DIXON, CA (MPG) - Now more than ever because of the pandemic, people are choosing massage for stress reduction, better sleep, pain management, and most importantly, strengthening their immune system.

In deep tissue massages, toxins are released from the muscles into the bloodstream and with plenty of water, they are flushed from the body, helping to provide increased energy, aid in weight loss, and reduce inflammation. All these are benefits of massage, according to Christine Huegel of Lavida Massage, Inc.

Samantha Stake opened The Art of Touch, with her mother, Margaret, both Certified Massage Therapists, in a warm, 2-room commercial space back in 2009 across from the Dixon Florist.

"That was nearly 11 years ago now. I've been a single mom with three children and Dixon has been so good to me," she said, adding that the number one reason for the success is that she has a "passion for this work and a love for people." Even though her mom is now retired, Samantha has been able to support her family and now takes clients only by appointment.

"But you also have to be good," she was quick to add. "This is not a cookie-cutter form of 'same-massage-every-time.' I ask them to tell me what they want and what their needs are. Some want deep tissue massage and others don't. Some want their feet massaged and some don't like their feet touched."

Each massage is customized and while her clients think she is providing therapy, she feels she's getting it, too. Most of her life's challenges she has dealt with--perhaps better--due to the wisdom she's garnered from listening to their stories. She says she truly cares about her clients and now gets invited to birthday parties and Christmas parties because they have become family to her.

During the first shut down, it was rough, she said, because her children were home, ages 8, 13, and 15 with distance learning for their schools. When she could return to working, she felt conflicted.

"You feel guilty when you work but you have to make a living," she said. She didn't apply for grants or unemployment because she thought it wouldn't last. She is looking into both now. "I've had clients pay a month or two in advance to help me get through the shut down and say we'll see you when we see you."

"Stress is huge," she said. "It is the biggest thing that takes a toll on the body. A massage helps heal and that's why my work is so rewarding. It actually hurt me not to be at work. People come in and can't move their necks or have migraines and I've been able to relieve them. Everyone who could get a massage even once every two weeks, would learn the benefits."

Lisa Higgs of Vacaville, a client who started with Margaret and now sees Samantha, definitely agrees.

"I come here monthly and she makes the pain go away," she said looking happy and relaxed. People are on computers more than ever--often all day, and they need to set an alarm for every 45 minutes to get away from it, Samantha explained, and talked about men coming in with frozen shoulder syndrome or painful knees.

With all the talk about soreness and healing, one might wonder if Samantha ever needs a massage.       

"If I'm really hurting, my mom does it," she said. "But the things that make me happy are my family--my mom, grandma, who is 87, and my sister are my best friends and that makes me feel good. My work provides emotional and physical outlets."

"Self care is so much more. I'm getting older and being a mom of three takes a lot. I am taking better care of my body with better eating--and then my children benefit from a better mom," she said.

She offered advice for others experiencing coronavirus-related stress such as regular stretching every morning, drinking plenty of water and having a good diet but most importantly was "focusing on things that make you happy," she said.

The Art of Touch is located at 165 East A Street in downtown Dixon. Massages can still be provided during the pandemic regional restrictions if there is a doctor's note provided. One can also purchase gift certificates or book appointments for the future. Phone is (707) 372-9597.

Editor's Note: This is the second of four articles in a series on self-care.

"Self-care requires tough-mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and a respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with," according to Tami Foreman of Path Forward.

Self-care is something that a person does every day or often that helps them live and sustain a healthy life--like drinking hot green tea. Or, maybe it's juicing the celery stalk every morning or squeezing the half lemon in your morning glass of water because you know those things help your body. They are good habits initiated and carried out by an individual, not by a group of people, Foreman explained.

These groups have started to avoid traditional medical practices due to fear of COVID, the rise in healthcare and general medical costs. To better understand and manage their health, they’ve started turning to the Internet to find alternative treatments, cost-effective solutions, and information that allow them to better meet their wellness needs on their own terms, according to Foreman.