Destination: Massage

What is my guiltiest pleasure? You guessed it - massage. (Though dark, independent foreign films run a close second.)

I thought in this post I would conquer MASSAGE - why I love, the different methods, as well as the benefits.

If you have never had a professional massage, then you are in for a treat!


First of all - What is massage? It is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. Don't believe me? Then try it.


But before you run out and book a massage, you need to decide what kind of massage you want.
Sure, all massage  involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. However, when you book a massage, typically you choose a type of massage.

Types of Massage
 Acupressure - is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. With acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.

Anma -  is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work.

Ayurvedic -  is a natural health care system originating in India that incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyangha is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils based on the ayurvedic system.

Balinese -  techniques are gentle and aim to make the patient feel relaxed and calm throughout. The techniques include skin folding, kneading, stroking,and other techniques. The massage therapist applies aromatherapy oil throughout the massage. A patients blood, oxygen and energy flow is said to increase as a result of the treatment.


Barefoot Deep Tissue - also known as barefoot compressive deep tissue, or barefoot sports massage, is a blend of Eastern barefoot techniques, such as barefoot Shiatsu massage, coupled with a Western manual medicine, encompassing deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, transverse friction, compression, tension, shear, PNF, stretching, as well as parasympathetic response, on clothed clients using no oil.

Bowen Therapy -  involves a rolling movement over fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. It is said not to involve deep or prolonged contact with muscle tissues as in most kinds of massage, but claims to relieve muscle tensions and strains and to restore normal lymphatic flow.

Breema Massage - is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches.

Deep Tissue Massage - is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly.

Reflexology - is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body.

Shiatsu -  is a Japanese therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and, in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the person's back, legs and feet.

Stone Massage -  uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly Basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension

Swedish Massage - uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthrits of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation.

Thai Massage - The technique combines massage with yoga-like positions during the course of the massage; the northern style emphasizes stretching while the southern style emphasizes acupressure.

Traditional Chinese Massage (**my favorite - I get about once every 2 weeks) -
Two types of traditional Chinese massage exist - Tui na  which focuses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle and Zhi Ya which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though in the Western countries Tui Na is viewed as massage, it is not. Massage of Chinese Medicine is known as Anmo, which is the foundation of Japan's Anma.

Tui Na is Chinese Medicine's Physio-Therapy. Utilized for medical purposes instead of relaxation, Tui Na works to correct the patient's problems, from musculoskeletal conditions, to diseases, cancers and even minor and major headaches.

That's the basic rundown of the "major" types of massage. Now do you actually benefit from massage and how does it actually work?

Research has shown that massage helps with pain, muscle stiffness, anxiety, stress, blood circulation and actually lowers blood pressure.

It's important to be careful when you book a massage. You definitely want someone who knows what they are doing, and are not.. how do I put it.. a "House of Ill Repute." ;-)

What you are looking for is someone with the following credentials -

Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Average cost of a massage? Generally, $1 a minute. 1 hour - $60. Sure, some spas and resorts charge double.. but it is really all the same. Trust me, I have booked them all - from the $175 at a resort to the $30 for 30 minutes in a chair in the middle of a mall.

I am a pretty high strung person, and muscle tension is a real problem of mine. I have found that deep tissue and traditional chinese massage is the best for me.

If you are a modest person, don't worry - you can wear you undies under the blanket, plus they never disrobe you. Only the body part they are working on at that moment is what will be exposed.

Looking for a massage therapist? There are two really good sites:

The Massage Therapist Directory from Healthprofs

and

American Massage Therapy Association

Happy Massages!

I want to be selfish today.

It is 5:30pm. I want to be completely selfish for 24 hours.

I am aware that this is clearly next to impossible, but none the less, I want it.


I am T-I-R-E-D. I am sure, dear readers, that you are sick of hearing how tired I am. But lord have mercy, I am spent.

I just drove 4.5 hours from Mobile, Alabama to Birmingham, AL. It took that long because of random traffic/accidents/construction. Even though I was just sitting in the rental car -driving - I am mentally and physically exhausted.

Please know - my trip was fabulous. Outside of a few bumps and bruises - it really went well. Pensacola and Mobile has excellent media partners, so I should be okay there. The staff is spectacular (personality wise!) The town was adorable. The B&B was comfortable.... however, there is one thing I cannot go without mentioning - one of the innkeepers was really argumentative today. Over breakfast, he insisted that dieting without exercise is better for the heart. He believes that when you exercise you put too much strain on the heart. WHAT?

Okay.. digress.. back to me.

I WANT TO BE SELFISH.

If I could create the perfect evening and day tomorrow it would look something like this:

4:30pm - drive up - the egyptian is waiting at the foot of the stairs. He runs to me, hugs me, kisses me and tells me I can never travel without him again. He insists I go upstairs, and he brings my bags in.

I walk inside to find my garden tub filled up with bubbles and candles. He insists I take a nice hot bath to unwind.

While I am soaking, he unpacks my things and has a cup of coffee waiting on me.

After I leave the tub, we sit and he asks me to tell him all about my trip.

While talking, he insists on rubbing my feet. (Four days in heels.. they do hurt.)

By about 7pm - he has a surprise for me - he ordered a BIG cheesy pizza with extra garlic sauce. He asks me to pick my favorite movie on tv - and I do. We sit and laugh and watch a movie and eat pizza.

I am tired, so I go to sleep afterwards.

8:00am - I wake up late and magically have the day off.

The egyptian informs me he has some appointments set up for me -

I am treated to a facial, massage and manicure.
Then we go out to eat for lunch - and sit outside, enjoying our lunch and each other's company.

By 4pm - we make it home and relax again.

Seriously.

That's what I want.

Instead - I come home to an empty house. Dishes piled up in the sink (if I don't wash them before he gets home - he will FREAK).

I am sure he will be in a bad mood when he gets home. He has to work until 11:30pm and he probably won't even bother to speak.

Yep.

Let's Get Metaphysical!

I am a sucker for a great metaphysical shop. Seriously! When I travel, I always search them out - and proceed to spend a majority of my "souvenir" funds on books about mediation, healing, or aromatherapy oils, or even random scented candles and funky jewelry.

This coming from a fairly strong catholic.

But just how far away is the "metaphysical" from what my belief system holds?
Aren't there proven health benefits to some of the "therapies" ?

I decided to tackle this topic today. (I am actually quite excited about this one!!) Just so you know, I have been studying the "metaphysical" since I was 10 years old. It started with my mother, and her zany spell books. I know you might be wondering what in the world am I talking about? But I suppose my mother has always dabbled in such things. She reads "cards", has an acute sensitivity to the paranormal. You can laugh or scoff - it is her reality and I will leave it at that. Needless to say, as a child - I was intrigued. I thought it was a very different way of viewing the "world." I at least understood that.

Then as a teenager, I was able to read many books on the subject. I bought myself an excellent book at 16 - Shakti Gawain's Creative Visualization. I am going to put this out there - and if you know me, I am the most straight forward, tsk tsker you will ever meet. However, there is definitely SOMETHING to this technique.

This book, which helped launch a movement, has been successfully used in the fields of health, education, business, sports, and creative arts for many years. Gawain explains how to use mental imagery and affirmations to produce positive changes in one’s life. The book contains meditations and exercises that are aimed at helping the practitioner channel energies in good directions, strengthen self-esteem, improve overall health, and experience deep relaxation.

In a nut shell - you think about it, you visualize the entire scenario - do this alot - and basically it will happen. People - it works. Of course, I put my "christian" spin on it ~ it's like a prayer/wish/blessing you hope to achieve. God knows.. God provides.

That is just one example of what I experienced at a young age.

On my 16th birthday - my mother arranged for me to have my first massage. I was hooked after that! There are a lot of really strong research backing the use of massage. For someone, like me - with high anxiety and high blood pressure - it works as a perfect therapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage when combined with traditional medical treatments is used - it will definitely reduce stress and promote healing in people with certain health conditions.

During a massage, a therapist manipulates your body's soft tissues - your muscles, skin and tendons - using his or her fingertips, hands and fists. Massage can be performed by several types of health care professionals - such as a massage therapist, physical therapist or occupational therapist. (I believe this is the most main stream form of using the "metaphysical/alternative therapies.)

Massage is a great complementary and alternative treatment. Almost everyone feels better after a massage. The treatment has been shown to help relieve pain and soreness and reduce anxiety. There are different types of massage. If you find one that works for you, you ma be surprised at how quickly it can become a regular part of your weekly routine! For me - a therapeutic massage is my favorite. It usually lasts about 90 minutes and leaves me feeling like a sack of jello for hours afterwards.

Another popular "alternative" therapy would be acupuncture. I have to admit - I have not tried this yet, but I really want to. I definitely believe you should find a proper therapist, and I do not know who is safe where I live. Again, I consulted the Mayo Clinic's Complementary and integrated Medicine Program research and they do recommend acupuncture. They have used this therapy at the Mayo Clinic since the 1970s in a variety of treatment settings. They also keep a licensed acupuncturist on staff. They believe when performed properly by a trained practitioner, acupuncture has proved to be an effective therapy. Apparently it is excellent with Fibromyalgia, Nausea & Vomiting, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management and Smoking Cessation.

A typical session involves a series of weekly or biweekly treatments in an outpatient setting. It's common to have up to 12 treatments in total. what will happen is you will sit and have a consultation, an exam and assessment, insertion of needles and a discussion of self-care tips. A session typically lasts 30 - 60 minutes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers are studying at least three possible explanations for how acupuncture works:

1. Opiod Release 2. Spinal Cord Stimulation

3. Blood Flow Changes.

Another form of therapy which is a little more controversial is Reiki. I happen to personally know two Reiki practitioners. From my understanding, it is similar to Healing Touch therapies.

Reiki is made up of two Japanese words - rei, which means universal spirit, and ki which means life force energy. As with other energy therapies, practitioners of reiki belief that disturbances in the body's energy systems can cause illness, and that by improving the flow and balance of energy, disease can be treated and health maintained.

In Reiki, the practitioner delivers therapy through his or her hands with the goal of raising the amount of ki in and around the recipient.

During a session, the fully clothed recipient either sits or lies down. The practitioner's hands are placed either on or a few inches above the person's body. There are between 12 and 15 different reiki hand positions. Each position is held until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy has slowed or stopped, usually between two to 5 minutes. In addition, reiki may be performed long-distance. Hmmm..

I could see the relaxation benefits - but not so sure if I see the actual health benefits.

Another one of my super favorite is aromatherapy! (note the punctuation.) This is one therapy I came SUPER close to trying to get a certification in practising. So YES - I do dabble a bit here.

Aromatherapy is the science of using oils from various plants to treat illness and promote health. The oils are often vaporized and inhaled or used as massage oils. It's believed that compounds in the oils activate certain parts of your brain, releasing difference brain chemicals that may have a relaxing effect.

One of the many things I have tried is making soaps and bath salts infused with oils. I do take hot baths with certain oils also. It is sooo simple to do and probably the easiest and most cost effective way to "calm your spirit."

Here is a quick list of oils you can purchase and what you can use them for:

Please visit this site - ttp://www.aromatherapy.com/essentialoils.html

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask in the comment section.

Another fun one that I have been practicing for at least 15 years is meditation. Ahhh.. sweet meditation. Now, don't shy away from this. If you pray -in all honesty - that is a form of mediation. Heck, even the catholic church has several prayers we "meditate" on. The term meditation refers to a group of techniques, many of which have their roots in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions. Today, many people use meditation for health and wellness purposes.

In meditation, a person focuses attention on his or her breathing, or on repeating a word, phrase or sounds in order to suspend the stream of thoughts that normally occupies the conscious mind. Meditation is believed to lead to a state of physical relaxation, mental calmness, alertness and psychological balance.

Meditation can be practiced on its own or as a part of another mind-body therapy, such as yoga or tai chi. Like other mind-body therapies, once you learn how to meditate, you can do it on your own.

Research has found it works wonders for people suffering with anxiety and stress, asthma, fibromyalgia, and high blood pressure.

There are several different kinds:
Analytical meditation
Breath meditation
Mindfulness meditation
Transcendental meditation
Visualization and Walking meditation.

There are a few other items you might want to familiarize yourself with:
Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
(I am a fan of homeopathy and naturopathy.. the other two.. not in my comfort zone.)

Just to break it down in the simplest terms:
Ayurveda - means "science of life." It originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is thought to be the world's oldest system of natural medicine. The basic theory is that all things in the universe are joined together and that all forms of life consist of combinations of three energy elements: wind, fire, water. When these elements are balanced, a person is healthy.

Homeopathy - is a form of health care developed in Germany, which has been practised in the states since the early 19th century. The key premise of homeopathic medicine is that every person has a form of energy called a vital force, or self healing response. When this force is disrupted or out of balance, illness results. (Heck - when you are stressed, you get sick.. right???)
Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body's healing response. Treatment generally involves giving small doses of substances called remedies.

Naturopathy - is a form of health care based on the belief that the body has an innate healing power that can establish, maintain and restore health when it's in a healthy environment. (Who can argue with that?) This form of medicine relies on natural remedies, such as sunlight, air and water, along with "natural" supplements to promote health and well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine - is a system of medicine rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy (Taoism).
It is based on the belief that the body is a delicate balance of two opposing forces: yin & yang. Yin represents the cold, slow or passive principle of life, while yang represents the hot, excited, active one. Health is achieved by maintaining an appropriate balance of the two. In Chinese Medicine treatments may include: Acupuncture, moxibustion or cupping; Chinese herbs; massage and manipulation and Qi gong.

Finally, I cannot finish this out without bringing up religion. This can range from the BIG FIVE: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism. Then the "old religions" of paganism, etc.

Each are in their own way a form of the "metaphysical." Metaphysics generally deals with notions, concepts, hypotheses, etc. related to the non-material world, i.e., the sphere of mental events, or the astral world.

So whether you wear a talisman for protection, or clip your guardian angel to the visor in your car.. or perhaps you pray the rosary, or take baths in oils. Maybe you light candles when someone dies as a memory, or believe in the healing use of prayer - it's all metaphysical.

It makes me happy. What are you favorite forms of the metaphysical??