From Imbalanced to Centered

We live in fast-paced and hectic society, which can easily throw one out of balance.  This can lead to many ailments from depression and fatigue to even more serious issues, such as heart disease and stroke.  It’s so important to take preventive measures to regain balance and well being.  Far too many are quick to pop a pill, but at what cost?  Pharmaceuticals have devastating side effects and can cause worse problems than the ones they are treating!  The good news is you can counteract the negative effects of the modern lifestyle with some very basic, yet highly effective solutions.  Both massage and meditation are great for healing the mind and body, which, used regularly, can help one to maintain good balance and health.

Most people carry their stress in their upper back, shoulders, and neck.  Massage helps to work out this tightness and any knots that have accumulated.  If you have any particularly troublesome areas, your massage therapist can provide the relief you need and even tell you how to follow through with homecare.  The human touch is quite healing.  Plus, it has been shown that massage brings one to the same state of relaxation as meditation.  There are a myriad of different massage techniques, all quite effective in combatting stress and stress related issues.  Visit the spa and consult with a professional massage therapist to see which method will best suit your needs.  It is highly recommended to get a massage at least once per week for best results.

Meditation has a profound effect on both the mental and physical well being.  Imagine that you buy a new house and fill it up with new furnishings and other possessions.  Then you bring in more things and keep bringing in more stuff, yet you never take anything out or throw anything away.  What happens to your beautiful house?  It ends up cluttered, messy, trashed, you can’t find anything, and it can be very difficult to live in.  This is what we do with our minds when we don’t take the time out to meditate.  Sure, you may feel that you don’t have the time, but what happens when you get sick?  You will be forced to take the time to care for yourself and it may not be so pretty.  It’s far worth it to take at least fifteen to twenty minutes each day to meditate.  Find some place quiet to go, where you won’t be disturbed.  Turn the phone off, put a note on the door, do whatever it is to ensure there are no interruptions.  If you need, put on some soft music and lighting, as well as light an incense.  Do what is necessary to bring yourself to a nice, relaxed state.  Sit in a comfortable position, with your trunk, head, and neck straight.  Close your eyes and quiet your mind, while focusing on your breathing.  Practiced regularly, you will be amazed with the results.  It’s far better to meditate now, than to end up in the hospital or even worse later!

Through use of both massage and meditation, one can easily escape the negative effects of stress without the use of harmful drugs.  Stress is the leading cause of ninety percent of serious diseases and ailments.  The time and money it takes for massage and meditation are quite small in comparison to the cost of doctors, hospitals, and lost time from work.  Besides, aren’t you worth the best care you can possibly give yourself?  Call or visit your local spa to schedule your massage today.

Lindsay Eisensmith is Owner and Director of Vitality Spa in Old Lyme.  Lindsay received her degree in Exercise & Sports Studies from Smith College (2001), and her Personal Trainer/Corrective Exercise Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (2000). From there, her interest in the optimal performance of the human body led her to study massage at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (2005), the most highly accredited school in the state, where she graduated at the head of her class.

Her research on cardiovascular exercise was published by the Journal of Strength & Conditioning (2006), and her case-study on the Effectiveness of Massage Therapy in treating TMJ Dysfunction was published by the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2007). Read the abstract.

On a continual quest to advance her wellness education, Lindsay went on to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (2010) becoming a Holistic Health Counselor and member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

The culmination of these pursuits came in 2010 when she created Vitality Spa. Rooted in the Japanese belief that Longevity & Vitality are your greatest wealth, her team of expert therapists redefine your spa experience, fusing intuition with advanced technical skills to create your customized experience through results-driven massage and facial therapies combined with the powerful health benefits of relaxation and stress reduction.  Our tranquil environment appeals to both men and women seeking a therapeutic oasis to enhance overall wellness, longevity & Vitality.