Balanced Life
This is good. very good advice. Buddhism or not, Meditation is good for everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SpaGypsies/229738627059934
SpaGypsies love to spend time in the tranquil environment of a spa. Whether it’s for relaxation, detoxification, fitness, nutrition and weight control or beauty, Spa Gypsies relish the ability to get away from it all. It can be a spiritual experience or hiking venture. Whether it’s a destination spa like Canyon Ranch or The Spa & Inn at Norwich, a great resort spa like Grand Waialua, or day spa like Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door, many of us do share our next experience with other spa wanders.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Bill Hicks - It's Just A Ride
Bill Hicks passed away almost 20 years ago, but his words about life still resonate. His time on earth was short. But if he lived by his own advice, I bet it was a good ride.
http://www.youtube.com/v/iMUiwTubYu0?autohide=1&version=3&feature=share&autohide=1&attribution_tag=wtxgBldC_GYzfD2rZyEmyg&showinfo=1&autoplay=1
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Want to know "why am I so angry?"
Q&A - Why Am I So Angry? |
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach |
Q: My husband and friends have a major issue with me. I'mtoo honest and open. When a problem arises, I'll address it right then and there. But other people see this as rude and offensive. I also become very angry at times and am unable to hold back or stop until I feel that I've been heard. Any advice?
- Lekendra T. |
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
I had to buy this..Remote control iPhone pics
I don't often do this on this blog but I have to tell you about my purchase to...had to have it. I need it. https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/816764-wireless-remote-for-a-smartphone-with-tripod?ref=share-post_purchase-copy_box-web-deals&rui=474856&rpi=136115620
Get it here
Get it here
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Dimension of Wellness...the Dalai Lami at the Global Wellness Summit
On a gentle autumn morning, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso graced the audience on the second day of Global Spa and Wellness Summit recently, with not just his presence, but also his witty and insightful words.
It was a rare sight when the keynote speaker scratched his head and laughed without inhibition while reading the word ‘spa’ in the title of the event, and turned to his translator for help. And then he said, “I have no idea what spa means, but wellness I understand. And wellness, in my opinion, goes beyond physical health and needs to incorporate mental well-being. And mental well-being, well, that lies in compassion.” .... Dimensions of wellness. Click to read full article
Monday, September 16, 2013
I Did Not Want to Raise My Prices
Repost from New York Times....
A couple of years ago, I was reading an article about a guy in his 30s, David Geslak, who had started a company in Chicago, Exercise Connection, that works with children who have autism. Reading the article, it became obvious to me that he must have his hands full, trying to teach, to develop programs and to give speeches while also building his business. In part because his mission is dear to me — I have a nephew who is on the autism spectrum — I decided to call him to see if I could offer any entrepreneurial advice.
Click here to read this great article
A couple of years ago, I was reading an article about a guy in his 30s, David Geslak, who had started a company in Chicago, Exercise Connection, that works with children who have autism. Reading the article, it became obvious to me that he must have his hands full, trying to teach, to develop programs and to give speeches while also building his business. In part because his mission is dear to me — I have a nephew who is on the autism spectrum — I decided to call him to see if I could offer any entrepreneurial advice.
Click here to read this great article
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
American Airlines Baggage Department and Customer Relations
Stephanie,
Please see the email response that you sent me today re: my baggage incident in route from LIT to HPN on September 3, 2013. While I greatly appreciate your quick response, the message to me is totally unacceptable. I only had 1600 characters to write my issue and was therefore unable to properly address the situation that caused my not filing a claim without your "24 hour window". Please be advised the following:
1. I attempted numerous times at HPN airport at the check in reservation counter (there is no AA baggage office at this airport) to file the claim on the spot, I was told that 1) I could not and 2) there were no forms available.
2. I repeatedly asked because I had a baggage damage problem at LHR in August 2012 with a different airline and missed the policy of filing before leaving the airport (that's UA's policy). I told her several times that I did not want the same thing to happen that happened with UA. She explained that that was not AA's policy and NEVER mentioned the 24-hour window. Never. She had every opportunity. She simply wrote down the baggage department's phone number on an AA baggage ID tag and the number for her local office in White Plains. I called the local office on the 4th or 5th and have not received a return phone call to date.
3. When I did finally get to call AA (remember, I was not told, nor given any type of document to fill out or a website address to read the rules when I attempted to file) I was told to see you, Customer Service, a message on line. Then, go ahead and write a detailed letter to AA Customer Service also. I can only assume that the agent I spoke with knew that I would be rejected by you.
So where are we now? Peggy Purtle Lee is supposed to "eat it" once again with American. It was, by the way, a brand new bag, part of a set of 4 ostrich skinned bags. It was the FIRST time I used the bag, or the set for that matter. The handle was RIPPED off one side, that's clearly human error.
First, a bit about me.
First, my AAdvantage number is 2030032. Do you know what that means? AAdvantage number started at 1 million, numbers only. I was a little over your 2 millionth AAdvantage member. Do you know how many you have now? I was Platinum for many, many years. I'm not regular status but that can change at any time. I am also a supporter of your merger with USAirways for what it's worth.
Second, I do digital marketing, mobile and social media strategy, as well as reputation management for organizations and brands in travel, leisure, hospitality, automotive and health & wellness. Please understand that I feel it my obligation to notify everyone I can about this incident. "Consumer beware!". It is not right. Totally not morally or ethically right. I have pictures taken from the airport. I have names and numbers. I did what I was told to do. And you throw the "right of carriage" or whatever it is called in my face as your justification not to help me by paying for my luggage repairs? If I was still Platinum would you have handled it differently? That I would really like to know. Because I would make Platinum, Exec. Platinum and Gold aware in my blogs and social media that they would not have to experience what I experienced. Please, do let me know so I can assure them that AA cares would their satisfaction with your service offerings and that they would be taken care of.
I will not accept you response as the final word from AA. Surely, somewhere in your vast organization someone who is responsible for revenues would at least be inclined to help me.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. If there is a way that I can get my baggage repair costs paid, I'd prefer to get it done as quickly as possible. I am traveling almost every week these days.
Kindest regards,
Peggy Lee
Engage! Consulting
Please see the email response that you sent me today re: my baggage incident in route from LIT to HPN on September 3, 2013. While I greatly appreciate your quick response, the message to me is totally unacceptable. I only had 1600 characters to write my issue and was therefore unable to properly address the situation that caused my not filing a claim without your "24 hour window". Please be advised the following:
1. I attempted numerous times at HPN airport at the check in reservation counter (there is no AA baggage office at this airport) to file the claim on the spot, I was told that 1) I could not and 2) there were no forms available.
2. I repeatedly asked because I had a baggage damage problem at LHR in August 2012 with a different airline and missed the policy of filing before leaving the airport (that's UA's policy). I told her several times that I did not want the same thing to happen that happened with UA. She explained that that was not AA's policy and NEVER mentioned the 24-hour window. Never. She had every opportunity. She simply wrote down the baggage department's phone number on an AA baggage ID tag and the number for her local office in White Plains. I called the local office on the 4th or 5th and have not received a return phone call to date.
3. When I did finally get to call AA (remember, I was not told, nor given any type of document to fill out or a website address to read the rules when I attempted to file) I was told to see you, Customer Service, a message on line. Then, go ahead and write a detailed letter to AA Customer Service also. I can only assume that the agent I spoke with knew that I would be rejected by you.
So where are we now? Peggy Purtle Lee is supposed to "eat it" once again with American. It was, by the way, a brand new bag, part of a set of 4 ostrich skinned bags. It was the FIRST time I used the bag, or the set for that matter. The handle was RIPPED off one side, that's clearly human error.
First, a bit about me.
First, my AAdvantage number is 2030032. Do you know what that means? AAdvantage number started at 1 million, numbers only. I was a little over your 2 millionth AAdvantage member. Do you know how many you have now? I was Platinum for many, many years. I'm not regular status but that can change at any time. I am also a supporter of your merger with USAirways for what it's worth.
Second, I do digital marketing, mobile and social media strategy, as well as reputation management for organizations and brands in travel, leisure, hospitality, automotive and health & wellness. Please understand that I feel it my obligation to notify everyone I can about this incident. "Consumer beware!". It is not right. Totally not morally or ethically right. I have pictures taken from the airport. I have names and numbers. I did what I was told to do. And you throw the "right of carriage" or whatever it is called in my face as your justification not to help me by paying for my luggage repairs? If I was still Platinum would you have handled it differently? That I would really like to know. Because I would make Platinum, Exec. Platinum and Gold aware in my blogs and social media that they would not have to experience what I experienced. Please, do let me know so I can assure them that AA cares would their satisfaction with your service offerings and that they would be taken care of.
I will not accept you response as the final word from AA. Surely, somewhere in your vast organization someone who is responsible for revenues would at least be inclined to help me.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. If there is a way that I can get my baggage repair costs paid, I'd prefer to get it done as quickly as possible. I am traveling almost every week these days.
Kindest regards,
Peggy Lee
Engage! Consulting
Dear Ms. Lee:
|
||
|
||
Thank you for contacting us. We are sorry to hear about the damage that you have reported.
We have found that for our
customers, the most convenient method of resolving problems of this kind
is to refer the damage claim to personnel in our field offices for
handling. They have the full authority and responsibility
in such matters, and their ability to meet with you and inspect the
item allows for an efficient evaluation in accordance with the limits of
liability printed on your ticket jacket and posted at our airport
counters.
While we work very hard to avoid
these mishaps, they do sometimes occur. When this kind of difficulty
happens, every effort is made to make amends in a reasonable manner.
However, our conditions of liability exclude any damage
claim not initially reported before leaving the airport or in person
within 24 hours after the arrival of your checked items.
Ms. Lee, again thank you for
contacting us. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon. The
next time you travel with us, we will try to make your flight
satisfactory in every way.
|
||
|
||
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephanie Wilson
|
||
Customer Relations
|
||
American Airlines
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||
|
||
AA Ref#1-1004834692
|
Monday, August 19, 2013
7 Birth Control Myths
-->
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight. After
all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth control or use
it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths... - See more at:
http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
click here to read the full article: 7 birth control myths
Shared Post: 7 Birth Control Myths
By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to
Lifescript
Published August 18, 2013
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
7 Birth Control Myths
By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to Lifescript
Published August 18, 2013
Reviewed By
Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
7 Birth Control Myths
By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to
Lifescript
Published August 18, 2013
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
- See more at:
http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.Pea2GiYd.dpuf
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The 14 Best Types of Massage Therapy
Did you ever have a massage but didn’t get what you expected? It was too deep or it was too light for you?
Massages are not something you experience every day, and when you decide to try it you want it to be an amazing experience. Especially when you make a spa gift certificate to someone who never had a massage.
So many types of massage and you have to choose only one. It can be tough.
First choose a type of massage from one of the following categories.
1. Swedish massage
If you never had a massage before I would recommend to start with Swedish massage.
By far Swedish massage is the most popular form of massage.
Generically Swedish massage is often referred to as “relaxation massage”. A Swedish massage requires you to be unclothed because massage lotion or oil is applied on your body to minimize friction. Swedish massage is performed on a massage table.
The parts of the body that the therapist is not working on are covered with sheets.
Swedish massage is the best introductory technique for those who never had massage, because it doesn’t involve deep pressure and it’s a soothing form of bodywork.
2. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu – all you have to do is press.
Shiatsu is a simplistic massage style.
It is performed on a mat on the floor and the patient is fully clothed as no oil is used.
The main technique in shiatsu is applying pressure using fingers, thumbs, elbows and knees to the acupoints which are situated along the meridians of your body. Each point is held for 2 to 8 seconds to improve the flow of chi and help the body regain balance.
The therapist uses his own body weight to apply pressure, so it can be quite deep in many places. Though the pressure is firm, there is usually no soreness after shiatsu.
3. Thai massage
Just like shiatsu thai massage is a simplistic massage style. The patient is fully clothed and oil is not used. The treatment is performed on a mat on the floor, because the therapist will have to change your position very often.
If you think you’ll lie calmly and relaxed during thai massage, you are wrong. Thai massage is one of the most dynamic form of massage.
The massage therapist will move your body quite a lot, positioning it into different stretching poses which are very much alike the yoga poses.
After thai massage you’ll feel like after a yoga class.
Besides the stretching there is also keen attention to acupressure points. It also includes compression of muscles and mobilization of joints.
4. Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing forms of massage therapy, but it’s less therapeutic than Swedish massage, for example. The massage therapist is not able to feel how the muscles are reacting to the pressure.
Smooth warmed basalt stones are heated and are massaged over the body. The stones are placed on shoulders and on back muscles to increase circulation and promote relaxation.
Hot stones are quite soothing and relaxing, as they transmit heat deep into the body and loosen tight muscles and balances the energy centers in the body.
Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.
5. Lymphatic massage
Lymphatic massage aims to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system by applying light, gentle, repetitive strokes.
A healthy lymph system requires that muscle cells are able to contract smoothly in the walls of lymph vessels so that muscles can shepherd lymphatic fluid through the vessels, lymph nodes, and the rest of the body.
Lymphatic massage isn’t a good fit for those looking for a more intense, hard-pressured massage. Instead, it is excellent for those who want to detoxify their body or reduce the swelling post injury or surgery.
6. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is another popular form of bodywork.
In the majority of cases people feel discomfort or pain during deep tissue massage. It’s ok to feel soreness or swelling in the regions that were massaged after a deep tissue massage. It should subside within a day or so.
Deep tissue is best to apply on certain painful and stiff regions on your body. The massage therapist applies slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin.
Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
7. Reflexology
According to reflexology, all the organs of the body are mapped on the feet, hands or ears. Applying finger pressure on certain points it links to various internal organs and promotes healing.
Reflexology can also be performed on the reflex points on your hands and ears.
It can be a perfect therapy for those who spend long hours on their feet.
8. Sports massage
Sports massage is not designed for relaxation purpose. It is firstly designed for people who are involved in physical activity, especially athletes.
Sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training before and in between events during an athletic competition to warm and loosen their muscle. After the competition it may help to facilitate recover and rehabilitate injuries.
Many athletes receive regular massage to help optimize performance by improving flexibility, increasing range of motion and improving muscle balance.
The main focus is on enhancing athletic performance.
9. Aromatherapy massage
In aromatherapy massage essential oils are incorporated into the oil that is massaged into your skin.
Single or mixed essential oils are used in aromatherapy massage to address specific needs. To achieve better therapeutic results the massage therapists usually uses a mixture of essential oils for the treatment.
Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions with an emotional component.
10. Lomi lomi
Lomi lomi is a Hawaiian form of massage and has many similarities with Swedish massage. It’s a very relaxing type of massage.
During the lomi lomi session the therapist is repeating a prayer which means that there is no conversation between the therapist and the patient.
The important part of this bodywork is that the practitioner focuses on the client using loving hands and loving heart. Lomi lomi facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels and it views all these aspects of the body as one.
In lomi lomi massage the person lies directly on the vinyl of the table and not on a towel, and rather than being covered completely by towels, is covered by a small sheet or towel leaving most of the body exposed during the massage.
11. Rolfing
Rolfing is painful. It’s tough to go to these sessions.
Rolfing is an uncomfortable deep massage. Many patients report soreness in muscles and joints after rolfing, but it’s truly a massage therapy technique that is highly recommended to any chronic pain sufferer.
The theory behind rolfing is that the body’s aches and pains arose from basic imbalances in posture and ailment, which were created and reinforced over time by gravity.
For example, our modern sedentary lifestyle has resulted in poor posture and the body’s muscles develop patterns of unnatural contractions. Rolfing aims to restructure and realign the body with it’s center of gravity and with the earth.
12. Cupping therapy
Cupping is a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy massage. In massage the therapist pushes the layers of the tissue in, while in cupping massage the tissues are sucked out.
The therapist uses oil on your back to facilitate a better slide of the cups on the body. The therapist creates vacuum inside the cup and puts them on the back of the patient. The therapist slowly moves the cups along the meridians on the back facilitating blood flow and getting some fresh oxygenated blood to the area.
13. Ashiatsu
If you need a deeper kind of massage, try ashiatsu.
In ashiatsu the massage therapist literally is walking on your back and uses bars to support himself and vary pressure and weight.
This technique uses the principles of shiatsu, but the technique is performed barefoot on the back on the recipient’s body.
14. Ayurvedic massage
Ayurvedic body massage uses warmed oil and applies continuous strokes and techniques, which is very relaxing. But that’s not all.
Before the massage is necessary to take a hot shower to soften and loosen the skin. After an hour of massage the client takes a hot shower to wash up the oil, following a steam bath for around 10-15 minutes and returns to the massage bed where the therapist applies a warm herbal scrub on the body. The client lies still for 10 minutes while the scrub exfoliates and becomes absorbed by the skin. Once the scrub is dry the client takes a hot shower to remove the scrub.
You may feel sleepy and weak and will certainly be slowed down a great deal.
If you liked this article Subscribe to MassageDreams!!
Massages are not something you experience every day, and when you decide to try it you want it to be an amazing experience. Especially when you make a spa gift certificate to someone who never had a massage.
So many types of massage and you have to choose only one. It can be tough.
First choose a type of massage from one of the following categories.
- Massages that treat – They are painful and you may feel sore the next day, but they have a therapeutic effect on your body and a few days later you will feel much better.
- Massages that relax – They relax your body and mind so much that you can even fall asleep during the massage. This type of massage is enjoyable and is great for those who want to try massage for the first time.
1. Swedish massage
If you never had a massage before I would recommend to start with Swedish massage.
By far Swedish massage is the most popular form of massage.
Generically Swedish massage is often referred to as “relaxation massage”. A Swedish massage requires you to be unclothed because massage lotion or oil is applied on your body to minimize friction. Swedish massage is performed on a massage table.
The parts of the body that the therapist is not working on are covered with sheets.
Swedish massage is the best introductory technique for those who never had massage, because it doesn’t involve deep pressure and it’s a soothing form of bodywork.
2. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu – all you have to do is press.
Shiatsu is a simplistic massage style.
It is performed on a mat on the floor and the patient is fully clothed as no oil is used.
The main technique in shiatsu is applying pressure using fingers, thumbs, elbows and knees to the acupoints which are situated along the meridians of your body. Each point is held for 2 to 8 seconds to improve the flow of chi and help the body regain balance.
The therapist uses his own body weight to apply pressure, so it can be quite deep in many places. Though the pressure is firm, there is usually no soreness after shiatsu.
3. Thai massage
Just like shiatsu thai massage is a simplistic massage style. The patient is fully clothed and oil is not used. The treatment is performed on a mat on the floor, because the therapist will have to change your position very often.
If you think you’ll lie calmly and relaxed during thai massage, you are wrong. Thai massage is one of the most dynamic form of massage.
The massage therapist will move your body quite a lot, positioning it into different stretching poses which are very much alike the yoga poses.
After thai massage you’ll feel like after a yoga class.
Besides the stretching there is also keen attention to acupressure points. It also includes compression of muscles and mobilization of joints.
4. Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing forms of massage therapy, but it’s less therapeutic than Swedish massage, for example. The massage therapist is not able to feel how the muscles are reacting to the pressure.
Smooth warmed basalt stones are heated and are massaged over the body. The stones are placed on shoulders and on back muscles to increase circulation and promote relaxation.
Hot stones are quite soothing and relaxing, as they transmit heat deep into the body and loosen tight muscles and balances the energy centers in the body.
Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.
5. Lymphatic massage
Lymphatic massage aims to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system by applying light, gentle, repetitive strokes.
A healthy lymph system requires that muscle cells are able to contract smoothly in the walls of lymph vessels so that muscles can shepherd lymphatic fluid through the vessels, lymph nodes, and the rest of the body.
Lymphatic massage isn’t a good fit for those looking for a more intense, hard-pressured massage. Instead, it is excellent for those who want to detoxify their body or reduce the swelling post injury or surgery.
6. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is another popular form of bodywork.
In the majority of cases people feel discomfort or pain during deep tissue massage. It’s ok to feel soreness or swelling in the regions that were massaged after a deep tissue massage. It should subside within a day or so.
Deep tissue is best to apply on certain painful and stiff regions on your body. The massage therapist applies slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin.
Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
7. Reflexology
According to reflexology, all the organs of the body are mapped on the feet, hands or ears. Applying finger pressure on certain points it links to various internal organs and promotes healing.
Reflexology can also be performed on the reflex points on your hands and ears.
It can be a perfect therapy for those who spend long hours on their feet.
8. Sports massage
Sports massage is not designed for relaxation purpose. It is firstly designed for people who are involved in physical activity, especially athletes.
Sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training before and in between events during an athletic competition to warm and loosen their muscle. After the competition it may help to facilitate recover and rehabilitate injuries.
Many athletes receive regular massage to help optimize performance by improving flexibility, increasing range of motion and improving muscle balance.
The main focus is on enhancing athletic performance.
9. Aromatherapy massage
In aromatherapy massage essential oils are incorporated into the oil that is massaged into your skin.
Single or mixed essential oils are used in aromatherapy massage to address specific needs. To achieve better therapeutic results the massage therapists usually uses a mixture of essential oils for the treatment.
Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions with an emotional component.
10. Lomi lomi
Lomi lomi is a Hawaiian form of massage and has many similarities with Swedish massage. It’s a very relaxing type of massage.
During the lomi lomi session the therapist is repeating a prayer which means that there is no conversation between the therapist and the patient.
The important part of this bodywork is that the practitioner focuses on the client using loving hands and loving heart. Lomi lomi facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels and it views all these aspects of the body as one.
In lomi lomi massage the person lies directly on the vinyl of the table and not on a towel, and rather than being covered completely by towels, is covered by a small sheet or towel leaving most of the body exposed during the massage.
11. Rolfing
Rolfing is painful. It’s tough to go to these sessions.
Rolfing is an uncomfortable deep massage. Many patients report soreness in muscles and joints after rolfing, but it’s truly a massage therapy technique that is highly recommended to any chronic pain sufferer.
The theory behind rolfing is that the body’s aches and pains arose from basic imbalances in posture and ailment, which were created and reinforced over time by gravity.
For example, our modern sedentary lifestyle has resulted in poor posture and the body’s muscles develop patterns of unnatural contractions. Rolfing aims to restructure and realign the body with it’s center of gravity and with the earth.
12. Cupping therapy
Cupping is a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy massage. In massage the therapist pushes the layers of the tissue in, while in cupping massage the tissues are sucked out.
The therapist uses oil on your back to facilitate a better slide of the cups on the body. The therapist creates vacuum inside the cup and puts them on the back of the patient. The therapist slowly moves the cups along the meridians on the back facilitating blood flow and getting some fresh oxygenated blood to the area.
13. Ashiatsu
If you need a deeper kind of massage, try ashiatsu.
In ashiatsu the massage therapist literally is walking on your back and uses bars to support himself and vary pressure and weight.
This technique uses the principles of shiatsu, but the technique is performed barefoot on the back on the recipient’s body.
14. Ayurvedic massage
Ayurvedic body massage uses warmed oil and applies continuous strokes and techniques, which is very relaxing. But that’s not all.
Before the massage is necessary to take a hot shower to soften and loosen the skin. After an hour of massage the client takes a hot shower to wash up the oil, following a steam bath for around 10-15 minutes and returns to the massage bed where the therapist applies a warm herbal scrub on the body. The client lies still for 10 minutes while the scrub exfoliates and becomes absorbed by the skin. Once the scrub is dry the client takes a hot shower to remove the scrub.
You may feel sleepy and weak and will certainly be slowed down a great deal.
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Sunday, July 14, 2013
What an amazing woman. God must be very pleased.
The truly inspiring story of the Chinese rubbish collector who saved and raised THIRTY babies abandoned at the roadside Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2181017/Lou-Xiaoying-Story-Chinese-woman-saved-30-abandoned-babies-dumped-street-trash.html
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Addiction...It's a Slow Fade because people never cumble in a day.
SpaGypsies is about Health & Wellness. In order to be a whole, normal, happy person, you can't be an addict or alcoholic. This video really cuts to the bone. There are so many behavioral issues addressed in it: addiction to drugs, eating disorders, families crumbling, suicide, cutting...Please watch this and share it on Facebook or G+...or Tweet it. Everyone knows someone who is suffering. By God's Grace they can be healed. Make a difference! Spread the good word to all.
That's it. No more need be said if you just watch the video and share it.
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