Mellow Monday | Rose of Sharon Jewelry

April is National Stress Month

Stress is a primal response. For cave women, it was a real life saver. For busy 21st Century women, it is a killer. Today’s Mellow Monday topic is massage. . .

Massage isn’t just a great way to disconnect for an hour. Newer studies suggest it has a long-term benefit of reducing stress. Stress is believed to cause more deaths than smoking and overeating combined. This is especially true for Americans who seem to be wound extra tight lately.

Having a message regularly should be part of an overall health massage plan to keep stress levels in check. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress but to build your physical and emotional reserves so that stressful situations can be more easily handled.

Remember even joyous occasions like a wedding or a party create stress! And zero stress means you’re dead!

If you’ve never had a massage,

Here are few things you’ll need to know before booking an appointment.

Who to call? Your best bet is to ask a friend or your doctor for a referral. Massage therapy is a combination of science and art. In other words, all therapists aren’t equally skilled. A personal recommendation can be invaluable.AA`1`1`1

Is the establishment licensed for therapeutic message treatments? Is the individual therapist licensed?

What is the therapists message specialty. This Mayo clinic article shares info on types of massage therapy including some health alerts.

Is the facility clean and neat? I suggest dropping by for a tour of the facility before making any appointment.

Do I have to have a male therapist? Nope, there are lots of talented women with healing hands available.

Do you have privacy or health concerns? Ask if they can accommodate you. For example, would you have trouble getting up on a massage table?

Are you embarrassed to disrobe in front of a stranger? You’ll be alone when you undress. Keeping your underwear on is your choice although a bra can get in the way of a thorough back massage.

Do you have body issues and find it embarrassing to have a stranger touch you? I’m a plus size gal who finds the message process as a great way to feel better about myself. Even if the steam bath towel is too small! Lay down, breath in deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth and realize the massage therapist isn’t there to judge you but to heal you. Non-sexual touching can help you put your body issues in context.

If a Professional Massage isn’t in the Budget,

The soothing hands of a loving husband or lover can not only sooth your spirits but create a deeper sense of intimacy. The end result of a purposeful partner massage isn’t sex but connecting. This connection is often over looked when the kids are asking for another glass of water at 10 p.m. and you suddenly remember at 11 that you promise to bring cookies for a work potluck. massage2

If you have a quick kiss and roll-over to sleep relationship, partner massage can be very beneficial and a great stress reducer for you both. A massage is a powerful sleep enhancer.

I know how significant others can rub you the wrong way and a bad massage can be worse than no massage. A few candles, soft towels, inexpensive oils and a “do not disturb” sign is all you need to get started.

Here are two D-I-Y books to help you and your partner create your own massage studio!

The classic massage book has a new 25th anniversary edition. My copy looks pretty beat up so I may have to get a new one. The Massage Book: 25th Anniversary Edition by George Downing.

The Book Of Massage: The Complete Step by step Guide To Eastern And Western Technique by Lucinda Lidell, Carola Beresford Cooke, Anthony Porter, and Sara Thomas will guide you through Eastern and Western massage techniques.

So what are you waiting for? Go make an appointment or hire a babysitter for tomorrow evening!

Here are a few resources for finding a massage therapist -

Massage Envy is a national chain of massage studios.
Contact your local massage school. They often have discounted student-provided services supervised by a professional.
Check with your local upscale hotel salon or spa.
American Massage Therapist Association locator service.