In this episode, Shelly - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet talk about one of the Hidden Gems of the Cloquet community - Hong Kong Spa.  Hong Kong Spa is a family massage business, located in Cloquet and Plymouth, Minnesota.   The business opened in Cloquet in 2009.  "My business specializes in improving the health and overall well-being of the human body with Chinese massage therapy. There are also mental health benefits that include improved sleeping by encouraging mental relaxation", said Ying Ling Liang (Ling), Owner.  "We want people to feel as if they are a part of our family.  We are dedicated to providing them with the best services and experience to make their visit as satisfying and enjoyable as possible."  When asked why she got into the business, Ling said, "I started treating my family and began to see improvements in their health.  I then realized that I could help other people, so I started a small business in my home at first and then grew and moved to the location at 139 North Road.  I help customers get the befits of the Chinese approach to massage therapy.  We treat anyone who seeks improvements to their body whether it be stress, muscle pain, body aches, low energy, fatigue or anyone who believes that Chinese massage therapy can help them.

Massage provides many benefits.  It will help decrease anxiety, reduce stress & fatigue, increase circulation, improve the immune system, provide greater energy, enhance sleep quality and improve concentration, energy and self esteem.

Massage is helpful with more acute health conditions and is even more important in healthcare planning.  Research shows:

~ Alzheimer’s patients exhibit reduced irritability, pacing, and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.

~ Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage have fewer sleep problems and less anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

~ Massage during labor appears to help block pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and relax muscles. Some medical professionals say massage shortens labor and hospital stays.

~ Massage can reduce sports-related/ work-related soreness and improve circulation.

~ Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.

~ Massage therapy is effective in reducing post-surgical pain and reducing recovery times.

~ Oncology patients show less anxiety, depression, fatigue, nausea, and pain following massage therapy.