Aja Alexander is certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone, Prenatal and her favorite, Lomilomi which means “massage” in Hawaiian. It is often referred to as “healing hands” or “loving hands” and the strokes of this type of bodywork are long and flowing and mimic ocean waves.
“Multiple parts of the body are worked on simultaneously [in Lomilomi] which makes it difficult for the mind to focus on anything, therefore putting you into a state of calm mental bliss.”
Keep Calm and Get a Massage
By Aja Alexander
Have you ever had a massage? If you have, then you probably know how good it feels. Rubbing and kneading the muscle tissue and joints relieves tension, gives you more flexibility and range of motion. It helps alleviate pain that is caused by everyday use on the machine that we call “body.” Massages help increase circulation in the body by pumping oxygen and nutrients into the tissues and organs. While good nutrients are flowing effectively into the body, the bad ones are being pushed out which creates detoxification and cleansing of the digestive system. The condition of the skin is also improved during this process. Once you get up from the massage, the aches and pains have been minimized or even eliminated altogether; your body is relaxed, refreshed and renewed. You feel like you have a whole new body. For many people, massage is an easy and enjoyable answer to physical improvement.
“Many people leave a good massage experiencing a natural high.”
As good as massage is on your physical health, the benefits on your mental health are often greater. If you’ve had a massage then you also probably know what a good mood you’re in when you get off the table. Not just because your body feels better, but because your mind is in an altered, relaxed and blissful state.
When you hear the words stress, anxiety or depression, the mind automatically has a negative reaction. Stress is the leading cause of many chronic physical and mental ailments. It is also one of the most common feelings that people endure on a regular basis. Stress triggers the hormone cortisol which increases the blood pressure and creates anxiety.
Massage also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which are neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.
But good news…massage therapy actually has a chemical effect on the brain that can improve these issues. To start, it can reduce high blood pressure which in turn lowers anxiety. It also releases endorphins which are the body’s “natural painkillers.” Endorphins interact with the Opiate receptors of our brain to help reduce our perception of pain and stress. Also, massage helps increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which are neurotransmitters that help reduce depression. Due to this chemical concoction (less cortisol, enable endorphins, more serotonin and dopamine) the brain is able to experience a feeling of euphoria. Massage is a great answer to improving the mood without the use of medication. Many people leave a good massage experiencing a natural high.
Massage therapy has dated back to 2330 BC and is still widely popular today. It’s not a hip new concept that’s becoming popular amongst the “cool” crowd, or a new treatment being tested by the FDA. It’s an ancient therapy that stands the test of time. There are many different types of massages and the modality you choose depends on what you need at the time and your personal preference. Swedish massage for example, is very light pressure and is great for a first timer or someone who doesn’t have much muscle mass. Deep Tissue on the other hand can be better for someone who has more experience with massage and needs more pressure. Though for the sake of altering the mood, it really doesn’t take much. There doesn’t need to be uncomfortably deep pressure to get the job done. A simple light pressure is all it takes; though a deep tissue massage will still create the same mental benefits with some added physical bonuses. Reflexology and trigger point therapy are other modalities which are used to open up energy zones in the body through pressure points. The list goes on but your massage therapist will be able to discern which is best for you as long as you communicate with them as to your comfort level. Massage is usually very soothing, though at times you will experience the pressure being applied but it should never be painful.
I am certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone, Prenatal and my favorite, Lomilomi which means “massage” in Hawaiian. It is often referred to as “healing hands” or “loving hands” massage because the therapist genuinely cares for their client and you can feel it. Lomilomi is deeply relaxing & therapeutic and really connects the mind and body. The strokes of this type of bodywork are long and flowing and mimic ocean waves. Multiple parts of the body are worked on simultaneously which makes it difficult for the mind to focus on anything, therefore putting you into a state of calm mental bliss. Lomilomi is great for any body type whether it’s your first time or you get massages regularly. With lomilomi you will feel the “Aloha spirit” which is love and caring for all.
When massage therapy is received on a regular basis, the positive effects on the mind (and of course body) can be profound. So if you haven’t had a massage or it’s been more than a week or two, now is the time to book your much needed appointment. You’ll say to yourself “ohhhh this is how being relaxed and happy feels, I could get used to this.”
Aloha!
Aja Alexander
Massage By Aja
(661) 645-6433
27674 Newhall Ranch Rd. Suite 65
Valencia, Ca. 91355
“Ultimate Relaxation Awaits You”
