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May 2017

Massage

Why It’s Totally Normal to Cry During a Massage

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Why It’s Totally Normal to Cry During a Massage

As Maura Lynch said in a story found on InStyle.com, “Massage does many things; it unwinds knots, releases tension and alleviates stress. But I never thought the service might unleash a waterfall of tears. And yet there I was on a comfy, heated table as a therapist worked a particularly stiff area in my shoulders and the floodgates opened.

“I was totally confused,” she continued. “I felt great! I was getting a massage! I wasn’t sad at all! But this apparently (thankfully) doesn’t make me a basket case: ‘The limbic system in our brain controls our emotions, responses to stimuli, behavior and memories,’ says Amy Olthoff, Spa Director of Spa Nalai at the Park Hyatt New York. ‘When the nerve endings in our tissues are stimulated, it’s not uncommon that this releases trapped emotional memories, even if you may not feel a sense of trauma or sadness.’

“Who knows what I was holding onto?” Maura said in conclusion. “All I know is that I walked away from that spa feeling lighter, freer, and more at ease than after any other treatment before.”

Spa Space, one of the most progressive spas in Chicago, is unique in its approach to treating body and mind. Our carefully-selected, licensed and highly trained professionals have passion for their craft and a dedication to continuing education in their field, and this makes all the difference as they customize each service to the individual. Located in the West Loop, Spa Space offers Chicago massages that make a difference. Whether you’re looking for a men’s spa, the perfect place for a couples spa day or facials in Chicago, Spa Space is the best day spa in Chicago.

Best Spa Chicago

Best Spa Chicago

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15 Thoughts Every Person Has During a Massage

In a posting on MIMIchatter.com, Hallie Gould said, “Massages are in-cred-ible. They are the perfect service to help you relax, recharge, and even fix some lingering health issues. But, they can be funny too. We’ve all been there—navigating the waters while a stranger massages your naked body can be awkward. And, our minds tend to wander.”

They turned to the crowd to find out what are the funniest and most common thoughts every person has had during a massage.

1. I have to disrobe and get into this bed quickly just in case the masseuse comes back in here mid-jean tug. There is nothing more mortifying than a person watching you shimmy a bunch and peel off your skinny jeans. Really, there isn’t. Try to think of one.

2. Now that I’m under the sheet, how do I let them know I’m ready? Do I say anything? Has it been too long? If I don’t tell the masseuse that I’m ready to go will he/she forget about me and force me to lay here forever? I wonder if I can order Seamless to this spa.

3. OK the masseuse is back. Good thing I didn’t yell out that I was ready. Or have to explain that Seamless delivery guy.

4. This person’s hands are so soft. I wonder if I can ever make my hands this soft? It would probably mean I’d have to take up massaging as a profession which would be unfortunate for the industry because I’m terrible at giving massages.

5. Ahhh, finally relaxing. This is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had.

6. The heated bed is splendid. But, now I’m sweating. Is is embarrassing that I’m starting to perspire during this process? I wonder if everyone starts to sweat, or if this is a me-specific situation.

7. It feels so good that the masseuse is massaging my hands. But it’s kind of also like we’re holding hands now. Is this too intimate? Is it strange that I’m starting to think this is intimate? I need to turn off my brain.

8. Here comes the “flip over” situation. I’m totally naked and now starting to feel like maybe people don’t get completely nude for this. Here we go. I’m flipping over naked. Yup, that’s the front of me naked… and this is the back.

9. *flips over while cringing*

10. What is this delicious smell? The oil smells like rainbows and sunshine. I would buy an entire bathtub full of this stuff. Maybe if I did fill up my bathtub with this fragrant massage oil (and sit in it for the rest of my life) my hands would be as soft as this masseuse’s hands.

11. Is this supposed to hurt? I can’t tell if this is the “good” kind of pain or just, you know, pain. I bet this is going to do wonders for my back.

12. I hope the masseuse didn’t notice I just dozed off for a while. And my body totally twitched when I woke up.

13. Thankfully I didn’t let loose any other bodily functions while I snoozed. I think…

14. I hope this person is not a serial killer because they could relax me and kill me right now—and I wouldn’t know the difference. OK, now I really need to turn off my brain.

15. Is it over already? I never, ever want to leave. Nope. Not getting up. I wonder if I can work remotely while I lie here for the rest of my life. 🙂

If you have any questions about massage, anything at all, never hesitate to ask us at Spa Space. We’ve been named the best spa in Chicago because we go above and beyond. The highly trained team of massage therapists at our Chicago spa, focus on the therapeutic approach to Chicago massage as well as on advances in skin care services and products.

Happens Month

August Is Happiness Happens Month

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August Is Happiness Happens Month

“Happiness is elusive because there isn’t an exact recipe for it, no matter how much we want one and how many scientific studies are done to help us understand happiness,” says Pamela Gail Johnson, founder the Secret Society of Happy People (SOHP). “Happiness is one of those experiences that we just know when it happens. If you need to think about whether you’re happy, you probably aren’t at that moment.”

Johnson wondered if it’s even possible to define something that sounds so simple, yet, is obviously complex. “Before starting the Society I tried more ‘get happy’ philosophy or how-to programs from the spiritual to the cognitive than I can remember. Although, I’m blessed with happy genetics, so I naturally see the brighter side of life, I wanted life to be happy all of the time.

“What I learned was that, although you can’t be happy all of the time, you can be happy most of the time,” she says. “You just need to recognize more of the happiness that’s already happening.”
To celebrate the first birthday the Society declared August 8, Admit You’re Happy Day, later changing the name to Happiness Happens Day. The holiday is based on the idea that happiness is unlimited. It is also contagious, so sharing your happiness may bring joy to other people’s lives.

SOHP now celebrates the entire month of August as Happiness Happens Month. And the U.N. has set aside March 20 as the International Day of Happiness.

People who visit Spa Space, widely known as one of the best spas in Chicago when it comes to men’s spa services, women’s spa services, spa parties, spa day packages, couples spa day, manicures and pedicures, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, seaweed wraps, and now cupping and acupuncture, know all about happiness!

Reflexology – the ultimate foot massage

Reflexology – the ultimate foot massage

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Reflexology – the ultimate foot massage

 

The Mayo Clinic is among the many sources reporting on the benefits of reflexology, which involves the application of pressure to areas on the feet. “Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate stress,” they say.

 

“Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them as they apply pressure to specific areas,” they explain. “The theory behind reflexology is that these areas correspond to organs and systems of the body. Proponents believe that pressure applied to these areas affects the organs and benefits the person’s health.”

 

The experts at the Mayo Clinic also point out that studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that, “reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Studies also show that reflexology may have benefits in palliative care of people with cancer.”

 

You can experience the benefits and the incredible pleasure of reflexology at Spa Space, the premier spa in Chicago for spa services for men and women, including couples massage.

 

Inspired by a 4,000-year-old therapy based on the concept that the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet contain reflex points that connect to all organs of the body. Reflexology is becoming one of the favorite Chicago massages offered at Spa Space.  Specific pressure techniques detect imbalances and dissipate energetic blocks to alleviate stress and promote the body’s ability to heal itself.

 

When it comes to Chicago spas offering reflexology, Spa Space is in the lead.

Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage

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Oncology Massage

“Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer,” Sat-Siri Sumler and Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., said in writing for MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A review of the scientific literature indicates oncology massage helps improve quality of life, they reported.  “Benefits include improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea.”

 

Spa Space, known for offering innovative massages in Chicago, is proud to include Oncology-Informed Massage in its list of services.
Oncology massage at Spa Space involves the modification of massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. A number of Spa Space therapists have received special training so that they can safely service the large population of clients who have cancer or who have gone through cancer treatment, present or past – and to be able to offer them the convenience of receiving oncology massage at one of Chicago’s best downtown spas.  Benefits can include lowering blood pressure, reducing pain, nausea, anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and improving immune system functioning.

 

Please check with your doctor prior to scheduling as you may have a contraindication for massage, and be sure to communicate any special needs you may have at the time of scheduling.