a month can be a great way to assist in minimizing the symptoms of conditions such as:

• Chronic low back pain 
• Neck and shoulder pain 
• Recurring headaches
• Sports injuries 
• PMS
• Fibromyalgia
• Breast cancer and lymphoma
• Stress-induced insomnia 
• Digestive conditions
• Nerve pain 
• Autoimmune disorders

While not a replacement for traditional medicine or medical care, massage therapy can be a helpful addition to a care treatment plan. A doctor should always be consulted before starting massage therapy to treat any medical condition.

Massage for Mental Wellbeing

Massage therapy has also proven an effective method for improving mental health. Studies comparing levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, have found a correlation between massage and lower cortisol levels. Getting a massage relaxes the body and mind, which allows many people to practice mindfulness and gratitude. In addition, the element of human touch during a massage session fosters feelings of connection, which can aid in building meaningful relationships. As a form of self-care, regular massage treatments can help with: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic and acute stress
• Boosting confidence 
• Improved focus 
• Better sleep 
• Increased energy 

Where to Get Regular Massage Therapy 

For the best results in regular massage treatment, always work with the same therapist or practitioner. This helps the therapist measure progress, and make adjustments to treatment based on specific needs or changes over time. 

It’s important to always book massage therapy appointments with a certified and licensed professional. There is a small risk of injury with massage, so proper training is essential to preventing unwanted pain. Professional massage therapy is usually available at spas, chiropractic facilities, through alternative medical offices, and at home with mobile massage therapy. Companies like Soothe make massage therapy more accessible by pairing clients with licensed therapists; and having the therapist come directly to the client for their treatment. 

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The Gratitude of Giving

Everyone likes to receive a gift. But did you know gift-giving actually has benefits for you, too? Multiple studies have revealed that altruistic behavior can reduce stress, increase happiness, and even extend longevity! When you give someone a gift or spend time helping others, your brain may be releasing endorphins, resulting in that warm, fuzzy feeling. Gratitude is incredibly important to your overall well-being. Expressing gratitude in the form of gifts, volunteering, or donations, can have a positive effect on your mood and mental health, which impacts your overall wellness. Studies have also found that volunteering and giving gifts improved wellness for those suffering from chronic conditions, and even reduces death risk! Plus, researchers say that giving fosters stronger connections and social bonds.

Wellness: The Gift that Gives Twice

The best way to get a gratitude boost from your holiday gift-giving? Give wellness. A wellness gift shows your recipient that you care about them in a meaningful way. For example, giving a massage gift from Soothe lets them enjoy a relaxing at-home experience, perfect for de-stressing in the busy holiday season. (And who doesn’t need that right about now?) Compared to something material, sharing a wellness gift not only makes them feel good in the moment, it encourages better wellness habits, too. Plus, when you give a thoughtful wellness gift, you also get a positivity boost!

Perfect for Procrastinators

Couldn’t decide what to get them? Missed the shipping deadlines? Forgot somebody on your list? The holidays are stressful enough without all that! Wellness gifts are a great way to say “thank you” in a meaningful way, without the extra stress. Massage gift cards let them customize their own experience, so you don’t have to worry about what type of massage they prefer. When you give wellness with Soothe, your recipient can even choose the day, time, and service type to make it a totally personalized gift – without any extra effort on your part.

Don’t forget a gift for the most important person on your list – YOU! The added stress of the holidays makes it easy to forget about your own self-care. While you’re focused on giving to everyone else, it’s important to check in with yourself. A wellness gift for you is just as important! If you don’t have time now, simply get yourself a wellness gift card to use later when it works for your schedule. It’s a total win-win.

How to Give Wellness Gifts with Soothe

At Soothe, our mission is to make wellness more accessible for everyone. And that includes during the holidays! Our e-cards make giving wellness gifts simpler, and faster. Soothe e-cards are a stress-free way to get even the pickiest person a gift they will love (and actually need). Spend less time shopping and more time with the ones you love this season. Giving a Soothe gift card only takes a minute, and it couldn’t be easier:

1. Choose your recipient’s location, and how many service minutes to send
2. Personalize your gift with a message and festive design
3. Send instantly, or schedule for a special occasion – that’s it!

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