Countering Seasonal Depression

SPA OVARIUM

Countering Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Depression, A Condition That Can Be Treated

SEASONAL DEPRESSION, A CONDITION THAT CAN BE TREATED
Anna recently shared with us what led her to our spa and massage.

November 2024, Anna experiences a significant drop in energy for the first time. Without any apparent reason, she constantly feels tired, gets irritated easily, and gradually loses her usual good mood. “I didn’t recognize myself anymore,” she confesses. She then learns that she is suffering from seasonal depression, just like 20% of the Canadian population. A first for her! However, she doesn’t just sit back; she takes an interest in this type of depression, also known as the winter blues.

LIGHT THERAPY TO COUNTER SEASONAL DEPRESSION
Her research leads her to discover light therapy and its direct benefits on the symptoms of seasonal depression. The PSiO, a light therapy and relaxation device available at Spa Ovarium, catches her attention. Why? “I was drawn to the combined effects of positive suggestions, light, and mental relaxation,” she mentions. Visiting the spa reassures her. “It was a unique experience, and I felt like I was becoming myself again!”

REDUCING STRESS: A SOLUTION FOR BALANCE
Fortunately, Anna doesn’t wait until she hits rock bottom to seek solutions for her well-being. She takes advantage of this uncomfortable period to reassess her lifestyle habits. “I set myself a goal that year: to reduce my stress level,” she tells us. She commits to adopting sustainable changes by exploring natural methods, particularly those that promote well-being beyond a single session.

THE EXPERIENCE OF DEEP RELAXATION
Naturally curious and on the recommendation of a friend, she contacts us again that same year to experience floating therapy. Our team welcomes her and explains in detail what she is about to experience. The floating pod intrigues her, and she takes the plunge. “I never expected to lose my sense of time and space to that extent, right in the heart of Montreal!” she shares enthusiastically. “Floating weightlessly is an exceptional experience!” By eliminating all external stimuli (light, noise, temperature fluctuations, weight), she achieves an extraordinary level of deep relaxation. “And that’s an understatement,” she adds. “Plus, the effect lasted four days!” This experience reveals to her that she is constantly stimulated by her environment and had never allowed her brain to fully rest.

THE SPA EXPERIENCE WITH MASSAGE
Determined to stick to her commitment to lasting well-being, she opts for a six-session floating therapy package “to start.” Knowing that she sometimes struggles to keep her resolutions, she wants to ensure she feels a real change. Not only does she follow through, but she also discovers an even more powerful combination for relaxation: spa with massage. “I knew it was good for me, and after the second session, I added a therapeutic massage to see if I could reach an even deeper level of relaxation.”

After discussing with Sara, a dedicated massage therapist, Anna chooses to combine her floating therapy with a therapeutic massage—enveloping, gentle, and deep—to release her tensions. “And that was total surrender,” she recounts. “A complete letting go that allowed me to truly and deeply recentre myself.” She describes restorative sleep, amplified energy, greater openness to others… and the return of her contagious good mood! Enthusiastic, Anna then explores different therapeutic massage techniques, adapting each session to her current state.

A COMMITMENT TO ONESELF
The result? These discoveries allow her to uphold her commitment by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining a rich social life, and keeping her stress levels minimal. Bravo, Anna!

Like Anna, you too can choose your own anti-stress formula and give yourself the gift of health.

Written by: Christine from MExpérience

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Therapeutic Massage

SPA OVARIUM

Therapeutic Massage

not what you think

Therapeutic massage may not be what you think!

Article by David Lauterstein «To Relieve Muscle Tension, Deeper is Not Always Better» :

The article “To Relieve Muscle Tension, Deeper is Not Always Better” challenges common beliefs around deep tissue massage by explaining that depth doesn’t always equate to intensity or more pressure. While many clients and therapists assume that deeper, harder pressure means better relief, the article explains that this can actually be counterproductive, sometimes leading to increased discomfort and muscle tension.

At Ovarium, all massages ARE therapeutic!

Instead of force, true deep tissue massage focuses on the nervous system’s role in controlling muscle tension. A skilled deep tissue approach targets specific muscles or muscle layers by applying calculated and informed pressure, engaging the nervous system in a way that encourages the body to release tension naturally. This method respects the body’s structural limitations, aiming to release tension by encouraging relaxation rather than overwhelming the muscles with brute force.

One key point is that applying excessive pressure can lead to adverse effects. For clients, it can cause discomfort, bruising, and even strain or inflammation in the affected muscles. For therapists, intense pressure over time can lead to physical strain, including repetitive stress injuries that shorten careers and cause lasting harm. Lauterstein argues that effective therapeutic massage depends on the therapist’s understanding of anatomy, movement patterns, and the interconnected nature of muscle and fascia (connective tissue), rather than simply increasing pressure.

The article also addresses client expectations. Many clients equate intensity with effectiveness and may even request stronger pressure than necessary. David Lauterstein suggests that therapists educate clients about the benefits of targeted, intelligent techniques over intensity. When clients understand that deeper does not mean harder, they become more open to methods that engage muscle layers naturally, which often yield better results without discomfort.

Through a mindful approach, the therapist can better assess each client’s needs, creating customized sessions that focus on problem areas without overwhelming them. Techniques such as sustained, moderate pressure or gentle manipulation of muscle tissue provide effective relief without the risks associated with heavy pressure. By using precise techniques, therapists can achieve greater release of tension, relieve chronic pain, and improve range of motion in clients, all without the damaging effects of high-intensity force.

In conclusion, the article advocates for a refined approach to deep tissue massage. Rather than relying on pressure to achieve depth, the therapist’s goal is to connect with the muscle layers in a way that harmonizes with the nervous system’s natural responses. This results in a more effective, balanced, and ultimately safer massage experience for both clients and therapists. David Lauterstein encourages therapists to cultivate skill and knowledge, focusing on methods that optimize healing and comfort over the immediate appeal of intense pressure.

Musique par Mansari
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