WHO Health Emergency Appeal for Ukraine
Support vital healthcare provision to the Ukrainian population today
The escalating crisis in Ukraine has severely affected the population’s access to vital health care. Urgent funding is needed to treat patients wounded by the conflict or those in need of vital care.
The Ukrainian population needs our help
Join me by support my fundraiser
TOGETHER WE ARE SAFELY MOVING FORWARD
These times are uncertain in many ways. None of us has the slightest idea of how long the closures, isolation and suspensions will last, and how long it will take the COVID-19 to follow its course in Portugal, let alone in the world.
My massage services have been temporarily closed for some time and, as we face the new realities of a post-COVID-19 world, at the moment I cannot accurately predict an opening date for my services.
While the Portuguese Government reopened some businesses on May 4th, massage therapy establishments and services (other than for medically prescribed services) are to remain closed, as are gyms, fitness centres and spas.
Planning for a New Normality
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 - PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
The safety of my customers and my own is my utmost priority.
Due to recent concerns surrounding the coronavirus, if you or someone you know has recently returned from one of the areas where the Coronavirus is actively circulating, I kindly request that you refrain from booking a massage appointment for at least 14 days after your due date of arrival.
IT IS RECOMMNEDED TO:
» monitor respiratory symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) for 14 days after returning.
» avoid close contact with other people
» assess the temperature twice a day
If symptoms appear you should call SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) before going to health services.
ADDITIONALLY, I HAD PUT IN PLACE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT:
» Increased frequency of handwashing with anti-bacterial soap and/or disinfecting with hand sanitizer.
» Increased frequency of cleaning, with thorough wipe downs of all equipment and common surface areas using hospital-grade disinfectants
» All customers will be requested to use the available Hand sanitizers at arrival.
Antonio Campos Massage reserves the right to refuse customers who have recently come back from any of the affected areas or are feeling unwell or show any symptoms of illness.
I apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
VALUE UPDATE
I’M ADJUSTING PRICING ON MARCH 15th, 2018
14 ADVICE TO FOLLOW AFTER A MASSAGE
READY FOR YOUR NEXT MASSAGE SESSION?
To support the recovery process of your body and get maximum benefits from the massage, it is essential to follow the advice outlined below.
Please note, however, that this is not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, but merely assistance to help you get the best from your massage session. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
AFTERCARE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE MASSAGE
- Drink plenty of water to assist the body’s detoxification process. It is strongly advised to drink a full glass of water immediately after the treatment to avoid headaches that can be caused by the toxins released through the massage session.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal after treatment. Try to go for light and easy to digest food while the body is using its energy for recovery.
- Avoid further toxins and stimulants such as cigarettes, alcohol, drugs & coffee. And prefer herbal infusions to tea.
- Get plenty of rest. You may feel tired after treatment.
- Gentle exercise – stretching and postural exercises that can help with muscle tension as well as functional exercises that will assist with mobility. Yoga is a suitable and gentle option.
- Do breathing exercises to assist with taking in oxygen to your fullest capacity.
- If oil has been used in the treatment, leave it on for a couple of hours if possible to nourish skin & hair.
- If you have the possibility to do so, take a warm bath, and soak for 20-40 minutes. To maximize the recovery process and soothe away any aches or pains, try to add some Epsom salt to your batch and create an at-home spa experience.
GENERAL LIFESTYLE ADVICE TO PROLONG THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
- Don’t smoke
- Get 8 hours of sleep per night
- Exercise 2-3 times per week
- Give yourself time to relax – take up a hobby or simply have a hot bath to relax the muscles and let mental tensions wash away
- Practice Tai Chi, Yoga or meditation if appropriate
- Practice the correct breathing techniques to create a feeling of calm
POSSIBLE REACTIONS LINKED TO THE RECOVERY PROCESS
These reactions are uncommon but perfectly normal and show, after your treatment, that toxins are being expelled from the body, so that it may re-balance and cleanse itself.
HOWEVER, in the unlikely event of experiencing any severe and/or prolonged pain or discomfort, please seek immediate advice from your doctor.
- Headache
- Dizziness or nausea
- Disrupted sleeping pattern
- Tired or aching muscles
- Increased urination or passing stools
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
READY FOR YOUR NEXT MASSAGE SESSION?
To start with, it is recommended to receive massage once a week for 4-6 weeks to initiate the recovery process of your body, and then, once a month to maintain the benefits. However, the ideal frequency of sessions will vary from client to client.
Get in touch with me and book your next session at “Antonio Campos Massage”, either here, or simply by calling (+351) 936 408 424.
I’ll help you make your way through the stresses of modern life, month in, month out.
See you soon!
WORRIED ABOUT YOUR FIRST MASSAGE? … DON’T BE!
So, for those of you who are total newbies of the massage therapy, here’s how the experience will go down, as well as some tips to allow you to get rid of any odd feeling, and make the best of your session.
Massages can be intimidating. There, I said it. I should know: when I first planned to go to massage school, I was feeling uncomfortable with the perspective of the touching, the vulnerability, and the possible nudity. So, how did I make it through?
Once passed those first irrational thoughts, I stuck with it for one good reason: MASSAGES ARE AWESOME.
Here’s how the experience will go down, as well as some tips to allow you to get rid of any odd feeling, and make the best of your session.
1. FINDING A GOOD ONE!
To find a good massage, ask friends for references or look up reviews online. For a list of spas and massage studios, visit for example the TripAdvisor website. You can also see the reviews on my massage service in Lisbon, “Antonio Campos Massage”, by clicking here.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you want to about the facility and the services to make sure that the overall experience will match your expectations and be positive for you. Find out also the types of massage which are offered – for a first-timer, I would suggest booking a Swedish massage, the traditional technique of holistic relaxation. Please make sure that you are not suffering from any health conditions which could prevent you from receiving a massage and, in case of doubt, please consult your doctor first. If you are subject to allergies, don’t forget to inform your therapist to avoid any kind of skin reaction to the oils or creams used during your session.
You may choose to book your appointment at “Antonio Campos Massage” and can do so either online at www.antoniocampos.com, or simply by calling (+351) 936 408 424.
2. BEFORE THE MASSAGE
First of all, make sure it is a good time for you to have a massage. Don’t hesitate to reschedule your visit if you are not feeling well, if you have fever or skin irritations (such as sunburn), or if you are trying to stabilize any type of medication you are on (because massage can affect the dosage needed).
In the days before your massage, try to drink lots of water as part of your routine (even better if you make it a permanent habit of yours).
Try not to eat or drink much at least 45 minutes before your massage, and avoid drinking alcohol during that day.
Give yourself enough time to turn up on time and relaxed. If you are rushing and arrive stressed, it will take longer to get you into the desired relaxed state.
My massage studio is located in central Lisbon, at this address: Travessa de São Plácido 4A, CV-Esq. Here is a link to the location on Google Map.
3. GETTING READY
Turn off your phone or put it in silent mode… Massages are about giving yourself an exclusive me-time, disconnected from the stress and hectic rhythm of the outside world. Make the best of it!
It’s recommended not to wear any jewellery during a massage, in order to allow a seamless flow of the massage movements.
And don’t forget to use the bathroom before the massage, so you can fully relax and don’t have to interrupt your session halfway through. But, don’t hesitate to do so at any time, if you feel the need too. You’ll enjoy your session much better afterwards.
Your massage session occurs in a private room. I will leave the room to allow you to remove your clothes. Briefs or boxers for men and panties for women are fine to keep on; a bra, however, should come off to work your back effectively. Disposable thongs are also available on client request. During your session, only the areas of your body being worked on will be uncovered, and your private parts will always be covered with a suitable sized towel.
When you are ready, lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet or other draping on the table. I will knock on the door and wait for your permission to enter before doing so.
4. DURING THE MASSAGE
It’s all about you.
As your personal masseur, I am here for you and only you for the entire duration of your session, in order to make it a truly personalised experience. And as your dedicated therapist, I will consistently learn to know you, your needs and preferences even better, every time you visit me.
The treatment will usually start with cleaning your feet with some wipes, and then I will begin the heavenly process of making your muscles relax and your mind drift away.
Sometimes, first-timers are concerned over how much oil will be used on the body. I will only use as much as can be absorbed by the skin before moving on to the next area of the body. If you would rather avoid the oil option, feel free to ask for the cream one, which can achieve the same effect without a residue.
Communication is key to receiving the most enjoyable and effective treatment. If you want the pressure harder or softer, just ask and I’ll meet your preferences. Same goes for the areas of your body on which you would like to receive extra attention, or on the contrary, which are sensitive and should be avoided. And should you want to extend your session by half an hour or so, feel free to ask me too before or during the treatment – if I have no booked appointment after yours, I will be more than happy to accommodate your request. Finally, don’t hesitate to have your say on the musical ambiance, in case you would rather enjoy silence or a lower/louder volume.
Remember to breathe. It’s crucial that you breathe fully and deeply when difficult areas are being worked on so as to oxygenate your blood supply and aid tense muscles.
Usually at some point you’ll flip over in order to work on the front of your body, and I will tell you (in hushed tones) when it’s time to do so. Do not worry, you will always be covered during this process and your genitals or breasts will never be exposed.
5. AFTER THE MASSAGE
When your massage is complete, I will wait outside the room so you can dress. Don’t feel pressured to leave quickly. On the contrary, take some time to relax and enjoy how your body feels. I’ll provide you with some water so you can start to hydrate your body and help it flush away the toxins released by the massage.
When you’re ready, head out to the waiting room where I’ll be waiting for you. If time allows, I’ll be more than pleased to hear your feedback around a cup of tea, and possibly schedule your next appointment and fine-tune your session according to your needs and preferences.
Don’t be surprised if you feel a little sore the next day. Since massages bring oxygen to “not-often-used” helper muscles, sometimes those little areas get painful. Likewise, areas where you have knots will be a bit sensitive for a little while.
So, in order to optimize the benefits of your massage and help prevent next-day soreness, there are a few useful tips to apply after your session. First, try to rest and relax as much as possible. Then, drink lots of water and/or herbal teas. Thirdly, do some gentle stretching in the evening, paying special attention to your trouble spots that received the most attention during your massage. And finally, if you have the possibility to do so, take a warm bath, and soak for 20-40 minutes.
You are now fully up-to-speed, reassured and ready to experience your first massage session? Then, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me and book your first appointment at “Antonio Campos Massage”, either online at www.antoniocampos.com, or simply by calling (+351) 936 408 424. And if any doubt persists, I remain available to answer any of your questions and to even schedule a preliminary visit of my studio, so you get a better feel of the place and get to know your personal masseur.
See you soon!
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE
Have you ever heard that you should have a career doing what you love? There are fewer more true statements in the world.
When you do what you love, you reap so many more benefits than your friends who are holding down just another job to pay the bills.
Doing what you love means putting your talents and skills to work, and working in a field that interests you. It means finding a passion and then running with it. It can definitely take time to find that passion, but once you do, it can be a priceless find and opportunity.
How to Find Your Passion
Sometimes it takes trial and error to find your passion. Start by trying lots of different things that interest you. If you are still in college, you may have the luxury of taking different classes in several areas. If you aren’t in school, try doing internships in different industries or networking with professionals that work in different fields.
To find your passion, think about what you love to do when you aren’t working. When you have time to yourself, what do you like to do? Think about jobs that are related to these activities and hobbies, then consider if you can see yourself with this type of career.
The Benefits of Doing What You Love
When you are working full time, a vast majority of your week is spent on the job. Sometimes you’ll even put in over time. When you do what you love, work doesn’t seem like such a big, daunting task.
Also, doing what you love often gives you an edge as a professional. When you enjoy what you do, you are more likely to hone your skills and learn to be better at your job. You take things seriously and want each and every project to turn out exactly the way it should. These qualities make for a great employee and an attractive job candidate.
Don’t Give Up
People very rarely start their career with their dream job. It often takes years to move around an industry and find the perfect job for you. Sometimes you have to work your way up in qualifications and experience to land that job, and sometimes you just aren’t sure what that job is until you find it. The key to finding a job you love is not giving up. Keep trying different paths until you find one that excites you and one that will allow you to follow through with your passion.
When you finally find that job and career path you love, you’ll be more likely to excel at your work.
Don’t give up; that job is out there!
