This cat knows how to make very good doggie biscuits.

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Massage therapy is one of the strongest antidotes to my stress and anxiety levels. Once or twice a month, I try and fit in a session. Last month I experimented with lymphatic drainage massage, a technique with an unfortunate name, but numerous benefits. This month I tried cranial sacral therapy, another light touch massage with unexpected benefits. 

What is Cranial Sacral Therapy?

Cranial sacral therapy is a light touch massage that restores the natural positioning of the bones so that the cerebral fluid can flow without hindrance throughout the body. It can be done as part of a massage session or as its own session. It’s based on the belief that the body knows how to heal itself when given the opportunity.

Using the rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid encased in the spine, licensed cranial sacral therapists are able to pinpoint restrictions that could be causing physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms. It’s similar to acupuncture in that it’s meant to unlock blockages in the body. However, unlike acupuncture, no needles are used.

What are the Benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy?

Cranial sacral therapy can work on any number of conditions. The most common reasons why people seek the therapy are headache, neurological disorders, neck and back pain, and other chronic pain. The therapy may help you release tension so chronic that you don’t even notice it until it’s gone. For example, my shoulders and jaw become so tight when I’m on deadline that I don’t even notice. But after I left the session it was as if a weight had been lifted.

Also, you might not realize that you have muscles on the scalp that are responsible for your facial expressions. Massaging the head, which is often an important aspect of cranial sacral therapy, can be tremendously relaxing to those muscles.

Is it Safe for Children and Pregnant Women?

Yes, it’s completely safe if you see a licensed practitioner. Again, cranial sacral therapy is a light touch massage, and like acupuncture and reiki, is very intuitive. Getting cranial sacral therapy while you’re pregnant can bring relief for moms-to-be that suffer from lower back pain, sciatica, or even morning sickness. If your baby in positioned in the womb such that he’s stepping on a nerve, the therapy can help reduce any resulting discomfort.

Cranial sacral therapy is also safe for children. The therapy may be effective for digestive issues, constipation, or even some neurological issues. But you should talk to your doctor beforehand.

What Goes Into a Cranial Sacral Session?

My cranial sacral session was part of a larger massage but it can also be a stand alone treatment. Your therapist may start at the head (or sometimes the feet) looking for imbalances in your body’s cerebral fluid.

Just like in acupuncture, a pain in the knee may be the result of an imbalance in some other part of the body. When the body releases blockages it can manifest in a number of ways. For example, there could heat, or you may feel tingling, a slight vibration, or a feeling of letting go. A memory may pop into your mind or even a sensation that you’re not quite sure how to describe. Your therapist may ask you to describe your experiences in real time.

Why My Cranial Sacral Therapy Session Surprised Me

My session was different than I expected because it was so light, yet I did feel a significant release of tension. I expect only deep tissue massage to accomplish this. My therapist started at my neck checking its alignment and looking for places of tension. She then went to my feet and moved my legs back and forth looking at my range of motion. At one point, my therapist made adjustments to my neck without even putting on any pressure. It was surprisingly effective. In my case, the session was mostly deeply relaxing and highly enjoyable. I’m hooked and can’t wait to try it again.

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Getting a massage has so many benefits.

Massage therapy can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by reducing the amount of cortisol, the flight or flight hormone, that’s released into the body. It can reduce soreness and pressure as well as pushing toxins out of the body. But part of having a good experience is being properly prepared ahead of time. Here’s how to have a great experience the next time you’re getting a massage.

1. Choose the right massage technique.

If you’ve never had a massage before, consider a relaxing Swedish massage. You’ll feel pampered and relaxed all at the same time. If you have chronic pain and a specific body issue, consider deep tissue massage. It can be painful but it’s more likely to bring long term pain relief. Reflexology works on your feet, applying massage pressure that corresponds to organs in the body. It’s particularly effective if you have an overarching health issue.

2. Don’t eat too close to your massage.

I’ve made this mistake before. You want your food to already have digested before you go in for your massage. If your tummy grumbles it’s not the end of the world, but it can be distracting. Plus, you want to feel light and airy rather than heavy.

3. Take a hot bath or shower.

Get the relaxation started beforehand by taking a hot bath or shower before you go in for your massage. This helps to relax your muscles ahead of time so you can go even deeper in your massage. Don’t worry about how you look when you go in for your massage, therapists have seen all sorts of bodies and they’re simply focused on the task at hand.

4. Be on time.

Give yourself ample time to get to your massage on time. You don’t want to feel rushed or frenzied in any way before you go in for your massage. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination and gather yourself for a few minutes before you go in. Allow enough time to sign any paper work as well.

5. Be honest.

Honor yourself during your massage by telling your therapist the truth. I recently had an experience where for some reason I felt flushed, overheated, and uncomfortable during my massage session. I was honest and my therapist took steps to ensure my comfort. The massage turned out fantastic. If the pressure is too much or too little, don’t be afraid to say something as well.

6. Keep the chatting to a minimal.

Don’t feel the need to fill the space with conversation. It’s important to try and stay mindful during your massage and the best way to do that is by staying silent. While some light chatting can help lighten the mood, avoid deep conversations during your session.

7. Drink water after your session.

Make sure that you take the time to drink water after your session in order to push the toxins that you’ve released out of your body.

8. Make getting a massage part of your routine.

While getting a massage can be pricey, to see real results you need to go at least once per month. Of course, in terms of relaxation, special occasions are great, but if you have chronic pain, stress, or anxiety, a regular session is beneficial.

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Image of a woman getting a massage from Shuttershock

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Unforgettable and unique. Indulgent and eye-opening. Relaxing and radical. That’s what these crazy unusual spa services at spas around the country promise: a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond a standard massage or facial.

Traveling soon, or looking for an excuse to take a memorable trip? Check out these distinctive spa services around the country that offer a bit of local specialties, an element of the exotic, and everything in between.

Everything Chocolate – The Spa at Hotel Hershey, Pennsylvania 

If you have a sweet tooth, this is the spa for you. Nestled in Pennsylvania Amish country, Hershey is known for its namesake chocolate factory and its many sweet creations, from the brand’s namesake kisses to peanut butter cups. At the Spa at Hotel Hershey, however, the chocolate transforms from edible dessert to pampering spa product. Options include a cocoa massage, a chocolate fondue body wrap, and a “whipped cocoa” chocolate milk bath, among other services. Don’t arrive with an empty stomach – the chocolaty aromas of the treatments themselves may make you hungry!

The Geisha Facial – Shizuka New York Day Spa

Described politely, the Shizuka New York spa uses “sterilized nightingale droppings” in its famous Geisha Facial. Colloquially, it’s known as the bird poop facial, and the purported benefits include rejuvenated and brightened skin. Famous fans include Victoria Beckham, Lauren Conrad, and Anne Hathaway. Will nightingale excrement make your face as smooth as a geisha’s, or as poreless as a celebrity’s? The jury’s out on that one— you’l have to try it out for yourself and see.

Heaven in a Hammock – Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida 

Floating through air, without a care in the world … the Heaven in a Hammock Zero Gravity massage at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island spa in Florida has clients recline in a hammock during the spa service, creating a sense of weightlessness. Attention is paid to spine stretching, flexibility, and overall range of motion, and throughout the massage, the hammock maintains a gentle rocking sway. If you find a hammock extremely relaxing on its own, coupling it with a massage promises to be a real treat. (And if you’re prone to falling asleep in a hammock, this may speed up the process.)

Watsu Massage – Harbin Hot Springs, California 

A relaxing soak or a rejuvenating massage? Now you don’t have to choose between the two. Watsu, an in-water massage, was developed at the Harbin Hot Springs retreat and workshop center, two hours north of San Francisco. Using principles of Zen Shiatsu stretching and massage techniques, Watsu practitioners have the massage recipient get submerged in a warm-water pool, and then they focus on “greater flexibility and freedom” through targeted stretches, twists, and pulls. In addition to the treatments themselves, the center offers training courses on how to administer Watsu – so if you try it and like it, take advantage of the opportunity to learn more with hands-on training (pun fully intended).

Naga Thai Massage – Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

A little bit of gymnastics, a little bit of chiropractic, and all relaxation: The Naga Thai-style acrobatic massage at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson gives your masseuse a workout him/herself. Using suspended silks, the masseuse floats above your body, massaging you with his feet, and also uses the silks to entwine and move you during the massage. It’s lauded for deep muscle work and incredible tension relief.

Have you heard of—or experienced—a crazy, unusual spa service? Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

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Main photo credit My Best Treat via Flickr Creative Commons. All others courtesy linked spas. 

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Learn to make your body go more with the flow.

Nothing slows you down quite like poor blood circulation does. If you aren’t getting enough oxygen to your cells, in an effective and efficient way, then you’ll most likely feel sluggish, look worn and tired, and perhaps even be covering a more serious problem – one that could indicate cardiovascular disease. To boost your energy levels, tone your body, and feel a whole lot like a kid again, get your life force energy flow on with these 20 natural circulation-boosting tips.

Ingest Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains the chemical compound capsaicin, which may help to reduce cholesterol and clear arteries and blood vessels. Dash the ground pepper over sautéed dishes as well as into teas, soups, and juices. To target a more specific area of the body where you experience poor circulation, mix ground cayenne pepper with enough water so that it forms a paste. Spread the paste thinly on a cheese cloth and wrap the cloth around the troubled area. In case of a burning sensation, add some olive oil to the paste to relieve the intensity.

Dry Brush Daily

Dry skin brushing invigorates the skin, increasing blood supply to the areas brushed and bringing them oxygen and increased circulation. This ritual also warms you up on a cold winter morning!

To dry brush most effectively, brush in upward, circular motions toward your heart. Move the brush in a clockwise manner and go over each area of skin twice. Focus on the neck, behind the knees, under the arms, and general groin area for greatest results.  Also focus on your lower butt and thighs to reduce cellulite.

Take Hot-Cold C0ntrast Showers

Contrast showers are showers that alternate between hot and cold water. When cold water is running, the lymph vessels contract, and when hot water is running, they dilate. This creates a pump effect that contributes to increased lymph drainage and blood flow in the veins.

Get Regular Massages

Massage therapy helps to release contracted muscles, which in turn pushes blood towards the heart and relieves strain. Schedule a regular massage, at least once a month, to enjoyably increase your blood circulation. What better excuse than for health reasons?

Eat Healthy

A healthy diet, one that includes high alkaline foods – plenty of fruits and vegetables – will increase oxygen supply to your blood and improve overall blood circulation. This almost goes without saying.

Go Ginkgo

Ginkgo Biloba is used in Germany to treat varicose veins and is widely known for its ability to improve memory by increasing blood flow to the brain. The herb strengthens blood vessels and is anti-inflammatory.

Practice Rebounding

Rebounding encourages collateral circulation, which is the formation of branch blood vessels that distribute blood to the heart. It does this by increasing the capillary count in the muscles and reducing the distance between capillaries and target cells. That’s something to jump for!

Drink Water

Stay hydrated and your blood will flow better. The levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well hydrated.

Increase Dietary Fiber Intake

A high-fiber diet contributes to a healthy circulatory system. High-fiber foods promote the production of propionic acid in the intestines. This acid reduces bile in the intestines and stops cholesterol build-up. Lower cholesterol levels reduce plaque in the arteries and lead to better circulation.

Raise Your Intake of Garlic

Garlic is widely known to reduce cholesterol levels, cleanse the blood, tone the heart, improve the circulatory system, and prevent heart disease.

Use an Infrared Sauna

The infrared sauna is a powerful tool. Infrared rays penetrate the skin a few inches deep, heating the body from the inside out, while ambient temperature stays relatively cool. A sauna session dilates your arteries, gets your heart to beat faster, and burns calories.

Eat Foods With Vitamin C

Low levels of vitamin C are associated with the narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the legs. Without an adequate supply of vitamin C, atherosclerosis can develop and plaque can accumulate in the blood. Vitamin C also helps to keep arteries flexible.

Add Lemon To Your Diet

Lemons contain citrate, which naturally improves circulation. Oranges and grapefruit also contain citrate and have the same effect. Upon waking, squeeze lemon juice into water or tea to reap the benefits first thing in the morning.

Use Heat Therapies

Heat treatments increase the flexibility of tissues, remove toxins from cells, and enhance blood flow. Hot packs, hot water bottles, and heating pads are popular and effective ways to treat an area of the body with poor circulation.

Relax

When the body and mind are relaxed, so are the capillaries and muscles. This allows for easier blood flow and overall proper circulation. Blood pressure also decreases. Practice yoga or take a moment everyday to do breathing practices, meditate, or to take a quiet walk.

Stretch Regularly

Stretching allows for more muscle blood flow, which can prevent from injury and keep your body flexible. Join a yoga class with a friend or spend a few minutes each morning stretching.

Eat Foods With Vitamin E

Vitamin E widens blood vessels to allow for the easy transit of blood through them. It prevents clotting and helps in the creation of red blood cells.

Take Omega-3s For Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids lower fibrin in the blood. Fibrin contributes to the formation of blood clots, and studies prove that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent this from happening.

Embrace Dark Chocolate

Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which boost circulation. In a 2003 Harvard study featured in the Journey of Hypertension, there was significant vasodilation among adults after four days of consuming chocolate.

Get Shut Eye

This tip can’t be stressed enough – it’s panacea for just about every ailment! Adequate sleep reduces tension in the body, allows the muscles to relax, and promotes detoxification and lymph drainage. All of these lead to better circulation.

Images: My Dutch Fashion Style, Fo.ol, Thomas Wanhoff, Woodley Wonderworks, Carbon NYC, Charles Chan, Dollen, Ever Jean

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