Celebrate Friends with a Spa Party

Just picked up the latest issue of Massage Magazine, which I quite enjoy. (You see I have this magazine addiction - they are all pretty much related to my business, yoga, massage, fitness and therein lies the justification, though I do readily admit I quite often have to pick up the latest issue in crochet, dogs, or whatever else strikes my fancy!) Back to the story.....One of the many articles that peaked my interest was in regards to spa parties.

Now it just so happens I had the opportunity to be a part of a spa party this past weekend. The hostess had asked a few of her good friends over where they had quite a nice assortment of deserts to go along with the girl talk. No kids or husbands were allowed! I was asked to provide chair massage (10-15 minutes) for each of the guests. It all went very well. Everyone seemed very pleased with their massage and they all appeared to be having a good time.

As a part of my practice I do offer spa parties. These parties can be as simple as the therapist providing chair massage for guests or more elaborate offering full body massage, facials, yoga, etc. They are customized to fit you and your guests' particular needs/wants and budget. They can be themed, perfect for wedding showers or baby showers, or just something a little extra at your next book club meeting. And as for my service, we do not sell any product or push guests to "book" another party like many of the at-home parties. It's strictly a no-sell, no-stress, relaxation mini-vacation.

Obviously each party is a little different, but what they all have in common is the desire to gather with close friends and enjoy each other's company while receiving some much deserved downtime and pampering.

I would love to create a spa party especially for you and your friends. Don't live in the San Antonio area? Call your local licensed massage therapist and discuss how they might be able to offer services for your next gathering.

Happy spa party!

Massage for Boomers

Baby Boomers that is! The boomer generation covers the time period between 1946 and 1964, of which I am a member as are many of my clients. The thing that I've noticed about this generation is how they usually don't act their age, but in a good way.

In addition to being a massage therapist I've been in the fitness field teaching classes for the last 25+ years. Many of the classes I've taught are for the "senior" population. What's interesting though is that these "seniors" are living life to the fullest. They may be retired, but they are by no means sitting around the house on the couch. They are active, and want to take care of themselves in whatever way necessary in order to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

So how can you too maintain your active lifestyle or perhaps begin to live a more active lifestyle while aging?

Exercise, smart nutrition, yoga, and massage.

Age is definitely a state of mind, however, it can also be a state of the body. I know for me personally, even though I often feel more like I'm 30, by body sometimes tells another story. Wear and tear of being active during your younger days definitely takes a toll on the body in your later years.

Massage therapy can be very beneficial. While massage cannot repair serious injuries that have already occurred such as an ACL tear or reverse the need for a knee replacement, it can greatly help hold off those injuries that could become more severe.

"Massage finds tight spots and releases them before they become injuries."

Give it a try. The money you spend for massage could be a fabulous way to save money on future medical expenses.

No Stress Day 2009

What a fabulous concept; a day designated to focus on relieving stress!

I heard about an organization by the name of No Stress Allowed, and they have designated September 26, 2009 as No Stress Day. They are encouraging as many spas, salons, and wellness centers to participate by donating $2 for certain spa services that are scheduled for that day to the American Heart Association. What's great is 100% of the monies raised that day by these services will be given to the American Heart Association by the participating spas. A win win for everyone don't ya think?!

Make sure to mark a reminder on your calendar to make your appointment, September 26, 2009 and stay tuned for reminders and more info to come, especially how my studio will be participating. But why wait until September? Why not take one day this month and create your own No Stress Day; schedule a massage, have a pedicure, gather with a group of close friends for a yoga party, whatever would help you to unwind and destress.

Enjoy!

Taking My Own Advice

I actually took my own advice this week; before visiting my clients one morning, I became a client myself and had a massage! I really do try to follow what I suggest to others, which is to get massage at least once a month. The difference in your body that one massage a month makes in your body is amazing.


With that in mind, I decided to go back to the school where I studied the practice of massage therapy. When the students are going through their internship the school offers 50 min to 1 hour sessions for $25. You can't beat that deal!


Of course as with all things there are advantages and disadvantages to going to a student therapist. They are however still students and though they've been through the academic portion of the coursework, (and depending on what state you're in can be anywhere from 500 hours and up), they're short on practical experience. This is why they go through the internship process; to work on at least 50 people (here in Texas) and gain that experience. Student sessions are generally full body, relaxing Swedish massage; no trigger point therapy, deep tissue, etc. as those are generally considered more advanced modalities.

With all that said, student massages are a great way to help someone reach their goal while you obtain a little relaxation for yourself. Give it a try.

have you made an appointment for a massage today?

Feet Hurt?

If you've ever suffered or are suffering from plantar fasciitis you know how uncomfortable it can be. For me, my feet would hurt the worst when I would get out of bed in the mornings. Often it would feel as though when I step down, they were going to break in half.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissues that attach from the heel to the toes. The causes of this particular condition can range from standing or running on hard surfaces for long periods of time, shoes that are too old, or being overweight.

So what can you do to alleviate the pain?

Massage. Massage can definitely help with your aching feet.

Make sure you see a qualified, licensed therapist. They will work the calf, Achilles, the heel and the arch of your foot in order to loosen those areas and start alleviating the pain. They can probably also give you some good stretching exercises for the feet that can help as well, such as rolling your foot over a frozen soda bottle or tennis ball.

Another option you might not have thought about and could consider is starting a yoga practice. Yoga is a great way to work the feet and perhaps combining with yoga with massage will help you rid this issue for good.

It has been said if you can ease the pain in your feet, you can also alleviate many of the other aches and pains you may be having in the rest of your body, such as backaches.

Keeping Winter Illness Away

Winter certainly is in full swing for the large majority of the country. We've been somewhat lucky in my neck of the woods with a just a few what I consider to be really cold days, in the 30's. For the most part though, the sun is out and it warms up in to the 60's. I know, like I said, we've been lucky.

With winter barking at our doors, you may be wondering just what you can do to keep those winter illnesses away. Well, I'm so glad you asked!

I recently came across an interesting article from CNNHealth. The article talks about women specifically asking the question why it is there are some women that never seem to get sick. They can be in large groups of people or in crowded planes with all that recirculated air and yet not catch a cold or somehow avoid the stomach bug that goes around the office or their home. So how do they do it? What's the secret?

There are several tips they elude to in the article including things like positive thinking to help fight off illness, using ginger for gastrointestinal problems, and garlic to boost immunity and reduce inflammation among others. Can you guess what the number 1 tip was?

If you guessed massage, you'd be right!

Why massage and how can it help you? Studies have shown that massage can reduce your blood pressure, lower your heart rate, and reduce stress levels all of which will help strengthen and build your immunity. Of course when you a strong immune system, you're less likely to contract those cold or flu bugs that are roaming around.

So why not give it a try? After all, what have you got to lose? Massage has soooooo many benefits, this is just another one to add to that very long list. Oh yeah, and if you're so inclined, throw a little yoga in there as well.