DO I SCHEDULE A 60 MINUTE MASSAGE OR A 90 MINUTE MASSAGE

There have been a lot of discussions about whether it’s better to get a 60 or a 90 minute massage. I tend to believe a 90 minute massage is typically a better deal. Yes, it does bring the practitioner more money as many would think, but there are other reasons why I endorse a longer massage.

Beyond money, clients who get a 90 minute massage get more of their body worked upon. They also get more time if they need extra attention focused toward a specific pain or ache. For instance, during a typical 90 minute massage I am able to work 30 to 45 minutes on someone’s back and shoulders (the most typical area for pain & soreness), and still have time to work the rest of the body while prone (facing down), and supine (facing up). I am able to provide full relaxation techniques if desired.

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MAKE YOUR OWN SHAPABLE ICE PACK

I often find myself talking to my clients about icing themselves and refer them to a local drug store or the use of frozen bag of peas or corn. Ice packs are an essential to keep at your home for injuries, swelling, tooth aches or headaches.

I recently went to a drug store to price their ice bags and they are really pretty pricey and do not come in an array of sizes for different body parts.

So I went on a google search frenzy and all the homemade ice bags are all created with about the same ingredients.

So here goes:
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 3 parts water in a ziploc bag and put in the freezer. (The alcohol will prevent the water from freezing  completely.)

When it’s frozen, wrap with a towel or cloth of some sort and apply.

You can make several with different size freezer bags for the different sizes and different colors just for those who like accessorizing.
Tip: If the mixture freezes too hard, just add a little more alcohol. If it’s too slushy, add a little more water.

TEN TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MASSAGE

I am a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association and found this article and thought it was a good reminder for me and perhaps for those of you who receive massage on a regular basis and especially for those who have never had a massage.

Ten Tips to Get the Most From Your Massage

1 Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

2 Don’t eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first.

3 Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

4 Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don’t want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Privacy – The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing.

5 Communicate with your massage therapist
• Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
• Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may use oil, lotion or powders to reduce friction on your skin.  If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.
• Some massage therapists play recorded music during the massage session. Others find music distracting. If it’s provided, let your massage therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer they turn off the music.
• Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.
• During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
• Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc.  If anything happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop.  If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
• Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.

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WHY YOU NEED YOUR ZZZ’S

Most people would agree that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Stressful day at the office? Long hours doing yard work and housework? All this can be repaired with a nice, long slumber. You awake the next day feeling calm, refreshed and ready for anything — the stresses, aches and pains of the previous day are long gone. Millions of people throughout the world do not get enough rest and sleep.  This is a major health crisis!

For example, a study in 2014, cited by Dr. Mercola, found that sleep times in the 21 largest cities in the USA were remarkably similar, ranging from a low of 6.82 hours in Houston to a high of 6.93 hours in Orlando.  On average, that’s just over 6.8 hours of sleep a night.  These results are similar to those of the 2013 International Bedroom Poll by the National Sleep Foundation which found, on average, Americans get only 6.5 hours of sleep on weeknights (but report needing 7.25 hours in order to function optimally).  According to the same Jawbone activity tracker study (2014)  the average bedtime for New Yorkers is 11:15 p.m. – and that’s earlier on average than people in other parts of the nation!  In fact, many people falsely believe that rest and sleep are a waste of time.  This is the opposite of the truth and may be the most ignored cause of disease second only to poor nutrition.

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           SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR BODIES

I thought it would be fun to read about some really fun and interesting facts about the human body that were not too scientific.  So here goes.

1. For every pound of fat gained, you add seven miles of new blood vessels.

New tissue needs blood supply, so your vascular system expands to accommodate it. This also means your heart must work harder to pump blood through the new network, which may reduce oxygenation and nutrient replenishment in other tissues. Lose a pound? Your body will break down and reabsorb the unneeded blood vessels from the previous tissue.

2. Muscle tissue is three times more efficient at burning calories than fat.

This is why possessing more muscle should be a training goal for most people. More muscle = more calories burned = less fat = being more fit looking. Simple goals and simple math.

3. You are taller in the morning than in the evening.

When you crawl out of the sack in the morning you are at your tallest. On average, you are approximately one half inch taller when you wake in the morning, thanks to excess fluid between within your spinal discs. While you are sleeping, these fluids replenish. During the day your body has to deal with the stress of standing, so the discs become compressed and the fluid seeps out. This results in you losing a small amount of extra height.

4. Your stomach manufactures a new lining every three days to avoid digesting itself.

As a part of the digestive process, your stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HA). HA is a powerful corrosive compound also used to treat various metals. The HA your stomach secretes is also powerful, but mucous lining the stomach wall keeps it within the digestive system. As a result it breaks down the food you consume, but not your own stomach.

5. Your body produces enough heat in only thirty minutes to boil a half-gallon of water.

Your body is the epitome of a study on the laws of thermodynamics. You produce heat from all that is going on – exercise, metabolizing food, maintaining homeostasis – and as you sweat, exhale, excrete, and urinate (lovely thoughts, all of them).
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