massage
Curious about pregnancy massages? Are they good for you? Are there risks? Find out the benefits and risks of a yummy mummy pregnancy massage.
Massages have long been known to help promote better health, minimise stress and alleviate muscle tension. But are they safe and beneficial for pregnant women?
Modern research says they generally are — and they offer additional benefits for expectant mothers.
Take a look at five reasons to book a pregnancy massage with an experienced practitioner:
Benefit #1: Improved hormone regulation
Regular pregnancy massages—like the one we offer at The Temple Skincare & Spa—are known to minimise stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine, while boosting ‘happy’ hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
This, in turn, is thought to be helpful in reducing the number of complications during childbirth and with the newborn itself.
Benefit #2: Reduced swelling
Massages are great at not only improving blood and lymph circulation, but also minimising the collection of fluids in the joints. In expectant mothers, this whole process can help reduce the natural swelling caused by being pregnant.
Benefit #3: Less pain
The extra weight you have to carry during your pregnancy can cause cramps, spasms and back and joint pain. Pregnancy massages are known to help alleviate all these symptoms by relieving muscle tension.
But that’s not all a good massage can do for you. Studies show a good pregnancy massage is also great for easing the sciatic nerve pain that is common when you’re in your third trimester. This discomfort is caused by your expanded uterus and its growing guest resting on your lower back and pelvic floor.
Benefit #4: Lower risk of stretch marks
A very gentle massage at home with a product like Bio Oil can be beneficial in reducing the stretch marks which appear as your baby grows.
Couple this with sufficient hydration and a healthy diet rich in skin-friendly nutrients, and you have the perfect recipe for minimising your risk of stretch marks lingering after you have given birth.
Benefit #5: Improved sleep quality
Sleep is crucial to good health—especially in expectant mothers. Not only will it help reduce your risk for getting sick, it will improve your mood and energy levels, making your body the perfect habitat for your little one.
With all those aches, pains and nerves brought on by pregnancy, a relaxing massage can help improve the quality of your sleep so you can rest and be ready for your baby’s arrival.
Some things to consider
Pregnancy massages bring a couple of great benefits to the table but there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.
Before you treat yourself to one, be sure to check with your doctor first. While studies show that prenatal massages are generally safe, every expectant mother is different. What’s perfectly safe for one may cause complications in another.
Second, you need to find someone trained to do a proper pregnancy massage. If you’re in the Hills District, visit The Temple Skincare & Spa, where we offer the services of experienced practitioners.
Our qualified massage therapists will help you relax the tired and aching muscles in your lower back, thighs and feet, providing you with much-needed relief from the physical pressure of pregnancy. To ensure you and your little one’s safety, we will only treat you once you get past your first trimester.
Should you get a pregnancy massage?
If you believe treating yourself to a good pregnancy massage will help you feel like the yummy mummy you know you are, why not book today?
Just make sure you get clearance from your doctor first, and only get your massages from a qualified professional.
Book your pregnancy massage session at The Temple Skincare & Spa today.
We all love massage but how does it benefit us? From lomi lomi massage and reflexology to stress relief massage and aromatherapy treatments; find out the real benefits of massage.
Massage is so relaxing and feels great but how does it really benefit you?
A great deal of study has gone into proving the benefits of massage and similar or additional treatments like reflexology and aromatherapy. While scientists say the positive side effects vary from person to person and aren’t easy to measure, it definitely has benefits for the body and mind.
Here are some of the ways you can benefit from the many massage treatments on offer at the Temple Skincare menu, which include stress relief, pregnancy massage, lomi lomi , hot stone, relaxation and even holistic massage.
- Reduces stress. Lying face down forces you to be still and encourages you to forget about what’s troubling you. Taking time out to unwind and focus on your body can leave you feeling rested and relaxed, even after a one-hour treatment.
- Helps you sleep. Now you’re feeling more relaxed, you will find it easier to drop off to sleep. What’s more, because you are no longer holding a great deal of tension in your muscles, your sleep will be more restorative.
- Improve flexibility. A full body session feels great but did you know that a good leg massage can help your muscles to stretch and extend? With improved movement potential, you can achieve more at the gym or in your other workouts.
- Relieve pain. Sore muscles can ruin your day. For many people with chronic conditions, this is the only way to find relief. If you’re suffering from an aching body, treat yourself to blissful relief from melting movements to gently rub away the pain. You may even find having a regular treatments can help reduce the soreness for the long term.
- Alleviate depression. While it is always important to speak to your doctor if you are suffering from serious mental issues, a case of the blues can be minimised with professional kinetic therapies. For many people, the human contact and relaxed environment can promote feelings of well-being.
- Boosts your immune system. Studies have found that it can actually help you by improving your resistance to coughs and colds. It is believed that stimulation of the lymph nodes, which takes place during a treatment session, can re-charge your body’s natural defence system.
- Improve circulation. Science Daily reported in 2014 that massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise. According to a study, “The results also showed that massage improved vascular function in people who had not exercised, suggesting that [it] has benefits for people regardless of their level of physical activity.”
Which one is right for you?
Whether you want to relax or treat discomfort you can choose from the following:
- Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Temple Massage. Very flowing, deeply relaxing movements originating from Hawaii. Your therapist will treat you with their arms and hands in flowing strokes over the body in what becomes a dynamic dance of life. It is described like it is a big long hug!
- Native Oil & Hot Stone Massage. Melt away as your therapist uses the ancient art of stone massage and essential oils to soothe away tension. This unique modality with hot stones will bring about a sense of balance & well-being. This is extremely good for muscle aches, fluid retention, and tired stressed souls.
- Aromatherapy Head, Neck and Scalp massage with Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. Kneading and rubbing the head and scalp is an age-old healing art form of holistic therapy. It allows for the relief of mental fatigue, the calming of thoughts and easing of stored tension. The warm hair mask will also invite your mind to relax and let go.
- Relaxation Massage. Let the healing touch of our therapists move you into a deep place of relaxation. With flowing movements and gentle muscle manipulations, this treatment is sure to put your mind at ease and have you walk out floating.
Ready to book an indulgent, relaxing and revitalising massage experience? Find a spot for a divine massage at The Temple Skincare & Spa.
Fans of Temple Skincare and Yoga Doll’s high-performance activewear, gym leggings and yoga wear will be interested to discover the role massage plays in well-being.
With our busy lives taking up so much time, it is important to find a way to unwind, de-stress and focus on yourself.
Along with regular visits to a day spa to look after your skin, yoga should be an essential element of your personal care. Taking the time to focus on your body helps to relieve the pressures that life brings, boosts your fitness and can ease away the pain of injury.
While exercise in the form of yoga or other workouts is so important, experts are now realising the icing on the wellness cake is massage.
Fans of Yoga Doll’s high-performance activewear, gym leggings and yoga wear will be interested to discover the role massage plays in well-being. Take a look at three key benefits of massage:
De-stress and minimise depression
Having a massage provides you with a quiet environment which is free from interruptions. Your phone is switched off, there is nobody asking you to do anything and the only other person in the room is dedicated to making you feel good.
In an article published by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, a study found that positive effects were observed on stress hormone, blood pressure and heart rate after a scalp massage. For people who have overactive minds, massage is an excellent opportunity to reduce your stress levels while taking time out.
Improve flexibility
If you are serious about becoming better at yoga, you need to make massage part of your routine.
Massage is beneficial for maintaining and improving your flexibility and motion. Your massage therapist will work on your muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. This will relax stressed muscles, stimulate blood flow and improve your flexibility.
For the best results, combine your stretching routine with massage as often as possible. You don’t always have to pay a professional; a foam roller kept at home can make a big difference in this area.
Reduce injury and muscle soreness
Even after a relaxing yoga workout, you may find your muscles are sore. This is because they are not used to moving as far as they have been.
A fascinating 2012 study found that massage eases sore muscles by turning off genes associated with inflammation and turning on genes that help muscles heal. The study, conducted by a Canadian team, found that “massage suppresses the inflammation that follows exercise while promoting faster healing”.
What’s more, massage feels great when you’re suffering from sore hamstrings or back muscles. The immediate relief you feel can be worth the cost of a treatment.
One of the best things about massage is you can perform it almost anywhere, using something as simple as a tennis ball, or even your hands. After a workout or yoga routine, allow an extra five minutes to apply some gentle pressure to the muscles you have used the most. This will help them recover more quickly and lead to better physical performance.
Alternatively, treat yourself and book in for a heavenly relaxation massage. At The Temple Skincare & Spa, you can choose from a stress relief massage, aromatherapy massage or a native oil & white stone massage. Put yourself in the hands of an experienced therapist and take the time to truly relax.
Yoga + massage: a match made in heaven
Adding yoga to your regular routine along with massage means you’ll be far more relaxed and able to face the challenges life throws at you.
To feel comfortable and look great during your yoga practice, take a look at Yoga Doll Designer Activewear. You can expect to find high-performance activewear and stylish yoga wear, plus gym leggings, printed leggings and other active clothing.
Give your body and ind a break, book a massage with Temple Skincare now or call (02) 9634 2411
Mother’s Day is coming up. Why not treat mum to some indulgence? Take a look at your options for a Mother’s Day Spa Package in Castle Hill
Treat your mum this Mother’s Day! If you’re local to the Hills District, there are some divine Mother’s Day spa packages on offer to make her feel special.
The Temple Skincare & Spa in Castle Hill provides beautiful pampering experiences, with a range of options. Select a single treatment or book the Ultimate Indulgence Package to help Mum restore, replenish and revitalise her soul.
Mother’s Day is an important opportunity to recognise the selflessness and hard work mothers put in year-round. This includes the mental load of managing schedules, staying on top of housework and remembering where you had your favourite jumper last! By showing your mum your appreciation, you can help her relax and unwind so she continue being her amazing self.
The following are some of the treatments our day spa team recommend:
Mothers Day spa packages at Temple Skincare & Spa Castle Hill
Blissful Mum
This is our bestselling experience! Mum can luxuriate in a 90-minute Temple Signature Facial to heal and nurture tired skin and brighten the soul.
This special treat comes with a Collagen Eye Treatment to keep her looking fresh and rejuvenated. To take the indulgence a step further, a soothing 30-minute Relaxation Back Massage will top off the experience.
Zen Mum
For mums who are always in a rush, a 45-minute Refresher facial and a 15-minute massage will help clear her mind of worries and calm her soul to take on the next challenge.
Cherished Mum
Show mum how much she means to you with a Cherished Mum Mother’s Day Package. For two and a half hours, mum will be spoilt with an Organic Coconut and Jasmine Body Polish, leaving the skin moisturised and smooth.
Then, she’ll be treated with a Neroli and Rosehip Facial Massage while relaxing in a Wild Yam and White Flannel Flower Hydrating Cocoon.
She’ll get a Recovery Face Masque to clear out impurities and ensure that she’ll always have the glowing face you love.
Next, a very luxe Native Hibiscus, Jasmine and Silk Body Souffle will be applied, followed by a Vanilla Infused Oil Foot Restoration Massage. And then, a de-stressing Neck, Back and Shoulder Massage to make sure we banish all the tension away.
Ultimate Indulgence
This five-hour package will give Mum refuge from the stress of day to day life. She’ll be able to relax from top to toe with a full body polish, followed by a back, neck and shoulder massage, and a hydrating cocoon treatment.
For mum, the bliss will continue with a facial massage and refresher treatment, plus a decadent full body moisturising application.
Before the finishing touches of a manicure and pedicure, Mum can enjoy some relaxing time out with lunch either by the pool or in the restaurant.
You can guarantee mum will be walking on air after this sumptuous package, designed for the ultimate relaxation.
De-stress: Balance body and mind
Using soothing essential oils, this package includes an organic body scrub and relaxing aromatherapy back massage before finishing with an organic de-stress body souffle and a calming facial and scalp massage.
This two-hour treatment will take mum on a naturally mood-lifting journey of positivity and wellbeing.
Ecstasy Combo
One of The Temple Skincare & Spa’s most popular packages, this 2.5-hour treatment combines an organic body buff, signature facial and 1-hour relaxation massage to leave Mum feeling incredible.
Renewal – Body & Mind Balance
Mum can take a break from the everyday with this uplifting head to toe rejuvenating ritual. Lasting two hours, she’ll feel renewed in her body and soul thanks to mood-enhancing essential oils.
This package includes:
– iKOU foot Ritual
– Warm Bergamot Hair and Scalp Deep Conditioning Massage
– Organic Jojoba and Italian Orange Body Buff
– Organic Aromatherapy Full Body Massage
After this delectable treatment, mum will float home on cloud nine.
Add-ons available
Visit our day spa package menu to find more Mothers Day spa packages and don’t forget you can always request an add-on like an extra half-hour massage or express facial.
After her spa treatment, why not organise to meet Mum for High Tea? Plan a Saturday booking and join her for a delightful menu of treats and champagne.
If mum really needs to get away from it all, book her a night at The Hills Lodge Hotel. This boutique venue combines modern comfort with old-world charm. She can dine in the restaurant, sleep without interruptions and even enjoy a swim in the facility’s 20-metre heated pool.
Mother’s Day Spa Packages Castle Hill: Bookings Essential
While we are closed on Sundays, our day spa is filled with happy mums in the weeks after Mother’s Day. To make sure your mum isn’t left waiting, purchase a voucher and remind her to book her appointment as soon as possible, or make a booking ahead of time on her behalf.
