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If you’ve been around Karma, it’s possible you’ve heard one of us gushing over infrared light therapy. And for good reason—it’s amazing. The light that infrared light therapy produces is high frequency and produces spikes in nitric oxide, allowing healing to happen on a cellular level. When your body creates nitric oxide, blood flow is increased—and this means treatment of many physical health ailments as well as promotion of positive cosmetic changes. But what are those physical and cosmetic benefits? We want to give you the scoop.

Benefits to Infrared Light Therapy:

1. Builds Collagen

Infrared light therapy helps build collagen which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Higher collagen counts can help make a person appear more youthful through their decrease in crow’s feet and thin skin. As you’ve aged, you’ve most likely noticed a decrease in collagen production (this is how those wrinkles and fine lines start to appear after all), but this also affects the health of your hair and nails. Collagen also helps with loss of water in the body and overall moisture.

2. Increases Blood Flow

Of course, the increase of blood flow is a major draw to this therapy because increased blood flow does such incredible things for our body! Heightened blood flow increases the amount of oxygen being sent to your extremities—most notably your heart and arteries. This means a healthier circulatory system and more energy! Now that sounds like a “win” in our book. Back to cosmetics, your skin can also benefit from increased blood flow– after all, our epidermis is the largest organ we have! Infrared light therapy reduces redness, helps heal broken capillaries, and creates a more even flow of blood throughout your body—which results in a more even looking skin tone.

3. Helps Heal Injuries

If you’re an athlete or have recently had an injury that just won’t seem to heal, infrared light therapy can be life-changing for you! Because of the high wavelengths of energy being sent to your body at the time of your treatment, it helps deliver healing energy to cells at a rapid rate and relieves pain at a quicker-than-usual pace. It’s even FDA-approved as a common treatment for chronic pain! If you’ve found yourself let down on occasion by the world of modern medicine, we can’t recommend this treatment enough.

4. Improved Range of Motion

This therapy can also lead to an increased range of motion through its ability to rebuild cartilage, and is a common treatment for those struggling with arthritis. According to Dr. Axe, “Decreasing oxidative damage, which degenerates joints, and modulating inflammation are other ways that LLLT [low level laser therapy] benefits soft/connective tissue.”

5. Reduces the Effects of Sun Damage

Once again, because of the stellar job it does producing collagen and bringing more elasticity to your skin, infrared light therapy is a great treatment for those struggling with sun damage. If you’re looking to decrease the appearance of sunspots—or just want healthier skin in general— infrared light therapy could be the treatment for you.

Do you have further questions about infrared light therapy, or want to give it a try? Karma Spa offers quality treatment that could bring you the health breakthrough you need! Contact us for more information anytime!

Aromatherapy sounds like a wonderful sensory experience—and it is! But what are the actual benefits of your massage therapist including essential oils into your massage practice? Well, aromatherapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, ease pains, aid in sleep, cure headaches, and an assortment of other benefits as well. Curious as to what the advantages of specific kinds of essential oils are? We brought in our resident essential oil expert to fill you in.

The Benefits of Various Essential Oils:

1. Lavender

Lavender is an essential oil often used to ease stress and relax the person partaking in it. It’s extremely versatile and has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

2. Bergamot

 Bergamot is a great essential oil that can help soothe those with skin ailments such as eczema or psoriasis. This oil has also been known to relieve stress and anxiety, and can be used to jumpstart the digestive tract in a healthy way.

3. Peppermint

 Peppermint has been known to be a miracle worker for headache relief. Moreover, it has a cooling impact that results in increased mental awareness. This energy-boosting essential oil can also help lessen redness and cure congestion.

4. Anise

 Anise is often utilized when the client has arthritis or recurring muscle spasms. This works effectively to ease the spasms, clear congestion, and lessen breathing difficulties.

5. Cedarwood

 Cedarwood works wonders for acne and also can help with dermatitis, dandruff and stress. A win-win-win in our book!

6. Frankincense

 Not nearly as Halloween-y as it sounds, frankincense can help comfort those with anxiety. Beyond that, it can relieve symptoms of asthma and reduce the signs of scars and stretch marks.

7. Lemon

We love a good lemon essential oil drop or three, and for good reason! Lemon essential oils help brighten dull skin and dry up oily skin. Also, they can help relieve stress and decrease perspiration.

8. Patchouli

 Patchouli is wonderful because it helps assist in kicking acne to the curb, decreasing the appearance of cellulite and combatting dandruff.

9. Basil

Basil is for so much more than just putting on salads! This oil is often used as an antidepressant, an anti-inflammatory agent and a hormone influencer. Alright, alright, alright.

10. Lemongrass

 Lemongrass has antiviral and antifungal properties that also work to stimulate the body and mind.

Have you used essential oils before, or tried aromatherapy? In today’s stress-heavy world, now would be a great time to try. At Karma Spa, we know how to use essential oils to enhance your massage in appropriate ways. Contact us for more info below or to schedule your appointment!

Stress is prevalent in our everyday lives, whether it be the anxiety given to you because of a new task at work, the child tugging at your pant leg who just entered their terrible twos, or the house guest that didn’t remember to pack anything. That’s why we’re so thankful that we get to help relieve anxiety on your end—because for at least 60 minutes, you deserve some serenity.

According to the American Psychological Association’s symptoms of stress, a massage can help relieve the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Muscle Tension
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Irritability
• Anxiety

But what’s the science behind the stress slowly melting away during your massage appointment? We have you covered.

5 Ways Massages Help Relieve Stress

1. Muscle Relaxation

When stress is released throughout your body, it’s an automatic response for your muscles to tense up and contract. Not only does this cause your muscles to stay sore if you’re stressed long-term, but it can also lead to other negative repercussions such as headaches and chronic pain. During a massage, your therapist can focus on your pain points and lessen the tension that has built up over time.

2. Lowered Cortisol Levels

In a recent clinical study it was found that participants that were massaged showed lowered cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone linked to stress, and when elevated it can lead to adrenal fatigue.  It was also noted that after a mere five minutes, massage also lowered the participants heart rate—and high heart rates are often linked to high stress.

3. Can Help or Treat Injuries

When participating in a sports massage, our therapists particularly focus on techniques that help prevent injuries and treat current ones. Athletes need an extra focus on muscles since theirs work more than the average individual on a daily basis, so don’t worry—we’re here to help.

4. Increased Blood Flow

Massages can lead to increased blood flow and circulation throughout the body, which leads to improved function in your brain and other organs. According to Vital Proteins, increased blood flow also has cosmetic benefits such as healthier skin and nails.

5. Removes Toxins

Massages help remove toxins from the body, which means less illness across the board. Woohoo! Just don’t forget to drink a lot of water in the days after and leading up to your massage. During your treatment, the toxins are then released into the bloodstream, and the more water to help flush them out through the kidneys, the better.

Have more questions about the benefits of getting a massage? Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them. And if you’re already convinced about the benefits, you can also schedule a massage appointment with us right off the bat.

If you’ve never tried reflexology, you’re missing out on a fabulous opportunity to relieve the body and mind. The process basically works by stimulating the pressure points on your feet and hands. In doing so, reflexologists believe that they’re stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system, and therefore rebalancing your chi (your vital energy).

But why try reflexology and what exactly can it do for you? Let’s dive in.

Reasons to Try Reflexology:

1. It Improves Circulation

The increase of circulation of blood flow is a key reason to try reflexology! Improved circulation helps increase the amount of oxygen being sent to your extremities, especially your heart and arteries. This means a healthier circulatory system and more energy (AKA chi!) A totally valid reason to try the therapy.

2. It Fights Stress

When you’re stressed, your muscles tend to tense-up and ache. During a reflexology session, your therapist can focus on specific points of pain and help lessen the tension that has built up over time in your contracted muscles. When your muscles feel better, you feel better.

3. It Leads to Better Sleep

As stated above, reflexology leads to improved circulation…which therefore leads to better sleep! Why? Because blood flow is increased, more oxygen is sent to your brain! There’s also a specific area on the foot that is often massaged for a minimum of one minute because it’s linked to better sleep rates in clients.

4. It Detoxes Your Body

Much like a traditional massage, reflexology definitely helps detox your body. During your session, the toxins your muscles are carrying are released into your bloodstream and flushed out through your kidneys, so drinking plenty of water before and after your treatment is key! This also leads to a heightened immune system—not only because of the toxin removal process, but also because it sends self-healing energy to your cells. Cool, right?

5. It Relieves Chronic Pain

According to the results of a 2013 study, “Reflexology could be as effective as painkillers as a method of pain relief. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth found that people who were undergoing reflexology felt about 40 percent less pain, and were able to stand pain for about 45 percent longer.” Dr. Carol Samuel explained, “It is likely that reflexology works in a similar manner to acupuncture by causing the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals.” Clearly, this is something that’s easy to get behind, and something that we recommend to all of our athletes and chronic pain sufferers.

Make sure to check out our reflexology sessions at both our Hillcrest and Carlsbad locations, and see what all the fuss is about!

Unlike most things in life, preparing for a massage isn’t something most people consider. You’re going to get a massage to take-in some extra relaxation time and hopefully loosen up some joints and muscles that have been bothering you lately, right? While both of those are good reasons to get a massage, there’s actually much more that you should be doing to prepare for your visit. Curious what you can do to make the most out of your massage experience? We have you covered.

5 Ways to Prepare for a Massage

1. Don’t Eat Before a Massage

Eating lightly is suggested, but a full meal is probably best avoided. During your massage session, digestion is stimulated which means that if you eat a full meal, you may experience some discomfort. Hungry? No reason to starve yourself! Eat some fruit, some lightly grilled veggies or a protein bar—all good options!

2. Drink Tons of Water

Since your muscles are being worked on during a massage, hydration is key (much like exercise)! Throughout the course of your massage, your kidneys will begin to flush out the toxins released during your session to give your kidneys extra support. Because of this, water is a major component to post-massage health to avoid getting sick. Need more convincing? We have a whole blog post on why you should be drinking tons of water before and post massage, here. INSERT LINK HERE.

3. Take A Shower

Warm water is preferred as this practice will also help your muscles loosen up. Not only will you thank yourself when your soreness is a 0-2 on the discomfort scale, but your massage therapist will certainly thank you for coming in clean! A win-win for both parties.

4. Stretch

Like the warm shower, stretching will also help loosen up your muscles and get them ready for prime massage time! The more loose your muscles are, the more deep tissue work your therapist will be able to get in there and do—and the better you’ll feel! Stretch afterwards too to really feel the best you can.

5. Communicate With Your Massage Therapist

Communication with your massage therapist is essential to a great massage experience. Tell them about any allergies to lotions or oils you may have and tell them if any major discomfort starts to happen. Tell them if the pressure they’re applying to your muscles is too light or too strong. You can even tell them if you’d like them to focus on an area in particular, if you don’t like the music, if you’d prefer to talk/not talk throughout, etc. Your massage therapists are here to make this as enjoyable for you as possible!

Of course, once you’ve readied yourself for a good massage, we’ll take care of the rest. Come visit us at Karma Spa to experience relaxation and rejuvenation for your body and mind. And if you have any questions, feel free to let us know as well.

Many people are affected by the side effects of fibromyalgia—a condition that leads to fatigue, pain, memory loss and other symptoms. Although it’s not life threatening, it sure is an unfortunate issue to have to deal with on a day-to-day basis! The good news is that frequent massages can help lessen the symptoms and act as a relief for the chronic soreness that fibromyalgia brings. How exactly can it help though? We have some answers.

How Massage Can Help Your Fibromyalgia:

1. Massages Reduce Pain

When muscles are tense, not only can they cause immense pain, but they may also bring on other negative symptoms such as headaches and chronic pain. When you get a massage, your therapist will loosen these tense pain points, therefore decreasing your discomfort levels. It’s much needed for those dealing with fibromyalgia!

2. They Improve Mental Clarity

Cortisol, a hormone that can cause unneeded stress and anxiety, is lowered when getting a massage. The negative side of cortisol doesn’t stop there though: “Negative effects cortisol has include increased anxiety and depression, suppression of the immune system and a decrease in bone formation.” Decreasing cortisol means less stress, and that means more mental clarity and room for you to breathe again!

3. You’ll Get More Sleep

Lessened cortisol levels also mean more good quality sleep! Woohoo! Who doesn’t need a little (or a lot of extra) rest? A recent study sounded off on the sleep difference between those with and without massages: “The massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.” Better sleep can also help with stress levels and more relaxed joints as well. To learn more about how massages and stress levels are linked, you can check out this article. LINK TO ARTICLE.

 A Good Massage Can Help More Than You Know

Fibromyalgia is just one of the health conditions that frequent massages can soothe. Give us a call at Karma Spa to find out how we can bring you relief from a host of other health issues. Give us a try today—you’ll be glad you did!

Who doesn’t love a good massage? The room is serene and smells like heaven, you’re finally able to leave your current stressors behind you, and post-appointment your body feels ready to take on the world. But not every massage is created equal! That’s right—there is an endless amount of massage types, and with them come various positives and negatives. Not sure where to begin? We did a round-up of the most popular types to give you a brief intro.

Massage Types:

1. Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most popular types of massage in the United States, and is often recommended for a first-time visitor as it boasts particularly gentle movements. The masseuse uses circular strokes and kneading patterns to help relax the guest and create a feeling of serenity.

2. Hot Stone Massage

A more popular choice in the West in recent years, the hot stone massage is actually an age-old technique to help relax tense muscles throughout the body. The hot stones are usually heated between 130-145 degrees and placed strategically along different areas of your body—usually along the spine, hands and feet. The hot stone massage possesses not only the ability to relieve tension but also to lessen stress, kick the symptoms of autoimmune diseases to the curb, and boost immunity through its ability to lessen water retention.

3. Deep Tissue Massage

The deep tissue massage—just as it suggests—allows massage therapists to dig deep into your muscles to help flush out toxins and relieve specific points of chronic pain. If you have a particular area that’s been giving you grief, a deep tissue massage is highly recommended!

4. Sports Massage

Here’s a popular choice for both athletes and people looking to increase their range of motion alike. A sports massage is an excellent option for individuals wanting to up their physical performance. This massage works to bring the most beneficial nutrients to various muscles throughout the body to help make this goal a reality.

5. Thai Massage

A Thai massage is best compared to being guided through a comprehensive yoga session without having to move from your spot. It’s known to loosen up joints and stretch muscles into stress-free glory, and it can be a lifesaver to those living that cubicle life!

6. Lymphatic Massage

A lymphatic massage works to create the optimal environment for your lymph nodes to thrive through tender, intentional movements. If you have unexplained swelling, are feeling unusually lethargic, or just want to feel recharged, we can’t recommend this lymphatic experience enough.

7. Tuina Massage

A popular choice for those interested in Chinese medicine, a tuina massage encourages the eight principles of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) into balance. Unlike many other massage types, the Tuina massage typically does not include lotions or oils and instead uses brush techniques, kneading and calculated rubbing to relieve tension.

8. Acupressure Massage

If you’ve ever partaken in acupuncture, this massage type holds the same principles. If you haven’t tried out acupuncture (because, ah, needles!) this massage type could be a great choice for you as it helps promote the same relief solely using the masseuse’s pressure.

Try a New Massage Style Today at Karma Spa!

 Are you curious about a massage style you haven’t tried yet? Contact us at Karma Spa, where we offer most (if not all) of the massages listed above at our various locations. And if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We can connect you with the massage that your body needs today!

If you’ve had a massage before, your masseuse has likely encouraged you to slam water like it’s your job right after. But why? During a massage, many toxins you’ve been harboring are released. Great! Right? While it’s wonderful that your body is purging harmful toxins, they have to be released somewhere—and it’s believed to be right into your bloodstream. It’s no reason to run and hide though (and never have a massage again—blasphemy!). Instead, it’s best to chug water post-massage to avoid falling ill.

Need more reasoning or want to learn more? Karma Spa has you covered.

Here’s why you should hydrate post-massage:

1. It Aids in Detoxification

Water helps purify your kidneys, and these organs help process key nutrients and toxins! The water flushes the free radicals released during a massage out and oxygenates your cells to help produce more of the good stuff. Drinking water post-massage = giving thanks to your immune system.

2. It Kicks Dehydration to the Curb

Massages are dehydrating, and our bodies are 60% water! The squeezing that the massage therapist does during your appointment releases fluids from your muscle tissues and into your vascular system. That means that you have to restock up on all of the water you lost during your massage. Best get to sippin’. Wondering how much to drink? One massage therapist recommends drinking half your body weight in ounces per day.

3. Metabolic Waste

It sounds fancy, but really metabolic waste is just particles in our body that are of no use to us— and during a massage, they’re released at a much quicker rate than what our bodies are used to. Getting a lymphatic massage done? Take special note of this article, as otherwise you’re much more likely to feel unwell after. Metabolic waste can constrict our muscles and lead to improper flow of toxin flushing. When you drink water, you give your muscles a chance to loosen-up and therefore release the tense muscles that hold waste. Cool!

4. Drink Water Pre-Massage

Yep. Pro tip! Drinking water before a massage can help just as much, if not more, than drinking post-massage! This will help your kidneys release the toxins as they work their way out of your muscles during your appointment, and move them out of your system in a healthy, productive manner. Nothing like electrolytes to aid in replenishing your immune system!

5. Prevent Excess Soreness

After a massage, it’s normal to feel a little sore in areas that the massage therapist focused on. Because of this, hydrating after a massage can help prevent excessive soreness. Do yourself a favor and add an extra glass or two to your normal post-massage amount if you’re still feeling super sluggish or ill.

Call Karma Spa to Rejuvenate Your Body Again!

Make no mistake—there’s still nothing like a great massage to get your body retuned for life. Make an appointment with us at Karma Spa to feel refreshed and recover health in your muscles, tissues, and throughout your body. Just don’t forget the water afterward!