August 2012

The summer is almost over and the first day of school is creeping up.  If you’re anything like me, you still have a long “to-do” list that you thought would already be done!  In today’s society, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life; I want to remind you how important it is to take time out for yourself.  Its easy to get stressed over the never-going-to-end list that seems to continue with you through life, but then you add the balancing act that you have between work and home, the laundry, the grocery shopping, the bills, the cooking, etc, etc. Need I say more?

How much stress is too much?  With so much to do, it’s easy to put your health and well-being on the back burner.  That’s why it’s so important to dedicate some special time to yourself, because if you keep waiting for that “extra time” it may never come. It’s important to become aware of the stresses in your life. 

The dangerous thing about stress is that your body becomes used to it. It starts to feel “normal." Once it feels “normal,” it’s really hard to notice the affects it’s taking on your body.  Stress can affect your mind, body and behavior.  It can damage your health and relationships, cause irritability and mood swings, deplete your energy and level of productivity, and lessen your quality of life.  Long term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems.  It can raise your blood pressure, increase your risk for heart attack or stroke, increase your number of headaches, suppress your immune system, upset your stomach, contribute to infertility, and even increase your aging process. 

Stress becomes even more harmful when people try to use alcohol, tobacco or drugs to suppress it.  Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems. Finding natural, healthy ways to manage your stress is crucial. I recommend finding something that you like to do that doesn’t feel like work: Find something that fits into your schedule and budget. If you can’t sit still at home because you can see everything that needs to be done, then you should go somewhere that eases your mind.  Take a walk in the park, read a book in the grass, meditate, get a massage or energy work session, or take a hot bath with some Epsom salts and lavender oil.  What ever you choose, the important thing is to just take the time and do it.  With demands so high on our bodies, everyone deserves some “me” time. Pay attention to the results of your relaxation and it will be proof enough as to why you should do it!  

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Here are Ten Ways to Channel Your Inner Olympian:

1. Even when you fall down, get back up and try again
2. Have confidence and believe in yourself and your goals
3. Rally your fans to cheer you on
4. Keep breathing
5. Focus
6. Clear your mind
7. Be an optimist   
8. Prepare yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually
9. Stretch Yourself: Stretch physically of coarse, but also be prepared to stretch your beliefs of what is possible.
10. Stay true to your passion
     

Image: © Robin Ervolina, funkyfotography

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Archaeological evidence of massage has been found in many ancient civilizations including China, India, Japan, Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia. Today it is found all over the world, and is considered a tradition rich in restoring and balancing the body. 

Here are ten spa services at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing that will take you around the world.

1.    Lavender Mint Massage and Foot Treatment –England & France
Breathe in the scents of Provence France or the English Countryside, with the delicate aroma of lavender that soothes and calms the body, while you are swept away.

2.    Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Massage – Belize
Inspired by the ancient practices of Mayan healers this session works with techniques to balance the physical body focusing on reproductive and digestive health.  

3.    Ayurvedic Hot Stone Spa Ritual - India
Based on centuries old techniques of Ayurvedic medicine originating in India, this treatment is designed to balance the Vata Dosha, calming the excess energy in the body, supporting balance and bliss in your life.

4.    Swedish Massage – Well not Sweden, but we thought we would throw it in anyway!
The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognized in English, Québécois or Dutch speaking countries. Elsewhere the style is referred to as "classic massage".

5.    Shiatsu – Japan
A traditional hands-on Japanese healing art that focuses on the meridians, pathways of energy in the body, so that the natural even flow of can be restored.

6.    Reflexology – Ancient Egypt, China & Japan
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again spanning to ancient times in Egypt, China and even Japan. No matter where it was performed it has always been used as a natural healing art to gently stimulate the areas of the body through the specific pressures of the feet, hands, and ears .

7.    Lomi Lomi Spa Ritual – Hawaii
Lomi Lomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage. Its ancient Hawaiian techniques are strongly rooted in the restorative and healing beliefs of intention to heal, for many this massage is seen as a luxurious event.

8.    Thai Massage – Thailand
Nuad Phaen Boran as is it called in Thailand, correctly translates only as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage, is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, with stretching, muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure.

9.    Peruvian Chocolate Indulgence – Peru
Chocolate has been a timeless favorite for many all over the world. This decadent and beneficial ingredient has been grown in the rainforests for thousands of years. You will love the smells and tranquility of this blissful treatment.

10.    Honey Citrus Hand and Foot Treatment – New Zealand & Australia
A revitalizing treatment for the hands and feet! That uses Manuka Honey, a rare variety of honey harvested only in New Zealand, is universally celebrated for its restorative and antibacterial properties.

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