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TouchPointe Essential Oils: Thwart That Virus With Thieves Oil!

Essential oils have played a key role in preventive health for generations.  Legend has it that in the 14th Century, when the Black Plague was sweeping Europe, grave robbers would employ a secret weapon to guard against catching the disease from their prey.  The thieves covered themselves with a blend of essential oils before making their grisly rounds–and it protected them from the plague.  When apprehended, as thieves often are, they offered the recipe of their essential oil blend in exchange for leniency.   Thus was born the legend of Thieves Oil. 

More recent scientific studies have shown that microorganisms can’t thrive or long survive in the presence of many essential oils.  Recent research done at Weber State University showed that four essential oils have the ability to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses where the oils are diffused.  Because the exact composition of the oils changes with seasonal and harvest conditions, bacteria have no way to become immune to them.

Modern to-do lists usually lack grave robbing.  But we are deep into cold and flu season, and TouchPointe Centre wants you to avoid either one of those unwelcome winter visitors.  TouchPointe Thieves Essential Oil suppresses topical and airborne microorganisms.  Our proprietary blend of elements like cinnamon, lemon and cloves provides an ally to your environment.  An ounce of prevention is truly in this bottle!

Get into your wellness routine with TouchPointe.

Right now we are a few weeks into resolutions season — that time of the year when we strive to make our bodies fitter, our habits healthier and our lives better.  You may have vowed to cut the carbs or to stop smoking; but did you consider how massage could fit into your “New Year; New You” plan?  There are many ways that massage therapy complements our usual resolutions.

Resolution: Exercise More

Massage is an ideal way to improve mobility and encourage quicker muscle recovery — which is important when you add exercise to your daily routine.  And should you overdo it at the gym, massage can help ease the pain of sore muscles.

Resolution: Lose Weight

While massage alone won’t help you lose pounds it can help reduce your stress levels.  Less stress could lead to less stress-triggered binging.  Overwhelmed?  Massage is a much better way to cope than munching.

Resolution: Take Care of Your Health

There are countless health benefits that massage therapy can provide including increased circulation, blood pressure control, enhanced immunity, help with anxiety or depression, migraine relief and pain management.  If this is the year you finally tackle that health concern, consider massage as a way to do it.

At TouchPointe Centre we believe that massage isn’t an escape from life; it’s essential to a healthy life.  This January, make massage an important part of your wellness routine.

Give The Ultimate Feel-Good Holiday Gift

TouchPointe Centre is happy to announce the second annual Touching Lives Campaign!   It’s a promotional event that supports our nonprofit organization —  the Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation.  Through this Foundation, TouchPointe Centre provides massage therapy at a reduced price, or at no charge, to people who normally would not be able to afford the treatment.  We believe the healing power of touch should not be limited based on ones ability to pay.  This includes special needs children, people with medical conditions that restrict movement, and cancer and hospice patients.

During the month of December, when you buy a customizable massage (for yourself or as a gift) we’ll donate 10% of the purchase price to The Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation. 

We all know that massage feels good.  Now it can feel even better!  You can also simply make a tax-deductible donation to the program by calling 501-660-4220. 

Happy Holidays!

A Message of Thanksgiving From Naomi

During this season of the year when the leaves are putting on their fall coats of color before twirling their way downward to the ground, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the things for which we are most thankful.  The list for me is long and grows larger every year.  But what am I most thankful for? 

Those of you who know me would completely understand that undoubtedly “technology” would not be at the top of the list.  While being a necessity in our world today, I am delighted that other people speak “computer” fluently.  It truly is a foreign language to me.  I love driving my convertible, particularly on those days when I can put the top down and see all the beauty around me.  But, my car would be pretty far down the list as well.  In my opinion,human relationships are the most important things in life.  So, YOU are at the top of the list. 

As was said last week at our Open House/Fundraiser for The Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation we all have overlapping life stories.  I am so appreciative that each of you has found an intersection of your life here at TouchPointe Centre.  My life is richer, deeper and certainly more colorful for your having traveled TouchPointe’s way!

With profound gratitude,

Naomi

Another Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the books!

As we end Breast Cancer Awareness Month…The National Institutes of Health cites multiple studies recognizing the importance of oncology massage and therapeutic touch as elements of effective cancer treatment.  Here’s the link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18315504

TouchPointe Centre is the first massage clinic in Arkansas to offer oncology massage and continues its leadership in healing touch therapy!

The Face of Stress

You’re a multitasking machine.  Taking care of business, kids, a sick parent…it’s a wonder you haven’t worn out from all that responsibility.  The type of stress which accompanies modern life is insidious.  In fact, you may be doing a slow crash without even knowing it.  Stressors have a cumulative effect on your health, and it isn’t a good one.

The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center web site has a very informative podcast about the relationship between stress and cancer.  The role of stress as a risk factor for cancer, depression and cardiovascular disease is discussed in this presentation.

While stress is unavoidable,  you can lessen its impact on your health.  TouchPointe Centre can treat your stress-related ailments with a massage therapy program that helps you achieve wellness.

Children Can Benefit from Massage

If you associate massage with pampering and see it as an extravagant indulgence rather than the therapy it is, than you likely scoff at the idea of infant or pediatric massage.  

 Why does my three year old need a spa day?

What stress could a toddler have?

Why would a baby need a massage?

Touch is one of the first senses we develop.  And its importance to our well-being can’t be overstated.  According to author and psychotherapist, Virginia Satir,  “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Touch helps us thrive. It is a powerful thread that runs through our entire human experience.  And even the youngest among us can benefit from touch therapy.

At TouchPointe, we offer several massage therapy services designed specifically for our younger clientele.  Our Infant Massage therapy session teaches parents basic massage techniques that help calm and nurture a newborn.  Massage is proven to help infants relax, improve digestion and encourage better sleep patterns. It’s also a wonderful time to bond with your child.  The session includes a guide book.

Our Pediatric Massage, for children six weeks and older, is ideal for young ones who need help relaxing or are currently dealing with medical issues that cause muscle discomfort.   This is also a great way to help develop an understanding of appropriate touch.

Remember, massage isn’t an escape from life; it’s essential to life – even the lives of those still ordering from the kids menu.

Touch: An Important Part of Healthy Aging

May is Older Americans Month.  And, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging, it’s “an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. [The month] pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities.”

This year’s theme is Older Americans: Connecting the Community.

Sadly, “connecting” can happen less often as one ages. We all crave touch but seem to receive it less often as we get older.  At TouchPointe, we believe that massage therapy is an important part of healthy aging.  It enhances circulation and increases mobility.  Touch also helps reduce feelings of isolation and depression that sometimes strike older adults. That is why we offer touch therapy that improves the overall wellbeing of a senior client while understanding age-related health issues.

The American Massage Therapy Association reports that massage has a great deal to offer in alleviating the aches and pains associated with aging. Along with exercise and medicine, massage can reduce symptoms of common osteoarthritis. For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, massage is a low-risk and relatively low-cost intervention that can be easily taught to caregivers.  

TouchPointe therapists are specially trained to work with older adults. They provide massage therapy that works with the client’s current mobility situation. Our table heights adjust to accommodate clients, and we can perform therapy on patients in who are chair bound.

Consider giving the older adult in your life the gift of touchAnd during the month of May, when you buy a gift card from TouchPointe, you also get a Customizable Spa Basket.

Survey Says: AMTA’s Consumer Survey Results

For the past 14 years, the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) has conducted an annual consumer survey to explore trends in massage therapy and identify the typical massage client.

This year’s report reveals some good news (more people are recognizing the pain relief benefits of massage) and, unfortunately, some bad news (fewer men are getting massages). The following is a quote from an AMTA press release about the study.

 “We know from our AMTA survey results in the last 14 years that massage therapy usage has been on an overall upward trend, as people are realizing the health benefits of massage to manage pain and keep them active, as well as being an excellent means to relieve stress” says Kathleen Miller-Read, AMTA president. “We believe that as the economic climate improves, men will return to massage therapy as part of their regular health maintenance plan.”

 At  TouchPointe, we have also seen an increase in the number of people seeking pain relief from massage therapy. It’s a trend we are very happy about. We believe that massage isn’t an escape from life; it’s essential to a healthy life.

 Here are some of the studies key findings:

  • 86 percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain
  • 84 percent agree massage can be beneficial for health and wellness
  • 10 percent of men got massages in 2010
  • 25 percent of women got massages in 2010

Five Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Massage

So, you’ve decided that you want….no, wait…that you NEED a massage.  It’s proven to help relieve stress, manage blood pressure and boost your immune system.  Scheduling that massage is a great idea!  But how do you get the most from your massage? 

Here are five tips from TouchPointe Centre to help you plan your best therapy session.

 1)      Be Specific About Your Needs.

We live in a customizable world.  You don’t just order your morning coffee, you create it — tall, double frappe with extra foam.  Your massage should be customizable too.

Tell the therapist about your current health issues and what you hope to get from your massage.  The type of aromatherapy used, the amount of pressure applied and even the type of therapy you need all depend on your initial conversation.

 2)      Arrive Early.

A racing mind is not conducive to a relaxing massage.  It takes a moment to transition from an afternoon of errands to an hour of ease.  Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.  You can take that time to relax in the reception area to quiet your mind.  If it’s your first time you may need to arrive 20 minutes early to fill out a client profile.

 3)      Make Sure You Are Comfortable.

You probably already planned to dress comfortably for your massage. Who wants to get oils on their best shirt?  But have you thought about your overall comfort level?  As odd as it may sound, getting a stress-relieving massage can induce anxiety for people.

 Do I have to get completely naked?

Will they notice my weird mole?

What if I fall asleep and snore?

You should NEVER feel uncomfortable when you get a massage – physically or emotionally.  Professional massage therapists will adjust their approach to match your comfort level.  Don’t want to take your clothes off? That’s fine.  TouchPointe therapists have done work on people fully clothed, seated in a chair.  And good therapists don’t judge their clients.  Let go of your anxiety.

 4)      Speak Up.

This is a continuation of tip #3: Make Sure You Are Comfortable.  If your therapist is applying too much pressure for your liking tell him/her.  Some people enjoy deep tissue massage while others are happier with a very light touch.  A good therapists “listens” to your body but can’t read your mind. 

Speak up and let your therapist know if something doesn’t feel right.  They will adjust so that you still get the benefits of massage but in a way that works for your body.

 5)      Drink Plenty of Water.

If you’ve ever gotten a massage you have probably been offered water afterwards. Hydration is an important step following your therapy session. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to drink water before the massage as well.  Why water?  Through the manipulation of muscle and tissue, the massage therapist has released toxins into your body.  Water helps your lymphatic and circulatory system process these toxins.  If your therapist doesn’t offer you water, be sure to ask for it.