How Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Work?

A person’s calves are rubbed during a lymph drainage massage in Springfield, Missouri, at Precision Wellness.

Understanding Lymphatic Drain Massage

Unlike Swedish and deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage (LD) massage focuses on using feather-light pressure and circular movements no greater than the pressure it would take for your finger to move skin. Most massages focus on the skin, muscles, and joints while LD massages focus in a concentrated manner to one area or quadrant of the body to clear the body’s lymphatic system. For the lymphatic system to run smoothly it is important that cells, proteins and fluid move through the body’s network of lymph vessels, nodes, glands and organs. Since the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like our heart does for blood, you need to help it move by your movements in order for it to function properly. This technique assists the movement of muscle fluids back into circulation where they are filtered through the lungs or kidneys before returning to general body circulation.

The lymphatic system transports waste materials out of tissues back into the bloodstream so that they can be eliminated when we urinate or defecate. A healthy lymphatic system also provides defense against infections because white blood cells migrate throughout the tissues in the body. Learn more about the benefits of MLD therapy from the American Massage Therapy Association.

Call Precision Wellness today to schedule your Lymphatic Drainage Massage today and experience the benefits of MLD massage therapy.

Back & Body Facials before Bikini Season

Our largest organ is our skin. We need to take care of it just like we do the rest of our body. Sleeping, eating well, and exercising helps with your overall health, and especially your skin. While a back facial may seem silly and pointless, it is not only helpful to those who like exposing their back with their swimsuits or garments, it can contribute greatly to good skin health. Skin care should not be limited to your face and neck. Your back deserves some pampering too!

Summer is only a few short months away, you are likely getting ready to show off some more skin at the beach, pool, or lake. Our backs can be an area of skin distress like acne, dryness, and irritation.

Facials are obviously designed to address the skin on the face, helping to eliminate and prevent acne and skin blemishes. As helpful and important as facials are, back facials are even more important – mainly because the back is very difficult to reach and properly clean. Some scrubbing tools can be helpful to unclog pores and help to prevent skin problems, but we are just not able to properly moisturize the back in the way that is needed to handle dry skin or other skin problems. In a back facial, the aesthetician can give the back the thorough and deep cleaning and moisturizing it desperately needs.

Many estheticians begin a back facial with a steaming session designed to open the pores and enhance the more relaxing components of the session. From there, back facials involve a process of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin on the back. Most back facials will include an extraction process to clear out blocked pores and reduce the severity of any present back acne.

Post back facial, you might find your back skin to be red or mildly irritated. This is normal. Post care should involve regular moisturization.

If you are ready to indulge in a back facial to help you relax and rejuvenate your body, contact Precision Wellness today!

How To Build Healthy Self-Care Habits That Stick

Lightbox with motivation words for self care, positive thinking, mental health, emotional wellness

Self-care is all about the everyday habits that help you take care of and nurture your health and well-being. It means listening to your body, intentionally tuning in to the thoughts going on in your mind, and challenging your behaviors.

You may love the idea of self-care, and you may be on board with the benefits, but have you recognized the need for self-care? Actually adopting a self-care practice that can improve your life in more ways than you think.

Understand what self-care is and what is not

“The way I define self-care is the intentional, proactive pursuit of integrated wellness that balances mind, body, and spirit personally and professionally,” says Paula Gill Lopez, Ph.D., an associate professor and the chair of the department of psychological and educational consultation at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Self-care is about more than taking care of your physical health. Things are moving so fast around us that we need space to self-care and slow down to rest from all the busyness in our lives.

Ultimately, your self-care routine should make you a better version of yourself. You should get some enjoyment out of the activity. Rule of thumb, if the activities that you choose are adding to your well-being and are not detrimental to the other areas of your life, then there is a benefit. You are better suited to take care of others, foster strong relationships, be resilient, and balance personal and professional responsibilities.

To help you get some direction, I have rounded up some powerful, important tips on self-care. Please take these tips as guideposts rather than commands. Find a way to make them fit that feels comfortable.

Do not do things you hate: This seems obvious but sometimes it is not. When exercising you need to do an activity that you enjoy or it is not self-care. Each self-care habit you engage in must be customized especially for you, and the first step is to stop routines and actives that make you feel like you’re dying inside.
Find out what you love: This also seems obvious, however, when you are not doing what you love, you lose determination. When you lose determination, you are back to square one. Don’t settle for anything less than raw, pulsating passion.
Recover from “expert addiction”: There is a curious and toxic trend in our society to trust outside sources of advice and approval more than we trust our own selves. If you want to build lifetime habits, the ONLY approval you need is your own. Do not allow your path to be dictated by others. Find your own way. You are your own expert.
Develop a daily self-care routine: Speak kindly to yourself EVERY DAY! Move your body, connect with your spirit, eat mindfully. It is much easier to do something EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. When you do something every single day, you develop a habit more easily.
Play with your routine: Commit to structure of the routine while allowing yourself to play within it. Impose a rigid structure with rigid activities, soon you will feel suffocated. To feel free as well as fulfilled, you must allow for structure as well as play in your habits. Allow for your routine to have a basic structure and allow yourself to play with the activities within that structure.
Relax: Remember the feeling of peace. The purpose of caring for yourself is to do it in a way that is graceful, flowing, and kind to yourself. If you begin to get stressed, find a way to relax. A massage or facial can do wonders 😉
Know your worth: Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
A healthy work-life balance: Contrary to common belief, workaholism is not a virtue. Being overworked with excessive stress and exhaustion can make you less productive, disorganized, and emotionally depleted. I can also lead to all sorts of healthy problems. Professional self-care habits are just as important and personal self-care habits. Setting professional boundaries, avoiding overextending, etc. ensures that you stay sharp, motivated and healthy.
Stress Management: A little does of stress is a healthy way to give us a nudge on deadlines or to finish overdue tasks, constant stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health. Eating healthy, connecting with a loved one or practicing meditation cuts down the toxic effects of stress by improving your mood and boosting your energy and confidence levels.

Now, after we’ve decided on new self-care habits, how do we get them to stick?

Start small – if you’re increasing water intake, start by one extra glass. It’s baby steps that will lead to big accomplishments.
Know your excuses – What gets in the way of this habit? Is it because you’re tired? Or you run out of time? Whatever habit you’re failing to form, consider what is preventing your success. Once you nail down your usual excuses, you can address them!
Set yourself up for success – It’s time to nip the excuses in the bud and get to work. If you forget your gym clothes, have an extra pair in your car. If you have a tendency to forget appointments for yourself, schedule them and don’t back out!
You will fail, but try again – Whether you cheat on a diet, skip a work out, or forgot to journal this morning – it’s ok! Just try again tomorrow.
Keep track – What gets measured gets managed. Plus it’s a great way to set goals, smash those goals, and celebrate your successes!

Precision Wellness is here for you, no matter what part we take in your self-care journey. Remember, you’ve got this!

Self Care during the Holidays

It may sound cliché, but it is true – you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are not taking care of yourself – physically and emotionally – everything around you can suffer. Especially during the holiday season. Family commitments are on the rise, you’re hitting end of the year deadlines for work, not to mention all the time and energy that go into gift giving – While the holidays are the most joyous time of the year, it can be very very stressful.

Here are some reasons why self-care is so important:

1 – Self Care helps you preform at your best – It’s a way to maintain balance so you can attend to all of your different parts to keep yourself going. Always choosing a deadline over making time for a workout or a nourishing meal could ultimately slow you down.

2 – Self Care supports overall well-being – On some level, we all know that self-care is important. Beyond the basics of eating well, staying hydrated, exercising, and connecting socially, there are activities that we don’t often associate with self-care which are more internal.

3 – Self Care can help maintain self-confidence and self-esteem – It can also help booth your inner strength. Without self-care we compromise our mental wellness and our ability to cope with life’s inevitable curveballs.

4 – Self Care makes us more aware of our personal needs – Awareness around your body’s needs physically, mentally, and spiritually.

5 – Self Care allows us to be resilient – It can ben many of the small things or confronting a big issue, self care is an important tool for maintaining resilience. When we do things to honor ourselves mentally, we are in a better place to take on challenges and stressors we all inevitably face.

6 – Self Care can help you feel well-rested and energized – Practicing self care can reduce stress and increase clarity. Not to mention the countless other benefits like increase energy, sense of purpose, better communication, and better sleep.

7 – Self Care doesn’t take a ton of time – Your plan should be enjoyable, relaxing, or stimulating. A self care activity might look different on different days. Here are some ideas: Walk or hike to connect with nature, relax in a hammock and watch the sky change, yoga class or meditation, workout, take a bath, read a book in a quiet place, listen to music, cook a new recipe, white in a journal, practice gratitude, or book a facial or massage.

8 – Self Care can be a social activity – Some days you might need to be alone, others you might need time connecting with others.

When you take the time for self care, you are in a better place to deal with life’s challenges. If you have not taken the time for you, you are more likely to blow a fuse or be irritable. We would love to be a small portion of your self care. If you’re needing a massage, facial, or just need some me time and want to rest in our sitting room, just give us a call!

Summer Skin

Be prepared to take it off! We’re almost in swim suit season and that means you have to be extra aware – you’re exposing your skin to more UV rays, slathering on greasy sunscreen, and clogging up pores with sweat (can you just feel the breakouts happening??). During the hot, humid, summer months is when your skin especially needs a boost of love, and here’s what you can do:

Stay hydrated! That’s drinking water (which is imperative to healthy skin) and putting on a good moisturizer.

Always wear that SPF! Yes, we like some color to our skin tone, but we don’t want the wrinkles, dryness and possible health issues that come with it. P.S. Don’t forget your lips, they can burn as well!

When you need the exfoliation, come in for a full body sugar scrub! Slushing off that dead or dry skin is exactly what you need to keep your skin glowing through summer.

With how much we sweat during the summer, it’s crucial that you take the time to develop a facial skin care routine. Getting regular facials and cleaning your face daily will help to get that nasty dirt and grime that comes with sweat out of your pores – keeping your face clear of blemishes!

You don’t have to worry about your skin breaking out and looking dull by keeping these tips in mind! Scheduling facials and body treatments through Precision Wellness will help keep that acne at bay and your skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated all summer long!

Drinking Water – For Health AND Beauty

Everyone and their mother has heard about the latest push to drink more water in the day – but when you ask why, each person seems to have their own slightly different explanation.

We’re made up of about 60% water… with that being said, it’s almost obvious to state that water is crucial for our bodies. It’s recommended that women drink around 2.7 liters of water in a day, while men are recommended 3.7.
Just like eating all your fruits and veggies, drinking water is important for our overall health (and that includes our skin’s health). Here’s what drinking enough water can do:

Boost skin elasticity: This helps our skin “bounce back” from things like acne and breakouts without retaining as much scarring.
Pushes out toxins in the body: You know how everyone says that the lighter your pee, the healthier you are? That’s because as you drink more water, your body is able to flush out the toxins easier and more frequently.
Increase your “glow”: Has your skin ever been dry and you can’t figure out why? It’s probably because you skin isn’t hydrated enough! When it’s properly hydrated, your skin will look smooth and silky.
Fuels your cells: When working out, staying hydrated is key to ensure your muscle cells are able to keep up.
Cycle nutrients in your body: Every system in our body is connected – and water helps connect each system with valuable nutrients in a smooth cycle.

While you may know about some of the benefits to drinking enough water every day, it can be tricky to actually stay on top of it. There are a lot of tricks you can try:

Set a timer to remind you to drink every hour.
As soon as you wake up, drink one glass of water.
Keep a water bottle in your car, bedroom, and office.
To shake things up, add your favorite fruit!
Try water flavoring packets if you don’t like the plain taste of water.
Set a goal for every day on how much you’d like to drink.
Keep a water jug in your fridge (filled up!) at all times.
Drink a glass at every meal.
Use a fun water app!
Eat spicy foods – you’ll already want to drink more!

Drinking water is a great (and easy) way to mindfully work on your health. It can also lead to other good habits like working out and watching your sugar intake! Keeping up with your hydration isn’t just a diet trend – it’s a habit you should form for a lifetime of good health.

New Year – New Self Care Routine

The New Year always brings new routines and new goals. While it can be hard to stick to new routines, it can be so rewarding when your skin is healthier, self-confidence is boosted, and you’re back to your rejuvenated self. Here are some self care ideas you should consider for 2020:

Take a bath

Take that extra time to soak – bring on the bubbles, the candles, the soft music, and a glass of wine! Relax in the water and let go of the stress you’ve accumulated from the week.

Meditate

If you’re not sure where to start on this, Youtube has some great guided meditations that work to get you in the right mindset.

Start doing yoga

Yoga helps your body to slow down and respect its breath and movements – which is why it’s a great de-stressor!

Read a book

Yep, you heard us; A good old-fashioned book. Pick up a classic or go for a new book everyone is raving about and get immersed in someone else’s story.

Exercise

Whether it’s dancing, playing softball, going for a run, or lifting some weights at the gym, find what gets your heart pumping and feel that endorphin high!

Go out with friends

For those that are extroverted in nature, getting out and feeling a crowd of friends and strangers around you is a way to power up again.

Binge watch a show on Netflix

Sometimes you just need to not do anything productive! Don’t feel bad about literally taking time to do nothing to balance your plate.

Journal

Writing down your thoughts at the same time every day is a great way to become more introspective. Don’t worry about writing down specific things, just write down what comes to you!

Listen to a podcast

There are so many categories for podcasts to listen to – crime, business, comedy, sports, history, you name it! Pick one that you’re interested in and pop in those headphones!

Take a trip

When it feels like life is just getting too heavy where you live and work, take a break! There are beautiful, amazing lands all across the world waiting to be explored by you.

Organize your room/office

It’s the new year – which means it’s time to cut out all the unnecessary. Take stock of your office, bedroom, or even your home to declutter and organize for 2020.

Get a massage

We’re partial to this idea, but only because we really believe in it! Massages help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, alleviate chronic pains, and soothe muscles you never knew were overworked!

To schedule your massage with someone here at Precision Wellness, just give us a call at 417-886-1131.

What is a Body Treatment?

body treatmaent box with towels stones oils

If you’ve had a facial at Precision Wellness before, then you already know the basics of a body treatment! Whereas facials (obviously) take place on your face, a body treatment takes some of the same practices and applies them to your body.

While the face tends to get a lot of attention in terms of care, your body can easily get overlooked. The combination of massage, scrub, and a detoxifying treatments allows your skin (everywhere) to get the attention it deserves.

Our body treatments include an exfoliating step along with a self-warming hydrating serum. From there, your body is wrapped in layers of warming sheets to encourage your pores to open up (and soak in the benefits of the serum!). An additional lotion is included in the treatment after the sheets are taken off.

An extra that can be added to your body treatment is a full body exfoliation treatment that also includes an anti-cellulite aromatherapy blend – the best combo you can ask for!

Doing a body treatment stimulates your metabolic system, speeding its ability to carry away waste products and rejuvenates your skin back to being velvety and smooth. There are plenty of benefits to doing such a treatment:

Decrease Cellulite
Prevent Wrinkles
Remove Toxins
Freshen Skin
& lots more!

Before and after getting a body treatment, we always recommend drinking plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated from the treatment. If you are pregnant, please ask your doctor if a body treatment is safe for you.

As always, let us know if you have any questions about a body treatment before you book an appointment – we’d love to hear from you!

Self-Care and Season Change

season change woman smiling application under eyes

It’s no secret that our attitudes can change drastically based on the changing of the seasons. According to PsychologyToday.com, seasonal depression affects an estimated 10 million Americans every year. Not only that, weather change affects our sinuses, our immune system and just our bodies in general. Are you feeling blue that winter is here? Combat that with some self care!

Get moving! Whether that’s through a full-body workout 3 times a week, or a 30 minute walk a day, getting your body moving helps to improve your overall mood and health. When your blood pumps through your body, it also moves out buildup of toxins and can help clear your head. Plus, it’ll help fight that winter weight gain many of us struggle with every year.

Get to sleeping! Sleep is just as essential to your body as breathing, and lack of sleep can cause irritability as well as have a negative impact on your physical health. With less sunlight during these winter months our natural inclination is to hibernate, and you should! Allow yourself to sleep in on the weekends or sneak away from your to-do list to get a mid day nap.

Get to de-stressing! There’s usually a specific reason why you are feeling stressed out – whether that’s your job, your relationships, or something else. Pinpointing exactly where the stress is coming from can help you to realize (and relax) when it is happening. We’re now in a new year, it’s time to really evaluate the aspects of your life and make them what you want them to be!

Another thing to keep in mind is what you’re putting into your body during season changes. Constantly inhaling greasy food and unhealthy snacks will put you into a funk. Focus on eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables – they give a natural boost to your mood and energy! Staying hydrated also has a huge impact on your overall health – we recommend getting at least 8 glasses of water in your system a day.

GET A MASSAGE! Massage has an amazing effect on you body as it goes through season changes. Massage has been shown to decrease cortisol levels (stress hormones). This enables the body to enter a recovery mode and trigger feelings of relaxation, and happiness 🙂 With improved circulation, relaxed muscles, and the release of toxins your immune system is going to thank you for that 30-90 minutes you took for yourself!

GET A FACIAL! Winter tends to bring dry skin and a dull mood… but facials will do more than keep your skin hydrated (although that’s an awesome benefit!) There are hundreds of pressure points on your face that are connected to various systems in your body. When these pressure points are massaged, your body responds to it! A good facial and facial massage not only keeps your skin glowing, but it affects the functioning of your entire body.

Taking care of your body and mind is crucial to healing yourself and combating those seasonal blues. Precision Wellness is here to help!

Tips to Prepare Your Skin for Winter

Your skin care routine is essential to maintaining healthy and beautiful skin throughout the winter. The winter air can leave your skin dry and unbalanced. Dehydrated skin can result in dullness and flaking. However, there are several things you can do year-round to prepare for winter and avoid dehydrated skin.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Make exfoliation a regular priority. Dead skin cells may lead to clogged pores and interfere with the performance of your skincare products. Exfoliate about 1-3 times a week. This will allow any serums and moisturizer to penetrate the skin. An esthetician can properly exfoliate and clean your skin with a facial.

Use a Heavier Moisturizer

One of the easiest things you can do in the winter is to swap your usual moisturizer for a formula that’s slightly thicker and richer to combat the dry air. Visit one of our estheticians to determine what the best moisturizer for your skin may be. Our Mini Facial includes a custom moisturizer.

Frequently Wear Lip Balm

After you brush your teeth in the morning, apply a light layer of lip balm. Allow it to sink in before you apply your makeup. This will help your lips stay supple, even when using matte formulas. Before you go to bed, coat your lips with a nourishing lip balm so your lips don’t dry out overnight.

Continue to Wear Sunscreen

Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV light and up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds. Additionally, participating in winter sports can result in increased exposure to UV rays. UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level. Sunscreen is a year round necessity, even when the temps cool.

Visit a Professional

Switching up your skin care regimen is easier with the advice of a professional. At Precision Wellness, we offer a variety of skin care routines, including custom facials tailored to your skin type. All of our facials include a skin analysis and personal consultation. Many facials also include exfoliation, deep cleaning, and extractions.

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