July 2010—Getting the Most from every Massage
Hi there,
How have you survived and lived through this cold chilly July? Have you been supporting your body as it feels the cold and its effects? I hope so.
As always, I believe that massage is one of the best ways to keep the circulation going, keep the blood flowing and generally adding to a better mood overall. The body feels nurtured and rewarded so dis-ease takes hold less easily which enables you to feel happier and healthier—and so sail through Winter!
So if you haven’t booked your massage or healing therapy yet this winter, now is the time.
Allow yourself to receive and just experience “be-ing” - your body and mind will thank you!Wishing you a warm and vibrant August, which is the month given to Women.
So celebrate the Goddess within you and all those wonderful women you know.
Much love, Michele
Getting the Most from every Massage
Before your massage:
Going for a massage is a treat you enjoy, but sometimes the list of options on the menu can be daunting. Rather than sticking to a half-hour back and neck rub, look up these different types of massage to ensure that your next therapeutic adventure is different and satisfying:
Deep Tissue
As the name implies, this is a massage that works deep into the muscles in troubled or knotted areas with palms and fingers. It can bring incredible relief, but be sure to tell the massage therapist if she’s working the area too hard – there’s no point in coming away with more pain than you started with.
Aromatherapy
Scented oils combine beautifully with massage to bring on an even deeper state of relaxation. Oils are selected for you to aid deeper relaxation, rejuvenation, energy and stress relief. Chances are that you’ll go home with oil in your hair, so best scheduled for when you can follow the session up with a shower.
Indian Body Massage
The origins of this type of massage are simply that Indian families would relax together by massaging oils into each other’s heads. A specific massage style has evolved out of this for a spine-tingling pleasant massage experience.
Hot Stone
Volcanic rock has an incredible ability to hold warmth, so this massage is done by using heated stones to work away tension with heat and then placed around the body to draw off stress and tension. This is a very soothing massage style, and it’s important to communicate with your therapist if you feel that the stones are too hot.
Chakra
The chakras are seven points on the body from which our life energy flows and is absorbed from the universe. The chakras can be accessed in different ways – through colour, oils, meditation and even dance. Chakra massage takes into account the condition of the patient at the time of treatment to see which chakras need to be brought into alignment. This is done through a combination of massage, Oils of Transformation and Sound as well.
Antaneea
The ultimate indulgence. This loving nurturing massage pampers the body and acknowledges the soul. Working only on the back of the body using 12 coloured oils, sound vibrations and energy healing, you are left feeling safe and supported on all levels. It unlocks your hidden potential by releasing old baggage. An absolute must if you are ready to transform your life.
Reflexology
Reflexology works on the principle that the human body is mapped out on the feet and that by stimulating certain areas, relief will be given. Reflexology has an amazing ability to assist in healing, and it improves circulation, releases tension and restores energy as well. This is a gentle way to de-stress, relax and unwind if you are uncomfortable with having your body massaged.
Choosing a Therapist
Many spas offer a variety of massage treatments or one particular style. It’s always worth asking if the person giving the massage is a trained therapist, or just someone who has learnt one particular style, especially if you have any medical conditions that could be aggravated by an untrained hand.
During your massage
Daydreaming is so underrated! If we didn’t all take a little time to turn down the noise and inspire ourselves, we’d never think up new directions and paths. So, listen to beautiful music, enjoy the oils soaking into your body, feeling the body relax and unwind...and finally think of nothing. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel afterward!
It’s time to move out of your old ruts and ways of relating. If not now, when?
After your massage
After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most from their massage:
· Drink extra water. During a massage circulation is improved, which helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other tissues. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body including the circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.
· Schedule time to take it easy after your massage. Rest if you feel the need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you haven't been sleeping well, receiving massage may relax you enough that you will want to turn in and catch up.
· If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part, remember to stretch, apply ice or heat to that area with the advice of your massage therapist. Or, you may want to do some gentle movement, such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient way.
· People sometimes experience some soreness for 24 hours or so after a massage. If you do feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be taken into consideration in your next session.
Ultimately, massage is a very personal experience, and while someone might like almost-bruising pressure, another person might prefer to be gently stroked. Never be afraid to communicate your preferences to the massage therapist upfront. It’s also worth developing a relationship with a specific therapist who can grow to understand your preferences and be aware of the changes in your health to assist you in deriving the full benefits from your treatments.
Has your life become so busy that caring for yourself has taken a back seat to other concerns? When last have you scheduled a massage or healing therapy for yourself?
It’s okay if it’s been a while. Know that I am here for you when you feel the need to relax and rejuvenate, heal your body and experience a new way of living.
If you would like to explore one or all of these options,
feel free to contact me to assess your requirement and book any one of these well deserved, specialized therapies