Not a subscriber?
Unsubscribe
Update e-mail address
August 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 8]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Spa: The word alone evokes an image of crisp white linens, softly scented air, plush robes, soft slippers, miniature cucumber sandwiches without the crusts and utter indulgence in quiet relaxation.
In the early days of the spa boom, this concept was the layman's definition of spa. It still is an integral part of the spa experience, but spas have branched out of the white box and exploded with an array of styles, colors, themes, cuisines and décor. The choices are virtually endless, and all it takes is a day trip to your local spa.
As equally diverse as the settings are the treatments offered in spas today. Of course, massage is the mainstay for the majority of spa-goers. After all, who can deny the luxury and relaxation a soul-cleansing massage can provide? It's magical what massage can do to a tired and stressed body. It can revive your spirit and invigorate your soul. But the magic doesn't stop there. From facials to stone massage, chakra alignments to shirodhara (a relaxation technique that involves pouring aromatic oils gently over the forehead), there is no end to the fascinating and therapeutic benefits that can be found in the spa.
Many spas have a Web site you can visit to get an idea of the types of services offered, as well as a glimpse into the ambiance and dècor. Take a bit of time to browse these sites. Compare prices (if posted), length of services and any perks provided. Some spas have complimentary steam room or sauna access, while others might offer complimentary beverage services. Some might package multiple services at a savings to entice you to linger a bit longer. These are a great way to try new treatments without breaking your spa budget.
Make sure you have mentally "unplugged" from the sources of stress in your life as much as possible. Try not to think about work, the kids, your spouse, the bills or any other stressor that might rear its ugly head. Put all these ideas aside for a while and give yourself permission to relax. If possible, take a long shower or relaxing bath before your appointment. Make it a ritual of sorts: light a candle, play soft soothing music and add some fragrant bath salts. Preparing yourself mentally to receive relaxation is just as important a step as making the commitment to make the appointment. A little "pre-pamper" time can go a long way toward getting the most out of your spa experience.
While receiving your treatment, try to block all outside thought. Simply concentrate on the moment and the services you are enjoying. It's perfectly acceptable, as well as expected, for you to let your therapist or technician know if the service you are receiving is uncomfortable in any way. You are the focus of the service, and your comfort and level of satisfaction are the most important things.
Following a massage, drinking water always is a good idea. It rehydrates you and gives you back some energy. If the spa offers a juice bar, indulge in a cool tropical concoction that will extend your mini vacation just a little bit longer.
With these points in mind, are you ready to take a fresh look at the spas in your area or at your vacation destination and make some informed decisions? The biggest thing to remember is to relax. Your overall experience is only as good as you allow it to be. So take a breath, plan your spa day with plenty of "you" time set aside, and enjoy the wonders and rejuvenation awaiting you. You will be glad you did.
Exercise Solutions for Busy Moms
If your average day is a mad rush to get the kids ready for school, run errands, pick the kids up from school, make dinner, get everyone ready for bed, and do a million things in between, when do you find time to exercise? And that's if you're a stay-at-home mom. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy exercise solutions that can keep you in shape and motivated regardless of your hectic schedule.
Make the time. If it means waking up an hour earlier than usual to jog or taking more walks around the office, do what it takes to get your body moving on a regular basis. Is exercise important to you? Then make it a priority.
Stick to a schedule. It's far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of all your "other" daily responsibilities and leave exercise out. Schedule time each day to work out, whether at the gym or at home.
Don't limit yourself. If you think you don't have the time (or money) to go to a gym, develop an exercise routine at home. These days, all it takes is a mat, an exercise ball and a few light weights (at the most) to tone and shape your body.
Consolidate your workout. Combining multiple exercises simultaneously will save time and burn more calories. The best example of this approach is a step class or aerobic routine that gets the entire body involved.
Find a support system. For many people, self-motivation is a big issue when it comes to starting and sticking to an exercise routine. Enlist a friend, neighbor or family member to exercise with you – or at least hold you accountable.
Get your kids involved. While you're investing so much time and energy into your children, why not exercise with them? Ride bikes, spend a day at the pool – there are a variety of ways to keep the entire family in shape while teaching them the value of regular exercise. Remember, they learn from your example.
Question: Why is massage contraindicated for aneurysm?
Answer: An aneurysm is a bulging of a blood vessel caused by weakening of that blood vessel's wall. You don't want to increase circulation over a blood vessel that has the potential to burst. Another problem is blood can pool in these weakened areas and can form clots. A blood clot that is released into the blood stream can be a life threatening.
Wendy Turpin, RMT
Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.
Unsubscribe
Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this
newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from
our e-mail subscription list at www.toyourhealth.com/newsletter/TYH_MAS/unsubscribe.php.
Update your e-mail address
To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here.
If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.massagetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.